Meditation for the Eve of the First Friday of the Month of the Sacred Heart.

    Among those who make profession of piety but few know Jesus Christ and the treasures of His mercy; for this cause they give themselves up imperfectly to His love.

    Nothing can be more pleasing to the loving heart of Jesus than the childlike and unlimited confidence which we testify towards Him. It is related in the life of St. Gertrude that one day, as she reflected on the extraordinary graces which she had received, she asked herself how the revelations with which she had been favored could be made known to mankind with the greatest profit to their souls. Our Lord vouchsafed her this reply:

    "It would be good for men to know, and never to forget, that I, their God and Saviour, am always present in their behalf before My heavenly Father. This should never be forgotten, that when through human frailty their hearts incline to sin I offer for them my merciful heart; and when they offend God by their works I present to Him My pierced hands and feet in order to appease the anger of divine justice."

    Our Lord Jesus Christ, says the great Apostle, is the mediator between God and man. He is now ascended into heaven in order to aid our prayers by His powerful mediation. " Fail not," says the devout Blosius, " to offer your good works and pious exercises to the most sweet heart of Jesus, in order that He may purify and perfect them; for His heart, so full of tenderness, takes delight in so divine a work. He is always ready to perfect in you whatever He sees imperfect or defective. Confidence is a key to the heart of Jesus. "What may we not obtain from our fellow-creatures by the confidence we place in them? How much more, then, will it not obtain from God? How marvellous will be its effects if united with an absolute dependence on Him! ':

    Thus, when animated by faith, Peter walked on the waters as on dry land; but from the moment that fear entered his mind the waters lost their sustaining power, and his compassionate Master, extending His hand, said to him, " O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? "

    On another occasion also the tempest threatened to ingulf the apostles; but Jesus said to them, having commanded the winds and the sea: " Where is your faith? why are you fearful? have you, then, no faith? " In order to inspire us with a more lively confidence Our Lord Jesus Christ vouchsafed Him self to teach us the prayer which we address to God; so that our heavenly Father, touched by the words of His own Son, might refuse us nothing which we ask in His name; for this He would have us call Him by the sweet name of Father. But as this is not enough, in order to dispel all our diffidence, He carries His condescension even so far as to promise by a solemn oath to be always ready to listen to us. " Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever ye shall ask I will do." " Timid souls," He would say, " I swear to you by Myself, Who am the Way and the eternal Truth; by Myself, Who hate falsehood, and Who will punish perjury with eternal damnation; by Myself, Who can no more lie or deceive than I can cease to be that which I am, I swear promises, to you that I will grant what you ask of Me." These are Thy O my God, says St. Augustine; and who can fear being deceived when he relies on the promises made by uncreated Truth? When an upright man pledges you his word, you would believe that you erred if you showed after this any doubt or fear. "But if we receive the testimony of man," says St. John, " the testimony of God, is it not greater?" Our divine Saviour holds Himself so honored by this confidence that in a thousand passages in the Gospel He attributes more to the miraculous efficacy of prayer than to His own mercy. Not saying to those who have recourse to Him, " It is My goodness and My power;" but, "It is thy faith, thy confidence, which has saved thee." Our Lord Jesus Christ revealed to St. Gertrude that he who prayed to Him with confidence was sure to obtain his request—that He could not do otherwise than listen to his prayers. " Whatever may be the grace you request," says Our Lord, " be sure of obtaining it, and it will be granted you." This it is which St. John Climachus expresses in a like manner when he says, "Every prayer offered up with confidence exercises over the heart of God a kind of violence, but a violence which is sweet and pleasing to Him." St. Bernard compares the divine mercy to an abundant spring, and our confidence to the vessel which we make use of in order to draw these saving waters. The larger the vessel the greater the abundance of the grace we shall bring away. Moreover, this is conformable to the prayer of the psalmist, who sues for mercy in proportion to His confidence: "Let Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, according to the hopes we have placed in Thee."

    God has declared that He will protect and save all those who put their trust in Him. " Let them be glad, then," exclaims David; "let all those rejoice who hope in Thee, O my God; for they shall be happy for all eternity, and Thou wilt never cease to dwell in them." He elsewhere says, " He who places his trust in the Lord shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven." " Yes, Lord," says St. Bernard, "it is hope alone which opens to us the treasure of Thy mercies." " The efficacy of prayer," says St. Thomas, " is drawn from faith which believes in the promises of God, and confidence in the holy promises which He has made to us." "We see, in short, in the sacred writings that the Son of God seems to ta"e the faith of those who address themselves to Him as the rule for the help and the graces which He grants them, not only doing what they wish, but in the manner in which they ask it.

    Grace is attached to confidence; it is a kind of axiom that he who puts his trust in God shall never be confounded. And the wise man defies a contrary example to be cited amongst all the nations of the world. " Our souls should be filled with consolations," says St. Ambrose, "when we remember that the graces which God grants us are always more abundant than those which we ask;" also,; ' that the fulfilment of His promises always exceeds our hopes," as says Ecclesiastes. " Let us have, then, a firm confidence," as St. Paul recommends us, since the Lord has promised to protect whosoever hopes in Him; and when obstacles present themselves which seem very difficult to overcome let us say with the Apostle, " I can do all things in Him Who strengtheneth me."

    Who, indeed, was ever lost after having placed his trust in God?

    But we need not always seek a sensible confidence—it will suffice if we earnestly desire it, for true confidence is an utter dependence on God, because He is good, and wishes to help us; because He is powerful, and able to help us; because He is faithful, and has promised to help us.

Example.

    The venerable Mary of the Incarnation relates that it was revealed to her on a certain occasion that the Eternal Father was insensible to her prayer. She sought to know the cause, and an interior voice said to her: " Petition Me through the heart of My Son, through which I will hear thee." Address yourselves to the heart of Jesus, the ocean of love and mercy, and He will obtain for you, pious soul, and also for all poor sinners, the most signal graces.

    Some time before her death St. Mechtilde earnestly asked of Our Lord an important grace in behalf of a person who had asked her to pray for her. Seized with fear at the sight of the terrible judgments with which the justice of God would visit this soul, she was weeping bitterly, when Our Lord addressed to her these consoling words, "My daughter, teach the person for whom you pray that she must seek all she desires through My heart."

    There is no heart so hard as not to be softened by the heart of Jesus, nor any soul so disfigured by the leprosy of sin that His love cannot purify, console, and heal.

Meditations for the First Friday of the Month.

    At the hour of our death, when life, like a false friend, is about to forsake us, we must, in a special manner, increase our confidence in the Heart of Jesus.

    It is said that Our Lord appeared one day to a holy soul who had conjured Him to grant to a pious person a happy passage from this life, and addressed to her these consoling words:

    ' ( My daughter, where is the pilot who, having brought into port a vessel laden with precious stones, sinks it in the sea at the moment of his arrival? Can you suppose that, after having granted so many graces to this soul in the course of her life, I shall abandon her at the end thereof? '?

    Let us lean on the heart of Jesus; and driven on the stormy sea of tins world, under the protection which He grants to those who love Him, we shall one day triumphantly enter the desired port, and enjoy the eternal blessings of that holy guidance.

    Death was always precious in the sight of God, for Jesus was to pass through its portal; it is precious to Him still, for Jesus has died.

    No one who is devout to the heart of Jesus will fail to find at the moment of his death more excellent and abundant treasures than he had ever expected to receive. Death, precious to Him self, will not Our Lord render it also inexpressibly so to us? Faith cannot mistake the proofs of His tenderness. If we may venture to say so, the exile of the being He created is a sorrow to Him as much as to the soul itself; for, like a tender father, God desires that His children should be with Him in His king dom. Of all the hours of life this is the one which is the most precious in the sight of God, exerts the greatest power over His love, and for this very reason has such a mighty influence over His mercy and justice.

    In order to receive the fulness of the new life to be merited by repentance through the divine reparation every man must undergo the terrible suffering of death; but is not this suffering, caused by sin, like all other trials, a token of love on the part of God? Without death life could not attain to its end; without death how could the soul ever reach eternal life?

    The rebel angel escaped the sentence of death, but for him there was no resurrection. It is decreed that man should die, or, rather, the soul, cleansed by the blood of Our Lord, and vivified by His love, passes into eternity before the body which it shall one day glorify; united together they are called by Jesus to reign in heaven in a state so exalted that it could not have been won by primeval innocence.

    Even in this world, without awaiting the eternal glorifying of humanity, the most beloved amongst the friends of God experience through their whole being a marvellous transformation which robs death of its terrors, and wholly disengages them from this transitory world. The interior light by which they are led is no longer human, but divine, through Jesus; and a supernatural love is substituted for that natural love which they made their law; and not only are their criminal affections destroyed, but the love of God above all things gives them, even in this life, a foretaste of heaven. They feel no longer an engrossing care for the preservation of the body, but sigh after death, crying m- ce✝santly to God, with St. Paul, " I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. ' ' They exult when they hear the clock strike, at the thought that one hour less remains for them to pass in this exile; death is no longer a passage of sorrow, but the desired way by which they shall go to the Lord; they sigh after it, they desire it, and would fain hasten the moment of its approach by the ardor of their desire for the enjoyment of a never-endingeternity. One single thing restrains them: it is when the perfection of love imposes on them a law of charity yet stronger, which would detain them in this world for the glory of God and the good of their brethren; "for," says St. Teresa, "thus do souls arrive at a strict union with Jesus."

    Thus ardently they have desired to die in order to enjoy the presence of Our Lord; this is their martyrdom that their exile is prolonged; yet they are so inflamed with the desire of knowing Him, of making His name hallowed, of being useful to the souls of others, that far from sighing after death they would wish to live for many years, even amidst the greatest sufferings, too happy in being able to add to the glory of their divine Master.

