Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/599

 V. The  Holy  Mother  of  God  is  exalted.

R. Into  the  heavenly  kingdom  above  the  angelic choirs.

We beseech  thee,  Lord,  pardon  the  shortcomings of thy  servants; that  we  who  by  our  works  are  not able to  please  thee,  may  be  saved  by  the  intercession of the  Mother  of  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, who, with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  livest  and reignest one  God,  world  without  end. Amen.

O God, the  Shepherd  and  Ruler  of  all  the  faithful, graciously look  down  upon  thy  servant  Leo,  whom thou hast  chosen  to  be  the  pastor  of  thy  Church; and grant  him,  we  beseech  thee,  both  by  word  and example, so  to  direct  those  over  whom  thou  hast placed him,  that,  together  with  the  flock  intrusted  to his  care,  he  may  attain  eternal  life.

O God, our  refuge  and  strength,  who  art  the Author of  all  holiness,  listen  to  the  pious  prayers  of thy  Church,  and  grant  that  what  we  ask  in  faith  we may  effectually  obtain. Through Christ  our  Lord. Amen.

ET us  meditate  how  glorious  Mary  was  at  her death, in  that  she  was  comforted  not  only  by  the apostles and  saints,  but  also  by  her  dear  Son  Jesus; and while  we  contemplate  the  unspeakable  joy  which filled her  soul  at  this  grace  granted  alone  to  her,  let us entreat  her  for  ourselves:

1. Glorious  Virgin,  who  for  thy  consolation  didst merit to  die  in  the  blessed  company  of  apostles  and of saints; obtain  for  us,  that  when  we  breathe  forth