Latin & English Prayers

Signum Crucis (Sign of the Cross)
Doxologia Minor (Glory Be)
Oratio Dominica (The Lord's Prayer)
Confiteor (I Confess)
Actus Fidei (Act of Faith)
Actus Spei (Act of Hope)
Actus Caritatis (Act of Love)
Symbolum Apostolorum (Apostles' Creed)
Quicumque (Athanasian Creed)
Symbolum Nicaenum (Nicene Creed)
Angelic Trisagion
Benedicite Dominum (Canticle of the Three Young Men)
Gloria (Glory to God)
In Te Credo (I Believe in Thee)
Omnipotens Sempiterne Deus (Almighty and Everlasting God)
Pietate Tua (Of Thy Tender Mercy)
Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy)
Te Deum
Conversi ad Dominum Deum (Let Us Turn Towards the Lord God)
Deus Meus, Credo in Te (My God, I Believe in Thee)
Deus, Qui Fidei Sacramenta (O God, Who in the Glorious Transfiguration)
Domine Sancte, Pater Omnipotens (O Holy Lord, Father Almighty)
O Omnium Domine (O Lord of All)
Perenne Lumen in Templo Aeterni (Perpetual Light in the Eternal Temple)
Adoramus Te (We Adore Thee)
Aufer A Me Cor Lapideum (Take From Me My Heart of Stone)
Domine Iesu, Noverim Me (Lord Jesus, Let Me Know Myself)
Iesu Dulcissime, Redemptor (Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer)
Litaniae Cordis Sanctae Iesu (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)
Litaniae Pretiosissimi Sanguinis Domini Nostri Iesu Christi (Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
Litaniae Litaniae Sanctissimi Nominis Iesu (Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus)
Concede, Quaesumus (Grant, We Beseech Thee)
O Sancte Spiritus (O Holy Spirit)
Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest)
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) Veni, Sancte Spiritus 2 (Come, Holy Spirit)
Actus Reparationis (Act of Reparation)
Attende Domine (Hearken, O Lord)
Libera Me (Deliver Me, Lord Jesus Christ)
Prex Menasse (The Prayer of Manasseh)
Oratio Sancti Ambrosii Ante Missam (Prayer of St. Ambrose Before Mass)
Oratio Sancti Aquinatis Ante Missam (Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Mass)
Oratio ad Beatam Mariam Virginem Ante Missam (Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Before Mass)
Oratio ad Sanctum Ioseph Ante Missam (Prayer to St. Joseph Before Mass)
Oratio ad Omnes Angelos et Sanctos Ante Missam (Prayer to All the Angles and Saints Before Mass)
Formula Intensionis Ante Missam (Statement of Intention)
Oratio Ante Communionem (Prayer before Communion)
Perceptio Corporis Tui (Let the Receiving of Thy Body)
Oratio Ante Perceptionem Eucharisticae (Prayer before the reception of the Eucharist)
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)
Oblatio Sui (Prayer of Self-Dedication to Jesus Christ)
En Ego, O Bone et Dulcissime Iesu (Prayer before a Crucifix)
Oratio Sancti Thomae Aquinatis Post Missam (Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas After Mass)
Oratio Sancti Bonaventurae (Prayer of St. Bonaventure)
Oratio Universalis (Universal Prayer)
Obsecro Te, Dulcissime Domine Iesu Christe (I Beseech Thee, Most Sweet Jesus Christ)
(Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary After Mass)
Oratio ad Sanctum Ioseph (Prayer to St. Joseph)
Oratio Sancti Iohannis Chrysostomi (Prayer of St. John Chrysostom)
E Doctrina Duodecim Apostolorum (From the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
Placeat
Salutatio ad Dominum Iesum Christum (Salutation to the Lord Jesus Christ)
Adoro Te Devote (Hidden God)
Lauda Sion (Laud, O Zion)
Pange Lingua (Sing, My Tongue)
Sacris Solemniis (At This Our Solemn Feast)
Verbum Supernum (The Word of God)
O Sacrum Convivium (O Sacred Banquet)
Oratio Sancti Caietani (Prayer of St. Cajetan)
Te, Iesu, verum Deum et Hominem (I adore Thee, O Jesus)
Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling)
Laudes Divinae (Divine Praises)
 

Signum Crucis (Sign of the Cross)

The familiar and time honored Sign of the Cross can be traced back in one form or another to the first century. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who make the Sign of the Cross. 

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

A slightly different version from the old Roman Breviary. 

Per signum crucis de inimicis nostris libera nos, Deus noster. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen 

By the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies, Thou who art our God. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

Doxologia Minor (Glory Be)

A short expression of praise to the Trinity from the very early Church. The first part appears to be from a baptismal formula and the second part was added as an anti-Arian statement. It is used extensively in the Divine Office and also many other devotions such as the Rosary. 

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
 

Oratio Dominica (The Lord's Prayer)

This prayer was given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself when the apostles asked Him to teach them to pray (Mt 6:9-13) and has been an important prayer since. The Didache (1st/2nd century catechism) commends the prayer to be recited by the faithful three times during the day. In the latter part of the 4th century it became an official part of the Mass where it was originally recited after the breaking of the bread. Later, Pope Gregory the Great, influenced by St. Augustine, moved it to just before the breaking of the bread where it has been ever since. Today, the Didache's tradition of reciting the prayer thrice daily continues in the Church with the Lord's prayer being recited at Mass and then twice more during the Liturgy of the Hours, at Lauds and Vespers. 

Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
 

Confiteor (I Confess)

A 'Confiteor' is a penitential prayer where we acknowledge our sinfulness and seek God's forgiveness. As a prayer form, it has been part of our tradition from nearly the beginning of Christianity. The one below was partially composed in the 8th century and then added to the Mass in the 11th Century. 

Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Ioanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et vobis, fratres (et tibi pater), quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Ioannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et vos, fratres (et te, pater), orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Amen. 

I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you my brothers and sisters (and to thee, father) that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen.
 

Actus Fidei (Act of Faith)

This is the traditional prayer to make an Act of Faith. A partial indulgence is attached to any legitimate formula of an Act of Faith. 

