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 God is  gracious  to  the  children  and  lavishes  His gifts on  them. It is  certainly  a  great  privilege to be  offered  up  to  God  immediately  after  birth  by the  hands  of  a  pious  mother. To have,  from childhood up,  the  example  and  guidance  of  virtuous parents  is  certainly  of  the  greatest  importance. St. Chrysostom  writes:  "The  parents' example  is  the  book  from  which  the  child  learns/' A  pious  bishop  was  wont  to  say:  "The  good  example of  the  parents  is  the  best  catechism  and the truest  mirror  that  a  family  can  have."  If Christian  parents  imitate  the  example  of  Joachim and  Ann  the  blessing  of  God  will  rest  on  them and  on  their  children;  for  because  her  parents were  so  dear  to  Mary,  she  will  not  refuse  to  join them  in  their  prayers  for  us.

Prayer of  the  Church  (p. 75).

Litany of  Loreto  (p. 322).

E hail  thee,  brightest  morn,  forerunner  of the  heavenly  Sun  of  Justice,  who  didst  first bring light  to  earth. Humbly prostrate,  with  all our hearts  we  pray  thee  to  vouchsafe  in  thy  goodness to  be  born  again  in  spirit  in  our  souls,  that, led captive  by  thy  loveliness  and  sweetness,  they may ever  live  united  to  thy  most  sweet  and  loving heart.

Hail Mary,  etc.

Ejaculation (p. 76).