Part 33
There have been no new doctrines added to the dogmas of the Church. People are sometimes scandalized when they hear, from Protestant and infidel sources, that the Church is continually adding to her faith without any warrant from God. Such, however, is not a fact. The present living Church can add nothing to the revelation of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. St. Bernard and the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas, both teach that the Church cannot celebrate the feast of what is not holy. From time immemorial the feast of the Immaculate Conception has been celebrated; it was considered holy then, and is now no new doctrine. The nativity of the same holy Virgin is kept as a solemnity in the Church, because Mary was born full of grace. Therefore, had the first moment of Mary’s existence been one of sin, as that of all the other children of Adam, it never could have been made the subject of reverence by the Church. O Mary, thou bright ray of hope, penetrate our hearts, that we may rejoice in thy motherhood; thou art the dearest, purest, holiest Mother, whom we love most tenderly.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Fifteenth Day.
How thy gentle light gladdens our weary eyes, sweet Mother! Generations had followed generations on this earth of ours; men looked up to heaven through their tears, hoping to see on the horizon the Star which they had been told should disperse the gloomy horrors of the world’s darkness. O thou fair Morning Star, which dost shed thy blessed rays on the sea, and dost bring calm after long stormy night, prepare our eyes, that they may behold the divine Sun which will soon follow in thy path, and give to the world His reign of light. To see Jesus in truth our hearts must be pure; purify them, then, O Mother, especially during this sacred time of Advent, that we, the children of the Church, reflecting on the jealous care wherewith God preserved thee from every stain of sin, because thou wast to be the Mother of His divine Son, might prepare to receive this same Jesus by the most perfect renouncing of every sin, and every attachment to it. Cease not to bless and protect all these that honor thy great privilege of being conceived without sin. May this feast fit us for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Thou art all beautiful, O Mary, and there is no stain of sin in thee.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Sixteenth Day.
The Church cries out a welcome to the advent of Christ, during this time; making us feel as if we sat in darkness, as if we were as degraded as was man before the coming of the Messias: “O Wisdom,” she cries out, “Who camest forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching in Thy strength from end to end, and sweetly disposing all things, come teach us the way of prudence.” The first title given to Jesus is that of Wisdom, the eternal Wisdom of God, and the source of all wisdom to men for all time. The eternal Word disposes all things sweetly: everything that happens in heaven and on earth is arranged by Him, not unkindly, nor harshly, but sweetly. We invite Him to come and teach us the ways of prudence, because where there is prudence all must be well. Teach me, O Jesus, the lesson of prudence, which will guide me safely to the kingdom of heaven. The prophet Micheas says of the Child to be born in Bethlehem: “His going forth is from the beginning from the days of eternity.” O divine Wisdom, how strong art Thou, in thus reaching Thine ends by means which are infallible though hidden!
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Seventeenth Day.
O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, Who didst appear to Moses in the fire of the flaming bush, and didst give him the Law on Sinai, come and save us with a stretched forth arm! O sovereign, almighty Lord, come to redeem us! Heretofore Thou didst show Thyself to Moses in a fiery bush, Thou didst give Thy Law to Thy people amidst thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai; come and redeem us now in the goodness of Thy Heart, in kindness and love. Thy chaste Mother, having heard the emperor’s edict, which obliges her and Joseph, her spouse, to repair to Bethlehem, prepares everything needful for Thy divine birth. She makes ready the humble swaddling‐clothes which are to cover and protect Thee from the cold of that midnight hour. Thus it is that Thou willest to deliver us from the slavery of pride, and to show man that Thy divine arm is never stronger than when he thinks it powerless. Everything is prepared for Thy reception, except our hearts, which still await Thy holy grace, which is to change them, and make them fit temples for Thy abode.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Eighteenth Day.
The expectation of the birth of Our Lord is a fact which is celebrated throughout the Church. The expectation of the world is now at its greatest tension. Nobody knows whether the event of the birth of Christ is going to take place to‐day, or to‐morrow; but soon it will be accomplished. Everything is in readiness; the earth groans for need of the Lord, the holy people pray that they may see the great day; we, too, on this feast, will pray for the coming of the Lord. We wish with all our hearts that the Messias would come. Most just indeed it is, O holy Mother of God, that we should unite in that ardent desire thou hadst to see Him, Who had been concealed for nine months in thy chaste womb; to know the features of the Son of the heavenly Father; to come to that blissful hour of His birth, which will give glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men of good‐will. Yes, dear Mother, the time is fast approaching, though not fast enough to satisfy thy desires and ours. Make us, O Mary, redouble our attention to this great mystery; complete our preparation by thy powerful prayers for us, that when His hour has come, Jesus may find no obstacle to His entry into our hearts.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Nineteenth Day.
