Novena of the Assumption.
1st Day, Aug. 6th.
GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH.
She was well prepared to die.
LET us meditate how glorious Mary was at the moment of her death, because in life she was so well prepared to die: first, by reason of her ardent longing to see her God and to be again united to her Son; and next, by the unapproachable merit of her consummate perfection. Then, reflecting how different we are from Mary in our own practice of preparation for our death, let us say:
1. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself for a holy death, didst live in continual desire after the beatific vision; oh, take from us all vain desires for the frail things of earth. Three Hail Marys.
2. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself holily to die, didst in life ever sigh to be united to thy Son Jesus; obtain for us fidelity to Jesus, even unto death. Three Hail Marys.
3. Most Holy Virgin, who, in order that thou mightest die holily, didst attain an unapproachable height of merit and of virtue; intercede for us, that we may know that virtue alone, and the grace of God, will lead us to salvation. Three Hail Marys.
Let us now give praise to Mary, so prudent in preparing for death; and whilst we exalt her glory, we will unite with the nine angel choirs who, on her Assumption into heaven, escorted her; singing with the first choir —
The hymn Tota Pulchra, p. 568, or the Litany of Loretto; then,