    Perfect submission in death is an act of entire adoration, a magnificent profession of faith and praise; its beauty consists in the cheerful and ready sacrifice which the creature makes to the Creator of the life which He had given, shadowing forth God's power in all its grandeur. Death beholds the soul already in adoration annihilated at the thought of the near approach of eternity; this, we may well imagine, is the kind of death the angels love to contemplate. The soul takes to itself no merit, places no trust on the way in which it has served God, and desires to possess even the smallest consolation the Church can be stow. It is specially attracted by the sanctity of God, which makes it aspire to become pure, pure almost beyond conception, in order to appear before the inviolable majesty of God; relying only on His mercy; never losing its confidence in the greatness of the divine compassion, but fearing lest its offences may be beyond the reach of pardon; dying the death of a child, with its eyes fixed on the countenance of its tender Father. Why, then, when in a state of grace, should we entertain a fear of death? "Whosoever dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God abides in him." He who loves God is then sure of His grace, and dying in this state is certain of enjoying forever the sovereign good in the habitations of the elect. And can such a one fear death? David has, however, said that no living man is entirely pure in the sight of God. Thus no one should have the presumption to hope for salvation through his own merits; for, except Jesus and Mary, no one was ever exempt from sin. But we need not fear death when we have a true sorrow for our faults, and place our confidence in the merits of Jesus, Who came on this earth in order to redeem and save sinners, for whom He shed His blood, for whom He died. "The blood of Jesus Christ," says the Apostle, u cries more loudly in favor of sinners than the blood of Abel for vengeance against Cain." Grace transforms into a brilliant light that which by its nature was plunged in darkness and obscurity, and the plaintive cry of our misery is changed into a song of triumph; for the fetters which yet separate the soul of the dying from the heavenly Jerusalem are so near being severed asunder that the triumphant alleluias of heaven mingle with the lamentations of earth, and the last gaze of repentant love is tenderly fixed on the crucifix till earth fades from view.

    The transit of the creature from time to eternity is dear to the Creator; for ✝' precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Let us throw aside, then, those vain fears of death, and regard it as a tribute which all must pay to nature. Let us be ready cheerfully to leave this world when Our Lord shall call us to the land where the saints await us, and where we shall meet those who have instructed us in the faith, and whose victory will in some measure supply for the negligence with which we have performed our own duties toward our heavenly Father.

    Let us unite ourselves to those glorious troops of blessed spirits who are seated in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; into which the good thief entered in triumph after a life of sin, and now enjoys, in the company of the elect, the ineffable delights of paradise; where there is no darkness nor storms, no intense heat, excessive cold, sickness, or sorrow; and where there is no need of the light of the sun, because the Sun of justice alone enlightens the heavenly Jerusalem.

    We read the following touching account in the life of St. Gertrude: The saint once heard a preacher insist strongly on the strict obligation of a dying person to love God above all things, and to entertain for his sins a contrition founded on love. She believed this to be an exaggerated doctrine, and that if pure love was necessary very few persons would die in the proper dispositions. She became interiorly disturbed, and a cloud obscured her mind; but Our Lord Himself vouchsafed to dispel her fears, telling her " that in the last struggle, if the dying person had during life sought to please Him, and to lead a Christian life, He would so mercifully reveal Himself that His love would penetrate into the inmost foldings of the heart, causing it by His presence to make acts of the most perfect contrition"; and, added Our Lord, " I would have My elect to know with what a great desire I wish them to be united to Me at that important moment. Let this be made known, so that men may rely no less on this last merciful grace than on all the others which My love has lavished upon them."

    Let us propagate this consoling truth, so well calculated to inflame our hearts with the most lively love for so merciful a God.

    Practice. —Let us pray to the agonizing heart of Jesus for the eighty thousand persons who, it is computed, die daily in this world.

Ejaculatory Prayer.

    O sweet Jesus! grant that I may die the death of those de voted to Thy divine heart.

    [His Holiness Pius IX., by a brief dated 29th September, 1859, granted an indulgence of three hundred days, extended afterwards by a new re script to three years, and a plenary indulgence once a month, on the usual conditions, to the recital of the following prayers. They are applicable to the faithful departed.

    Intentions to be made during Mass, either at the offertory, immediately after the consecration, or at the communion of the priest.]

    Eternal Father, I offer to Thee the sacrifice which Thy divine Son made of Himself on the cross, which sacrifice He now renews on our altars. I offer it in the name of all man kind, with the Masses which are now being celebrated, and which will be celebrated throughout the world, in order to adore Thee and render Thee all possible honor and glory; to thank Thee for Thy innumerable benefits; to appease Thy justice, provokecby our sins; to give Thee the satisfaction Thou dost expect, also to obtain grace for myself, for Thy Church, and for the whole world, as also for the souls in purgatory.

    O Lord, I offer Thee the Masses which are being said throughout the world, in the name of all mankind, for Thy glory and the salvation and benefit of Thy creatures. O Lord, I desire to offer up myself to Thee for all the intentions for which Thou now offerest Thyself to God Thy Father.

Prayers to Be Said in Time of Trouble.

    Look down, O holy Father, from Thy sanctuary in heaven, Thy dwelling-place, and behold this sacred victim which our great High Priest, Thy holy, innocent, and well-beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, offers to Thee for the sins of us His brethren, and let not Thy wrath be kindled on account of the manifold transgressions of the world. Behold the voice of the blood of our brother, Thy first-born Son, Jesus, cries to Thee from the cross. Give ear, O Lord, be appeased; O Lord, hearken, and do; tarry not for our own sake, O our God, for Thy name is invoked upon this house and city, and upon all Thy people; and deal with us according to Thy infinite mercy, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, etc. Amen.

    V. That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring us to true penance.

    R. We beseech Thee, hear us.

    V. That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to defend this house and city, and all Thy people, to keep them in peace; to guard, preserve, and look down on them with Thy most tender pity.

    R. We beseech Thee, hear us.

    V. Through the holy mysteries of man's redemption.

    R. Let Thy mercies quickly prevent us, O Lord, and spare Thy people.

    V. Through the merits and intercession of Thy blessed Mother, and of all the saints.

    R. Let Thy mercies, etc, as above.

    V. Holy Mary, conceived without original sin, and all ye angels and saints, intercede for us to Our Lord.

    E That the mercies of our Lord may quickly prevent us; and that He may spare His people, that so we may rejoice with Him forever and. ever. Amen.

Let us pray.

    Almighty and merciful God, may Thy most holy will be done at all times and in all things, according to Thy infinite and eternal mercy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

    Heart of Jesus, infinitely holy and merciful heart, I give myself to Thee without reserve, and forever. I abandon to Thy care my present and my future; under Thy protection and for Thy greater glory I wish to begin, continue, and finish all my actions. I confide to Thy love every day of my life, and will repeat every morning, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass, this filial consecration. Thy heart, O Jesus, shall hence forth be my consolation. I will invoke it in my trials, in my difficulties, in my fears. Banish from my mind every desire, every resolution and action which is not conformable to Thy holy will. Suffer me not to yield to temptation, preserve me in purity of heart; be Thou to me a buckler against my own weakness every moment of my life; be Thou my help in death, and my reward in eternity. Arnen.

    Jesus, most charitable Jesus, meek and humble of heart, for give us our sins, give us Thy peace, and remember us in Thy kingdom!

    May the heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.

    Jesus, meek and humble of heart, render my heart like unto Thine.

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

    0 adorable heart of my Saviour Jesus! loving heart of my good Master, how great is Thy tenderness in remaining for me in the divine Eucharist! Alas, Thy creatures forget Thy love, despise Thy complaints, and withdraw themselves from Thee, forgetting that, in Thy agony in the garden, Thou didst endure all the bitterness of our sins. We now again by our iniquities renew Thy sorrows. Thou languishes there with love and sadness, and how few think of Thee, care for Thee, or are touched by Thy sorrows! Let me at least listen to Thy tender complaint, for I desire to repair the outrages which are unceasingly directed against Thee. Prostrate, annihilated in spirit before the holy tabernacle in which Thou dost display Thy love, I beseech Thee to pardon my sins, and those of the whole world, for their contempt and indifference, their insults and their sacrilege. If I cannot wash away with my blood my own faults and those of all Thy guilty children, may I at least silently weep over the outrages of which Thou art the victim? Oh, that I could dispose of the hearts of all mankind, and fill them with contrition and with gratitude, in order to offer them to Thy love as the only homage which it desires to receive! Lord Jesus, I offer myself as a holocaust. Behold my heart, purify it, consume it with love, sacrifice it to Thy will, that henceforth I may love Thee only, and live only to love Thee. Guard Thou my heart, lest I should reclaim it; hide it in Thy wounds as in a safe asylum, so that there I may live and die in order to be united to Thee forever. Amen.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Be Recited Every Day of the Month of June.

    O Jesus, I consecrate to Thee my heart; place it within Thine own. It is in Thy heart I wish to dwell, through Thy heart I wish to love, and in Thy heart that I desire to repose, unknown to the world and known to Thee alone; it is from this heart of Thine that I would draw that ardent love which should consume my own, and by which I shall find strength, light, courage, and true consolation. When I languish, it will animate me; when sad, it will give me joy; when afflicted and in trouble, it will encourage me.

    O heart of Jesus, let my heart be the altar of Thy love, my tongue publish Thy goodness, my eyes be unceasingly fixed on Thy wounds, my mind meditate on Thy adorable perfections, my memory preserve forever the precious remembrance of Thy mercies; let everything in me express my love for Thee, O Jesus, and my heart be ever ready to make any sacrifice for Thee.

    O heart of Mary, after the heart of Jesus the most loving, compassionate, and merciful of all hearts, present to the heart of thy Son this my consecration, my love, my resolution. That heart will be softened at the sight of my miseries, and deliver me from them; and after having been my protectress in this world, O Mother of Jesus! be thou my queen in heaven.

Prayer of St. Alphonsus De Liguori to the Sacred Heart.

    O adorable heart of my Jesus, heart created expressly for the love of men, until now I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, abyss of love and of mercy, how is it possible that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me; and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself up every day for me in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins, and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy tears and Thy blood give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.

Act of Zeal.

