Devotions For Mass.

PART I.
The Preparation, by Acts of Humility, Praise, Faith, etc.

Prayer at the beginning of Mass, while the Priest says the Judica me, Deus, etc.

O ALMIGHTY Lord of Heaven and earth, behold I, a wretched sinner, presume to appear before Thee this day, to offer up unto Thee, but the hands of our High-Priest, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, the Sacrifice of His Body and Blood in union with that Sacrifice which He offered to Thee upon the Cross: first, for Thine own honor, praise, adoration, and glory; secondly, in remembrance of His passion and Death; thirdly, in thanksgiving for all Thy blessings bestowed upon Thy whole Church, whether triumphant in heaven or militant on earth, and especially for those bestowed upon me, the most unworthy of all; fourthly, for obtaining pardon and remission of all my sins, and of those of all others, whether living or dead, for whom I ought to pray (here mention their names); and, lastly, for obtaining all graces and blessings both for myself and for Thy whole Church (here mention your particular requests). Oh, be Thou pleased to assist me by Thy grace, that I may behave myself this day as I ought to do in Thy divine Presence, and that I may so commemorate the Passion and Death of Thy Son as to partake most plentifully of the fruits thereof. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

At the Confiteor.

O BLESSED Trinity, one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, prostrate in spirit before Thee, I here confess, in the sight of the whole court of heaven and of all Thy faithful, my innumerable treasons against Thy divine majesty. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, I have grievously offended Thee through the whole course of my life, in thought, word, and deed; and therefore am unworthy to lift mine eyes to heaven, or so much as to utter Thy sacred name. How much more unworthy to appear here in Thy Sanctuary, and to mingle among Thine Angels at these heavenly Mysteries, which require so much purity, because Jesus Christ Himself is here in person, both Priest and Victim! But, O my God, Thy mercies are above all Thy works, and Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart: and therefore I here venture to come into Thy Temple, and with the poor publican, and, as I hope, with the same penitential spirit, I strike my breast and say: God be merciful to me, a sinner. And I humbly hope to find this mercy which I crave, through that Passion and Death which are here celebrated. O Fountain of Mercy, grant this mercy to me and to all poor sinners. Amen.

When the Priest ascends the steps of the Altar

TAKE away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord; that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

At the Introit.

GRANT, O Lord, that we may be truly prepared for offering this great Sacrifice unto Thee this day; and because our sins alone can render us displeasing to Thee, therefore we cry aloud to Thee for mercy.

At the Kyrie Eleison.

Either repeat with the Priest, or say: Have mercy on me, O Lord, and forgive me all my sins.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, have mercy on me.

The Gloria in Excelsis, or Greater Doxology.

Repeat this with the Priest, p. 119.

At the Collects.

O ALMIGHTY and Eternal God, we humbly beseech Thee to mercifully hear the prayers here offered unto Thee by Thy servant in the name of Thy whole Church, and in behalf of us Thy people. Accept them, to the honor of Thy name, and the good of our souls; and grant to us all mercy, grace, and salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Or, on a Saint's Day.)

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the examples of Thy Saints may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate their festivals, we may also imitate their actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

At the Epistle.

THOU hast vouchsafed, O Lord, to teach us Thy sacred truths by the Prophets and Apostles: oh, grant that we may so improve by their doctrine and examples in the love of Thy holy name, and of Thy holy law, that we may show forth by our lives whose disciples we are; that we may no longer follow the corrupt inclinations of flesh and blood, but master all our passions; that we may be ever directed by Thy light, and strengthened by Thy grace, to walk in the way of Thy commandments, and to serve Thee with clean hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

At the Gradual.

HOW admirable, O Lord, is Thy name, in the whole earth! I will bless Thee, O Lord, at all times; Thy praise shall be always in my mouth. Be Thou my God and Protector for ever: I will put my whole trust in Thee; oh, let me never be confounded.

At the Gospel.

