did. I am sick, O Lord, and my life is withering away; therefore
I come to thee my physician. Heal me then, my God, and I shall be healed: let me not be confounded; because I put my trust in thee. In thee have I hoped; let me not be cast off for ever.
But what am I, most merciful Lord, that I should speak thus boldly to thee?--I am a sinner, grown up in sin, a rotten carcass, a vessel of corruption, and food for worms. But spare me still, my God; for what victory is there in overthrowing me, who am but as dust before the wind? Forgive me all my sins, and deliver me from my distress.
{294}
Arise and help me, Lord; arise and let thy mercy plead for me. Let my prayer ascend before thee, and stretch forth thy hand to help me; for behold I am covered with sin, and have done evil in thy sight, and there is none can heal me but thou, my God. If thou hadst not paid my ransom, by dying on the cross, should not I have been for ever miserable? Remember then, O merciful Jesus, that I have a share in that price that was paid. It was for me also, though most unworthy, thy blood was shed; let me, therefore, have a part in this mercy.
I confess I have many times offended against thee, and therefore am not worthy to be called thy child; but turn away thy face, I beseech thee, from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Deal not with me according to what I deserve, nor chastise me according to my iniquities; but help me, O God, my Saviour, and for the glory of thy name deliver me. Now at this hour show mercy to me, and whenever I depart receive me into the number of thy family, that I may be one of those who are to praise thee for ever.
{295}
Prayers To Be Recited By The Assistants When The Dying Person Loses The Use Of Speech.
Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech thee, by thy bitter agony and prayer in the garden, that thou wouldst be pleased to be an advocate with thy eternal Father, in behalf of this thy servant: lay before him (_her_) all those drops of blood which in thy anguish of spirit flowed from thy body, and offer them for the remission of all his (_her_) sins: that in this hour of extremity, he (_she_) may be discharged from that hand-writing of sin which stands against him (_her_), and from that punishment which he (_she_) fears to be too justly due to his (_her_) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c.
Lord Jesus Christ! who for our salvation was pleased to suffer death on the cross, we beseech thee to offer up all the anguish and pains thou didst then endure, and most especially at the hour of thy death, in behalf of this thy servant, that they may be accepted in his (_her_) favour, for the good of his (_her_) soul, for the obtaining of a happy hour, and for the release from that punishment which he (_she_) has deserved for his (_her_) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c.
Lord Jesus Christ! who hadst such a boundless love for man as to induce thee to become man for his salvation, we beseech thee to let this thy infinite charity and goodness towards mankind, so plead in behalf of this thy poor servant, that by thy powerful mediation, his (_her_) soul, at the moment of its departure from the body, being freed from the bonds of sin, may find a free admittance through the gates that lead to the mansions of eternal bliss. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c.
{296}
Lord Jesus Christ! who by thy precious blood hast redeemed us, we beseech thee to imprint deep in the soul of this thy servant the memory of thy most sacred wounds, that having them perpetually in his (_her_) sight, he (_she_) may be encouraged to suffer with patience and resolution, and be armed against all the pangs of death. Thus let him (_her_) cheerfully submit to all the difficulties of his (_her_) condition, and begin, even here, to be united to thee with a love that shall never end.
Grant him (_her_) now to partake of the fruit of thy holy incarnation, of thy bitter passion, of thy glorious resurrection, and admirable ascension.
Grant that he (_she_) may be sensible of the effects of thy holy mysteries and sacraments, and of all the prayers which are offered by the whole church.
Remember, O Lord, that thou wast once in the straits of death; and in this extremity, after crying out to thy eternal Father, and commending thy spirit to him, didst expire. Behold now this thy servant in his (_her_) anguish crying aloud to thee; stand thou by him (_her_), defend and comfort him (_her_) in this his (_her_) distress, and receive his (_her_) soul into thy merciful embraces.
Remember, O Jesus, that thy arms were stretched forth, thy side opened, and thy sacred head bowed down from the cross; have regard now, we beseech thee, to the soul of this thy servant, which, departing out of this world, seeks refuge in thee; receive it into thy arms, clasp it to thy breast, and there let it hide itself, secured from the attacks of all its enemies, till the anger of God pass over. {297} Into thy hands we commend his (_her_) spirit, which has been created and redeemed by thee, despise not, we beseech thee, the work of thy hands.
O Christ Jesus, who was crucified for our redemption, we beseech thee, by that love which brought thee from heaven, to have compassion on the soul of thy servant; forgive him (_her_) all his (_her_) sins, and by the merits of thy bitter passion, satisfy for all his (_her_) failings, and supply his (_her_) defects; let him (_her_) now experience the multitude of thy tender mercies, and be sensible how good thou, O Lord, art. Dispose now his (_her_) soul by thy grace, that he (_she_) may be prepared at thy call to go forth to meet thee, his (_her_) heavenly bridegroom. Grant him (_her_), we beseech thee, true patience and perfect resignation in his (_her_) pains and anguish. Give him (_her_) full discharge from all his (_her_) sins; confirm his (_her_) faith; strengthen his (_her_) hope, and perfect his (_her_) charity; that departing hence, his (_her_) soul may be received into thy mercy. O dear Redeemer, by that distress which thou didst suffer on the cross, when thou criedst out to thy eternal Father, we pray thee to show mercy to this thy servant in his (_her_) extremity; hear the sighs and desires of his (_her_) heart; and since he (_she_) is now deprived of the faculty of speech, speak thou for him (_her_) we beseech thee, who art the eternal Word, and to whom the Father will refuse nothing.
