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 throne of God and make intercession for the whole body of Christ’s Church. When performing this duty, even when alone, they cease to be private individuals; they are invested with the public character of ambassadors to the heavenly Court. But an ambassador’s personal merit is of very secondary concern. What does matter is the dignity and power of him who sent the ambassador, and whom he represents. Those who take part in this public Office do not stand before God in their own name, nor yet in the name of the faithful assembled, but in the name of the Holy Church appointed by God. Her service and prayer do not partake of the worth and devotion of the angels, but of the worth of the mystical body of Christ.

This prayer of the Church is the most excellent of prayers. Private prayer and prayer in common are doubtless very good, and highly pleasing to God; but they are human prayers, necessarily defective, made and said by men who are sinners, and not always altogether pleasing to God. Not so the prayers of the Church. These are always graciously heard and pleasing :

1. Because they are offered by the Spouse of Christ, and always exceedingly pleasing to Him because she is exceedingly loved by Him. During all eternity God rejoices in this prayer, in these canticles of praise,