Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/597

 St. Aligns., Serm. de Sanct.),  draw  me,  I pray  thee’ out  of  the  deep  pit  wherein  my  sins  have  cast  me, enabling  me  to  save  my  soul.  Ave  Maria.

7. Though  my  tongue  is  unhallowed,  yet,  purest Virgin, I am  bold  to  hail  thee  each  hour  of  the  day: “ Hail, hail,  Mary,  full  of  grace ” (Ave,  ave, gratia  plena.) From my  heart  I pray  thee,  replenish  my  soul  with some little  of  that  mighty  grace  wherewith  the  Holy Spirit overshadowed  thee,  and  filled  thee  to  overflowing. Ave Maria.

8. I believe,  holiest  Mary,  that  that  mighty  God, who was  ever  with  thee,  from  thy  conception (Dominus tecum),  is,  by  his  Incarnation  in  thy  purest womb, made  still  more  closely  one  with  thee; make it thy  care,  I pray  thee,  that  I may  be  with  that same dear  Lord  Jesus,  ever  one  heart  and  soul  by means  of  sanctifying  grace. Ave Maria.

9. O holiest  Mary,  shed  over  my  heart  and  soul  all heavenly benedictions,  as  thou  thyself  wast  ever blest of  God  among  all  women  (benedicta  tu  in  mulieribus ); for  I have  this  sure  hope,  that  if,  dear  Mother, thou  shalt  bless  me  while  I live,  then  when  I die  I shall  be  blessed  of  God  in  the  everlasting  glory  of heaven. Ave Maria.

V. The  angel  of  the  Lord  declared  unto  Mary.

R. And  she  conceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost.

GOD who,  by  the  message  of  an  angel,  didst  will that thy  Divine  Word  shouldst  take  flesh  of  the Blessed Virgin  Mary; grant  unto  us  thy  suppliants, that we,  who  believe  her  to  be  verily  the  Mother  of God,  may  be  helped  by  her  intercession  with  thee. Through, &amp;c.