St. Vincent's Manual/The Seven Joys of Our Blessed Lady in Heaven
THE SEVEN JOYS OF OUR BLESSED LADY IN HEAVEN.
THIS devotion, no less than the former, is pleasing and agreeable to the ever-glorious Mother of God. She herself teaches us this truth; she suggested and recommended the practice of it to her servant, St. Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury, as is related by Pelbartus in his Stellarium, and in his sermon on St. Thomas; and also by Ballingham, in his Calendar of the Blessed Virgin.
St. Thomas, whilst reciting the Hail Mary seven times, which he daily did in memory of the principal joys his blessed Patroness, the ever-glorious Virgin, received whilst upon earth, was favored with an apparition of the Queen of Heaven. She exhorted him to add seven Aves more each day in honor of the seven signal joys she possesses in heaven, and to instil the same devotion into the minds of others; assuring him that this instance of their respect and affection should not pass without her peculiar regard and recompense; that in their afflictions she would assist them, and that she would comfort and support them, especially at the hour of their death.
I.
SHE IS EXALTED ABOVE ALL THE CHOIRS OF HEAVEN.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! thy profound humility and purity without example have raised thee above all the Angels, and the celestial hierarchy: thy glory, O Virgin Mother! as far surpasses that of all the Saints in heaven, as thy sanctity was superior to theirs upon earth. I rejoice in thy exaltation, O blessed Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee faithfully in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen. Hail Mary.
II.
HER PRESENCE ADDS A LUSTRE TO HEAVEN.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! such is the light of thy glorified body, that it illuminates the heavenly Jerusalem, even as the sun enlightens this lower hemisphere: thy presence not only adds an accidental beauty to that heavenly city, but also increases the happiness of each inhabitant of that blessed court. I rejoice in thy excellence, O blessed Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen. Hail Mary.
III.
SHE IS SINGULARLY HONORED BY ALL THE BLESSED.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! the Saints and Angels in heaven honor thee as the daughter of God the Father, mother of God the Son, and spouse of God the Holy Ghost. They pay all due respect, love and homage to thee, the object, next to God, of their complaisance, gratitude and affection. I rejoice in the honors paid to thee, O blessed Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen. Hail Mary.
IV.
HER INTERCESSION IN FAVOR OF HER SERVANTS IS ALL-POWERFUL.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! such is thy favor with God, that when thou art pleased to interpose in behalf of the sinner, there is no danger of a refusal on the part of heaven. I rejoice in thy power, O glorious Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen, Hail Mary.
V.
HER THRONE IS NEXT TO THAT OF HER DIVINE SON.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! my soul is incapable of containing the transports it feels. May the adorable Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be ever blessed, who has distinguished thy throne in so glorious a manner, and has fixed thy seat next to that of thy divine Son. I rejoice, and my joy is above all I can express, in thy glory, O glorious Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen, Hail Mary.
VI.
GOD REGARDS AND LOVES THOSE WHO LOVE AND REVERENCE THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! the love which the Almighty bears thee, extends even to those who love and reverence thee. Great is their portion, happy their lot in particular, who with zeal and affection promote thy honor and thy glory. I rejoice in the favor thou enjoyest, O glorious Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen. Hail Mary.
VII.
HER JOY AND GLORY ARE ETERNAL.
REJOICE, O most glorious Virgin! thy essential bliss and happiness, how immense soever, will never have an end or diminution, and thy joy will, through all ages, be augmented. I rejoice in thy felicity, O glorious Mother of God! Look down on thy servant, and by thy power and goodness, obtain for me, from thy Son, a meek and pure heart, that I may serve thee in this life, and by thy intercession, be happy with thee hereafter. Amen. Hail Mary.