    Through the heart of Jesus, my way, truth, and life, I approach Thee, O Eternal Father. I adore Thee for those who adore Thee not. I love Thee for those who love Thee not. I acknowledge Thee for all who are wilfully blind; who through contempt do not acknowledge Thee. I wish through this divine heart to satisfy for the duties of all mankind. In spirit I go throughout the world to seek for souls redeemed by the precious blood of my divine Lord, in order to make reparation for all through this divine heart. I embrace them in order to present them to Thee through Him, and through Him I beg the grace of their conversion. Ah, Eternal Father, wouldst Thou suffer them not to know Jesus, and not live for Him Who died for them? Thou seest, O heavenly Father, that as yet they do not live. Ah, make them live in this divine heart. Thou knowest, O Incarnate Word, Jesus my beloved, all that I desire to say to Thy divine Father through Thy divine heart and holy soul; for Thou art in Thy Father, and He is in Thee. Grant, then, my request. In union with Thee I present these souls to Him. Grant that they may be one with Thee. Amen.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart.

    Most sweet Jesus, Who repulsest no one, but "Who dost welcome even the greatest sinners, provided they repent and sincerely return to Thee, have pity, particularly on those who invoke Thy holy name. Listen to the prayers of all who address Thee in spirit and in truth; and grant that all the worshippers of Thy sacred heart may find, agreeably to Thy divine promises, light, joy, strength, peace, protection, and holy love for time and eternity. Amen.

Invocations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

    Divine heart of Jesus, Thou lovest me; grant that I also may love Thee, Divine heart of Jesus, Thou always thinkest of me; grant that I may think of Thee.

    Divine heart of Jesus, Thou givest Thyself to me; grant that I may give myself to Thee.

    Divine heart of Jesus, possess my senses.

    Divine heart of Jesus, possess my heart.

    Divine heart of Jesus, possess my imagination.

    Divine heart of Jesus, possess my memory.

    Divine heart of Jesus, grant that I may seek Thee alone in all things.

    Grant that I may find Thee in all things.

    Grant that I may confide in Thee for all things.

    Grant that I may please Thee in all things.

    O divine heart of Jesus, mayest Thou reign in all hearts.

    Sweet heart of Mary, be my safeguard. Amen.

Invocations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Order to Obtain the Cure of One Who Is Sick.

    Heart of Jesus, ocean of goodness and inexhaustible source of mercy, vouchsafe to hear our prayers for JT.

    Heart of Jesus, Whose delight is to be with the children of men, vouchsafe, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, our consolation in our trials, our remedy in our distresses, and our comfort in our miseries, vouchsafe, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, infinitely good, sweet, and compassionate, vouchsafe, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who, being moved with a tender compassion, didst work a miracle at the marriage-feast of Cana, comfort and cure Thy servant N.

    Heart of Jesus, touched and softened by the cries of the Canaanitish woman, and Who didst restore health to her daughter, grant us the cure of N.

    Heart of Jesus, Who, with divine affection and goodness, didst say, in speaking of Lazarus, " Our friend Lazarus is sick," comfort us, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who didst weep with Martha and Mary at the grave of their brother, and Who didst call him back to life, comfort, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who didst feel such great compassion on seeing the son of the widow of Nairn borne to the grave, and Who didst raise him from the dead, comfort, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who, with an admirable clemency, didst give back life to the youthful daughter of the high priest of the synagogue, comfort, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who, with a fatherly tenderness, didst feed five thousand men in the desert, lest they should faint in the road, console, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who, to show forth Thy power and Thy goodness, didst restore thousands of the sick and infirm to health, console, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, to Whom all power has been given in heaven and on earth, console, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, Who lovestnot to punish, but to pardon, and deliverest us so willingly from the evils which oppress us, con sole, etc.

    Heart of Jesus, O best and most indulgent of all hearts, console and cure, etc.

    In memory of Thy agony in the Garden of Olives, hear us, O divine heart.

    In memory of the wound Thou didst receive upon the cross through love for us, hear us, O divine heart.

    In remembrance of all Thy goodness and mercy, hear us, O divine heart.

    DEVOTIONS TO THE flACRED HEART. 641 Let us pray.

    O sacred heart of Jesus, we beseech Thee not to deny us the favor we so earnestly beg of Thee. We will not leave Thee, 0 divine heart, till Thou hast said, " I will be thy salvation; r until Thou hast said, " I will let him (or her) be made whole."

    Heart of Mary, compassionate heart of our tender Mother, speak to Jesus in our behalf; beseech of our merciful Lord to grant us the cure of this his servant, which we solicit so earnestly. O heart of Mary, help us. O heart of Jesus, hear us. Amen.

Hour of Adoration of the Sacred Heart.

Prayer.

    "What a happiness is mine, O my Saviour, to hold communion with Thee, to thank Thee for the immense love of Thy heart for mankind, to oifer Thee some reparation for the outrages unceasingly committed against Thee. But, sinner as I am, how can I worthily acquit myself of so holy a duty? O Jesus, unite my prayers to Thine, offer to Thy heavenly Father the holy dispositions of Thy divine heart in order to supply for my deficiencies, Holy Virgin, lead me to the heart of thy divine Son, that sanctuary of grace and virtue. I unite myself to the homage rendered Him by thy immaculate heart. Ye blessed spirits, ever humbly prostrate before that adorable heart, I unite myself to your profound adorations; communicate to me your love and recollection, present to Him my prayers; and, ye saints of heaven and just ones of the earth, come and let us adore together the heart of our Redeemer.

    Place yourself in the presence of God, make an act of faith? and -say with the prodigal son:

    My Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Thy sight.

    I am no longer worthy to be called Thy child. Make me as one of Thy hired servants. I desire nothing more.

    Place yourself in spirit near the heart of Jesus, at the foot of the throne of mercy; approach with confidence, listen to the loving words Our Lord addresses to you, and pray to Him with earnestness and devotion.

    Jesus Christ. Open to Me thy heart, My spouse, My be loved.

    The Disciple. O my God, is it to me that Thou dost address these words? My soul is but an abyss of misery, and Thou callest me Thy beloved; I presume not to raise my eyes towards Thy heart so pure and holy, yet as soon as I present myself to Thee Thou dost lavish on me Thy most signal favors. What a glory and happiness for me, my God, to be noticed by Thee, to know that Thou disdainest not a creature so guilty as myself! Ah, since Thou sufferest me in Thy presence, since Thou even cornmandest me to open to Thee my heart, I obey. Depart from thence, all earthly thoughts; leave me to converse with my God, that from His heart I may draw forth true love.

    Jesus Christ. Thou hast wounded My heart, My beloved; thou hast wounded My heart.

    The Disciple. O God, how can it be that Thy love should have made Thee take a heart like unto mine? Ah, Thou hast taken this heart in order that Thou mayst feel all my miseries; but what a prodigy of love to have assumed this heart only to allow it to be pierced in favor of one so ungrateful! Thou hast allowed it to be pierced on the cross in the face of the whole world, so that none should be ignorant of the excess of Thy tenderness. Thou bearest in heaven this glorious wound. The opening in Thy heart shall never be closed up; it shall always bear the triumphant mark of Thy love. O divine heart, wound this heart of mine; inflict so deep a wound that it shall open entirely to Thee; pierce it with the same lance with which Thine own was pierced, so that the waters of a sincere repentance may flow from thence. Alas! this heart has wounded Thee a thousand times more by its ingratitude, infidelity, and obduracy. I have pierced it by my offences. O my Saviour, pardon me; banish sin from my heart, making Thy holy love reign there in its place.

    Jesus Christ. My beloved, let there be no division; give Me entire possesion of thy heart.

    The Disciple. O Lord, how dost Thou abase Thyself, disdaining not to ask for the heart of one who has not blushed to refuse it to Thee in order to resign it up to sin? What tenderness on Thy part! But, O my God, what has this heart become which Thou demandest of me? Alas! it is sullied with a thousand stains. How canst Thou endure it, Thou Who art sanctity itself? Ah, my God, how much that is wrong is there in this heart! what love of self-attachment to my own thoughts and will! what worldly inclinations, distaste for heaven, tepidity in Thy service, and solicitude for this perishing body! However, since Thou deignest to demand it, I offer it Thee. O Jesus, the only object of my love, receive me now in Thy sacred heart, so that I may be all Thine; receive me into that ardent furnace in order that I may be wholly consumed in Thy love. There, my sweet Saviour, I shall know the value of the blood which has redeemed me, and shall comprehend how I ought to love Thee. O love of my Saviour, thou art that living water for which I thirst; my heart tends only towards Thee. Open to me Thy loving heart. My heart is Thine for eternity; bestow upon me Thine, O Jesus.

    Jesus Christ. Yes, my beloved, I give thee My heart; set it it as a seal upon thine own, study its sentiments, copy faithfully its virtues.

    The Disciple. O my soul, receive this heart burning with love, respond to its adorable designs over thee, endeavor to make them thine own.

    Adorable Jesus, my heart was formed to be Thy habitation, Thy throne, Thy altar, Thy tabernacle. Enter, O divine Saviour, into this habitation, and purify it from all that is unworthy of Thee. Command it as a sovereign upon his throne, and give me the docility necessary to obey Thee. Keceiveupon this altar the sacrifice I make Thee of my heart, and dwell as a God of majesty and holiness in that living tabernacle which Thou hast chosen for Thyself.

    O my soul, regard attentively thy divine model; see Him raised upon the mount, nailed to the cross; behold His bleeding hands, those eyes dim, the mouth livid, those pierced hands and feet. Content thyself not with the exterior; look in spirit at His heart; it has been opened by the lance in order that thou mayst pass therein. Imitate His love, meekness, humility, and charity. Then cast down thine eyes on the ground around Cal vary; it is watered with His blood. At the sight of that blood understand that love shows itself more by actions than by words.

    Thou desirest, O my Saviour, that I should place Thee as a seal upon my heart by the imitation of Thy virtues and Thy example. I ardently wish to do so. Give me grace to execute what Thou commandest. O Jesus, Thy heart is pure, let mine be pure; Thine is humble, let mine be humble; Thine is patient and docile, let mine be patient and docile; Thy heart is all love let mine also be inflamed with Thy love. Ah! hence forth O my Saviour, I wish only to have in my heart what Thou hast in Thine: humility, patience, gentleness, meekness, charity. I desire no more to bestow my heart on creatures, but to oive'it all to Thee. Alas! it has not always been devoted to Thy service. Through Thy grace, O my God, it is now all Thine, and I hope it will ever remain so.