{298}
By thy victory over death, and the infinite merits of thy passion, we beseech thee, on behalf of this thy servant, to have no other thoughts but of peace, of mercy and comfort, and not of affliction. Bear him (_her_) up against all distrust and despair; deliver him (_her_) from his (_her_) necessities, and be his (_her_) comforter in his (_her_) distress. Let those hands which were once nailed to the cross, now plead for him (_her_) and obtaining his (_her_) pardon, conduct him (_her_) into thy eternal rest. Amen.
The Recommendation Of A Soul Departing.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye Angels and Archangels, _Pray for him (her)._ Holy Abel, _Pray for him (her)._ All the choir of the Just, _Pray for him (her)._ Holy Abraham, _Pray for him (her)._ St. John Baptist, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Joseph, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye Patriarchs and Prophets, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Peter and St Paul, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Andrew, _Pray for him (her)._ St. John, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy disciples of our Lord, _Pray for him (her)._
{299}
All ye holy Innocents, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Stephen, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy Martyrs, _Pray for him (her)._ St Sylvester, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Gregory, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Augustine, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Laurence, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Benedict, _Pray for him (her)._ St Francis, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy Monks and Hermits, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Mary Magdalen, _Pray for him (her)._ St. Lucy, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye holy Virgins and Widows, _Pray for him (her)._ All ye saints of God, _make intercession for him (her)_. Be merciful, _spare him (her,) O Lord._ Be merciful, _deliver him (her,) O Lord._ Be merciful, _receive him (her,) O Lord._ From thy anger, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ From the danger of death, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ From an ill end, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ From the pains of hell, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ From all evil, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ From the power of the devil, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through thy nativity, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through thy cross and passion, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through thy death and burial, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through thy glorious resurrection, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through thy admirable ascension, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ Through the grace of the Holy Ghost, the comforter, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ In the day of judgment, _Deliver him (her), O Lord._
{300}
We sinners, _beseech thee to hear us._ That thou spare him (_her_), _we beseech thee to hear us._
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Let Us Pray.
Depart then, O Christian soul, out of this miserable world, in the name of God the Father Almighty, who created thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for thee; in the name of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified thee; in the name of the angels, archangels, thrones, dominations, cherubim, and seraphim; in the name of the patriarchs and prophets, of the holy apostles, and evangelists, of the holy martyrs and confessors, of the holy monks and hermits, of the holy virgins, and of all the saints of God: let thy place be this day in peace, and thy abode in holy Sion: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of clemency! God of goodness! O God, who according to the multitude of thy mercies, forgivest the sins of such as repent, and graciously remittest the guilt of their past offences, mercifully regard this thy servant (_N_.) and grant him (_her_) a full discharge from all his (_her_) sins, who most earnestly begs it of thee. Renew, O merciful Father, whatever is corrupt in him (_her_) through human frailty, or by the snares of the enemy; make him (_her_) a true member of thy church, and let him (_her_) partake of the fruit of thy redemption. {301} Have compassion, O Lord, on his (_her_) sighs, have pity on his (_her_) tears, and admit him (_her_) to the sacrament of thy reconciliation, who has no hope but in thee: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I recommend thee, dear brother (_sister_,) to Almighty God, and commit thee to his mercy, whose creature thou art; that having paid the common debt, by surrendering thy soul, thou mayest return to thy Maker, who formed thee out of the earth. May, therefore, the noble company of angels meet thy soul at its departure. May the court of the apostles receive thee. May the triumphant army of glorious martyrs conduct thee. May the crowds of joyful confessors encompass thee. May the choir of blessed virgins go before thee; and may a happy rest be thy portion in the company of the patriarchs. May Jesus Christ appear to thee with a mild and cheerful countenance, and give thee a place among those who are to be in his presence for ever. Mayest thou be a stranger to all who are condemned to darkness, chastised with flames, or punished with torments. May God command thy wicked enemy, with all his evil spirits, to depart from thee. May the infernal spirits tremble at thy approach encompassed by angels, and retire into the horrid confusion of eternal night. May thy God arise, and thy enemies be put to flight. May all who hate him fly before his face. Let them vanish like smoke, or as wax before the fire; so let sinners perish in the sight of God. {302} But as to the just, let them rejoice and be happy in his presence. May all the ministers of hell be filled with confusion and shame, and let no evil spirit dare to stop thy course to heaven. May Christ Jesus, who was crucified for thee, be thy deliverer. May he deliver thee from death, who for thy sake vouchsafed to die. May Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, place thee in his garden of Paradise; and may he, the true shepherd, own thee for one of his flock. May he absolve thee from all thy sins, and place thee at his right hand in the inheritance of his elect. O may it be thy happy lot to behold thy Redeemer face to face; to be ever in his presence, in the beatific vision of that eternal truth, which is the joy of the blessed. And thus placed among those happy spirits, mayest thou be for ever filled with heavenly sweetness. Amen.
Receive thy servant, O Lord, into that place where he (_she_) may hope for salvation from thy mercy.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant from all dangers of hell, and from all pain and tribulation.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Enoch and Elias from the common death of the world.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Noah in the flood.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Abraham from the midst of the Chaldeans.--R. Amen.
{303}
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Job from all his afflictions.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Isaac from being sacrificed by his father.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Lot from Sodom and the the flames of fire.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Moses from the hands of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Daniel from the lions' den.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst the three children from the fiery furnace, and from the hands of that unmerciful king.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Susannah from her false accusers.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst David from the hands of Saul and Goliah.--R. Amen.
Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Peter and Paul out of prison.--R. Amen.
And as thou deliveredst the blessed virgin and martyr, St. Thecla, from most cruel torments, vouchsafe to deliver the soul of this thy servant, and bring it to the participation of thy heavenly joys.--R. Amen.
