PRAYER BEFORE VISIT
THE LOVELIEST OF SANCTUARIES
The Spouse in the Canticles went forth looking everywhere for him whom she loved, and when she could not find him she kept on asking, "Have you seen him who is the beloved of my soul?" (Cant. 3).
Jesus was not on earth at that time. But if a soul that loves Jesus now goes forth looking for Him she can find Him always in the Most Holy Sacrament.
Of all the holy places that can most attract our love, the Venerable Fr. Master Avila tells us that he knew of none, and he wished for none, more lovely than a church where Jesus dwells in the Most Holy Sacrament.
O love of my God, love that is boundless, love worthy to be returned by a boundless love! My Jesus, how has it come to this! You stoop so low, you humble yourself, you hide yourself under the form of bread, to live among men and have a union of hearts between them and yourself.
Eternal Word made Flesh, you have come to the deepest depths of humiliation, because you act from the deepest depths of love. How can I not love you with my whole heart, when I know all that you have done to take all my love captive? I love you with an exceeding great love; and therefore, whatever gives you joy is far more important than any interest of mine, and than any comfort of mine. My joy is to give you joy, my God, my Love, my All. Stir up within me a consuming desire―a longing to be with you always in this Holy Sacrament; to recieve you, and to enjoy your company. I would be very ungrateful indeed, if I were to refuse such an invitation coming from you: an invitation so full of grace and consolation. Dear Master, put an end to any unruly love of created things that still lingers in my heart. You are my Creator, and you have made me so that all my longings, all my love, should find their rest in you. Boundless Goodness of my God that surpasses everything in its loveliness, I love you. From you I ask for nothing but yourself. I do not want any selfish joys; your happiness is enough for me. Set me on fire with a nightly longing to love only you; aid me with your powerful grace, so that I, once the unhappy slave of sin, may from this day forward be the happy servant of your love.
Aspiration - Jesus, my Good above all good, I love you.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Jesus, I believe you are in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you; I want you to come to me. Come into my heart; I embrace you; O never depart from me.
A VISIT TO MARY
THE AGENT OF
RECONCILIATION
My Mother Mary, most sweet Lady, I have been an unhappy rebel for I have sinned against your great Son. But now in repentance I seek your gentle mercy that you may obtain me pardon. You cannot tell me that you are powerless to help me; I hear St. Bernard calling you "God's agent of reconciliation," and St. Ephrem "The support of those who are in peril." My Lady, who is in greater peril than I? This is certain―I have lost God and I have been condemned to lose Him for ever. But I am uncertain as to whether He has yet pardoned me; and if He has I am quite capable of losing Him again. You can obtain everything from Him: so from you I hope for every good―pardon, perseverance and paradise. This is my hope, dear Mary―that I will be one of those in the Kingdom of the Blessed who will praise your mercy most, for you will save me by your intercession.
Aspiration - I will sing the mercies of Mary forever; I will sing them forever. Amen.
Aspiration - I will sing the mercies of Mary forever; I will sing them forever. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER VISIT
Most holy and immaculate Virgin―My Mother Mary―to thee, the Mother of my God, the Queen of the world, the advocate, the hope, and the refuge of sinners―I have recourse to-day, I, who am the most miserable of all.
I render thee my humble homage, O great Queen, and I thank thee for all the graces which thou hast bestowed upon me until now, particularly for having delivered me from hell, which I have so often deserved.
I love thee, O most amiable Sovereign, and for the love I bear thee, I promise to serve thee always, and to do all in my power to make others love thee also. I place in thee, after God, all my hopes. I confide my salvation to thy care.
Accept me for thy servant, and take me under thy protection, O Mother of Mercy. And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or rather obtain for me the strength to triumph over them until death.
Obtain for me, I beseech thee, a perfect love for Jesus Christ. To thee I look for grace to die a good death. O my Mother, by the love thou bearest to God, I beseech thee to help me at all times, and particularly at the decisive moment of death. Do not leave me until thou seest me safe in heaven, occupied in blessing thee, and singing thy mercies throughout eternity. Amen.
"And with this, we end our daily visit. May the words we’ve shared be a beacon for those who seek comfort and guidance. Let our hearts be cradled by the grace of the Lord, and may the tender embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary enfold us. As day gives way to night, let the promise of the dawn renew our spirits for the morrow. Until we meet again, let us walk in the light of faith and love."
With love and devotion,
Kathy
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