Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/156



SACRED Heart  of  Jesus,  whence  came  those words of  truly  ineffable  love:  "Come  to  Me all  you  that  labor  and  are  burdened,  and  I  will  refresh you." Relying upon  this  promise  of  Thine  infinite tenderness and  charity,  in  the  trials  and  hardships  of our  times,  when  the  universal  Church  is  attacked  in  her chief Pastor  and  in  her  religious  children,  we  betake ourselves to  Thee. We have  determined  to  consecrate to Thee  for  ever,  solemnly  and  anew,  this  our  house, ourselves, and  all  that  belongs  to  us. Do Thou  graciously look  down  upon  us  and  accept  our  vows,  that, sealed by  Thy  grace,  they  may  ever  remain  firm  and unchangeable.

Wherefore, dearest  Jesus,  our  sovereign  Lord  and Leader, we,  although  most  unworthy  members  of  this (College, Convent,  Academy,  House,  etc.,  N.N.),  yet trusting in  Thy  help  and  grace,  offer,  and  consecrate ourselves and  our  household  entirely  to  Thy  most Sacred Heart,  and  we  submit  ourselves  and  all  that we have  to  Thy  most  holy  will.

We call  upon  our  blessed  Lady,  Thy  Virgin  Mother, our Founder  N.,  and  the  whole  court  of  heaven  to  witness that  this  is  our  intention,  our  desire,  and  our  firm determination to  imitate  as  closely  as  possible  Thy most Sacred  Heart  in  practising  the  virtues  belonging to our  state  of  life,  in  order  that  we  may  promote  Thy glory in  ourselves,  and  make  some  reparation  for  all the grievous  insults  offered  to  Thee.

We, therefore,  implore  Thee,  dearest  Jesus,  to  protect our  house,  to  guard  us  Thy  servants  for  ever  in  Thy most Sacred  Heart,  and  to  sanctify  our  labors,  our studies, and  trials. May we,  by  Thy  grace,  advance Thy greater  glory,  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  devotion to Thy  most  Sacred  Heart. Amen.