{304}
Let Us Pray.
We commend to thee, O Lord, the soul of this thy servant; and beseech thee, O Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the world, that as in thy mercy to him (_her_) thou becamest man, so now thou mayest vouchsafe to admit him (_her_) into the number of the blessed. Remember, O Lord, that he (_she_) is thy creature, not made by strange gods, but by thee, the only true and living God; for there is no other God but thee, and none can work thy wonders. Let his (_her_) soul find comfort in thy sight, and remember not his (_her_) former sins, nor any of those excesses which he (_she_) has fallen into through the violence of passion and corruption. For although he (_she_) hath sinned, yet he (_she_) has still retained a true faith in thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; he (_she_) has had a zeal for thy honour, and faithfully adores thee his (_her_) God and Creator of all things.
Remember not, O Lord, the sins or ignorance of his (_her_) youth; but according to thy great mercy be mindful of him (_her_) in thy eternal glory. Let the heavens be opened to him (_her_,) and the angels rejoice with him (_her_). May St. Michael the archangel, the chief of the heavenly host, conduct him (_her_). May blessed Peter, thy apostle, to whom were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, receive him (_her_.) {305} May holy Paul thy apostle, and chosen vessel of election, assist him (_her_.) May St. John, thy beloved disciple, to whom were revealed the secrets of heaven, intercede for him (_her_.) May all thy holy apostles, to whom was given the power of binding and loosening, pray for him (_her_.) May all the chosen servants and martyrs of God, who in this world have suffered torments for thy sake, O Christ, intercede for him (_her_,) that being delivered from this body of corruption, he (_she_) may be admitted into the kingdom of heaven; through the assistance and merits of thee, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
[Should the sick person still continue in distress of agony, it may be proper for the assistants to continue on in prayer, saying Psalms xxi. cxviii.]
Litany For A Happy Death;
_Composed by a young Lady who was converted to the Catholic Faith, and afterwards died at eighteen, in the odour of sanctity._
O Lord Jesus, God of goodness, and Father of mercies, I approach to thee with a contrite and humble heart: to thee I recommend the last hour of my life, and the decision of my eternal doom.
{306}
When my feet, benumbed with death, shall admonish me that my mortal course is drawing to an end, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my eyes, dim and troubled at the approach of death, shall fix themselves on thee, my last and only support, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my face, pale and livid, shall inspire the beholders with pity and dismay; when my hair, bathed in the sweat of death, and stiffening on my head, shall forebode my approaching end, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my ears, soon to be for ever shut to the discourse of men, shall be opened to the irrevocable decree which is to cut me off from the number of the living, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my imagination, agitated by dreadful spectres, shall be sunk in an abyss of anguish; when my soul, affrighted with the sight of my iniquities, and the terrors of thy judgments, shall have to fight against the angel of darkness, who will endeavour to conceal thy mercies from my eyes, and to plunge me into despair, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._.
When my poor heart, yielding to the pressure, and exhausted by its frequent struggles against the enemies of its salvation, shall feel the pangs of death, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When the last tear, the forerunner of my dissolution, shall drop from my eyes, receive it as a sacrifice of expiation for my sins; grant that I may expire the victim of penance; and in that dreadful moment, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
{307}
When my friends and relations, encircling my bed, shall shed the tear of pity over me, and invoke thy clemency in my behalf, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When I shall have lost the use of my senses; when the world shall have vanished from my sight; when my agonizing soul shall feel the sorrows of death, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my last sigh shall summon my soul to burst from the embraces of the body, and to spring to thee on the wings of impatience and desire, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When my soul, trembling on my lips, shall bid adieu to the world, and leave my body lifeless, pale, and cold, receive this separation as a homage which I willingly pay to thy divine Majesty; and in that last moment of my mortal life, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
When at length my soul, admitted to thy presence, shall first behold the splendour of thy Majesty, reject me not, but receive me into thy bosom, where I may for ever sing thy praises; and in that moment, when eternity shall begin to me, _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._
Let Us Pray.
O God, who hast doomed all men to die, but hast concealed from all the hour of their death, grant that I may pass my days in the practice of holiness and justice, and that I may deserve to quit this world in the peace of a good conscience, and in the embraces of thy love: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
{308}
The Soul Being Now Departed, The Following Responsory is Said:
Come to his (_her_) assistance, all you saints of God; meet him (_her_) all you angels of God; receive his (_her_) soul, and present it now before its Lord. May Jesus Christ receive thee, and the angels conduct thee to thy place of rest; may they receive thy soul, and present it now before its Lord.
V. Eternal rest grant him (_her_,) O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine unto him (_her_.)
May the angels present him (_her_) now before the Lord.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, &c.
V. And lead us not into temptation;
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Eternal rest grant him (_her_,) O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine unto him, (_her_.)
V. From the gates of hell;
R. Deliver his (_her_) soul, O Lord.
V. May he (_she_) rest in peace;
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer;
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
{309}
Let Us Pray.
Unto thee, Lord, we commend the soul of thy servant (_N_.) that being dead to this world, he (_she_) may live to thee; and whatever sins he (_she_) has committed through human frailty, we beseech thee, in thy goodness, mercifully to pardon: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Then, for a conclusion, may be added the following prayer for the assistants, which may be also said at the burial.]
Grant, O Lord, that while we here lament the departure of thy servant, we may ever remember that we are most certainly to follow him (_her_). Give us grace to prepare for that last hour by a good life, that we may not be surprised by a sudden death, but be ever watching when thou shalt call, that so with the spouse we may enter into eternal glory: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer For All That Are Buried In A Church Or Church-yard.