MAYEST Thou be ever adored an praised, O Lord, who, not content to instruct and inform us by Thy Prophets and Apostles, hast even vouchsafed to speak to us by Thine only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; commanding us by a voice from heaven to hear Him: grant us, O merciful God, the grace to profit by His divine and heavenly doctrine. All that is written of Thee, O Jesus, in Thy Gospel, is Truth itself: nothing but wisdom in Thine actions, power and goodness in Thy miracles, light and instruction in Thy words. With Thee, sacred Redeemer, are the words of eternal life: to whom shall we go but to Thee, eternal Fountain of Truth? Give me, O God, grace to practise what Thou commandest, and command what Thou pleasest.

At the Credo.

Say this with the Priest, p. 126.

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PART II.
The Oblation and Sanctification of the Bread and Wine for the Sacrifice.

During the Offertory of the Bread and the Wine.

ACCEPT, O Eternal Father, this offering which is here made to Thee by Thy Priest, in the name of us here present, and of Thy whole Church. It is as yet only bread and wine: but, by a miracle of Thy power, will shortly become the Body and Blood of Thy beloved Son. He is our High-Priest and our Victim. With Him and through Him we desire to approach Thee this day, and by His hands to offer Thee this Sacrifice, for Thine own honor, praise, and glory; in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits; in satisfaction for all our sins; and for obtaining conversion for all unbelievers, and mercy, grace and salvation for all Thy faithful. And with this offering of Thine Only-begotten Son we offer Thee ourselves, our souls and bodies, begging that by virtue of this Sacrifice we may be happily united to Thee, and that nothing in life or death may ever separate us from Thee. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
In a humble spirit, and a contrite heart, may we be accepted by Thee, O Lord: and let our Sacrifice be so made in Thy sight this day that it may be pleasing unto Thee, O Lord God. Come, O Sanctifier, Almighty eternal God, and bless this Sacrifice set forth to Thy holy name.

At the Washing of the Fingers.

OH, what cleanliness and purity of heart ought we to bring with us to this great Sacrifice! But alas! I am a poor unclean sinner. Oh wash me, dear Lord, from all the stains of sin in the Blood of the Lamb, that I may be worthy to be present at these heavenly Mysteries.

After the Lavabo, when the Priest bows down at the middle of the Altar.

O MOST holy and adorable Trinity, vouchsafe to receive this our Sacrifice in remembrance of our Saviour's Passion, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension: and grant that we may die with Him to our sins, rise with Him to newness of life, and ascend with Him to Thee. Let those Saints whose memory we celebrate on earth remember us before Thy throne in Heaven, and obtain mercy for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

At the Oratre, fratres.

MAY the Lord receive the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glossy of His name, to our benefit, and to that of all His holy Church.
At the Secreta.

MERCIFULLY hear our prayers, O Lord, and graciously accept this oblation which we Thy servants make unto Thee; and as we offer it to the honor of Thy name, so may it be to us a means of obtaining Thy grace here and life everlasting hereafter. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

(Or, on a Saint's Day.)

SANCTIFY, O Lord, we beseech Thee, these gifts which we offer Thee in this solemnity of Thy holy sevant N., and so strengthen us by Thy grace that both in prosperity and adversity our ways may be ever directed to Thine honor. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

At the Sursum Corda.

V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
R. It is worthy and just.

The Preface.

It is truly worthy and just, right and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God. Who, with Thine Only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the singleness of one only Person, but in the Trinity of one Substance. For what we believe of Thy glory, as Thou hast revealed it, that we believe of Thy Son, and that of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. That in the confession of the True and Eternal Godhead, distinction in Persons, unity in Essence, and equality in Majesty may be adored. Whom the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim, do praise; who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:

(Here the bell is rung.)

HOLY, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

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PART III.
The Canon of the Mass, or Main Action of the Sacrifice.

At the beginning of the Canon.