O Root of Jesse, Who standest as the standard of the people, before Whom kings shall not open their lips; to Whom the nations shall pray, come and deliver us: tarry now no more. At length, O Son of Jesse, Thou art approaching the city of Thy ancestors! The ark of the Lord has arisen, and is journeying with the God that is in her to the place of rest. “How beautiful are thy steps, O thou daughter of the Prince,” now that thou art bringing to the cities of Juda their salvation! The angels escort thee, heaven delights in thee, and earth thrills with joy to bear thus upon itself, its Creator and its Queen. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the invisible God; there did He deign to dwell, Whom even thrones cannot hold, and she bore Him as a light weight. Our hearts, O Mary, are with thee. Like thy royal ancestor, David, “we will enter not into the dwelling, our house, nor go up to bed whereon we lie, nor give sleep to our eyes, nor rest to our temples,” until we have found the place in our hearts for the Lord Whom thou bearest, a tabernacle for this God of Jacob. Then will be silenced the enemies of thy name, and nations will offer thee their prayers.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Twentieth Day.
O Key of David and Sceptre of the house of Israel! Who openest and no man shutteth; Who shuttest and no man openeth; come and lead the captive from prison, sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of death. O Gabriel! blest messenger of heaven, thou camest through closed doors, and didst announce the word “Thou shalt conceive and bear a Son, and He shall be called Emmanuel”! O Jesus, Son of David, heir to his throne and his power, Thou art now passing over, on Thy way to Bethlehem, the land that once was the kingdom of Thy ancestors, but now is tributary to the Gentiles. Not an inch of this ground about Bethlehem, historic for many centuries, but has witnessed the miracles of the justice and mercy of Jehovah, Thy Father, to the people of that Old Covenant which is so soon to end. Before long, when Thou hast come from beneath the virginal cloud which now hides Thee, Thou wilt pass along this same road, doing good, healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity; and yet having not whereon to lay Thy head. Thou art now about to come forth, Thou art now to shine in the midst of this world’s darkness. Open the gates then, with this all powerful Key of David.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Twenty‐first Day.
Orient Splendor of eternal light, and Sun of justice! Come and enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. O Jesus, bright light from heaven, the brightness of God Himself, the Splendor of the early Sun: we welcome Thee. We need Thy light, for we sit in darkness: all are in darkness who commit sin, and the world is full of sin. Jesus, the great Sun, must rise over this darkness, that it may be dissipated, and a new life may be infused into it; then the angel of darkness will fly away; then will grow the life of light. Nothing prospers in darkness; man sleeps and does not work, plants fade and die; so that, O Light of the splendid Orient, arise in our hearts! We beseech Thee, O God, to remove from us all that resists Thee, so that with a believing heart we may in such a manner bring forth the branches of Thy gifts bestowed on us, that the root of humility may never dry up within us.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Twenty‐second Day.
O King of nations and their desired One, the corner‐stone that joinest the two walls! Come and save man, whom Thou didst form out of slime. O King of peace! Thou wast born before all ages! come by the golden gate; visit those whom Thou hast redeemed, and lead them back to the place from whence they fell by sin. The journey of Our Lord to Bethlehem is nearly over, and our blessed Mother is engrossed entirely in the expectation of the coming of her divine Son. She adores His majesty; she gives thanks for His mercy; she rejoices that she has been chosen for the sublime ministry of motherhood towards the Son of God. Mary longs for that happy day when her eyes will look upon Him, and yet she fears that moment, too. How will she be able to serve her God in His human life? How will she dare to raise Him up in her arms—the King of nations, and she but a humble Virgin? When she reflects that the hour is approaching in which she is to see the Light of the world, her heart almost fails her, for on the one hand she knows that she bears her God, and on the other she is full of love because she is His Mother. Come, then, speedily we beseech Thee, come and save us!
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Twenty‐third Day.
O Emmanuel, Our King and Lawgiver, the expectation of the Gentiles and their Saviour, come and save us, O Lord, Our God! O Jerusalem, city of the great God! lift up thine eyes round about, and see thy Lord, for He is coming to loose thee from thy chains. As Mary and Joseph passed Jerusalem they surely did not omit to visit the Temple of the Lord. This was the first visit which Our Lord paid to His Father’s house. Then was fulfilled for the first time the prophecy of Aggeus. “Great shall be the glory of this last house, more than of the first.” Now was standing in this second Temple the Ark of the New Covenant, greater by far than the Ark of Moses. The angels that lived in the Temple were roused to special prayer on that occasion. Mary and Joseph, when their devotions were ended, hastened on their way in order that they might seek suitable shelter, but they were to be disappointed everywhere. Thus Jesus Christ, the Son of God, comes into the world.
