towards perfection thy holy servants in this world, more especially those who are of this confraternity.
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory be, &c
Sancta Mater, &c
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, I adore the sacred wound in thy blessed side. I thank thee for the infinite love manifested towards us at the opening of thy sacred Heart. Grant me a pure and perfect charity, that loving all things for thy sake, and thee above all things, I may breathe my last in the purest sentiments of divine love. Protect thy holy Catholic Church, direct thy governing Vicar upon earth, all ecclesiastical orders, and all pious persons who are instrumental in the conversion of souls. Preserve in thy holy service all Christian kings and princes. Bring back into the way of salvation all those who have gone astray, whether through malice or ignorance; and subject unto thy sacred yoke all infidels, heretics, and enemies of thy holy name.
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory be, &c.
Sancta Mater, &c.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, God of my heart; by those five wounds which thy love for us inflicted on thee, succour thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Amen.
Most merciful Redeemer, by those unspeakable torments and by the grief which thou wast pleased to suffer for me, especially when thy soul was separated from thy body, I humbly beseech thee to secure my soul at the hour of its departure, and to comfort me then, as thou didst comfort the penitent thief, with the blessed assurance that I shall be with thee in Paradise.
The Stabat Mater, or part of it, is then sung: see p. 443.
Let us say thrice the Our Father, and thrice the Hail Mary, in memory of the three hours our Redeemer hung upon the Cross, for the souls of the faithful departed of this congregation.
Let us say once the Our Father and the Hail Mary, for those who are in the deplorable state of mortal sin.
Let us likewise say once the Our Father and the Hail Mary, for the person of this congregation who is next to die, that he may depart happily, strengthened with the holy sacraments of the Church.
Let us dispose ourselves, by acts of perfect contrition and of pure love of God, to receive profitably the benediction of our Lord and Saviour in the adorable Sacrament of the Altar.