O God, by whose mercy the souls of all the faithful find rest, grant to all thy servants, here or elsewhere, that have slept in Christ, the full remission of all their sins; that being acquitted as well from the guilt as the temporal punishment due to them, they may be speedily admitted into thy heavenly kingdom, and there rejoice with thee for all eternity: through, &c.
{310}
Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb.
[Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which may be privately recited after the Office.]
Responsory.
Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda: *Quando cœli movendi sunt, et terra: *Dum veneris judicare sæculum per ignem.
V. Tremens factus sum ego, et timeo dum discussio venerit, atque ventura ira.
R. Quando cœli movendi sunt et terra.
V. Dies illa, dies iræ, calamitatis, et miseriæ: dies magna, et amara valde.
R. Dum veneris judicare sæculum per ignem.
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
R. Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda, quando cœli movendi sunt et terra, dum veneris judicare sæculum per ignem.
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.
Pater noster, [_secreto_.]
V. Et nos inducas in tentationem.
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. A porta inferi.
R. Erue, Domine, animam ejus [animas eorum.]
{311}
Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb.
[Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which may be privately recited after the Office.]
Responsory.
Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day: *When the heavens and earth shall be moved: *Whilst thou wilt come to judge the world by fire.
V. I am seized with trembling and dread, when I reflect on the rigorous examination, and the vengeful wrath of that day.
R. When the heavens and earth shall be moved.
V. That day shall be a day of wrath, calamity, and misery: the great day of extreme bitterness and terror.
R. Whilst thou wilt come to judge the world by fire.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them.
R. Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day, when the heavens and earth shall be moved, whilst thou wilt come to judge the world by fire.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, [_in silence_.]
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. From the gates of hell.
R. Deliver his soul, [their souls,] O Lord.
{312}
V. Requiescat (requiescant) in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi, orationem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
Oremus.
Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls.
Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum: ut indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
Suffrages For The Souls Of The Faithful Departed In General.
Psalmus cxxix.
De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: *Domine, exaudi vocem meum.
Fiant aures tuæ intendentes *in vocem deprecationis meæ.
Si iniquitatis observaveris, Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit?
Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuat anima mea in verbo ejus: *speravit anima mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina usque ad noctem, *speret Israel in Domino.
Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio.
{313}
V. May he (they) rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let Us Pray.
Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls.
O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their sins; that, through the help of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and reignest, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Suffrages For The Souls Of The Faithful Departed In General.
Psalm cxxix.
From the depths I have cried out to thee, *O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.
Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my petition.
If thou wilt consider our iniquities, O mighty Lord, * who shall endure it?
But with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on his word: *my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch, even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him, plentiful redemption.
{314}
Et ipse redimet Israel *ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.
Pater noster, (_secreto_.)
V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
R. Sed libera nos a malo.
V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine;
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
V. A porta inferi,
R. Erue, Domine, animas eorum.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
Oremus.
Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum; ut indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Anima ejus (animæ eorum) et animæ omnium fidelium defunctorum, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
{315}
And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, (_in silence_.)
V. And lead us not into temptation,
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord;
R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them.
V. From the gates of hell,
R. Deliver their souls, O Lord.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to thee.
Let Us Pray.
O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their sins: that through the help of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord.
R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May his soul (their souls), and may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.
{316}
Litany For The Dead.
"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins." 2 Maccabees xii. 46.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, receive our prayers. Lord Jesus, grant our petitions.
O God the Father, Creator of the world, _Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed._
O God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, _Deliver the souls of the faithful departed._
O God the Holy Ghost, perfecter of the elect, _Accomplish the bliss of the faithful departed._
Blessed Virgin Mary, who, by the special privilege of grace, was triumphantly assumed into the kingdom of thy Son, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed angels, who, ordering aright the first act of your will, were fixed forthwith in unchangeable happiness, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed patriarchs, who were filled with joy when the Desired of Nations put an end to your captivity, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed prophets, who after patiently awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, were at length consoled by a visit from him in person, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
{317}
Blessed saints, who at the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, were translated from Limbo to the visible presence of God, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed apostles, who at the last day shall sit to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed disciples of our Lord, who followed his steps in the narrow paths to perfection, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed martyrs, who passed through the sea of your own blood, entering immediately into the land of promise, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed confessors, who despised the vanity of the earth, and placed your affections on the joys of heaven, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Blessed virgins, who, with your lighted lamps, awaited the coming of the heavenly spouse, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
O holy saints, who, being freed from all irregular attachment to creatures, were perfectly fitted for an immediate union with your Creator, _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._
Be merciful, O Lord, and pardon their sins.
Be merciful, O Lord, and hear their prayers.
From the shades of death, where the light of thy countenance shineth not, _Deliver them, O Lord._
From the evils to which immortification in this world must expose them in the other, _Deliver them, O Lord._
From thy displeasure, provoked by negligence and ingratitude, _Deliver them, O Lord._
From the pains of purgatory, so justly inflicted upon unexpiated sins, _Deliver them, O Lord._
{318}
From the torments of purgatory, incomparably greater than the bitterest anguish of this life, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By the multitude of thy mercies, ever compassionate to human frailties, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By the virtue of thy cross, whereon thou reconciledst the world to thy Father, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By thy victorious descent into hell, to break the chains of death, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By thy glorious resurrection from the tomb, to open the kingdom of heaven, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By thy triumphant ascension into heaven, to lead captivity captive, _Deliver them, O Lord._
By thy dread coming to judge the world, _Deliver them, O Lord._
We sinners, _Beseech thee to hear us._
That it please thee to hasten the day when thy faithful shall be delivered from the mansions of sorrow, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
That it please thee to shorten the time of their expiation, and to admit them speedily into thy heavenly sanctuary, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
That it please thee through the prayers and good works performed in thy church, to receive them into thy eternal tabernacles, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
That it please thee to accept, in atonement for their sins, the infinite value of thy unbloody sacrifice, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
That the blessed view of Jesus may comfort them, and his unfading glory shine upon them, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
{319}
That the whole triumphant church may soon celebrate their deliverance and the choir of angels sing new hymns of joy, on their neverending happiness, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
That we ourselves may share in their triumph, and unite with all the citizens of heaven in eternal alleluias, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
Son of God, _We Beseech thee to hear us._
Lamb of God, who shalt come with glory to judge the living and the dead, _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_.
