Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/11



The character  and  the  purpose  of  this  book  are  clearly indicated by  its  title. It is  a  book  of  devotions  and  prayers designed  and  specially  adapted  for  the  use  of  Religious. It offers  itself  to  them  as  a  helpful  companion  in all  the  exercises  of  religion;  it  aims  to  assist  them  in  the particular and  general  examination;  to  instruct  them  in the  correct  and  practical  methods  of  making  a  meditation, and to  direct  them  how  to  converse  with  God  most  properly and  profitably  in  mental  and  vocal  prayer.

It supplies  them  with  abundant  devotions  and  prayers for all  the  seasons  of  the  ecclesiastical  year.

A member  of  one  of  our  most  illustrious  Religious Orders remarked  one  day  quite  casually  in  our  presence, when devotional  literature  was  the  topic  of  conversation: "What we  need  in  English  is  a  complete  Prayer-book  to meet  the  special  wants  of  Religious,  so  that  a  Mistress  of Novices  may  be  able  to  say  to  inquiring  aspirants  to  the religious  life:  '  Besides  the  Roman  Missal,  I  recommend to  you  this  particular  book;  then  you  will  surely  have what  will  prove  most  serviceable  in  the  convent  for  the hours  of  devotion.'  "

Acting on  this  inspiration  or  suggestion,  we  have  devoted much  time  and  spared  no  pains  in  the  compilation and adaptation  of  the  present  work. It is  the  result  at least  of  honest  effort  to  meet  the  whats  of  our  various Sisterhoods, and  it  comprises,  indeed,  a  number  of  little books under  one  title.