    Jesus Christ. Love is strong as death; its lamps are lamps of fire, which the greatest waters cannot extinguish.

    The Disciple. Thy love for me, O my Saviour, is more powerful than hell, since it has broken its gates in order to de liver me and open to me those of heaven. It is stronger than death, since Thou hast disarmed it in order to give me life. Oh, wondrous strength of love! All-invincible as Thou art, my God, it disarms Thee; it stays Thy arm raised to strike the sinner; it saves him from Thy avenging justice in order to give to him Thy infinite mercy. I acknowledge that it is through love for us that Thy supreme majesty is humbled even to vouch safe to unite itself to our nature; and it is through the strength of this same love that the creature can ascend unto Thee, and enjoy the privilege of entering into Thy sacred heart.

    Behold, my soul, how Jesus hath loved tliee! Behold the humiliations and sufferings, the thorns, the nails, the cross, and the effusion of His blood!—these are the proofs of His love. The flames of this love are so ardent that all the waters of our iniquities cannot extinguish them. But, O my soul, where are the marks of thy love for Jesus? What hast thou done for Him? Where are thy victories over thy evil inclinations? Where the labors thou hast undertaken, the sufferings thou hast endured, for His glory?

    Alas! my God, my zeal is weak, my love is languishing. Thy interests are more than ever abandoned. Thy enemies in crease daily. Have I ever fought in defence of Thy cause?

    Jesus Christ. O my beloved, is there any sorrow like unto Mine? How much have I done for My children, and how have they rebelled against Me! I have carried them in My heart, and they have lacerated, outraged, and forsaken it. The sorrows of death have compassed Me, and the perils of hell are unchained against Me.

    The Disciple. O my Lord and my God, sorrow seizes on my soul, affliction and sadness press on my heart, at the sight of Thy grief. Prostrate in the dust before Thy adorable heart, I make reparation to Thee before heaven and earth. Pardon, divine Jesus, all the outrages which were committed during the course of Thy mortal life; pardon the impieties, the irreverences, the sacrileges which have been committed against Thee in the sacrament of Thy love; pardon especially the sorrows which I have caused to Thy divine heart by my irreverence in Thy holy temples, by my tepid communions made without due preparation, and by the abuse which I have made of Thy graces and of Thy precious blood. Ah! why cannot I by my repentance and my adoration restore Thee the glory of which so many offences have deprived Thee? Why cannot I by my words and my example lead back so many hearts which have withdrawn themselves from Thee? Why cannot I by my prayers and tears cause a cessation to so many scandals, and draw unto Thee worshippers in spirit and in truth?

    Jesus Christ. I suffer on the part of Jews, pagans, and here tics. They have contemned Me; but that those who ought to be devoted to Me should regard Me with indifference, and treat Me with such neglect, pierces My heart with sorrow.

    The Disciple. Ah, my sweet Saviour, can I think of this, and not die with sorrow? Heavenly spirits, angels of peace, weep bitterly for the indignities with which your Lord is visited; weep over our ingratitude to a heart which has loved us so much. Divine Jesus, Thou hast come into this world in order to seek and to save mankind; and those ungrateful ones fly from Thee arid abandon Thee. Thou loadest them with benefits, and they abuse them; they turn them against the giver, and against them selves. Thou art always in the midst of them, and they seem to be ignorant of Thy presence, or only to know Thee in order to offer Thee some new outrage. Thou openest to them Thy heart, and they enter therein only to pierce it with a thousand arrows. Alas! my loving Saviour, am I not myself one of these ungrateful souls? Ah, what sorrow have I not occasioned to Thy sacred heart? I, Thy beloved one! Why does not Thy outraged heart close itself, so as to forget and reject us? Why does not Thy avenging arm raise itself against Thy guilty servants in order to exterminate them? Shouldst Thou not at least deprive us of Thy loving presence, forsake our temples so frequently profaned, and remain in heaven, where the angels and saints forever sing Thy praises? But remain Thou still, O Lord, in the midst of us: what would become of us if Thou didst abandon the earth? Thy Father, beholding no longer the only object of His complacency, would visit us with His avenging justice. How, then, could we escape His wrath? Heart of Jesus, avenge Thyself as befits the God of mercy. Do Thou pardon and convert our souls to Thee.

    Jesus Christ. I have promised to remain in the midst of you until the consummation of the world, but in the sorrow which afflicts Me have I not a right to expect to meet with some who will compassionate My sufferings? Nevertheless I am left alone in My sorrow.

    The Disciple. My beloved Saviour, Thou shalt no longer be forsaken; I will make it a duty to visit and adore Thee. 0 heart of Jesus, always burning with love for us, always ready to show mercy, pardon me my guilty forgetfulness of Thee; pardon me my unfaithfulness in Thy service, my want of zeal in making Thee known and loved; let my heart cease to be if it is to be again insensible to Thee. Heart of Jesus, I consecrate to Thee the remainder of my life. I wish that all creatures had the hearts of seraphim in order to love Thee; that every mouth would sing Thy praises; that every mind should be occupied only with Thy greatness. I unite my praises to those which Thou receivest from all the angels and saints, and just souls on earth. I wish that all who love and adore Thee were multiplied, and would freely sacrifice all that I possess, my life itself, if necessary, in order to prevent a single offence against Thee.

    Jesus Christ. My beloved, I accept thy desires; ask My Father in My name, and all that you desire He will grant you.

    The Disciple. O Jesus, my only hope, make me faithful to the devotion I have vowed to Thy adorable heart. Signalize Thy mercy by allowing me to regain, by the ardor of my love, the time which has been passed in Thy service, with so much tepidity. I desire to make reparation, by continual praise, for the ingratitude of mankind, and to give Thee every moment fresh proofs of my love.

    Thy love for me keeps Thy heart always open, so that I may dwell there forever. Let love lead me and forever fix my dwelling-place therein, and receive my last sigh.

    I beg the same grace, O my God, for all for whom I am particularly bound to pray. May those who have the happiness to belong to the association of Thy divine heart, spread throughout the world, have a special share in Thy mercy. Grant, O Lord, that this confraternity may extend and perpetuate itself in all times and in every place, that it may honor Thee by the practice of every virtue, and an indefatigable zeal for the con version of souls.

    And since my merciful God wearies not of listening to me, I will still continue to speak to Him—I, who am only dust and ashes. God of my heart, lend an ear to my voice; love those who love Thee not; open Thy heart to those who do not knock at the gate; and vouchsafe to cure those who, far from asking Thee to heal them, take a pleasure in adding fresh venom to Thy wounds. Thou hast said, my Saviour, that Thou didst come upon the earth in order to seek sinners. O my Jesus, these then are truly sinners. Ah! do not consider our ingratitude, our blindness; remember only the blood which Thou hast shed for our salvation. Make manifest Thy mercy; regard us as the work of Thy hands. Save us by Thy mercy; our evils are extreme. Arise, O Lord, behold the progress made by Thine enemies; stay them, O my Jesus. Since they will not go to Thee, go Thyself to them. I beseech of Thee to grant this grace through Thy sacred wounds and by Thy precious blood.

    O my Saviour, put an end to my sins and those of all man kind. Let Thy voice make itself heard, and restore life to so many hardened sinners. Call them from the deep abyss into which they have fallen. Lazarus asked Thee not to raise him from the dead. Thou didst work this miracle in behalf of a sinner. O Lord, look also on me; I beseech Thee to hear my prayer. I ask it through the tears Thou didst shed over the grave of Lazarus; remember that Thy tears have flowed for all sinners who sleep in sin. Through Thy precious blood I ask it, for Thou hast pardoned those who shed it; pardon us, O Saviour of the world.

    O Jesus, make Thy Church triumph over all her enemies, increase the number of her children, give peace unto her, and grant that she may ever bless Thy holy name and revere Thy 64 g DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART.

    icred heart O merciful Redeemer, have pity also on the souls in purgatory; be touched by their sufferings; they are the price of Thy blood; open to them Thy heart; listen to their fomentations, and grant them, with release from their sufferings, the happiness of glorifying Thee in heaven.

    Remember also, O merciful Jesus, in a special manner, those souls who when on earth devoted themselves to Thy sacred heart, and were zealous for the glory of Thy blessed Mother. Suffer them not to be deprived longer of Thy presence for they are very dear to Thee; and through this same merciful heart I beseech Thee to put them in possession of eternal happiness.

Prayer After the Hour of Adoration.

    Pardon me, my God, the distractions into which I have fallen during this hour. Alas! mayst Thou not reproach me as Thou didst Thy three disciples with not being able to watch one hour with Thee?

    One hour with Thee, O loving heart of Jesus, has appeared to me too long. Ah, should it not be my delight to be ever with Thee? O heart ever full of love, why has mine been so cold, so languishing in Thy presence? Pardon me, O Lord; for I desire to breathe only for Thee, to make my whole life a perpetual adoration of Thy sacred heart. Amen.

An Invitation, or the Devout Soul's Repair to the Sacred Heart.

    " Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-burdened, and I will refresh you"

    The faithful adorers of Jesus are invited to repair in spirit twice in the day to His divine heart, in order to render Him due praise by weeping over their sins, exciting themselves to the love of God, or adoring Him for those who do not adore Him; singing the divine praises in the adorable heart of Jesus, or uniting themselves to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, the first and principal worshippers of this divine heart; praying for those faithless souls who, after having experienced so many proofs of the love of this divine heart by the grace of their election, oblige Him by their ingratitude to reject them. The zeal testified in disarming His justice is pleasing to Him, because these souls are dear to Him as the apple of His eye, and if He punishes it is with sorrow. Finally, let all the associates unite in praying for one another, for which end the following acts may be used.

    O Jesus, infinite goodness, open to us Thy divine heart; let us regard it as the centre of our happiness, and suffer not that sin should ever separate us from Thee.

    Great God, Who hast given us Thy Son, not to afflict His heart by our ingratitude, but to lead us to His love, inspire all those who are in authority in Thy Church with a tender zeal for this devotion. O Almighty God, cast Thy eyes upon us; look Upon us through the heart of Thy Son; and if displeased at our sins Thou wilt remember Thy mercy and forget Thy anger.