Prayer.
O Lord Jesus, Who didst, for the love of us, etc., etc.
Twenty‐fourth Day.
Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. They knocked at several doors for admittance or for information, but were invariably turned away; for great was the crowd that was going the same way. The rich had their houses engaged; the poor had to look for shelter in any place. Joseph, mindful of Mary, his spouse, was much concerned for her comfort, and he did the best he could. After great industry he at last found a cave where she might have shelter from the open sky, and the darkness and chilliness of the night. This holy eve is indeed full of grace and hope, and we ought to spend it in spiritual communion and joy. Let us enter into the spirit of the Church, and prepare ourselves in all the joy of our hearts to meet the Saviour Who is about to be born to us. Let us dispose our hearts with great simplicity, for to‐morrow we shall see the glory of God. Let us delight in the thought that before we lie down again to rest, we shall see the promised Redeemer born in the solemn midnight: “Sanctify yourselves to‐day, and be prepared, because in the morning you shall see the majesty of God among you.”
Prayer.
O God, Who makest us to rejoice in the yearly expectation of the feast of the redemption: grant that we, who joyfully receive Thy only‐begotten Son as a Redeemer, may behold without fear the same Lord Jesus Christ, coming as our Judge: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Special Devotions to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, during the Time of Advent.
The devotion of the forty Hail Marys, which St. Catharine of Bologna introduced, has been enriched by Pope Pius VII. An indulgence of forty days is granted to the faithful who recite it during the month of December.
Daily Prayer.
O Mary, great Mother of Our God, and merciful intercessor for us poor sinners! we throw ourselves humbly at thy feet, and we beg thee by the sacred blood of Thy divine Son, which He has shed for us, and by the prayers of St. Catharine of Bologna, that thou wilt infuse into our hearts the true spirit of devotion in this little exercise and give us the grace to imitate the virtues of that saint, under whose protection we say this prayer. Think not of our unworthiness and our ingratitude, but let us feel the depth of thy great love for us; and in the contemplation of the love with which thou didst consider thy servant Catharine, obtain for us from God the remission of our sins, that we have a cause to expect the grace of God for our salvation. Amen.
Prayer For Each Day.
Let us now take this devotion of this saint of God, Catharine, and every day during this month before Christmas, say a prayer in preparation for the coming of Christ, by reciting forty Hail Marys in honor of the great Mother of God, who was so well prepared to receive the Lord at His birth. We will have sorrow for our sins, for that will purify our souls, which is a necessary quality for the reception of the Lord at His coming.
_The First Ten Hail Marys._
After each Hail Mary say:
“Blessed be the hour, O Mary, in which thou becamest the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God.”
Then consider the great mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the greatest miracle of God’s mercy, also the great dignity of Mary in the Christian world and in heaven, because she became the Mother of God and yet remained a Virgin.
_The Second Ten Hail Marys._
After each Hail Mary say:
“Blessed be the hour, O Mary, in which thou didst give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.”
Then consider the humility of Mary, the Queen of heaven, who was content with the will of God and became the Mother of God in a lowly stable.
_The Third Ten Hail Marys._
After each Hail Mary say:
“Blessed be the hour, O Mary, in which thou didst nourish and care for the Child Jesus.”
Then consider the solicitude of Mary, with which she looked after the Child Jesus in all the temporal necessities of a newly born infant, when, according to His own will, He was not able to help Himself. She loved that Child, and spent upon it her tenderest care.
_The Fourth Ten Hail Marys._
After each Hail Mary say:
“Blessed be the hour, O Mary, in which thou didst screen Jesus, the Son of God, from the persecution of Herod.”
Consider here that as soon as Jesus was born He became the object of the persecution of men. Herod sought to murder Him, and Mary had to take the Child and flee into Egypt.
Daily Prayer After These Devotions.
Praised be God, that we have undertaken this devotion according to the instruction of St. Catharine. We beg of thee, Mary, Mother of the expected Child, and Queen of angels, that thou deignest to obtain for us especially two graces. First, to really bewail our sins and our past infidelities, and second to attain after our death eternal salvation. We will cry out from the bottom of our heart according to the example of Catharine: “Turn then, Mary, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O blessed, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary!”
Then recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.(1)
_V._ Make us worthy to praise thee, O Blessed Virgin, Mother of my God.
_R._ That I may have power against my enemies.