Lamb of God, at whose presence the heavens and the earth shall be moved, _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_.
Lamb of God, in whose book of life the names of thy elect are inscribed, _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_.
The Antiphon.
Deliver us, O Lord, from eternal death, in that tremendous day, when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; whilst thou shalt come to judge the world by fire. We tremble and are sore afraid at the discussion which will take place, and at thy future wrath; when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; when thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
That day is a day of wrath, of calamity, and of misery; a great and a most bitter day; when thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
Give them, O Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
{320}
Let Us Pray.
O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of thy servants departed, the remission of all their sins, that by means of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have ever earnestly desired: who livest and reignest, &c. Amen.
A Prayer Upon The Day Of A Person's Decease Or Burial.
O Lord, we commend unto thy infinite clemency, the souls of thy servants lately deceased: pardon them, we beseech thee, in the multitude of thy mercies, the sins which they have committed through human frailty, and grant them eternal life in thy kingdom of bliss. Amen.
Another Prayer.
O God, whose property it is always to have mercy, and to spare, we humbly present our prayers to thee in behalf of the soul of thy servant _N_. which thou hast called out of this world, beseeching thee not to deliver into the hands of the enemy, nor forget it for ever; but command it to be received by the holy angels, and to be carried into paradise; that as it believed and hoped in thee, it may be delivered from the pains of hell, and inherit life everlasting; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
{321}
Vespers For Sundays.
Our Father. Hail Mary. (_In silence_.)
+
V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluiah.
From Saturday before Septuagesaima Sunday, till Saturday in Holy Week, instead of _Alleluia_, is said,
Laus tibi, Domine, Rex eternæ gloriæ.
Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.
N. B.--In Paschal time all the Psalms are said under this only. Anthem. _Alleluia_.
_Ant_. Dixit Dominus.
_Ant_. The Lord said.
_Ant_. Alleluia.
_Ant_. Alleluiah.
Psalm CIX.
_Christ's Exaltation and everlasting Priesthood._
Dixit Dominus Domino meo: *sede a dextris meis.
The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand.
Donec ponam inimicos tuos: *scabellum pedum tuorum.
Until I make thy enemies the footstool of thy feet.
Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: *Dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.
The Lord will send the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.
Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ, in splendoribus sanctorum: *ex utero ante luciferum genui te.
Dominion shall be with thee in the day of thy power in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begat thee.
{322}
Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: *Tu es sacerdos in æternam secundum ordinem Melchisedech.
The Lord swore, and it shall not repent him: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.
Dominus a dextris tuis: *confregit in die iræ suæ reges.
The Lord at thy right hand hath broken kings in the day of his wrath.
Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: *conquassabit capita in terra multorum.
He shall judge among nations, he shall fill ruins: he shall crush the heads in the land of many.
De torrente in via bibet: *propterea exaltabit caput.
He shall drink of the torrent in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
_Ant_. Dixit Dominus.
_Ant_. The Lord said unto my Lord: sit thou on my right.
_Ant_. Fidelia.
_Ant_. All his commandments.
Psalm. CX.
_God is to be praised for his graces and benefits to his Church._
Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: *in concilio justorum, et congregatione.
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council of the just, and in the congregation.
Magna opera Domini: *exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.
Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.
Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever.
Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: *escam dedit timentibus se.
He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear him.
{323}
Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui; *virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo.
He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: he will shew forth to his people the power of his works.
Ut det illis hæreditatem gentium: *opera manuum ejus veritas et judicium.
That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hands are truth and judgment.
Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi: *facta in veritate et equitate.
All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth and equity.
Redemptionem misit populo suo: *mandavit in æternum testamentum suum.
He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: *initium sapientiæ timor Domini.
Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum *laudatio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continued for ever and ever.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory, &c.
_Ant_. Fidelia.
_Ant_. All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever.
_Ant_. In mandatis.
_Ant_. In his commandments.
Psalm CXI.
_The good man is happy._
Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: *in mandatis ejus volet nimis.
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.
Potens in terra erit semen ejus: *generatio rectorum benedicetur.
His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generations of the righteous shall be blessed.
{324}
Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
Glory and wealth shall be in his house; and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.
Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: *misericors, et miserator et justus.
To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness; he is merciful, and compassionate and just.
Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat: disponet sermones suos in judicio: *quia in æternum non commovebitur.
Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment; because he shall not be moved for ever.
In memoria æterna erit justus: *ab auditione mala non timebit.
The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.
Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: *non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos.
His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved, until he look over his enemies.
Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi: *cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.
He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in glory.
Peccator videbit et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet, et tabescet: *desiderium peceatorum peribit.
The wicked shall see and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory, &c.
_Ant_. In madatis ejus cupit nimis.
_Ant_. In his commandments he has great delight.
_Ant_. Sit nomen Domini.
_Ant_. Let the name of the Lord.
Psalm CXII.