    O sacred Heart of Jesus, O my life, my light, grant that I may know only Thee, that I may live only for Thee, in Thee and by Thee. Amen.

Guard of Honor of the Adorable Heart of Jesus.

    Patrons: The Blessed Virgin, under the title of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis of Sales, venerable Margaret Mary.

    " My heart hath expected reproach and misery, and looked for one that would grieve with Me, but there was none; and for one that would comfort Me, and I found none."

Object of the Association.

    In response to this sorrowful complaint of Our Lord the guard of honor has been organized; the members who compose it, by their devotedness and love, striving to console the heart of Jesus for the forgetfulness and ingratitude of those for whom He suffered so much, whom He loved so ardently, and by whom He is so little loved.

    Like faithful loving children of Our Lord, they will try to console Him for the ingratitude of their brethren, and succeeding each other by turns, before their Saviour Jesus, they offer to this most tender heart the homage of reverence, devotedness, and love.

    The associates each choose one hour in the day, and at the beginning of their hour of guard, without changing their ordinary occupation, they station themselves in spirit at the throne of love, the tabernacle, offering to Jesus all their thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings, and, above all, their desire to console His heart by their fidelity and love. During the course of the hour they think of Our Lord, make an act of love, and offer up some little sacrifice for Him. This, however, is not obligatory, the associates being free to follow the impulse of their heart and of their piety as to the way in which they may sanctify this holy hour; and the heart of Jesus will doubtless heap grace upon grace, blessing upon blessing, on those faithful souls who duly fulfil this mission of devotion and of love.

Offering of the Hour of Guard.

    Dearest Jesus, my sweetest Saviour, I offer Thee this holy hour of guard, during which, in union with [here name the patrons of your hour], I desire to love and to glorify Thee, and, above all, to condole with Thy adorable heart for the forgetfulness and ingratitude of mankind. Accept, I beseech Thee, for this end, all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; above all, receive my heart, which I give Thee without reserve, en treating Thee to consume it in the fire of Thy pure love.

    May the sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved!

    O my Jesus, I desire to love Thee through this hour for all those hearts who love Thee not.

Patrons for the Various Hours of the Above Devotion.

    1. St. Joseph and all the saints.

    2. All just souls upon earth.

    3. The seraphim.

    4. The cherubim.

    5. The thrones.

    6. The dominations.

    7. The virtues.

    8. The powers.

    9. The principalities.

    10. The archangels.

    11. The angels.

    12. The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Seven Days' Devotion to the Sacred Heart; Or, Meditations on the Seven Words of Our Lord Upon the Cross.

Prayer.

    O divine heart of Jesus, I desire to be Thy faithful disciple. Yes, I will strive, with the help of Thy grace, to meditate on the treasures of love hidden in those adorable words, which the heart of Mary carried away from Calvary as a precious inheritance, and which our holy mother the Church carefully preserves in the holy Gospel.

    But the inconstancy of my mind continually banishes the recollection with which I ought to pray. O my God, Thou knowest my weakness, my tepidity, my frailty. I can do nothing without Thee. O Mary, who didst treasure in Thy heart, and didst meditate on, the words of Jesus, in order to preserve in thee the flames of divine love, obtain for me, I beseech thee, a share in thy spirit of prayer. Amen.

Sunday.

First Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    " Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." O prayer dictated by the heart of Jesus Himself! O abyss of goodness! Before thinking of His mother, His friends, Himself, the first words Jesus utters on the cross are for His executioners, His accusers, His iniquitous judges, for a people who blasphemed Him. His first care is for those who most need it, but who deserve it the least.

    Each word is a character of fire, which pierced the heart of His Father. Jesus complains not of their ingratitude, their cruelty, their malice. He excuses and extenuates their sin.

    " Father, forgive them." They are Thy children, Thy creatures. Thou wouldst not condemn the work of Thy hands. Look upon Thy Son; listen to the voice of His blood, which asks mercy for His brethren. I beseech Thee, by the tenderness of that sweet name of Father, by the obedience I have rendered Thee, the thorny crown which surrounds My head, the nails which pierce My hands and feet, the blood which flows from My body. " Father, forgive them," because I forgive them; I, whom they have injured. Visit Me with death, torments, the cross,—all is the same to me, provided Thou dost g52 DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART.

    forgive those wlio caused My death. Behold how this heart of Jesus has loved mankind!

    The heart of Jesus is the same on the altar as on the cross. His love has not changed. He still loves those who love Him so little. He loves those who love Him not, who hate, blaspheme, and insult Him. For us He shows to His Father the wounds, the marks of which He still preserves; for us Jesus still says, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

    Sin is a mixture of malice and ignorance. Our Redeemer, when He prays for us, seeks to excuse us. On the altar, as on Calvary, Jesus is a victim, a mediator, and not a judge; He excuses the malice of sin, and speaks only of its ignorance. O Lord, how blind am I when I consent to sin! not comprehending all the evil I do myself, and the punishment I deserve. Yet my ignorance is not wholly voluntary. Make me comprehend what sin is, and give me such a horror of it that I may never commit it again.

    If this beloved Son prayed to His Father for those who crucified Him, what will He not do for those who wish to serve Him? Can we fail in confidence when we have so powerful an intercessor with God? O my Jesus, how infinitely worthy of love art Thou! Oh, that I had a thousand lives, in order to consecrate them to Thy service, in acknowledgment of so generous a love!

    Jesus is our Model as well as our Redeemer. His prayer is an example in support of the lessons which He had given during His life. This good Master here practises what He had taught upon the mount. "You have heard it said, Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy: but I say to you, Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute and calumniate you: that you may be the children of your Father in heaven, Who makes His sun to rise on the just and the unjust. If you only love those who love you, what shall be your reward? do not the heathens as much? "

    Such is the teaching of the heart of Jesus. It is impossible to love Him truly if we do not practise this great lesson. How many times have I not closed my heart to His teaching! But what heart can fail to be softened by these words, however little it may reflect, " Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"?

    Do you find it difficult to pardon a serious injury, a sharp word, an unfortunate quarrel, a spiteful satire? Look upon the heart of Jesus praying for you whilst you offend Him. If He had revenged Himself on you, what would have become of you? where would you now be?

    You answer that a great injury has been done you; that you cannot thus abandon your interests. Behold the injury which He receives. Compare what He suffers with what you endure; compare His words with yours, ' ' Father, forgive them," etc.

    He excuses His executioners; you are full of reproaches against those of whom you believe you have reason to complain. He weeps over their misery; you make their trials a subject of gratification. He died in order to save them; you will render them no service, nor even salute them when you meet. Are you the child of this merciful heart?

    Act of Reparation.

    Prostrate at Thy feet, O my divine Master, I most humbly ask Thy pardon for having followed so ill Thy precept and Thy example—I, who, far from forgiving the slightest offence, have only sought to revenge myself by rendering injury for injury.

    O faithful and generous heart of Jesus, Thou forgettest our sins and the torments they have caused Thee in order to preserve Thy guilty children. Pour forth over me, and all the souls consecrated to Thy sacred heart, the waters of that mercy of which Thou art the infinite source, renewing amongst us that union of the early Christians, who had but one heart and one soul.

    Ah, Lord, Thy words converted the soldiers of Calvary; will they make no impression on my heart? O Jesus, suffer not that this should ever be; but, as Thou didst so generously forgive Thy enemies, grant that, for the love, of Thee, I may pardon those who have offended me; so that Thou mayst forgive me my offences now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

Consecration to the Heart of Jesus, Ocean of Goodness.

    O heart of my good Master, this first lesson from Thy cross fills my heart with the most entire confidence.

    O Lord, Thou didst say, " When I shall be raised from the earth, I will draw all things to Myself." I now comprehend the love by which Thou hast gained the hearts of these children of men, in the midst of whom Thou dost delight to dwell, hidden under such obscure veils. Heart of Jesus, ocean of goodness, while Thou dost renew the sacrifice of Calvary in order to apply its merits to me, I give and consecrate myself entirely to Thee. Too often have I renewed the ignominy of Thy passion. Grant that I may participate in the spirit and effects of Thy divine prayer; and commend me to Thy heavenly Father, that, purified in Thy precious blood, I may closely imitate Thee, never preserving in my heart any emotion of hatred or revenge; so that I may say with confidence, "Father, forgive me, as I forgive." Amen.

Monday.

Second Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    " Amen, I say to thee, This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

    Heart of Jesus, throne of mercy, to thee we may fly in our utmost necessities when tried and forsaken. I come in spirit to assist at the sacrifice of Calvary, and meditate on that sentence to which Thou didst give utterance. Oh, who shall fear approaching Thee, divine Saviour, when Thou hast made such a promise to the repentant thief? That humble penitent asked of Thee only a simple remembrance when Thou shouldst come into Thy kingdom; and it is Thy kingdom itself which Thou promisest. Who but Jesus could have made such a promise? He gives without delay; He promises and gives at the same time.

    He gives without reserve: " Thou shalt be with Me." His kingdom, His eternal happiness, He delights to share with those whom He names His servants, His friends, His brethren. He gives cheerfully: "Amen, I say to you, this day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Mistrust not My power. My cross is the key which will open heaven. Mistrust not My heart; should I be in this condition if I had not the wish to save you? Fear not thine own unworthiness; I am come to seek sinners; My glory is to change their hearts and convert them into saints. Our Lord said to the Blessed Mai✝aret Mary, "If men would bnt acknowledge My love, that which I have done for them would appear trifling to Me." His heart is the throne of mercy, of inexhaustible goodness. He is still full of love for those guilty ones, also crucified by sin. From the depths of His sanctuary He regards them, calls them, awaits them, and is ready to pardon their ingratitude at the first sight of a contrite and humble heart. Oh, how good a God do we serve! Whence comes it, O Lord, that so few know and seek Thee? Alas! on Calvary two thieves suffered with Thee; both had the same Redeemer, the same example of patience before their eyes; for both Thy blood flowed; but one alone profited by Thy mercy.

    Amongst those who surround Thy altar suffer not that any should be found so unfortunate as to resist Thy advances, and doubt in the mercy of Thy adorable heart.