_Let Us Pray._
O God, Who, after the announcement of the angel, didst create a body for Thy divine Son in the bosom of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant us the grace that we, who acknowledge her great privilege, may be assisted by her intercession. We pray Thee, O God almighty, that Thou mayest purify our hearts and consciences by Thy heavenly visitation, that Thy divine Son Jesus Christ, when He shall come with all the saints, may find a fitting habitation prepared for Him. Who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Mass for Advent.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Introibo.
O Jesus, the true and infinite sacrifice, I adore Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, and I make an offering of Thy sacred body, which Thou didst deliver for us unto death on the cross, and Thy sacred blood, which Thou didst shed for our sins, in union with the priest who is about to say Mass. Eternal and merciful Father, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as Our Father! With the priest I offer Thee a pure, holy, immaculate sacrifice, the sacred bread of eternal life, the chalice of salvation, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Deign to accept it, and be merciful to me a sinner. In the spirit of humility and with a contrite heart, I acknowledge, O my God, that I have sinned often and grievously in thought, word, and deed, through my most grievous fault. I know I have been guilty, and I beg pardon of Thee, O heavenly Father, through Thy infinite mercy, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, and through the intercession of all the saints. Amen.
The Priest Ascends The Altar.
O ye saints whose relics are kept on the altar, and all ye saints and servants of God in heaven, let me unite with thee in praising, loving and adoring Our God in the Sacrament of the Altar! Pray for all those who are assembled here; pray that we may be heard and that we ourselves cry out, “Lord, have mercy on us! Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us!” Amen.
Gloria.
Glory to God in the highest! Glory, praise, and adoration to the Most High, the one true God, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be for all eternity. Lord God, upon Thee I place all my trust. Save me from every danger, and keep me from every evil. The eyes of all are upon Thee, O Lord, and Thou givest them food; Thou fillest all that there is with Thy benediction. I praise thee, also, O Mary, Mother of God, and thank thee for all that I owe thee. Who is it Whom we adore in the Blessed Sacrament but Jesus, thy Son, Who took flesh and blood from thee! What a joy must not thy heart experience when thou seest so many devout worshippers surrounding the throne of the majesty of Jesus, hidden in the consecrated bread on our altars! Do thou also, O dear Mother, sing with us the praises of that Jesus, for Whose coming we are preparing during Advent. Amen.
Collects.
Give us, O God, the grace daily to feel the advent of Our Lord upon our altars, as we expect Him to be born in our hearts at Christmas‐time. Grant that we may also be prepared to meet Him, the Judge, at the end of time, and may find Him propitious; through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. O God, Who didst leave with us, under the consecrated species, a memory of Thy sufferings, give us the grace that by our ardent faith we may adore Thee in this Holy Sacrament, and become worthy fruits of Thy holy Passion and death. Amen.
Epistle.
Accept, O God, this holy sacrifice in thanksgiving for the institution of the Blessed Sacrament. For in possessing the Blessed Sacrament we possess heaven and earth, our cares are taken away, and we have Jesus, Who cries continually to us: “Come to Me, all you who are heavily laden, and I will refresh you.” My dear Jesus, make me worthy to praise Thee with all the angels and elect in Thy kingdom. Let me serve Thee worthily here on this earth, so that I may one day share Thy glory in heaven. Amen.
Gospel.
Jesus, divine Physician of our souls! how can we sufficiently thank Thee for having become man, and for having dwelt among men? To perpetuate Thy coming, Thou hast remained on our altars in the Holy Sacrament. Thou hast preached the Gospel to us poor creatures, and hast made us acquainted with the secrets of heaven. Oh, that we would always listen to Thy Word, and apply it to our life, regulating all our actions on the principles of divine wisdom manifested therein! Let Thy holy Gospel and Thy holy teaching be a light to our lives in the darkness in which we walk, on account of our prejudices, passions, and evil inclinations, and when we take this light for our guide, we are sure that we will come happily to the end for which we were created. Amen.
Credo.
I believe in one God, and in three divine persons in that Godhead. I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only‐ begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God of God, Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made; consubstantial with the Father by Whom all things were made, Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary and was made man! He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. The third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father: and He is to come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead: of His kingdom there shall be no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son: Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified: Who spoke by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Offertory.
I adore Thee, O my God, and in union with the priest, offer Thee this sacrifice for Thy honor and glory, in thanksgiving for all the benefits conferred upon myself and upon the world; and in satisfaction for my many sins, and the sins of other men. Accept, O Lord, of this holocaust, which is no other than Thy divine Son, at once made Priest and Victim, offering and offered, and apply His saving merits to my needy soul. Be comforted, O my heart, Jesus sacrifices Himself for thee. Amen.
Lavabo.