Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/557

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To decade V. In the stripping of thy garments.

VI. In thy crucifixion.

VII. In the opening of thy side.

At the end of every decade, or last salutation, subjoin the following aspiration to the most blessed Virgin Mary:

Holy Mary, sorrowful Mother, by the sword of sorrow which pierced thy soul, obtain for us the fruit of the Blood of Jesus Christ thy Son, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen.

The recital of this Rosary may be seasoned with various pious affections, applications, and intentions. Each decade, for instance, may be directed severally, either against the seven capital sins, or to the imitation of the seven principal virtues of Christ, as they are commonly set forth by Canisius, Costerus, and others: for example,

Decade I. For Christ’s humility.

II. For his meekness.

III. For his patience.

IV. For his obedience.

V. For his goodness.

VI. For his charity.

VII. For his bounty.

And for this purpose an epithet suited to recall the memory of those virtues may be added to the beginning of the salutation in every decade: as, 1. Hail most humble. 2. Most meek. 3. Most patient. 4. Most obedient. 5. Most gracious. 6. Most loving. 7. Most bountiful Lord Jesus Christ, &c. This Rosary may be said also for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, or for the seven benefits contained in the Lord's Prayer. Also, since it is by the Blood of Christ that the seven Sacraments have each their own efficacy, this Rosary may be offered for obtaining the saving use of the Sacraments for each of their recipients. Thus, decade I. for the baptized, II. for the confirmed, III. for penitents, IV. for communicants, V. for the ordained, VI. for the married, VII. for the dying.

The second Rosary, relating to Christ's most sacred Wounds, has five decades, to be repealed as before.

To each salutation, again, after shed for us, add:

To decade I. From the wound in thy right foot.

II. From the wound in thy left foot.

III. From the wound in thy right hand.

IV. From the wound in thy left hand.

V. From the wound in thy heart.