Page:StVincentsManual.djvu/472

 Seraphim,  even  to  the  throne  of  God,  environed  with celestial choirs  of  Angels  and  Saints;  but  above  all, when the  most  adorable  Trinity,  Father,  Son,  and Holy Ghost,  placed  thee  on  a  seat  of  glory,  prepared for thee  from  all  eternity. I rejoice  in  thy  happiness, O blessed  Mother! Look thou  on  me  in  this  moment, and obtain  for  me,  of  thy  divine  Son,  through  thy merits and  thy  exaltation  to  this  sublime  dignity,  a meek  and  pure  heart,  and  a  happy  departure  from  this life, under  thy  maternal  care  and  powerful  protection. ''Amen. Hail Mary.''

HIS devotion,  no  less  than  the  former,  is  pleasing  and agreeable to  the  ever-glorious  Mother  of  God. She herself teaches  us  this  truth;  she  suggested  and  recommended the  practice  of  it  to  her  servant,  St.  Thomas, archbishop of  Canterbury,  as  is  related  by  Pelbartus  in his  Stellarium,  and  in  his  sermon  on  St.  Thomas;  and  also by Ballingham,  in  his  Calendar  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.

St. Thomas,  whilst  reciting  the  Hail  Mary  seven  times, which he  daily  did  in  memory  of  the  principal  joys  his blessed Patroness,  the  ever-glorious  Virgin,  received  whilst upon earth,  was  favored  with  an  apparition  of  the  Queen of Heaven. She exhorted  him  to  add  seven  Aves  more each day  in  honor  of  the  seven  signal  joys  she  possesses  in heaven,  and  to  instil  the  same  devotion  into  the  minds  of others;  assuring  him  that  this  instance  of  their  respect  and affection should  not  pass  without  her  peculiar  regard  and recompense; that  in  their  afflictions  she  would  assist  them, and that  she  would  comfort  and  support  them,  especially at the  hour  of  their  death.

EJOICE, O  most  glorious  Virgin! thy profound humility and  purity  without  example  have  raised