Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/561

 O all you  blessed  saints,  who,  after  the  glorious resurrection of  your  Saviour,  were  by  him translated from  the  bosom  of  Abraham to the  clear  vision  of  God,

Blessed apostles,  who,  at  the  last  and  terrible  day, shall sit  on  the  twelve  thrones,  judging  the tribes of  Israel,

Blessed disciples  of  our  Lord,  who,  following  his sacred steps  in  the  narrow  path  of  perfection, went  straight  on  to  the  heavenly Jerusalem,

Blessed martyrs,  who,  passing  through  the  red sea of  your  own  blood,  without  journeying through  a tedious  wilderness,  entered immediately into  the  land  of  promise.

Blessed confessors,  who,  despising  the  vanities here below,  and  placing  your  affections  entirely on the  joys  above,  are  already  arrived  at  the full possession  of  all  your  wishes,

Blessed virgins,  who,  watching  continually with your  lamps  prepared,  were  ready  at  the first voice  of  the  chaste  spouse  of  heaven  to enter  with  him  into  the  marriage  feast,

O all you  holy  saints,  who,  not  retaining  at your  death  the  least  irregular  adherence  to any  creature,  were  perfectly  capable  of  an immediate  union  with  your  Creator,

Be merciful,  O Lord,  ''And  pardon  their  sins. ''

Be merciful,  O Lord,  And  ''hear  our  prayers. ''