    Not only to repentant sinners does the heart of Jesus address these words, " To-day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." When the soul is in a state of grace, it knows well that the kingdom of God is within itself. Jesus realizes His promise: "If any love Me, My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and take up Our abode in him." To be with Jesus is a paradise, even in this world. If Jesus be with us, no enemy can hurt us. He who lives without Jesus is miserably poor; but he who possesses Him is very rich. Be humble and peaceful, and Jesus will be with you; be fervent and gentle, and Jesus will dwell with you. You cannot be happy without loving and being loved; but if Jesus is not above all in your heart, you will be oppressed with chagrin and sadness. In practice I understand little what it is to love Jesus above all things. If I examine my heart, I find it full of the world and of self. O divine heart of Jesus, make Thyself known and loved by Thy poor servant! Teach me the simplicity which leads to Thee alone by an upright intention; teach me the purity of heart which loves and tastes Thee in all things. Ah, when Thou art about to visit my soul in holy communion, say to it in the early morning, c ' This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Act of Reparation.

    My Lord and my God, victim of love in the adorable Eucharist, in which Thou offerest Thyself in sacrifice a thousand times each day, would that I could offer Thee as often the homage of my sorrow and regret for not having recognized Thy love, and responding to it only by indifference, forgetfulness, contempt, and ingratitude I Oh, was not the ignominy of Calvary sufficient? Must Thou, even amongst Thy children, meet with so much coldness and irreverence, slothfulness in Thy service, resistance to Thy grace, and inconstancy in good resolutions?

    O most loving heart, I beseech Thee put an end to the reign of self-love in my soul. Come and make Thy dwelling there, and 1 will listen to Thy voice, and hear Thee utter those sweet words, "If thou wilt, thou shalt be with Me in paradise." Amen.

Consecration to the Heart of Jesus, Throne of Mercy.

    Heart infinitely merciful, I recommend to Thee my person and my life, my actions, my prayers, my desires. I wish only to make use of my body and soul in Thy service, to serve, honor, and glorify Thee. Throne of mercy, in which divine justice embraces and pardons the sinner, I place all my trust in Thee. Destroy in me whatever displeases Thee; place therein those virtues which may render me pleasing to the Lord; imprint Thy fear and love in my soul, so that I may never forget Thee, nor deliberately separate myself from Thee by sin; and let my name be written on and never effaced from Thy heart, O my loving Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday.

Third Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    , behold thy son. Behold thy mother.' 1 ' 1 O tenderness of the heart of Jesus, which confided us to His holy Mother! The Lord Jesus in the midst of His torments omitted nothing which concerned His office as Saviour. He was solicitous for all His brethren, and procured for men an asylum to which they might have recourse in all their necessities. Already He had given His Father to be our Father by the words, " Our Father, "Who art in heaven." Now He gives us His Mother in order that we may be His brethren.

    Let us appreciate such a prerogative, and comprehend also the mystery hidden under these words of the Gospel, "The disciple whom Jesus loved." St. John is not distinguished by his own name, but by that which is common to all of us, for we are also disciples of Jesus, and disciples loved so dearly that we may say with the great apostle, i ' He loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." O tenderness of the heart of Jesus, which permits us to share His title of child of Mary! Oh, the greatness of the gift which Jesus makes us by this solemn bequeathal! He desires that we should have for Mary the filial love by which His own heart was filled, and that this most holy mother should have for her children of Calvary the care and affection which she always had for Jesus.

    Consider that the heart of Jesus addresses the like words to you when you have the happiness of hearing the holy Mass: 4 ' Love My Mother; she is thine. Confide in her powerful protection, rely on her tenderness." Yes, let us love Mary; she will teach us to love Jesus as she loved Him herself. Admirable school of the heart of Jesus! henceforth let us love this sacred Heart alone.

    Examine yourself in presence of this adorable heart. What is your devotion for the Blessed Virgin? Does it not consist more in words than in constancy, in praying to her, and, above all, in imitating her? Are you really the servant of the sacred heart of Jesus? You bear the name of being so: then verify it by a truly Christian life. Study the sentiments of the heart of Jesus in order to conform your own to them; it is the spirit He would desire you to have, and without which it is impossible to preserve peace and union with your neighbor.

    Act of Reparation.

    O good and loving heart of Jesus, Who hast given me Thy holy Mother as the most precious pledge of Thy tenderness, I beseech Thee to pardon the indifference with which I have responded to Thy love and to her watchful solicitude. How little grateful have I been, O Jesus, for this favor, the source of so many benefits to me! Vouchsafe, through Thy infinite merits, to make amends for my weakness and misery. Thy heart shall be my treasure of gratitude, which I will offer to our heavenly Father, to our blessed Mother, and to Thyself, adorable Redeemer. Amen.

Consecration to the Heart of Jesus.

    Heart infinitely loving and worthy of being loved, behold me Lord Jesus, the child of Thy divine heart, penetrated with gratitude for Thy infinite love, renew to Thee the homage of a consecration which I desire to repeat every instant of the day and night. O my Lord and Master! I consecrate to Thee my mind, in order that Thou mayst direct it according to the light of faith; my will, that it may be conformed to Thy holy will; my heart and all its affections, that nothing may be found which may be displeasing in the sight of Thy infinite purity when Thou enterest therein in holy communion. Mary, my tender mother I I love and honor thee in the heart of Jesus through thine own immaculate heart, I desire to love thy divine Son now and forever. Amen.

Wednesday.

Fourth Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" O sad and touching complaint of the heart of Jesus to His Father! Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself these sufferings. He endured them with an ardent love, an invincible patience, confidence, and boundless submission to the divine will. He knows that His sufferings approach their termination. Why then does He complain? Only to teach us the excess of His grief. His soul is sad even unto death. He makes known to us the only comfort of the afflicted. It is from God alone that we can receive so efficacious a succor. Finally, Jesus reveals to us that the cause of His sufferings does not proceed from Himself, but from us; and in the twenty-first Psalm the prophet declares the cause of this severe abandonment.

    Let us listen to the complaint of the heart of Jesus to His children and to sinners. From the tabernacle in which the divine Lord resides, from His altars on which He continually renews throughout the world the sacrifice of the cross, Our Lord still complains of being forsaken. Alas! we hasten to worldly amusements, festivities, and enjoyments, without heeding the loss of time; but when Jesus is concerned, that victim of love Who is ever occupied in pleading for us with divine justice, some will be heard to complain of the obligations imposed on them by the Church; others think it a trouble to walk thither, or they carry with them a dissipated mind, a heart full of tepidity and distractions, whilst their whole demeanor is void of reverence. It is not His enemies alone who treat Him thus; but that which afflicts Him the most is that those whose hearts are consecrated to Him also neglect Him. Children of the sacred heart, listen to this complaint which comes forth from the sanctuary: "I have looked for one that would comfort Me amongst My friends and My children, but their hearts are far from Me, though with their lips they seem to honor Me." There is another lesson given us by Jesus in these mysterious words. His heart vouchsafed to suffer the bitterness of aridity and want of consolation, the necessary crucible in which souls must be purified. Oh, who can sound the depth of Thy love, generous heart of Jesus? Thou couldst not cease to be united with Thy Father, for Thy will was always one with His, and as God Thou didst never cease to be one with Him and the Holy Ghost.

    Nevertheless Thou didst vouchsafe to suffer interior trial without consolation, exterior suffering without alleviation; and this double abandonment happens to those souls whom Thou wouldst render worthy of Thy most intimate communications. In meditating on Thy cross they comprehend this truth, and exclaim, The more we suffer, the more God loves us!

    Consider your own heart at the feet of our crucified Saviour. Do you not complain of the effort it costs you to discharge your daily duties, of the small consolation you find in the practice of virtue or the exercise of Christian piety? You desire to experience the species of fascination which leads you to satisfy your natural inclinations; and because the empire of grace is established in conflict with self-love, it seems to you as if your soul positively rebelled against the practice of virtue. Oh, it is at this very time that you must closely draw near to Jesus to pray with Him. The better we suffer, the more we love God.

    Act of Reparation.

    O adorable Jesus, Who hast devoted Thyself for me to the rigors of eternal justice, suffer me to seek a refuge in Thy sacred heart, in which I place all my hope and g60 DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART.

    O almighty and most just God, I present Thee the passion, the wounds, merits, blood, and death of Jesus Christ. I place His sacred heart between Thyself and me, for I have no other defence against Thy judgment. Thou hast given me Thy Son; He beholds my miseries, His heart feels them, His voice implores my deliverance. Grant me all that He asks in my be half in time and eternity.

Consecration to the Agonizing Heart of Jesus.

    Place Thyself as a seal upon my heart, O my divine Master, so that I may patiently suffer the trials Thou mayst see fit to send me. Yes, my Jesus, I desire to consecrate myself to Thy heart, agonizing under the weight of divine justice and the burden of my sins. Thou hast put aside Thine own honor, Thine own will; give me the courage to conquer myself, to triumph over my slothf illness and my sins; give me the strength to suffer, and the grace to love Thee forever. Amen.

Thursday.

Fifth Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

"I thirst."

    Oh, what a severe and physical thirst was this! The extreme anguish which Jesus had endured during ten hours, without one moment's rest, had enkindled in His breast a devouring fire. The blood which flowed from His wounds increased each moment this painful torture; nevertheless Jesus endured it three long hours on the cross without complaining; and when He does complain, it is not to be comforted, but, in order to suffer more by tasting the vinegar, and at the same time to accomplish the will of His Father, as expressed in the Holy Scripture, He contented Himself with a single word, "I thirst." Thus did He expiate for our sensuality, in order to teach us to make our sufferings known with resignation and without impatience.

    This thirst was also mysterious; it was the thirst of His soul devoured with love for His Father and for all mankind. Jesus had an ardent desire to accomplish the will of His Father. During His life He had said, c ' My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me." Now He says that it is His thirst. 4 ' Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after justice." An- other desire filled the heart of Jesus—it was to suffer for us. In the Garden of Olives He had besought His Father to take away the chalice. On the cross He says that He still thirsts. " Still more, O Lord!" exclaims St. Francis Xavier, who understood the generosity of such a thirst.

