Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/1061

 called to  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  who  persevered in the  faith  till  your  deaths,  obtain  for  us  of  the  Lord  the grace of  living  always  in  conformity  to  the  baptismal  promises and especially  in  accordance  with  our  Religious  Vows,  leading ever  a  life  of  faith;  that  like  you  we  may  attain  to  the beatific vision  of  that  God  Who  now  is  the  object  of  our  faith.

Glory be,  etc.

MERCIFUL Jesus! Who didst  in  Thy  early  infancy commence Thy  office  of  Saviour  by  shedding  Thy precious blood,  and  assuming  for  us  that  name  which  is above  all  names:  we  thank  Thee  for  such  early  proofs  of Thine  infinite  love. We venerate  Thy  sacred  name  in  union with the  profound  respect  of  that  angel  who  first  announced it to  the  earth,  and  unite  our  affections  to  the  sentiments  of tender  devotion,  which  the  adorable  name  of  Jesus  has,  in all  ages,  enkindled  in  the  hearts  of  Thy  saints. Animated with a  firm  faith  in  Thy  unerring  word,  and  penetrated  with confidence in  Thy  mercy,  we  now  most  humbly  remind  Thee of the  promise  Thou  hast  made,  that  when  two  or  three  should assemble in  Thy  name,  Thou  Thyself  wouldst  be  in  the midst of  them. Come then  into  the  midst  of  us,  most  amiable Jesus, for  it  is  in  Thy  sacred  name  we  are  here  assembled. Come into  our  hearts,  that  Thy  Holy  Spirit  may  pray  in  and by us;  and  through  that  adorable  name  which  is  the  joy of heaven,  the  terror  of  hell,  the  consolation  of  the  afflicted, and the  solid  ground  of  our  unlimited  confidence,  mercifully grant us  all  the  petitions  of  this  novena.

O Mary  ever  Virgin,  and  blessed  Mother  of  Our  Redeemer, who didst  participate  so  sensibly  in  the  sufferings  of  thy  dear Son, when  He  first  shed  His  sacred  blood,  and  assumed  for us the  name  of  Jesus,  obtain  for  us  through  that  adorable name the  favors  we  petition  Him. Beg also  that  He  may inflame our  hearts  with  His  divine  love,  and  imprint  thereon His most  sacred  name;  that  it  may  be  always  in  our  minds, frequently on  our  lips,  our  refuge  and  hope  during  life,  and our consolation  and  support  at  the  hour  of  death. Amen.