Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/201

 paradise, my  love,  my  all! O that I could  receive thee with  that  same  love  wherewith  all  the  holiest  and most ardent  souls  have  received  thee  until  now,  and with which  the  most  holy  Virgin  Mary  received  thee. I unite this  communion  of  mine  with  theirs.

O most holy  Virgin  Mary,  my  mother,  see! I am now going  to  receive  thy  divine  Son. I wish I might have thy  heart  in  this  moment,  and  that  love  with which thou  didst  receive  him. Give thy  Jesus  this morning to  me,  as  thou  didst  give  him  to  the  shepherds and the  three  holy  kings. I desire to  receive  him from thy  pure  hands. Tell him  that  I am  thy  devoted servant; then he  will  love  me  more,  and  unite  me more  closely  in  this  happy  moment  to  himself.

When the Priest  elevates  the  most  Sacred  Host,  repeat  with  him three  times  the  following  words:

LORD, I am  not  worthy  that  thou  shouldst come under  my  roof,  but  say  only  the  word,  and my soul  shall  be  healed.

Then, with your  eyes  modestly  cast  down,  but  your  head  erect, open  your  mouth,  and  advance  your  tongue  a little  and  thus  receive the  Holy  Sacrament. Be sure  not  to  make  any  hasty  movement with  your  mouth,  but  let  the  Priest  himself  lay  it  upon  your  tongue. Endeavour to  swallow  the  holy  Host  by  means  of  the  moisture  on your  tongue  without  touching  it  with  your  teeth,  and  least  of  all with  your  finger. If other  communicants-are  still  coming,  and  need to  occupy  your  place,  then,  shortly  after  receiving,  but  not  immediately, retire  and  make  room  for  them;  otherwise,  especially  when the  Communion  is  given  out  of  Mass,  you  may  remum  until  the Priest  gives  his  benediction.

COMPASSIONATE Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I,  a sinner,  nothing  presuming  on  my  own  merits,  but. trusting in  thy  mercy  and  goodness,  draw  near  with