    From His altar Jesus says the same to me. He thirsts for my love; thirsts for me, that I may have a zeal for others, in order that I may contribute to the salvation of souls as far as in my power. There is yet another thirst which Jesus has, which I can relieve: the poor are His members; in them He suffers both hunger and thirst. How few, when giving alms, behold Him, by a lively faith, under the guise of poverty! But the adorer of the sacred heart should strive to imbue himself with the sentiments of Jesus, in order to conform his own to them.

    "What am I, O Lord, compared to what Thou dost expect to find in me? Alas! I behold in my soul only tepidity in Thy love, nay, an absolute void when there is question of loving Thee. Self-love restrains me in the narrow circle of my personal interests; I exact much from others, whilst I cannot bear the slightest suffering without exaggerated complaint or murmuring at any involuntary annoyance which I may have to suffer; and in place of the virtues which Thou requirest of me, I offer Thee, with Thy executioners of Calvary, only a bitter and unpleasant draught.

    Act of Reparation.

    Behold me, O Lord Jesus, prostrate with a lively faith before Thy divine majesty, to make reparation to Thee for having been hitherto so ungrateful in Thy service. There lives not one full of good will and affection for me whom I do not love in return, and rejoice to visit, whilst I forget and abandon Thee, O heart of Jesus, w T orthy of the adoration of men and angels. Heart truly worthy to possess the hearts of all mankind, vouchsafe to change this heart of mine; purify and inflame it with Thy love, that, becoming faithful and fervent, I may endeavor to practise virtue amongst those who bear like me the name of children of Thy sacred heart. Amen.

    Consecration to the Heart of Jesus, Source of Living Waters. Lord Jesus, Thou hast said these sweet words, u If any one thirst, let him come to Me, and drink." Thou art the fountain of living waters which flow for eternal life, and at the same time, Thou art that Saviour from Whom I hear that mysterious com, plaint " I thirst." Ah, loving Redeemer, Thou thirsteth after this heart of mine; I beseech Thee take it, and place it for evermore within Thine own. Teach me the holy art of zeal and charity, in order to make Thee known and loved by those with whom I have any influence. Let this living water—that is to say, that grace of which Thy heart is the fruitful source—springup in my understanding, in order to enlighten it; in my memory, to purify it; in my will, to direct it; and in my heart, to sanctify and inflame it with Thy holy love. Amen.

Friday.

Sixth Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    " All is consummated."

    Our Lord fully accomplished everything for which He came into the world. Jesus looked back upon His life, from His birth in the stable to the last scene on Calvary. He reflected on the various parts He had enacted as Mediator, Redeemer, Teacher, Lawgiver, High Priest, and Guide to eternity, and found that He had accomplished everything, and done all with perfection. He had preached the evangelical truths, confirmed His doctrine by miracles, re-established the kingdom of God, destroyed the slavery of the devil, sanctified all the elect by one single sacrifice, and traced the model for every virtue. "All is consummated."

    Jesus reflected on the prophecies which announced the labors, humiliations, indignities, and sufferings which divine justice exacted in order to efface our crimes; and seeing that all was accomplished, without having failed in a single point, His soul was filled with joy at having satisfied His Father and saved mankind. "All is consummated."

    Our Lord reflected on all the good He had done to mankind during His life, and found that He had spared nothing in their favor, but that He had given them everything—His blood, His strength, His graces, His merits, His doctrine, all the moments of His life, and all the tenderness of His heart. " All is consummated."

    One glance over the future showed our divine Lord all the children of His Church until the end of the world. He beheld the treasures of His merits open to all in the sacraments, the teaching of His doctrine perpetuated throughout all ages by the authority of this holy Church; He beheld the zeal of the apostles, the courage of the martyrs, the purity of the virgins. The love of the heart of Jesus has omitted nothing. i < All is consummated."

    Jesus has fully accomplished everything in my regard. What has not this good Master done for me? How many graces have I not received since that of baptism, besides the benefits, in common with others, of creation, redemption, and vocation to Christianity? How many special graces has He not granted me, by my birth of Christian parents, my religious education, even within the shade of the sanctuary and in the heart of Jesus? also by good example, wise and prudent direction, the reception of the sacraments, missions, and daily assistance at the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Oh, what treasures have been opened to me, if I had but profited by them sufficiently! Even to my own soul may Jesus say from the altar, " All is consummated. What could I do for My vineyard that I have not done?"

    What have I myself done to consummate the work of my salvation? What shall I render Thee, O Lord, for so many benefits? On Thy part all is consummated, but on mine everything yet remains to be done. I must concur in the work of my salvation, in order that the merits of my Saviour's passion may be applied to my soul: I must earnestly labor to purify my soul, conquer my evil inclinations, and faithfully accomplish the duties of my state.

    I must imitate the example of Jesus Christ: pardon my enemies, sacrifice my interests to the glory of God, mortify my senses, render good for evil, destroy the reign of sin wherever I discover it, omit no good which may possibly be done, and not, lose a moment of the time which is given me in order to gain eternity.

Examen and Resolutions.

    These great words, " All is consummated," comprise the life of him who passes from time to eternity. Happy is he who can say with St. Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have ended my course, I have kept the faith; there remains for me only to await the crown." Now will end the labors, trials, and sacrifices of virtue. "All is consummated." The crown only remains; worldly joys have ended—vain pleasures, frivolous amusements, riches, and earthly glory,—"All is consummated." Eternity only remains.

    0 my God, if this moment was the last of my life, could I confidently say, "All is consummated "? Have I observed Thy law, fulfilled Thy commandments, avoided what Thou dost forbid, and accomplished the duties which have been imposed on me? Have I loved Thee above all things, and my neighbor as my self? Have I received trials with resignation, and joy with thanksgiving, as coming from the hand of God? Have I asked pardon for my sins, and pardoned those who have offended me?

    Do not quit Our Lord without a generous resolve to sacrifice to His love what He requires of you.

    Act of Reparation.

    1 cast myself at the foot of Thy cross, adorable Jesus, in order to beg Thy forgiveness for my continual opposition to Thy divine example. Alas! far from endeavoring to finish the work Thou hast confided to me, I have destroyed Thy image in my soul by my sins. The good resolutions with which Thy grace in spires me encounter only dissipation, inconstancy, self-love, and vanity, as continual obstacles to Thy mercy. O Lord, Who hast given me everything with so much goodness, grant me the additional favor nevermore to abuse it. Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may fully avail myself of all the blessings with which Thou load-est me, that I may eagerly seek them and faithfully use them; and that my life may be a life of gratitude, as Thine, O loving Lord, was one of goodness and infinite generosity. Amen.

Consecration to the Heart of Jesus, from the Fulness of which We have All Received.

    Most bountiful and generous Saviour, in Whom I live and move and have my being, Whom Thou hast purchased with a great price, it is from Thee that all good gifts proceed; I belong to Thee by the sacred titles named in Thy holy Gospel. O my Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, to Thy hands the Eternal Father has committed the children of men, and through Thee we have access to the throne of mercy. Prostrate before the throne of Thy love, I consecrate to Thee my body, my soul, my Jife, all that I am, and all that I have or hope to receive.

    Vouchsafe, according to the riches of Thy glory, to strengthen my soul by Thy grace, and dwell by faith in my heart; so that, being rooted and grounded in charity, I may understand with Thy saints what is the height, and length, and depth, and breadth of Thy love, which surpasseth all understanding. Finally, grant, O Lord, that at the hour of death I may confidently say, " All is consummated." Amen.

Saturday.

Seventh Meditation on the Heart of Jesus.

    " Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit"

    Oh, how full of filial confidence is this prayer of Jesus! Be hold the last words of the Son of God, which ought to make a particular impression on the hearts of His children. I will meditate upon them, in order to remember them all the days of my life, and repeat them again at the hour of my death, in union with my divine Master.

    "My Father!" O name of confidence and love, which softens the rigors of death. "I commend my spirit." Jesus speaks not of His riches. He has none, and not one of His creatures can carry them to the other world. He spoke not of His honor—He had renounced it; He died contemned by all. O sweet and loving Jesus, render my heart like to Thine. Our Lord speaks not of His body; He thought but little of it; He abandoned it to suffering and death. " Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Thou alone canst receive it, Thou hast given it to Me. I confide it to Thee alone. I place it in Thy hands, as belonging entirely to Thee.

    O Jesus, Thou dost commend to Thy Father the souls of Thy elect. Christians by attaching themselves to Jesus Christ be come, says St. Paul, "one and the same spirit with Him." "What a consolation for a true servant of the sacred heart, who makes it his study to renew daily his act of consecration, giving himself to this loving Saviour! The day will come when all will fade away, whether we will or no; when the just as well as the sinner must give back to the earth the body formed of the earth, giving back to God the spirit which came from God.

    At present our soul is in our hands; we can do with it whatever we please. We may deliver it up to the pleasures of sense, the follies of the world, the love of earthly goods, the blindness of error, the hardness of sin; or we may, on the contrary, with the assistance of grace, exercise it in virtue, raise it to heaven, unite it to God, and fill it with His love; but what ever part we take we must give it up into the hands of God. In order to secure a favorable reception, let us give it now to the heart of Jesus.

    These words of Jesus are indeed a lesson to us. Our Lord confirms by His example the doctrine that He has taught us, recommending to us a childlike confidence in our heavenly Father. 4 ' Your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things; be not solicitous, therefore, as the heathens are. Behold the birds of the air; your heavenly Father feedeththem: consider the lilies of the field; not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. How much more care will not your heavenly Father take of you His children?"

    O my Jesus, give me a heart like unto Thine. I am Thine in life and death, trusting that Thou wilt again repeat in my behalf Thy last words, "Father, I commend this soul, the soul of this servant who is Mine, into Thy merciful hands." How have I hitherto practised this childlike confidence toward God? Every day I several times repeat the words, " Our Father, Who art in heaven." Ah! is my heart in accordance with my lips?

    What is my confidence in the heart of Jesus? He has taken me to His heart, mindful of His mercy, which is shown forth from generation to generation to those who love and fear Him.

