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lorious Virgin,  who  for  thy  consolation  didst deserve to  die  comforted  by  the  sight  of  thy dear Son  Jesus,  and  in  the  company  of  the  apostles and angels;  pray  for  us,  that  at  that  awful  moment we,  too,  may  be  comforted  by  receiving Jesus in  the  most  holy  Eucharist,  and  may  feel thee nigh  when  we  breathe  forth  our  soul.

Hail Mary,  etc.

Ejaculation (p.  135).

Preparatory Prayer  (p. 133).

T. John  Damascene  writes:  "St.  Thomas  was not  with  the  other  apostles  when  the  Blessed Virgin  died,  but  arrived  in  Jerusalem  on  the  third day  after  that  event.  Ardently  desiring  to  see once  more  and  to  venerate  the  sacred  body  which had  given  flesh  and  blood  to  his  beloved  Master, the  grave  was  opened  for  this  purpose.  The  body could  nowhere  be  seen,  and  a  delicious  perfume filled  the  empty  tomb.  The  apostles  then  became convinced  that  as  God  had  preserved  the  body  of Mary  free  from  sin  before,  in,  and  after  the  birth of  His  Son,  He  was  pleased  likewise,  after  her