_God is to be praised for his regard to the poor and humble._
Laudate pueri Dominum: *laudate nomen Domini.
Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.
{325}
Sit nomen Domini benedictum: *ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.
A solis ortu usque ad occasum: *laudabile nomen Domini.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: *et super cœlos gloria ejus.
The Lord is high above all nations: and his glory above the heavens.
Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: *et humilia respicit in cœlo et in terra?
Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?
Suscitans a terra inopem: *et de steroore erigens pauperem.
Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
Ut collocet eum cum principibus: *cum principibus populi sui.
That he may place them with princes, with the princes of his people.
Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: *matrem filiorum lætantem.
Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory, &c.
_Ant_. Sit nomen Domini.
_Ant_. Let the name of the Lord be blessed for ever.
_Ant_. Nos qui vivimus.
_Ant_. We that live.
Psalm CXVI.
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes: *laudate eum omnes populi.
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him all ye people.
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: *et Veritas Domini manet in æternum.
For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of Lord remaineth for ever.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
_Ant_. Nos qui vivimus benedicimus Domino.
_Ant_. We that live bless our Lord.
_In Paschal time, Ant_. Alleluiah, Alleluiah, Alleluiah.
{326}
_The Little Chapter_.--2 Cor. 1.
Benedictus Deus, et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.
R. Deo Gratias.
R. Thanks be to God.
_The Hymn Lucis Creator._
Lucis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens, Primordiis lucis novæ, Mundi parans originem.
Creator of the radiant light. Fountain of bliss, essential sight. Emitting splendour's orient beam. The world's creation to proclaim.
Qui mane junctum vesperi. Diem vocari præcipis, Illabitur Tetrum Chaos; Audi preces cum fletibus.
Who, with the morn's enliv'ning ray, Dispell'st the shades and call'st the day; Approaching night over-spreads the spheres; Now gracious hear our sighs and tears.
Ne mens gravata crimine Vitæ sit exul munere; Dum nil perenne cogitat, Seseque culpis illigat.
Distain'd with guilt and foul offence, Let not a sudden summons hence, Present us at thy awful seat, Victims of fleeting vain deceit.
Cœleste pulset ostium; Vitale tollat præmium; Vitemus omne noxium; Purgemus omne pessimum.
But rather while at mercy's door, Contrite, our treasons we deplore, Admit thy suppliants; grant us peace. That triumph of thy saving grace.
Præsta, Pater piissime; Patrique compar, Unice; Cum Spiritu Paracleto, Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.
Eternal Father, lend thine ear; Co-eternal Son, receive our prayer; O Holy Ghost, we cry to thee, God! three in one eternally. Amen.
{327}
V. Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea.
V. Let my prayer, like incense,
R. Sicut incensum in conspectu tuo.
R. Ascend to thee, O Lord.
_The Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary_.--Luke, i.
Magnificat *anima mea Dominum:
My soul doth magnify the Lord:
Et exultavit spiritus meus *in Deo salutari meo.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: *ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est; *et sanctum nomen ejus.
For he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, and holy is his name.
Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, *timentibus eum.
And his mercy is from generation to generation, to them that fear him.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo; *dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
He hath showed might in his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts.
Deposuit potentes de sede; *et exaltavit humiles.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.
Esurientes implevit bonis; *et divites dimissit inanes.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent away empty.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum, *recordatus misericordiæ suæ.
He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: *Abraham et semini ejus in sæcula.
As he spoke to our Fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
Gloria Patri, &c.
Glory, &c.
{328}
The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin.
In Latin.
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Christe, audi nos. Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de cœlis Deus, _miserere nobis._
Fili redemptor mundi Deus, _miserere nobis._
Spiritus Sancte Deus, _miserere nobis._
Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, _miserere nobis._
Sancta Maria, _Ora pro nobis._
Sancta Dei Genitrix, _Ora pro nobis._
Sancta Virgo virginum, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater Christi, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater Divinæ gratis, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater purissima, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater castissima, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater inviolata, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater intemerata, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater amabilis, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater admirabilis, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater Creatoris, _Ora pro nobis._
Mater Salvatoris, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo prudentissima, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo veneranda, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo prædicanda, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo potens, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo clemens, _Ora pro nobis._
Virgo fidelis, _Ora pro nobis._
{329}
Speculum justitiæ, _Ora pro nobis._
Sedes sapientiæ, _Ora pro nobis._
Causa nostræ lætitiæ, _Ora pro nobis._
Vas spirituale, _Ora pro nobis._
Vas honorabile, _Ora pro nobis._
Vas insigne devotionis, _Ora pro nobis._
Rosa mystica, _Ora pro nobis._
Turris Davidica, _Ora pro nobis._
Turris eburnea, _Ora pro nobis._
Domus aurea, _Ora pro nobis._
Fœderis arca, _Ora pro nobis._
Janua cœli, _Ora pro nobis._
Stella matutina, _Ora pro nobis._
Salis infirmorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Refugium peccatorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Consolatrix affiictorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Auxilium Christianorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Angelorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Patriarcharum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Prophetarum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Apostolorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Martyrum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Confessorum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Virginum, _Ora pro nobis._
Regina Sanctorum Omnium, _Ora pro nobis._
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, _Parce nobis, Domine._
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, _Exaudi nos, Domine._
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, _Miserere nobis._
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
{330}
Method Of Serving At Mass.
[The Clerk, kneeling at the left side of the Priest, should answer as follows:]
P. + In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Introibo ad altare Dei.
C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam.
P. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab nomine iniquo et doloso erue me.
C. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea: quare me repulisti, et quare tristis incedo dum affligit me inimicus.
