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 BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.

When a Bishop or priest gives you his blessing, he makes the sign of the holy Cross over you in the Name of the Blessed, and our blesses you through His priest. But in the Rite of Benediction it is our Himself, present in the Blessed Sacrament, who gives you His benediction, as He blessed His Apostles the last thing here on earth before He ascended into heaven.

Adore Him with your whole heart, and receive His blessing. Beg Him to forgive you for all your want of reverence in the past, and join gently in the singing of the congregation.

As the Priest opens the Tabernacle door is sung:

O Salutaris Hostia, Quæ cœli pandis ostium; Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.