Domine Deus, firma fide credo et confiteor omnia et singula quae sancta ecclesia Catholica proponit, quia tu, Deus, ea omnia revelasti, qui es aeterna veritas et sapientia quae nec fallere nec falli potest. In hac fide vivere et mori statuo. Amen. 

O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; I believe that Thy divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
 

Actus Spei (Act of Hope)

This is the traditional prayer for an Act of Hope. A partial indulgence is attached to any legitimate formula of an Act of Hope. 

Domine Deus, spero per gratiam tuam remissionem omnium peccatorum, et post hanc vitam aeternam felicitatem me esse consecuturum: quia tu promisisti, qui es infinite potens, fidelis, benignus, et misericors. In hac spe vivere et mori statuo. Amen. 

O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
 

Actus Caritatis (Act of Love)

This is the traditional prayer for an Act of Love. A partial indulgence is attached to any legitimate formula of an Act of Love. 

Domine Deus, amo te super omnia proximum meum propter te, quia tu es summum, infinitum, et perfectissimum bonum, omni dilectione dignum. In hac caritate vivere et mori statuo. Amen.

O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.
 

Symbolum Apostolorum (Apostles' Creed)

The Apostles' Creed can trace its ancestry, in one form or another, back to the time of the Apostles. The present form first appeared in the 6th century in the writings of Caesarius of Arles (d 542), but prior versions can be traced back to 340 AD in a letter to Pope Julius I and even still further back to a circa 200 document containing the Roman baptismal liturgy. It appears that originally this Creed was a baptismal creed summarizing the teachings of the Apostles and was given to the catechumens when they were baptized. Instead of the continuous prayer as we have it today, each line was rather in the form of a question to which the catechumen gave assent indicating he both understood and believed. This form is similar to the form found in the Easter Liturgy for the renewal of the Baptismal promises. Eventually this question and answer style was modified into the prayer form as we have it today. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite the Symbolum Apostolorum. 

Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad infernos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem et vitam aeternam. Amen. 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 

Quicumque (Athanasian Creed)

The Athanasian Creed, also know as the "Quicumque vult", was formerly recited at the office of Prime on Sundays. It is one of the four authoritative Creeds of the Catholic Church. The Anglican Church and some Protestant Churches also hold it to be authoritative. While the Creed has always been attributed to St. Athanasius (d 373 AD), it was unknown in the Eastern Churches until the 12th century and thus it is unlikely he is the author. St. Ambrose is one suggested author, but many authors have been proposed with no conclusive agreements reached. Current theory suggests it was composed in southern France in the 5th century. In 1940, the lost 'Excerpta' of St. Vincent of Lerins (flourished in 440: "quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est") was discovered, and this work contains much of the language of the Creed. Thus, either St. Vincent, or an admirer have also been suggested as author. The earliest known copy of the creed was included in a prefix to a collection of homilies by Caesarius of Arles (died 542). 

Quicumque vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem: Quam nisi quisque integram inviolatamque servaverit, absque dubio in aeternam peribit. Fides autem catholica haec est: ut unum Deum in Trinitate, et Trinitatem in unitate veneremur. Neque confundentes personas, neque substantiam seperantes. Alia est enim persona Patris alia Filii, alia Spiritus Sancti: Sed Patris, et Fili, et Spiritus Sancti una est divinitas, aequalis gloria, coeterna maiestas. Qualis Pater, talis Filius, talis Spiritus Sanctus. Increatus Pater, increatus Filius, increatus Spiritus Sanctus. Immensus Pater, immensus Filius, immensus Spiritus Sanctus. Aeternus Pater, aeternus Filius, aeternus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres aeterni, sed unus aeternus. Sicut non tres increati, nec tres immensi, sed unus increatus, et unus immensus. Similiter omnipotens Pater, omnipotens Filius, omnipotens Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres omnipotentes, sed unus omnipotens. Ita Deus Pater, Deus Filius, Deus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres dii, sed unus est Deus. Ita Dominus Pater, Dominus Filius, Dominus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres Domini, sed unus est Dominus. Quia, sicut singillatim unamquamque personam Deum ac Dominum confiteri christiana veritate compelimur: ita tres Deos aut Dominos dicere catholica religione prohibemur. Pater a nullo est factus: nec creatus, nec genitus. Filius a Patre solo est: non factus, nec creatus, sed genitus. Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio: non factus, nec creatus, nec genitus, sed procedens. Unus ergo Pater, non tres Patres: unus Filius, non tres Filii: unus Spiritus Sanctus, non tres Spiritus Sancti. Et in hac Trinitate nihil prius aut posterius, nihil maius aut minus: sed totae tres personae coaeternae sibi sunt et coaequales. Ita ut per omnia, sicut iam supra dictum est, et unitas in Trinitate, et Trinitas in unitate veneranda sit. Qui vult ergo salvus esse, ita de Trinitate sentiat. Sed necessarium est ad aeternam salutem, ut incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Iesu Christi fideliter credat. Est ergo fides recta ut credamus et confiteamur, quia Dominus noster Iesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus et homo est. Deus est ex substantia Patris ante saecula genitus: et homo est ex substantia matris in saeculo natus. Perfectus Deus, perfectus homo: ex anima rationali et humana carne subsistens. Aequalis Patri secundum divinitatem: minor Patre secundum humanitatem. Qui licet Deus sit et homo, non duo tamen, sed unus est Christus. Unus autem non conversione divinitatis in carnem, sed assumptione humanitatis in Deum. Unus omnino, non confusione substantiae, sed unitate personae. Nam sicut anima rationalis et caro unus est homo: ita Deus et homo unus est Christus. Qui passus est pro salute nostra: descendit ad inferos: tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Ad cuius adventum omnes homines resurgere habent cum corporibus suis: et reddituri sunt de factis propriis rationem. Et qui bona egerunt, ibunt in vitam aeternam: qui vero mala, in ignem aeternum. Haec est fides catholica, quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit. Amen.

Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic faith. For unless a person keeps this faith whole and entire he will undoubtedly be lost forever. This is what the catholic faith teaches: we worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. We distinguish among the persons, but we do not divide the substance. For the Father is a distinct person; the Son is a distinct person; and the Holy Spirit is a distinct person. Still the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit have one divinity, equal glory, and coeternal majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and the Holy Spirit is. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is boundless, the Son is boundless, and the Holy Spirit is boundless. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Spirit is eternal. Nevertheless, there are not three eternal beings, but one eternal being. Thus there are not three uncreated beings, nor three boundless beings, but one uncreated being and one boundless being. Likewise, the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, and the Holy Spirit is omnipotent. Yet there are not three omnipotent beings, but one omnipotent being. Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. But there are not three gods, but one God. The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is Lord. There as not three lords, but one Lord. For according to Christian truth, we must profess that each of the persons individually is God; and according to Christian religion we are forbidden to say that there are three gods or lords. The Father is not made by anyone, nor created by anyone, nor generated by anyone. The Son is not made nor created, but he is generated by the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is not made nor created nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and the Son. There is, then, one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, but not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. In this Trinity, there is nothing greater, nothing less than anything else. But the entire three persons are coeternal and coequal with one another. So that, as we have said, we worship complete unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. This, then, is what he who wishes to be saved must believe about the Trinity. It is also necessary for eternal salvation that he believes steadfastly in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The true faith is: we believe and profess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man. As God He was begotten of the substance of the Father before time; as man He was born in time of the substance of His Mother. He is perfect God; and He is perfect man, with a rational soul and human flesh. He is equal to the Father in His divinity, but He is inferior to the Father in His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ. And He is one, not because His divinity was changed into flesh, but because His humanity was assumed to God. He is one, not at all because of a mingling of substances, but because He is one person. As a rational soul and flesh are one man: so God and man are one Christ. He died for our salvation, descended to hell, arose from the dead on the third day. Ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, and from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies; and they are to give an account of their lives. Those who have done good deeds will go into eternal life; those who have done evil will go into everlasting fire. This is the Catholic faith. Everyone must believe it, firmly and steadfastly; otherwise He cannot be saved. Amen.
 

Symbolum Nicaenum (Nicene Creed)

The Symbolum Nicaenum, or Nicene Creed, is a fusion of the creeds drawn up at the Council of Nicea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). It was at these councils that the true nature of Jesus was defended against two heresies that had sprung up. The Arians denied Christ's divinity and the Monophysites denied Christ's humanity. The councils, drawing upon the traditions handed down to them from the Apostles, condemned both heresies and declared that Jesus was indeed both true God and true man. In the 11th century this creed became part of the Mass. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite the Symbolum Nicaenum. 

(Note from the Catechism: The "filioque" in the creed did not appear in the creeds of 325 or 381. The doctrinal point was confessed dogmatically by Pope St. Leo I in 447, and affirmed by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. The "filioque" was introduced into the Latin liturgy between the 8th and 11th centuries. --spok) 

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen. 

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven. And was made flesh by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who together with the Father and the Son, he is adored and glorified: Who has spoken through the Prophets. And I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
 

Angelic Trisagion

This hymn of devotion to the Blessed Trinity is the official prayer of the Order of the Blessed Trinity, otherwise known as the Trinitarians. This devotion has been recited by them and their affiliates for centuries in praise of the Trinity. 

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. 

V. Domine, labia mea aperies. 
R. Et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam. 
V. Deus in adiutorium meum intende. 
R. Domine, ad adiuvandum me festina. 
V. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, 
R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

The decade below is recited three times, once for each member of the Trinity. 

All: Sanctus Deus, Sanctus fortis, Sanctus immortalis, miserere nobis. 
V. Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen. 

The following part of the decade is repeated nine times. 

V. Tibi laus, Tibi gloria, Tibi gratiarum actio in saecula sempiterna, O Beata Trinitas. 
R. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus exercituum. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. 
V. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, 
R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

End of Decade 

Antiphon 

Te Deum Patrem ingenitum, te Filium unigenitum, te Spiritum Sanctum Paraclitum, sanctam et individuam Trinitatem, toto corde et ore confitemur, laudamus, atque benedicimus: Tibi gloria in saecula. 

V. Benedicimus Patrem, et Filium cum Sancto Spiritu. 
R. Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula. 

Oremus. 

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui dedisti famulis tuis in confessione verae fidei, aeternae Trinitatis gloriam agnoscere, et in potentia maiestatis adorare Unitatem: quaesumus, ut eiusdem fidei firmitate, ab omnibus semper muniamur adversis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. 

All: Amen. 
All: Libera nos, salva nos, vivifica nos, O Beata Trinitas! 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

V. Lord, open my lips. 
R. And my mouth shall declare Thy praise. 
V. O God, come to my assistance. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. 

The decade below is recited three times, once for each member of the Trinity. 

All: Holy God! Holy Strong One! Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. 
V. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. 

The following part of the decade is repeated nine times 

V. To Thee, O Blessed Trinity, be praise, and honor, and thanksgiving, for ever and ever! 
R. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are filled with Thy glory. 
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen. 

End of Decade 

Antiphon 

God the Father unbegotten, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, the Comforter; holy and undivided Trinity, with all our hearts we acknowledge Thee: Glory to Thee forever. 

V. Let us bless the Father, and the Son with the Holy Spirit. 
R. Be praised and exalted above all things forever. 

Let us pray, 

Almighty, ever-living God, who has permitted us Thy servants, in our profession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of that majesty to adore the Unity, grant, that by steadfastness in this same faith, we may be ever guarded against all adversity: through Christ our Lord. 

All: Amen 
All: Set us free, save us, vivify us, O Blessed Trinity!
 

Benedicite Dominum (Canticle of the Three Young Men)

Benedicite Dominum, or the Canticle of the Three Young Men is taken from the Old Testament book of Daniel (Dan. 3, 57-88; 56). It is used at Lauds in the Liturgy of the Hours for Sundays and feast days. 

Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino; laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula. 
Benedicite, caeli, Domino, benedicite, angeli Domini, Domino. 
Benedicite, aquae omnes, quae super caelos sunt, Domino, benedicat omnis virtutis Domino. 
Benedicite, sol et luna, Domino, benedicite, stellae caeli, Domino. 
Benedicite, omnis imber et ros, Domino, benedicite, omnes venti, Domino. 
Benedicite, ignis et aestus, Domino, benedicite, frigus et aestus, Domino. 
Benedicite, rores et pruina, Domino, benedicite, gelu et frigus, Domino. 
Benedicite, glacies et nives, Domino, benedicite, noctes et dies, Domino. 
Benedicite, lux et tenebrae, Domino, benedicite, fulgura et nubes, Domino. 
Benedicat terra Dominum: laudet et superexaltet eum in saecula. 
Benedicite, montes et colles, Domino, benedicite, universa germinantia in terra, Domino. 
Benedicite, maria et flumina, Domino, benedicite, fontes, Domino. 
Benedicite, cete, et omnia, quae moventur in aquis, Domino, benedicite, omnes volucres caeli, Domino. 
Benedicite, omnes bestiae et pecora, Domino, benedicite, filii hominum, Domino. 
Benedicite, Israel, Domino, laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula. 
Benedicite, sacerdotes Domini, Domino, benedicite, servi Domini, Domino. 
Benedicite, spiritus et animae iustorum, Domino, benedicite, sancti et humiles corde, Domino. 
Benedicite, Anania, Azaria, Misael, Domino, laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula. 
Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum Sancto Spiritu; laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula. 
Benedictus es in firmamento caeli et laudabilis et gloriosus in saecula. Amen. 

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. 
Heavens, bless the Lord; angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. 
All you waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord; let all powers bless the Lord. 
Sun and moon, bless the Lord; stars of heaven, bless the Lord. 
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. All you winds, bless the Lord. 
Fire and heat, bless the Lord; cold and chill, bless the Lord. 
Dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord; frost and cold, bless the Lord. 
Ice and snow, bless the Lord; nights and days, bless the Lord. 
Light and darkness, bless the Lord; lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. 
Let the earth bless the Lord; let it praise and exalt Him above all forever. 
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord. 
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; fountains, bless the Lord. 
Whales and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord; all you fowls of the air, bless the Lord. 
All you beasts and cattle, bless the Lord; sons of men, bless the Lord. 
Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. 
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord. 
Ananias, Azaria, and Misael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 
Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Spirit; let us praise and exalt Him above all for ever. 
Blessed art Thou, Lord, in the firmament of heaven; and worthy of praise, and glorious above all for ever. Amen.
 

Gloria (Glory to God)

The Gloria is an ancient hymn praising the Trinity. The opening line of the hymn is taken from Scripture (Lk 2:14), where the angels announce the birth of Christ to the shepherds. The Gloria was composed some time in the second century and can be found recommended as a daily morning prayer in book VII of the Apostolic Constitutions, written some time in the 3rd/4th century. This prayer has been part of the Mass since the 5th century. 

Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen. 

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men of good will. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we adore Thee, we glorify Thee, we give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, only begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Thou who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; Thou who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou alone art the Holy One, Thou alone art the Lord, Thou alone art the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
 

In Te Credo (I Believe in Thee)

In te credo, in te spero, te amo, te adoro, beata Trinitas unus Deus, miserere mei nunc et in hora mortis meae et salva me. Amen. 

I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee, I adore Thee, O Blessed Trinity, one God; have mercy on me now and at the hour of my death and save me. Amen.
 

Omnipotens Sempiterne Deus (Almighty and Everlasting God)

This prayer was formerly recited during the Mass for Trinity Sunday. 

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui dedisti famulis tuis in confessione verae fidei, aeternae Trinitatis gloriam agnoscere, et in potentia maiestatis adorare Unitatem: quaesumus, ut eiusdem fidei firmitate ab omnibus semper muniamur adversis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us Thy servants grace by the profession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and, in the power of Thy divine Majesty, to worship the Unity; we beseech Thee, that by our steadfastness in this same faith, we may evermore be defended from all adversities. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Pietate Tua (Of Thy Tender Mercy)

Pietate tua, quaesumus, Domine, nostrorum solve vincula peccatorum, et intercedente beata semperque Virgine Dei Genetrice Maria cum beato Ioseph ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo et omnibus Sanctis, nos famulos tuos et loca nostra in omni sanctitate custodi; omnes consanguinitate, affinitate ac familiaritate nobis coniunctos a vitiis purga, virtutibus illusta; pacem et salutem nobis tribue; hostes visibiles et invisibiles remove; carnalia desideria repelle: aerem salubrem indulge; amicis et inimicis nostris caritatem largire; Urbem tuam custodi; Pontificem nostrum N. conserva; omnes Praelatos, Principes cunctumque populum christianum ab omni adversitate defende. Benedictio tua sit super nos semper, et omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam concede. Amen. 

Of Thy tender mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord, loose the bonds of our sins, and through the intercession of Mary, the blessed and ever-Virgin Mother of God, together with that of Saint Joseph and Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all Thy Saints, keep us Thy servants and our dwelling places in all holiness; cleanse from sin and endue with virtue all those who are joined to us by kindred, affinity and friendship; grant unto us peace and safety; remove far from us our enemies, both visible and invisible; repress all our carnal desires; grant us wholesome air; bestow Thy charity upon our friends and enemies; guard Thy city; preserve our Pontiff N.; defend all prelates and princes and Thine entire Christian people from every adversity. Let Thy blessing be evermore upon us, and do Thou grant unto all the faithful departed rest everlasting. Amen.
 

Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy)

The Sanctus has been a part of the Mass from the first century AD and its Jewish roots go back even farther. The first part of the chant is based upon Isaiah 6:3 and Daniel 7:10. The second part is based on Mt 21:9. The chant unites our voices with those of the saints and angels in heaven into one song of praise of God. 

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
 

Te Deum

Te Deum, also sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because if its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving. First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana; (4th century). It is used at the conclusion of the Office of the Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours on Sundays outside Lent, daily during the Octaves of Christmas and Easter, and on Solemnities and Feast Days. The petitions at the end were added at a later time and are optional. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it in thanksgiving and a plenary indulgence is granted if the hymn is recited publicly on the last day of the year. 

Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi caeli et universae Potestates;
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus,
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia,
Patrem immensae maiestatis:
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.

V. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae.
R. Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.
V. Per singulos dies benedicimus te.
R. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.
V. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire.
R. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri.
V. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te.
R. In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum.

O God, we praise Thee, and acknowledge Thee to be the supreme Lord.
Everlasting Father, all the earth worships Thee.
All the Angels, the heavens and all angelic powers,
All the Cherubim and Seraphim, continuously cry to Thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The wonderful company of Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest it upon Thyself to deliver man,
Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death, Thou opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sitest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou willst come to be our Judge.
We, therefore, beg Thee to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Let them be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.

V. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thy inheritance!
R. Govern them, and raise them up forever.
V. Every day we thank Thee.
R. And we praise Thy Name forever, yes, forever and ever.
V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in Thee.
R. O Lord, in Thee I have put my trust; let me never be put to shame.
 

Conversi ad Dominum Deum (Let Us Turn Towards the Lord God)

Written by St. Augustine;(354-430) to conclude several of his sermones. This one is found in his Sermo CLXXXIII. 

Conversi ad Dominum Deum Patrem omnipotentem, puro corde ei, quantum potest parvitas nostra, maximas atque veras gratias agamus: precantes toto animo singularem mansuetudinem eius, ut preces nostras in beneplacito suo exaudire dignetur; inimicum quoque a nostris actibus et cogitationibus sua virtute expellat, nobis multiplicet fidem, mentem gubernet, spirituales cogitationes concedat, et ad beatitudinem suam perducat per Iesum Christum Filium eius. Amen. 

Let us turn towards the Lord God and Father Almighty, and with a pure heart let us give Him sincere thanks as well as our littleness will allow: Let us with our whole hearts beseech His extraordinary clemency, that He may vouchsafe to hear our prayers according to His good pleasure. May He by His power drive our enemies far from us, lest we fall under the sway of the evil one in act or thought. May He increase our faith, rule our mind, give us spiritual thoughts, and at last lead us to His blessedness, through Jesus Christ His Son. Amen.
 

Deus Meus, Credo in Te (My God, I Believe in Thee)

Deus meus, credo in te, spero in te, amo te super omnia ex tota anima mea, ex toto corde meo, ex totis viribus meis; amo te quia es infinite bonus et dignus qui ameris; et quia amo te, me paenitet ex toto corde te offendisse: miserere mihi peccatori. Amen. 

My God, I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things with all my soul, with all my heart and with all my strength; I love Thee because Thou art infinitely good and worthy of being loved; and because I love Thee, I repent with all my heart of having offended Thee; have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.
 

Deus, Qui Fidei Sacramenta (O God, Who in the Glorious Transfiguration)

This prayer comes from the Mass for the Feast of the Transfiguration, Aug. 6. This particular version of it is taken from the 1962 Missal. 

Deus, qui fidei sacramenta, in Unigeniti tui gloriosa Transfiguratione, patrum testimonio roborasti, et adoptionem filiorum perfectam, voce delapsa in nube lucida, mirabiliter praesignasti; concede propitius, ut ipsius Regis gloriae nos coheredes efficias et eiusdem gloriae tribuas esse consortes. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thine only-begotten Son didst confirm the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers, and in wondrous wise didst foretoken the perfect adoption of sons by the voice descending from the shining cloud; mercifully grant unto us to be made co-heirs with the very King of glory and bestow upon us a partaking of His glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Domine Sancte, Pater Omnipotens (O Holy Lord, Father Almighty)

A prayer by St. Bonaventure (1218-1274) who was the greatest exponent of Mystical Theology in the Middle Ages. 

Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus, propter tuam largitatem et Filii tui, qui pro me sustinuit passionem et mortem, et Matris eius excellentissimam sanctitatem, atque omnium Sanctorum merita, concede mihi peccatori, et omni tuo beneficio indigno, ut te solum diligam, tuum amorem semper sitiam, beneficium passionis continuo in corde habeam, meam miseriam recognoscam, et ab omnibus conculari et contemni cupiam; nihil me contristet nisi culpa. Amen. 

O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, for the sake of Thy bounty and that of Thy Son, who for me endured suffering and death; for the sake of the most excellent holiness of His Mother and the merits of all the Saints, grant unto me a sinner, unworthy of all Thy blessings, that I may love Thee only, may ever thirst for Thy love, may have continually in my heart the benefits of Thy passion, may acknowledge my own wretchedness and may desire to be trampled upon and be despised by all men; let nothing grieve me save guilt. Amen.
 

O Omnium Domine (O Lord of All)

By St. Gregory Nazianzen; (329-389), Bishop and Doctor of the Church. This prayer is taken from the Office of the Readings for Friday of the 31st week of ordinary time. 

O omnium Domine et effector ac praecipue huius figmenti!
O Deus tuorum hominum et Pater ac gubernator!
O vitae et mortis arbiter!
O nostrarum animarum custos et benefactor!

O qui omnia facis, et tempestive, atque, ut ipse pro sapientiae tuae et administrationis altitudine nosti, artifice Verbo transmutas, nunc quidem Caesarium, discessus nostri primitias, quaeso, suscipe. 

Nos vero quoque opportuno tempore suscipe, tamdiu in carne vitam nostram moderatus, quamdiu conducibile fuerit; et quidem suscipe ob metum tuum paratos et non turbatos, neque in extremo die terga vertentes atque invito animo, quemadmodum solent qui mundo et carni addicti sunt, hinc abstractos et avulsos, sed prompte at alacriter ad beatam illam et longaevam vitam proficiscentes, quae est in Christo Iesu Domino nostro, cui gloria in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

O Lord and Creator of all, and especially of this Thy creature!
O God and Father and Ruler of Thy people!
O Arbiter of life and death!
O Guardian and Benefactor of our souls!

O Thou who makest all, and in due season transformest all by the power of Thy Word according to Thy wisdom and deep designs, receive now, I beg Thee, those who have gone before us. 