O ETERNAL and most merciful Father, behold we come to offer Thee our homage this day. We desire to adore, praise, and glorify Thee, joining our hearts and voices with all Thy Blessed in heaven, and with Thy whole Church upon earth. But acknowledging our great unworthiness and innumerable sins, for which we are heartily sorry and humbly crave Thy pardon, we dare not venture to approach Thee, save through Thy Son, our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast given us to be both our High-Priest and Sacrifice. With Him, therefore, and through Him, we venture to offer Thee this Sacrifice: to His most sacred intentions we desire to unite ours: and with this offering which He makes of Himself we wish to make an offering of our whole being unto Thee. With Him, and through Him, we beseech Thee to exalt Thy Holy Catholic Church throughout the world; to maintain her in peace, unity, holiness, and truth; to have mercy on Thy servant, N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, N. our Pastor, [our parents, children, friends, benefactors, etc.] on all whom we have in any way scandalized, injured, or offended, or for whom we ought to pray; on all who are dying; on all who are under temptation, or in other necessity, of either body or soul; on all our enemies; and on us all poor sinners; that we may all be converted to Thee, and find mercy through Jesus Christ, Thy Son; through whom we hope one day to be admitted into the company of all Thy Saints and Elect, whose memory we here celebrate, whose prayers we desire, and with whom we communicate in these holy Mysteries.

When the Priest spreads his hands over the Oblation.

(Here the bell is again rung.)

GIVE ear, we beseech Thee, to the prayers of Thy servant, who is here appointed to make this Oblation in our behalf; ad grant it may be effectual for the obtaining of all those blessings which he ask for us.
Behold, O Lord, we all here present unto Thee in this bread and wine the symbols of our perfect union. Grant, O Lord, that they may be made for us the true Body and Blood of Thy dear Son; that, being consecrated to Thee by this holy Victim, we may live in Thy service, and depart this life in Thy grace.

At the Consecration

Bow down in solemn adoration; make an Act of Faith in the Real Presence of your Saviour's Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, under the sacramental veils. Offer your whole self to Him, and through Him to His Father: beg that your heart and soul may be happily united to Him.

At the Elevation of the Host.

(Here the bell is rung again.)

MOST adorable Body, I adore Thee with all the powers of my soul. Lord, who hast given Thyself entire to us, grant we may become entirely Thine. I believe, O Lord; help mine unbelief.
Most merciful Saviour, be Thou my protector; strengthen and defend me by Thy heavenly grace, now, and especially at the hour of my death, good Jesus. Amen.

At the Elevation of the Chalice.

(Here the bell is rung again.)

MOST adorable Blood, that washest away all our sins, I adore Thee: happy we, could we return our life and blood for Thine, O blessed Victim.
O Jesus do Thou cleanse, sanctify, and preserve our souls to eternal life. Live, Jesus, in us, and may we live in Thee. Amen.

After the Elevation.

AND now, O Lord, with grateful hearts we call to mind the sacred Mysteries of Thy Passion and Death, of Thy Resurrection and Ascension. Here is Thy Body that was delivered; here is Thy Blood that was shed for us; of which these exterior signs are but the figures and yet in reality contain the Substance. Now we truly offer Thee, O Lord, that pure and holy Victim which Thou hast been pleased to give us; of which all the other sacrifices were but so many types and figures.

At the Momento for the Dead.

I OFFER Thee, O Almighty Father, this holy Sacrifice of the Body and Blood for Thine Only Son, in behalf of the Faithful Departed, and in particular for the souls of N.N. [here name whom you chiefly propose to pray for]. Likewise of such as I have in any way injured, or of whose sins I have by any means been the cause or occasion; of such as have injured me, and been my enemies; of such as die in war, or have none to pray for them. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, of light, and of peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Nobis quoque Peccatoribus, when the Priest strikes his breast.

