Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/498

 Thou hast  not  only  granted  me  abundantly  the general blessings  which  this  fountain  of  grace  pours on the  world,  but  thou  hast  provided  me  with  the most favourable  opportunities  of  loving  and  adoring thee in  this  august  mystery. Thou hast  placed  me close  to  thy  sanctuary,  where  I can  recur  to  thee frequently, and  daily  behold  the  sacrifice  on  the altar. Ah! my good  God. I am now  convinced that thou  deservest  from  me  all  the  love  that  my heart  is  capable  of  feeling; therefore  I humbly  consecrate to  thee  all  my  affections,  and  firmly  resolve from this  moment  to  endeavour  to  imitate  the  respect, gratitude, and  love,  which  always  distinguished  those among thy  faithful  servants,  who  were  most  peculiarly devoted to  the  august  Sacrament  of  the  Altar. Accept, O divine  Jesus! the adorable  Sacrifice  of  the Mass, and  all  the  thoughts,  words,  and  actions  of  this day, which  I fervently  offer  in  thanksgiving  for  the institution of  this  amiable  mystery; in  atonement for all  the  insults,  irreverences,  and  sacrileges,  which have ever  been  committed  against  it; and  to  implore for myself  and  all  creatures  a solid  devotion  to  the Holy Eucharist. Mercifully give  efficacy  to  my  ardent desire of  worthily  honouring  thee  in  this  adorable mystery, and  grant  me,  through  thy  divine  Heart,  a share  in  the  purity  and  fervour  of  the  angels  who  day and night  surround  thy  sanctuary,  and  of  all  those who ever  loved  thee  most  in  this  sacred  mystery,  that I may serve  thee  with  sincerity  and  perseverance during my  life,  and  be  so  happy  at  length,  as  to  enjoy thee in  the  splendour  of  thy  glory  for  a happy eternity. Amen.

Aspiration. — O living Bread! come down  from heaven: be thou  my  support  in  this  life,  and  my viaticum  to  a happy  eternity.