Receive us too at the opportune time, until Thou hast restrained us in our fleshly life for as long as it will have been to our advantage. Indeed receive us prepared by fear of Thee and not troubled, nor turning back on that day of death, nor unwilling like those who are accustomed to the world and addicted to the flesh. Instead, may we set out eagerly for that everlasting and blessed life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Perenne Lumen in Templo Aeterni (Perpetual Light in the Eternal Temple)

Written by St. Columban (c543-615), abbot. This prayer is found in his Instructio De Computctione, 12, 2-3 and is used in the Office of the Readings for Tuesday, 28th week of Ordinary time. 

Domine, da mihi, rogo te, in nomine Iesu Christi Fili tui, Dei mei, illam quae nescit cadere caritatem, ut mea lucerna accendi sciat, exstingui nesciat; mihi ardeat, aliis luceat. 

Tu, Christe, lucernas nostras accendere digneris, dulcissime nobis salvator noster, quo perpetuae luceant in templo tuo, ac perenne lumen a te perenni lumine accipiant, ut tenebrae nostrae illuminentur, mundi autem tenebrae a nobis fugentur. 

Sic lumen tuum meae largiaris, rogo, Iesu mi, lucernae, ut illius luce illa sancta sanctorum mihi appareant, quae te aeternum Pontificem aeternorum in antibus magni illius tui templi illic intrantem habeant, quo te iugitur tantummodo videam, aspiciam, desiderem; tantum te amans conspiciam ac coram te mea semper lucerna luceat, ardeat. 

Tuum sit, quaeso, te nobis pulsantibus monstrare, amantissime Salvator, ut te intelligentes, tantum te amemus, te solum amemus, te solum desideremus, te solum meditemur die ac nocte, semper te cogitemus; et in tantum nobis tuum inspirare digneris amorem, quantum te amari Deum decet ac diligi; ut omnia interiora nostra tua occupet dilectio, totosque nos tuus possideat amor, totos nostros sensus tua impleat caritas, ut praeter te aliud amare nesciamus, qui sempiternus es; quo tanta caritas aquis multis huius aeris et huius terrae et huius maris exstingui in nobis nequeat iuxta illud; Et aquae multae non potuerunt extinguere caritatem. 

Quod in nobis quoque compleri vel ex parte posit, te donante Domino nostro Iesu Christo, cui gloria in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

O Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and my God, I ask Thee to give me the love that never fails so that my lantern may always be lighted, never failing, burning within me and giving light to others. 

Thou, O Christ, our sweetest Savior, deign to light our lamps so that they may burn forever in Thy temple, may they receive eternal light from Thee, the Eternal Light, and by it may our darkness be illuminated and the darkness of the world dispelled from us. 

O my Jesus, I beg Thee to give Thy light to my lantern, so that I may see by its light the Holy of Holies, which has Thee, the eternal High Priest, entering among the great columns of Thy temple. May I see Thee only, look upon Thee, desire Thee; may I gaze lovingly upon Thee alone and before Thee may my lamp always shine, always burn. 

O Most Loving Savior, I beseech Thee, be pleased to show Thyself to us who knock, that in knowing Thee we may love Thee only, that we may love Thee alone, that we may desire Thee alone, that we may meditate day and night on Thee alone, and that we may always contemplate Thee alone. Deign to inspire in us as much of Thy love as is fitting to be received by Thee as God, so that our whole being may be occupied by Thy love, so that Thy love may posses us completely, so that it may fill our senses, and so that we may not know any other love but for Thee, Who art eternal. May so great a love in us be unable to be extinguished by the many waters of this earth, sea, and sky. Many waters have not been able to extinguish love. 

May this too be fulfilled in us or at least in part, by Thy gift, our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 

Adoramus Te (We Adore Thee)

Shortly before his death in October of 1226, St. Francis; wrote his Testament which contained his last thoughts concerning the order he founded. In it he urged his followers to remain faithful to the rules of the order and the prayer below is taken from this work. This prayer by St. Francis was inspired by the Antiphon: Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi; quia per sanctam Crucem tuam redemisti mundi, which was part of the Liturgy for Good Friday. This Antiphon has a long and venerable history as a prayer in and of itself. St. Gregory the Great recommended it (Liber Responsalis, PL 78, 805) as did the monk Arnulphe (Documenta Vitae Religiosae, PL 184, 1177). 

Adoramus te, sanctissime Domine Iesu Christe, hic et ad omnes Ecclesias tuas, quae sunt in toto mundo, et benedicimus tibi; quia per sanctam Crucem tuam redemisti mundum. Amen. 

We adore Thee, most holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Thy churches that are in the whole world, and we bless Thee; because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the World. Amen.
 

Aufer A Me Cor Lapideum (Take From Me My Heart of Stone)

From the writings of Baldwin, Bishop of Canterbury. This prayer is at the end of the Office of the Readings for Thursday of the 18th week of Ordinary time. 

Aufer a me, Domine, cor lapideum, aufer cor coagulatum, aufer cor incircumcisum; da mihi cor novum, cor carneum, cor mundum! Tu cordis mundator et mundi cordis amator, posside cor meum et inhabita, continens et implens, superior summo meo et interior intimo meo! Tu forma pulchritudinis et signaculum sanctitatis, signa cor meum in imagine tua: signa cor meum sub misericordia tua, Deus cordis mei, et pars mea Deus in aeternum. Amen. 

O Lord, take away my heart of stone, my hardened heart, my uncircumcised heart and grant to me a new heart, a heart of flesh, a clean heart! O Thou who purifieth the heart and loveth the clean heart, posses my heart and dwell in it, containing it and filling it, higher than my highest and more intimate than my most intimate thoughts. Thou who art the image of all beauty and the seal of all holiness, seal my heart in Thine image and seal my heart in Thy mercy, O God of my heart and the God of my portion in eternity. Amen.
 

Domine Iesu, Noverim Me (Lord Jesus, Let Me Know Myself)

Written by St. Augustine; (354-430). 