    O loving Jesus, I feel my unworthiness, my weakness, my poverty; but I hear those sweet words coming from that adorable heart, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you." O Lord, wash my soul in the blood which flows from Thy wounds, and give a new heart to all those who in loving penitence invoke Thee. Amen.

Act of Reparation.

    O my divine Jesus, why cannot I, by my reverential homage, make reparation for the neglect with which I have too long repaid Thy love? I unite myself to the holy angels who received Thy last sigh; they were near Thee, O Lord, in order to honor Thy victory; let their praises make amends for my want of gratitude, so long, alas, withheld.

    I unite myself to the heart of Thy blessed Mother, who meditated so lovingly on Thy last words; let the fervor of Thy love supply for the coldness of mine. Receive, O my Jesus, and place within Thy heart Thy child, who returns to Thee sincerely resolved to love Thee above all things.

Consecration to the Heart of Jesus.

    King and centre of the hearts of all mankind, heart of Jesus, truly king of all hearts, reign as a sovereign master in my affections now and forever. I will study more and more to know and love Thee, and strive with all my power to make Thee known and loved by others. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to give me the spirit of devotion to Thy sacred heart, in which I beseech Thee to receive me, with all those in the salvation of whom I am most deeply interested. Oh, how good it is to dwell in the heart of Jesus! I will unburden my heart to that of my Lord and Saviour. I will confide to Him all my thoughts and all the affections of my soul, beseeching Him to enlighten, comfort, and conduct me to His divine Father. O Jesus, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Amen.

An Hour's Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament,

FOR THE FORTY HOURS, HOLY THURSDAY, OR OTHER FEASTS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.

Acts to Be Made Before Each Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament.

    Lord Jesus Christ, Who, through the love which Thou bearest to men, dost remain with them, day and night, in this sacrament, full of mercy and of love, expecting, inviting, and receiving all who come to visit Thee: I believe that Thou art present in the Sacrament of the Altar. From the abyss of my nothingness I adore Thee, and I thank Thee for all the favors which Thou hast bestowed upon me, particularly for having given me Thyself in this sacrament, for having given me for my advocate Thy most holy Mother Mary, and for having called me to visit Thee in this church.

    I, this day, salute Thy most loving heart, and I wish to salute it for three ends: first, in thanksgiving for this great gift; secondly, in compensation for all the injuries Thou hast received from Thy enemies in this sacrament; thirdly, I wish, by this visit, to adore Thee in all places in which Thou art least honored and most abandoned in the Holy Sacrament. My Jesus, I love Thee with my whole heart. I am sorry for having hitherto offended Thy infinite goodness. I purpose, with the assistance of Thy grace, nevermore to offend Thee; and, at this moment, miserable as I am, I consecrate my whole being to Thee. I give Thee my entire will, all my affections and desires, and all that I have. From this day forward, do what Thou wilt with me, and with whatever belongs to me. I ask and desire only Thy holy love, the gift of final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of Thy will. I recommend to Thee the souls in purgatory, particularly those who were most devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and to most holy Mary; and I also recommend to Thee all poor sinners. Finally, my dear Saviour, I unite all my affections with the affections of Thy most loving heart; and, thus united, I offer them to Thy Eternal Father, and I entreat Him, in Thy name, and for Thy sake, to accept them.

The First Quarter of an Hour.

Five Minutes.

    Place yourself in the presence of Jesus, the good God, the Almighty Lord of heaven and earth, Who is there awaiting your meed of adoration, and respect, and love, and reparation.

    O my Lord Jesus, Son of God, Son of Mary, I believe that Thou art here present, I know it, I feel it in my soul that Thou art here before me. And if I did not feel this, and didst Thou hide Thyself from my soul as well as from my eyes, still would I believe, because Thou hast said it, O God of truth, Who canst not deceive. I adore Thee, I prostrate myself before Thee in the most profound respect and adoration. Recite a decade of the Rosary in a spirit of adoration.

Five Minutes.

    Think what happiness is yours to be admitted thus to the presence of Jesus. How many sick people sigh for Him and cannot come to Him. How many mothers long to come and speak to Him of their children and all their cares, and cannot leave home to visit Him. How many in distant lands where churches are few, or in the lonely part of the country, long with an exile's longing to kneel before the lighted altar of adoration as you do.

    Oh, thank Jesus from your heart for the great privilege you enjoy.

    Recite a decade of the Rosary from a spirit of thanksgiving.

Five Minutes.

    Think how Jesus with a boundless liberality opens to-day the infinite treasures of His heart. You are poor; come and be made rich. You are ill; He will cure you. Come, if your heart is troubled and anxious; He can calm it. Come, trembling, guilty soul; come and be pardoned. Oh, how happy I am, my God, how happy I am! I have come to spend this blessed hour with Thee, and Thou canst send me forth a saint. My heart is open; O Jesus, fill it with Thy grace, that it may become pleasing to Thee.

    O Mother Mary, help me to keep all the gifts my good Master gives to me.

    Recite one decade of the Rosary to obtain confidence and fervor.

Second Quarter of an Hour.

Five Minutes.

    Speak to Jesus in the Eucharist; compassionate the sufferings of His passion, and His sufferings in the tabernacle where men neglect Him. I suffer for you, My child, He says from the tabernacle. Your sins have merited punishment, and that punishment I have taken upon Me. If the hand of God has not lain heavily upon you, if you are happy, if your parents, your health, are spared to you, all is due to My love for you.

    What afflicts Thee in the tabernacle, dear Jesus? The neglect of souls who leave Me alone, or grow quickly weary of praying to Me; the sacrileges of some; the blasphemies of many who join My enemies against Me. O My child, make reparation to Me for these!

    Recite a decade of the Rosary in union with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Five Minutes.

    The best means to make reparation to Jesus is to become yourself holy and pleasing to Him. Tell God that you desire this, and desire it sincerely. My Jesus! I desire that from this moment henceforth my heart should be Thine only. Hitherto each day has seemed only to strengthen and increase my faults and bad habits, so making Thee suffer more and more; but now, my God, I wish only to please Thee. I will no longer be amongst those who neglect Thee and cause Thee pain. Inspire me, my God, tell me what Thou wishest me to do.

    O Mary, help me to amend my life!

    Recite a decade of the Rosary for this intention.

Five Minutes.

    Tel! Jesus some of the means you intend to take in order to carry out your duties perfectly; how you mean to be a saint; you will fly occasions of sin, you will listen to all holy thoughts and warnings of conscience that pass across your heart, you will pray with recollection, you will frequent the sacraments.

    Recite a decade of the Rosary to beg your Mother Mary to take your resolutions under her protection and to help you to keep them.

Third Quarter of an Hour.

Five Minutes.

    Listen to Jesus: " My child, since you wish to comfort Me, to amend your life, to become a saint, commence to-day by accepting, in atonement for your faults and in reparation for the outrages I suffer from men, all the troubles which I shall send you. Do not complain, do not murmur; say with Me, if they seem hard to bear: 'O Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass away;' but always add with Me: 'Yet not My will, but Thine be done.'' Then submit and adore and bless My will, knowing that all I permit is for your salvation." Say a decade of the Rosary in a spirit of resignation to God's holy will.

Five Minutes.

    Again listen to Jesus: "In order to expiate your own faults and in reparation for the outrages done Me, you must become filled with a lively faith and a profound respect towards My majesty hidden in the tabernacle. Everything around the altar should speak to your soul of this. The lamp, which ever burns before Me, tells you that I am present. The sanctuary, enclosed and silent, reminds you of My sanctity and union with God. The tabernacle tells of My love for a hidden life. The purity of the sacred vessels warns you of the purity I look for in your soul."

    Say a decade of the Rosary to obtain the gift of faith.

Five Minutes.

    Once more listen to Jesus: " Since you wish to expiate your faults, and to atone to Me for the outrages done Me, try to gain souls to My service. There are souls dear to Me at this moment blaspheming Me, and dying, only to be buried in hell. My child, My child, you can win them back to Me. Pray, suffer, atone, and ask pardon for them."

    Say a decade of the Rosary for souls on the point of death.

Fourth Quarter of an Hour.

Five Minutes.

    My God, I desire to do all that Thou hast asked of me; permit me, prostrate at Thy feet, to declare my devotion to Thy service. Too long, O Lord, have I served the devil and the world! I will now, in Thy presence, renew with true sincerity the promises I made at baptism: "I renounce the devil with all his works, the world with all its pomps, the flesh with all its temptations, and I will cling to Jesus alone forever and ever."

    Repeat this several times, and say a decade of the Rosary to obtain strength to keep your good resolutions.

Five Minutes.

    My God, there are two graces which I beg of Thee to give me, that I may keep all my good resolutions. The first is a great devotion to holy communion, that I may love it as St. Teresa did when she braved tempest and storm, and the risk of serious illness, that she might communicate, saying to those who bade her take care of herself: " Let me, let me communicate! I cannot live longer without Jesus." That I may love it like St. Francis de Sales, the loud beating of whose heart told when the tabernacle was opened.

    That I may love it as a holy child whose whole life was spent in preparation for communion. "This act of self-denial," she would say, " is to ornament the chamber of my heart for Jesus. This duty will yield a sweet perfume there. Each act of silence will spread flowers for His feet." Happy child I whilst living for Jesus alone, she reaped the reward of her goodness even on earth in the love of all around her.

    Recite a decade of the Rosary to obtain devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

Five Minutes.

    The second grace I ask of Thee is devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Mary and the Eucharist cannot be divided. You can not love the Eucharist without loving the Mother of Jesus; you cannot be devout to Mary without feeling drawn to frequent communion.

    O Jesus, let me love Mary as Thou didst love her!

    Let me strive to please her as Thou didst.

    O Jesus, make me docile to all her words, her commands, her inspirations, as Thou wert obedient to them.

    She is my Mother, for Thou gavest her to me. O Jesus, before I leave Thy feet to-day say once more to Mary as Thou didst on Calvary, " Mother, behold thy child."

    Recite a decade of the Rosary to thank Mary for having adopted you as her child.

    Recommend to Jesus the Church, the intentions of the Pope, and your parents; ask His blessing, and leave the church quietly.