P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me deduxerunt et adduxerunt in montem: sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua.
C. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam.
P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es anima mea, et quare conturbas me?
C. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare vultus mei, et Deus meus.
P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto;
C. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
P. Introibo ad altare Dei.
C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam.
P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
C. Qui fecit cœlum et terram.
{331}
P. Confiteor Deo, &c.
[Bow your head when the priest begins the Confiteor, and continue bent till the _Dominus Vobiscum._]
C. Misereatur tui omnipotent Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam æternam.
P. Amen.
C. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatæ Mariæ semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistæ, sanctis apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi pater, (_here turn your head towards the priest, and then go on_,) quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere, (_striking your breast thrice, say_,) mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te pater, (_here turn again towards the priest_,) orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum.
P. Misereatur vestri, &c.
C. Amen.
P. Indulgentiam, &c.
C. Amen.
P. Deus tu conversus vivificabis nos.
C. Et plebs tua lætabitur in te.
P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam.
C. Et salutare tuum da nobis.
P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
C. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
{332}
P. Kyrie eleison.
C. Kyrie eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
C. Christe eleison.
P. Christe eleison.
C. Christe eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
C. Kyrie eleison.
P. Kyrie eleison.
P. Dominus vobiscum: _or_, Flectamus genua.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo: _or_, Levate.
P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum.
C. Amen.
[At the end of the Epistle say, _Deo gratias_, and after the Gradual and Alleluia, or Tract, remove the took to the gospel side of the altar, and return to the epistle side--make a low reverence as you pass the middle of the altar, then stand up whilst the gospel is read,]
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Sequentia [_or_ initium] sancti Evangelii, &c.
[Here make the sign of the cross--1st, upon your forehead; 2nd, upon your mouth; 3rd, upon your breast; and say, _Gloria tibi Domine._ At the end of the gospel say,]
C. Laus tibi, Christe.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
[Going to the middle of the altar, kneel and make a reverence, then proceed to prepare the wine and water; present them to the priest, making a reverence; afterwards pour water on his fingers, present him with a towel, and return to your place at the epistle side of the altar.]
P. Orate fratres, &c.
C. Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis ad laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque ecclesiæ suæ sanctæ.
{333}
P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Sursum corda.
C. Habemns ad Dominum.
P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
C. Dignum et justum est.
[When the priest says, _Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, &c._ ring the bell each time he pronounces it. When he spreads his hands over the chalice, ring the bell, then proceed to the centre of the altar, where kneeling ring the bell with your right, and hold up the vestment with your left hand, during the elevation. Then return to your former place, and as often as you pass by the blessed sacrament, adore on your knees.]
P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
C. Sed libera nos a malo.
P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
[Each time the priest says, _Domine non sum dignus_, ring the bell. When he has received the chalice, serve him with wine only; on his presenting the chalice again, serve him with wine and water. Remove the book to the epistle side of the altar, and retire to your place on the gospel side.]
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum.
C. Amen.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
{334}
P. Ite, missa est; _or_, Benedicamus Domino.
C. Deo gratias.
_Note_.--In Mass for the Dead, the priest says,
P. Requiescant in pace.
C. Amen.
[Remove the book, if left open; kneel before the centre of the altar, and receive the priest's blessing.]
P. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus.
C. Amen. [_Then rise_.]
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
P. Initium [Sequentia] sancti Evangelii, &c.
C. Gloria tibi Domine.
At the end of the Gospel, say,
C. Deo gratias.
Psalm cxxix.
P. De profundis clamavi ad te Domine: Domine exaudi vocem meam.
C. Fiant aures tuæ intendentes in vocem deprecationis meæ.
P. Si iniquitates observaveris Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit?
C. Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te Domine.
P. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus: speravit anima mea in Domino.
C. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: speret Israel in Domino.
P. Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio.
{335}
C. Et ipse redimet Israel ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
P. Requiem æternum dona eis Domine.
C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
P. A porta inferi.
C. Erue, Domine, animas eorum.
P. Requiescant in pace.
C. Amen.
P. Domine exaudi orationem meam.
C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
P. Dominus vobiscum.
C. Et cum spiritu tuo.
[At the end of the Prayer, say, _Amen_].
P. Requiem æternam dona eis Domine.
C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
P. Requiescant in pace.
C. Amen.
End Of The First Part Of Catholic Piety.
{336}
Supplement To The
Manual Of Catholic Piety.
On The Sacrifice Of The Mass And The Use Of The Latin Liturgy.
From the beginning of the world, the servants of God, were always accustomed to offer sacrifice to him, by way of acknowledging his sovereignty, and paying their homage to him. In the law of nature, and in the law of Moses, there was a great variety of sacrifices; some _bloody_, others _unbloody_; some were called _Holocausts_, or Whole-burnt Offerings; others, _Sin Offerings;_ others, _Offerings of Thanksgiving;_ others, _Pacific_ or _Peace Offerings_. All these sacrifices of the law of nature and the law of Moses, were of themselves but _weak and feeble elements_, and figures of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offered afterwards on the altar of the cross for the sins of the whole world.
It was to renew the memory of this great sacrifice of the cross, and to apply the fruits of it to our souls, that Christ our Lord instituted the Eucharist and commemorative sacrifice of the Mass; for as the ancient sacrifices were required to represent the sacrifice of the cross, and to prefigure the death of Christ, then to come; so, in like manner, a commemorative sacrifice was required in the new law, to be a standing memorial of the sacrifice of the cross, and to represent the death of Christ, already past. This is the solemn liturgy of the Catholic Church, and the pure offering that is made to God in every place among the Gentiles, according to the prophecy of Malachy, chap. i. ver. 10, 11. By it Christ is a _priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech_, (Psalm 109,) whose sacrifice was bread and wine. (Gen. 15.) It is the same in substance with the sacrifice of the cross, because both the victim offered, and the priest, or _principal offerer,_ is the same Jesus Christ. {337} The difference is only in the manner of offering: in the sacrifice of the cross, Christ offered himself in a bloody manner, and actually died; in the sacrifice of the Mass, he offers himself on our altars in an unbloody manner, by the ministry of the priests of his church, under appearances that mystically represent and show forth his death.