Domine Iesu, noverim me, noverim te,
Nec aliquid cupiam nisi te.
Oderim me et amem te.
Omnia agam propter te.
Humilem me, exaltem te.
Nihil cogitem nisi te.
Mortificem me et vivam in te.
Quaecumque eveniant accipiam a te.
Persequar me, sequar te,
Semerque optem sequi te.
Fugiam me, confugiam ad te,
Ut merear defendi a te.
Timeam mihi, timeam te,
Et sim inter electos a te.
Diffidam mihi, fidam in te.
Obedire velim propter te.
Ad nihil afficiar nisi ad te,
Et pauper sim propter te.
Aspice me, ut diligam te.
Voca me, ut videam te,
Et in aeternum fruar te. Amen.

Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know Thee,
And desire nothing save only Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee.
Let me do everything for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself and exalt Thee.
Let me think of nothing except Thee.
Let me die to myself and live in Thee.
Let me accept whatever happens as from Thee.
Let me banish self and follow Thee,
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in Thee,
That I may deserve to be defended by Thee.
Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee,
And let me be among those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in Thee.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of Thee.
Let me cling to nothing save only to Thee,
And let me be poor because of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee.
Call me that I may see Thee,
And for ever enjoy Thee. Amen.
 

Iesu Dulcissime, Redemptor (Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer)

This Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ carries a partial indulgence. If it is recited publicly on the feast of Christ the King, a plenary indulgence is granted. 

Iesu dulcissime, Redemptor humani generis, respice nos ante conspectum tuum humillime provolutos. Tui sumus, tui esse volumus; quo autem tibi coniuncti firmius esse possimus, en hodie sacratissimo Cordi tuo se quisque nostrum sponte dedicat. Te quidem multi novere nunquam; te, spretis mandatis tuis, multi repudiarunt. Miserere utrorumque, benignissime Iesu, atque ad sanctum Cor tuum rape universos. 

Rex esto, Domine, nec fidelium tantum qui nullo tempore discessere a te, sed etiam prodigorum filiorum qui te reliquerunt; fac hos, ut domum paternam cito repetant, ne miseria et fame pereant. 

Rex esto eorum, quos aut opinionum error deceptos habet, aut discordia separatos, eosque ad portum veritatis atque ad unitatem fidei revoca, ut brevi fiat unum ovile et unus pastor. 

Largire, Domine, Ecclesiae tuae securam cum incolumitate libertatem; largire cunctis gentibus tranquillitatem ordinis; perfice, ut ab utroque terrae vertice una resonet vox: Sit laus divino Cordi, per quod nobis parta salus: ipsi gloria et honor in saecula! Amen. 

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thee. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known Thee; many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. 

Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. 

Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. 

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquillity of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honor for ever! Amen.
 

Litaniae Cordis Sanctae Iesu (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

In 1899 Pope Leo XIII approved this Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for public use. This litany is actually a synthesis of several other litanies dating back to the 17th century. Father Croiset composed a litany in 1691 from which 17 invocations were used by Venerable Anne Madeleine Remuzat when she composed her litany in 1718 at Marseille. She joined an additional 10 invocations to those of Father Croiset, for a total of 27 invocations. Six more invocations written by Sister Madeleine Joly of Dijon in 1686 were added by the Sacred Congregation for Rites when it was approved for public use in 1899. This makes a total of 33 invocations, one for each year of life of our Lord Jesus Christ. A partial indulgence is attached to this litany. 

Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos. Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus, miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, Filii Patris aeterni, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, in sinu Virginis Matris a Spiritu Sancto formatum miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, Verbo Dei substantialiter unitum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, maiestatis inifinitae, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, templum Dei sanctum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, tabernaculum Altissimi, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, domus Dei et porta caeli, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, fornax ardens caritatis, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, iustitiae et amoris receptaculum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, bonitate et amore plenum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, virtutem omnium abyssus, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, omni laude dignissimum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, rex et centrum omnium cordium, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, in quo sunt omnes thesauri sapientiae et scientiae, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, in quo habitat omnis plenitudo divinitatis, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, in quo Pater sibi bene complacuit, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, de cuius plenitudine omnes nos accepimus, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, desiderium collium aeternorum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, patiens et multae misericordiae, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, dives in omnes qui invocant te, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, fons vitae et sanctitatis, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, propitiatio pro peccatis nostris, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, saturatum opprobriis, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, attritum propter scelera nostra, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, usque ad mortem obediens factum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, lancea perforatum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, fons totius consolationis, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, vita et resurrectio nostra, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, pax et reconciliatio nostra, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, victima peccatorum, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, salus in te sperantium, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, spes in te morientium, miserere nobis.
Cor Iesu, deliciae Sanctorum omnium, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis, Domine.

V. Iesu, mitis et humilis Corde,
R. Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum.

Oremus:
Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, respice in Cor dilectissimi Filii tui et in laudes et satisfactiones, quas in nomine peccatorum tibi persolvit, iisque misericordiam tuam petentibus, tu veniam concede placatus in nomine eiusdem Filii tui Iesu Christi: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R. Make our hearts like to Thine.

Let us pray;
Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
 

Litaniae Pretiosissimi Sanguinis Domini Nostri Iesu Christi (Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

This Litany in honor of Jesus in His Most Precious Blood was drawn up by the Sacred Congregation of Rites and promulgated by Pope John XXIII on February 24, 1960. The devotion to Jesus in His most Precious Blood was first popularized by St. Gaspar del Bufalo (1786-1837, feast Dec. 28) who founded the Missioners of the Most Precious Blood. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite this litany. 

Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos. Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus, miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere nobis.
Sanguis Christi, Unigeniti Patris aeterni, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, Verbi Dei incarnati, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, Novi et Aeterni Testamenti, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in agonia decurrens in terram, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in flagellatione profluens, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in coronatione spinarum emanans, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in Cruce effusus, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, pretium nostrae salutis, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, sine quo non fit remissio, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in Eucharistia potus et lavacrum animarum, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, flumen misericordiae, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, victor daemonum, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, fortitudo martyrum, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, virtus confessorum, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, germinans virgines, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, robur periclitantium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, levamen laborantium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, in fletu solatium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, spes poenitentium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, solamen morientium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, pax et dulcedo cordium, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, pignus vitae aeternae, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, animas liberans de lacu Purgatorii, salva nos.
Sanguis Christi, omni gloria et honore dignissimus, salva nos.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis, Domine.

