Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/769

 BLESSED  St.  Joseph,  who  didst  accompany  Jesus  and Mary in  all  their  journeys,  and  who  hast  therefore merited to  be  called  the  patron  of  all  travelers,  accompany us in  this  journey  that  we  are  about  to  undertake. Be our guide and  our  protector;  watch  over  us;  preserve  us  from all accidents  and  dangers  to  soul  and  body;  support  us  in our  fatigue,  and  aid  us  to  sanctify  it  by  offering  it  to  God. Make us  ever  mindful  that  we  are  strangers,  sojourners here below;  that  heaven  is  our  true  home;  and  help  us  to persevere  on  the  straight  road  that  leads  thereunto. We beseech thee  especially  to  protect  and  aid  us  in  the  last great voyage  from  time  to  eternity,  so  that,  under  thy guidance, we  may  reach  the  realm  of  happiness  and  glory, there to  repose  eternally  with  thee  in  the  company  of Jesus  and  Mary. Amen.

Still another  prayer  for  travelers,  asking  in  a  special manner for  the  protection  of  the  guardian  angels,  was composed by  the  saintly  Mgr. Dupanloup. It reads:

ALMIGHTY and  merciful  God,  Who  hast  commissioned Thy  angels  to  guide  and  protect  us,  command them  to  be  our  assiduous  companions  from  our  setting out until  our  return;  to  clothe  us  with  their  invisible protection; to  keep  from  us  all  danger  of  collision,  of  fire, of explosion,  of  falls  and  hurts;  and  finally,  having  preserved us  from  all  evil,  and  especially  from  sin,  to  guide  us to  our  heavenly  home. Through Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. Amen.

Y holy  angel  guardian,  ask  the  Lord  to  bless  the journey which  I  undertake,  that  it  may  profit  the health of  my  soul  and  body;  that  I  may  reach  its  end; and that,  returning  safe  and  sound,  I  may  find  all  at  home in good  health. Do thou  guard,  guide,  and  preserve  us. Amen.

The following  couplet  was  a  favorite  ejaculation  of Columbus:

Jesus and  Mary,  we  pray, Be with  us  ever  on  our  way.