The sacrifice of the Mass is still celebrated in the ancient language which was universally used throughout the Roman empire, and in which the liturgy and public offices of the church were performed in all the western parts of Europe, when the Christian religion was first published to the world. All sermons, exhortations, and instructions which regard the faithful, are regularly delivered to them in the vulgar or maternal language which they speak and understand; but it is deemed an expedient point of discipline, to retain the same ancient, fixed, and unchangeable language, in the celebration of the divine mysteries, and in the solemn prayers which are addressed immediately to God, and which regard the office of the clergy. The chief reasons which induce the Catholic Church to make choice of the Latin, in preference to any of the mixed languages that sprung from it after the dismemberment of the Roman empire, and are now in use in the European nations, are the following:
1st--She is the church of all ages, and of all nations; and therefore, to show her antiquity and catholicity, as well as her aversion to novelty and changes in religious matters, she still retains the same ancient and universal language which the saints have used for so many ages from the apostles' days, and which is fixed and unchangeable, taught every where in public schools, generally learned by persons of all conditions, and the best known and most universally understood in the western parts of the world.
2dly--In order to preserve the purity of her faith, and a greater conformity in her public worship in all countries, and to avoid the various alterations and corruptions which the living languages, spoken in different places, are liable to in every century, the church wisely judges, that as there is but one true faith, there should be but one common language for all the faithful, spread over the different nations of the world, to commune with each other in the profession of one and the same faith, and in the exercise of the same religious duties.
{338}
3rdly--Another good effect and advantage that arises from this point of ecclesiastical discipline, is, that the same priest can perform the public church offices in all places where he travels; and a Catholic is never at a loss to join with those of his own religion, and assist at the public worship of God, whithersoever he may have occasion to go, since he meets with the same Mass and Liturgy, in the same words, abroad, which he was accustomed to near at home; whereas, if the divine service was to be performed in the maternal language of every country, and to be translated into as many different tongues as the ignorant people understand and speak in the different provinces, there would be nothing but a Babel of confusion, and a man of one country would be at a loss to serve God on the Lord's day in another country.
As to any inconvenience that may seem to attend this ecclesiastical discipline, it is no way material, especially when compared to the great advantages that arise from it; nor does it affect the substance of religion; neither is it a prejudice to the illiterate, who do not understand the Latin; for though they may not perhaps understand the particular form of prayers, which it is only the priest's office to offer to God, for and in the name of the congregation, yet they know them at least as to the substance, and may find the meaning of every thing fully explained in their manuals. They are taught from their childhood to accompany the officiating priest through every part of his function, with proper and suitable prayers, and are frequently instructed in the nature, the benefit, and the ends for which the Mass is offered, and in the manner of assisting thereat with attention and devotion, which is sufficient to concur in and partake of the sacrifice, though the people should neither hear nor cite the same prayers with the priest.
The very seeing of the priest was more than God was pleased to require in the old law; for we read, (St. Luke, 1. 10,) _that the whole multitude of the people were praying without_, when Zacharias went into the temple to burn incense; and (Levit. xvi. 17.) it was expressly ordered, that there should be no man in the tabernacle, or temple, when the high-priest went with the blood of the victims into the sanctuary to make atonement, which is a clear proof that it was not necessary for the people to hear and understand the particular form of prayers, that the priest offered to God for them in the sacrifices at which they assisted. {339} Moreover, we find that after the Babylonian captivity, nay, even in our Saviour's time, the public service of the Jewish synagogue was performed in the old Hebrew language, though it was not understood by the common people, who only spoke the Syriac, (Nah. viii. 13,) into which the scriptures were not then translated from the Hebrew.
But does not the sacred scripture condemn this practice? No: far from condemning, it authorises it, as appears from what has been already said. As to the text of St. Paul, (1 Cor. xiv.) the apostle does not speak one word, in that whole chapter, of the liturgy of the church, which at Corinth was in Greek, and consequently in a known language. He treats of the miraculous gift of speaking all tongues, which was communicated by the Holy Ghost to the first believers; and he cautions the Corinthians against all confusion and disorder in the use of this miraculous gift at their pious meetings and assemblies, by directing them, that if they spoke with tongues, it should be done by two, or at most by three, and that one should interpret the meaning of the words. In short, the apostle only blames the abuse of the gifts of tongues, which some of the Corinthians were guilty of, by affecting, out of ostentation, to make extemporary prayers, and to preach and exhort, at the same time, all or any of them together, in tongues utterly unknown, which, for want of an interpreter, could be of no edification to the rest of the faithful. But when it is done in proper circumstances, without confusion, and when the sense of the words is expounded by an interpreter, the apostle does not reprehend, but permits and orders the speaking in tongues that are not commonly understood, as appears from the 5th and 29th verses. Now the faithful have the public liturgy and church offices interpreted in their ordinary prayer books; and their pastors are commanded by the Council of Trent, (Sess. 22. chap. 8,) to explain to them the mysteries contained in the Mass, and to teach them to accompany the priest with suitable prayers and devotion adapted to every part of it.
{340}
The Ordinary Of The Holy Mass.