VOUCHSAFE to grant the same to us also, poor and miserable sinners; judge us not according to our demerits, but through the infinite multitude of Thy tender mercies, in which we put all our trust, graciously extend to us Thy grace and pardon.
We ask it of Thee, in the name of Thy dear Son, who liveth and reigneth eternally with Thee; and in that form of prayer which He Himself hath taught us.

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PART IV.
The Communion, or Sacramental Part of the Canon.

At the Pater Noster. Our Father, etc.

Deliver us, O Lord, from those evils which we labor under at present; from past evils, which are our manifold sins; and from all evils to come, which will be the just chastisement of our offences, if our prayers, and those more powerful ones of Thy Saints, who intercede for us, intercept not Thy justice or excite not Thy bounty.

At the Pax Domini.

THY Body was delivered and Thy Blood was shed for us; grant that the commemoration of this Holy Mystery may obtain for us peace, and that those who receive it may find everlasting rest.

At the Agnus Dei, say with the Priest:

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.

After the Agnus Dei.

IN saying to Thine Apostle: Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; Thou hast promised, O Lord, to all Thy Church, that peace which the world cannot give, - peace with Thee, and peace with ourselves. Let nothing, O Lord, ever interrupt this holy peace; let nothing separate us from Thee, to whom we heartily desire to be united, through this Blessed Sacrament of peace and reconciliation. Let this Food of Angels strengthen us in every Christian duty, so as never more to yield under temptations or fall into our common weaknesses.

At the Domine, non sum dignus, say with the Priest three times, striking your breast:

(Here the bell is rung.)

LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.

Such as do not intend to communicate sacramentally may communicate spiritually, as follows:

MOST loving Jesus, I adore Thee with a lively faith, who art present in this Sacrament by virtue of Thine infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. All my hope is in Thee. I love Thee, O Lord, with all my heart, who hast so loved me; and therefore I desire to receive Thee now spiritually. Come, therefore, O Lord, to me in spirit, and heal my sinful soul. Feed me, for I am hungry; strengthen me, for I am weak; enliven and sanctify me with Thy sacred Body and Blood; deliver me from all sin, and make me always obedient to Thy commandments; and let me never be separated from Thee, my Saviour, who, with th eFathe rand the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen.

A FAVORITE PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA.⁽ⁱ⁾
Anima Christi.

SOUL of Christ, sanctify me!
Body of Christ, save me!
Blood of Christ, inebriate me!
Water from the side of Christ, wash me!
Passion of Christ, strengthen me!
O Good Jesus, hear me!
Within Thy Wounds hide me!
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee!
From the malicious enemy defend me!
In the hour of my death, call me,
And bid me come to Thee;
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
For ever and ever. Amen.

At the Communion.

LET it be now, O Lord, the effect of Thy mercy, that we who have been present at this holy Mystery may find the benefit of it in our souls.

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PART V.
The Public Thanksgiving After Communion.

At the Post-Communion.

WE give Thee thanks, O God, for Thy mercy in admitting us to have a part in offering this Sacrifice to Thy holy name: accept it now to Thy glory, and be ever mindful of our weakness. Most gracious God, Father of mercy, grant, I beseech Thee, that this adorable Sacrifice of the blessed Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, may obtain for us at Thy hands mercy and the remission of all our sins. Amen.

Concluding Prayer.

I RETURN Thee now most hearty thanks, O my God, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, that Thou hast been pleased to deliver Him up to death for us, and to give us His Body and Blood, both as a Sacrament and a Sacrifice, in these holy Mysteries, at which Thou hast permitted me, a most unworthy sinner, to be present this day. May all heaven and earth bless and praise Thee ever for all Thy mercies. Pardon me, O Lord, all the distractions and the manifold negligences of which I have been guilty this day in Thy sight; and let me not depart without Thy blessing. Behold, I desire from this moment to give up myself, and all that belongs to me, into Thy hands; and I beg that all my undertakings, all my thoughts, words, and actions, may henceforth tend to Thy glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Gospel of St. John, p. 158.*