Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/495

 St. John, in Thy place, saying unto her, "Woman, behold thy son!" and after, to Thy disciple, "Behold thy mother!" O most sweet Lord Jesus, by that sword which did then transpierce her sacred soul; and by that tender love and compassion wherewith Thou didst behold the sad distress of Thy sorrowful Mother, have pity and compassion on me, I beseech Thee, my dearest Lord, and mercifully help, comfort, succor, and assist me in all my tribulations, adversities, necessities, sorrows, and sufferings, both spiritual and corporal. Amen.

O most blessed Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

An Agnus  Dei  (so  called  from  the  image  of  the  Lamb  of  God impressed  on  the  face  of  it) is made  of '  virgin  wax,  balsam, and chrism,  blessed  according  to  the  form  prescribed  in  the Roman Ritual.

The: Pope  consecrates  the  Agnus  Dei  the  first  year  of  his pontificate, and  afterwards  every  seventh  year,  on  Saturday before Low  Sunday,  with  many  solemn  ceremonies  and  devout prayers.

The use  of  the  Agnus  Dei is  very  ancient. Pope Leo  III. made a  present  of  one  to  the  Emperor  Charlemagne,  who received it  as  a  treasure  sent  from  heaven,  and  reverenced  it with  a  singular  piety  and  devotion.

O my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  true  Lamb  who  taketh away the  sins  of  the  world;  by  thy  mercy,  which  is  infinite, pardon  my  iniquities,  and,  by  thy  sacred  Passion, preserve me  this  day  from  all  sin  and  evil. I carry about me  this  holy Agnus in  thine  honour,  as  a  preservative against  mine  own  weakness,  and  as  an  incentive to the  practice  of  that  meekness,  humility  and  innocence which  thou  hast  taught  us. I offer  myself  up  to thee  as  an  entire  oblation,  and  in  memory  of  that  sacrifice of  love  which  thou  didst  offer  for  me  on  the  cross, and  in  satisfaction  for  my  sins. Accept this  oblation, I beseech  thee,  O  my  God;  and  may  it  be  acceptably to thee  in  the  odour  of  sweetness. Amen.