V. redimisti nos, Domine, in sanguine tuo.
R. Et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum.

Oremus;
Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui unigenitum Filium tuum mundi Redemptorem constituisti, ac eius sanguine placari voluisti: concede, quaesumus, salutis nostrae pretium ita venerari, atque a praesentis vitae malis eius virtute defendi in terris, ut fructu perpetuo laetemur in caelis. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word or God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Agony, save us.
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood.
R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray;
Almighty and eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be appeased by his blood. Grant, we beg of Thee, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Litaniae Litaniae Sanctissimi Nominis Iesu (Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus)

Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus certainly had its origins in the earliest times. In Scripture we read from Paul's letter to the Philipians "Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.(2:9-11). And then again in Revelation 15:4, "Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name?" The 14th century saw the start of veneration of the Holy Name with liturgical celebration. St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) and his followers promoted this devotion tirelessly. The Franciscans added a celebration to their calendar in the 16th century and ,in 1721, Pope Innocent XIII added a celebration of the Holy Name to the Universal Calendar. Today the celebration is no longer on the calendar of the Universal Church, however a Votive Mass of the Holy Name may be held. 

The Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus was likely composed in the 15th century by St. John Capistrano; (1386-1456) and by St. Bernadine of Siena; (1380-1444) who both preached extensively on the devotion to the Name of Jesus. The Litany was approved for private usage by Pope Sixtus V in 1585. The present form was approved by Pope Pius IX for local usage in 1862 and then in 1866 Pope Leo XIII approved it for public use in the Universal Church. A partial indulgence is attached to this prayer. 

Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison Kyrie, eleison.
Iesu, audi nos Iesu, audi nos.
Iesu, exaudi nos. Iesu, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus, miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere nobis.
Iesu, Fili Dei vivi, miserere nobis.
Iesu, splendor Patris, miserere nobis.
Iesu, candor lucis aeternae, miserere nobis.
Iesu, rex gloriae, miserere nobis.
Iesu, sol iustitiae, miserere nobis.
Iesu, Fili Mariae Virginis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, amabilis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, admirabilis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, Deus fortis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, pater futuri saeculi, miserere nobis.
Iesu, magni consilii angele, miserere nobis.
Iesu potentissime, miserere nobis.
Iesu patientissime, miserere nobis.
Iesu obedientissime, miserere nobis.
Iesu, mitis et humilis corde, miserere nobis.
Iesu, amator castitatis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, amator noster, miserere nobis.
Iesu, Deus pacis, miserere nobis.
Iesu, auctor vitae, miserere nobis.
Iesu, exemplar virtutum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, zelator animarum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, Deus noster, miserere nobis.
Iesu, refugium nostrum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, pater pauperum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, thesaure fidelium, miserere nobis.
Iesu, bone pastor, miserere nobis.
Iesu, lux vera, miserere nobis.
Iesu, sapientia aeternae, miserere nobis.
Iesu, bonitas infinita, miserere nobis.
Iesu, via et vita nostra, miserere nobis.
Iesu, gaudium Angelorum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, rex Patriarcharum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, magister Apostolorum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, doctor Evangelistarum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, fortitudo Martyrum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, lumen Confessorum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, puritas Virginum, miserere nobis.
Iesu, corona Sanctorum omnium, miserere nobis.
Propitius esto, parce nobis, Iesu.
Propitius esto, exaudi nos, Iesu.
Ab omni malo, libera nos, Iesu.
Ab omni peccato, libera nos, Iesu.
Ab ira tua, libera nos, Iesu.
Ab insidias diaboli, libera nos, Iesu.
A spiritu fornicationis, libera nos, Iesu.
A morte perpetua, libera nos, Iesu.
A neglectu inspirationeum tuarum, libera nos, Iesu.
Per mysterium sanctae Incarnationis tuae, libera nos, Iesu.
Per nativitatem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per infantiam tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per divinissimam vitam tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per labores tuos, libera nos, Iesu.
Per agoniam et passionem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per crucem et derelictionem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per languores tuos, libera nos, Iesu.
Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per resurrectionem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per ascensionem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per sanctissimae Eucharistiae institutionem tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Per gaudia tua, libera nos, Iesu.
Per gloriam tuam, libera nos, Iesu.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Iesu.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis, Iesu.
Iesu, audi nos.
Iesu, exaudi nos.

Oremus;
Domine Iesu Christe, qui dixisti: Petite et accipietis; quaerite et invenietis; pulsate et aperietur vobis; quaesumus, da nobis petentibus divinissimi tui amoris affectum, ut te tot corde, ore et opere diligamus et a tua numquam laude cessemus. 

Sancti Nominis tui, Domine, timorem pariter et amorem fac nos habere perpetuum, quia numquam tua gubernatione destituis, quos in soliditate, tuae dilectionis instituis: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us. Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Sun of Justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Angel of Great Council, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of Chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Lover, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Author of Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Model of Virtue, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the Poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite Goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Way and our Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of the Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Light of Confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Crown of all Saints, have mercy on us.
Be merciful, spare us O Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus.
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the neglect of Thy inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Nativity, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Infancy, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy most divine Life, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Labors, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Agony and Passion, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Cross and Dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Death and Burial, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Joys, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through Thy Glory, deliver us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesu.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Jesus hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray;
O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you"; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of Thy most divine love, that we may love Thee with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease to praise Thee. 

Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name, for Thou never failest to govern those who Thou dost solidly establish in Thy love. Amen.
 

Concede, Quaesumus (Grant, We Beseech Thee)

From the Roman Missal. 

Concede, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus, sanctum nos Spiritum votis promereri sedulis, quatenus eius gratia et ab omnibus liberemur tentationibus, et peccatorum nostrorum indulgentiam percipere mereamur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we may so please Thy Holy Spirit by our earnest entreaties, that we may by His grace both be freed from all temptations and merit to receive the forgiveness of our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

O Sancte Spiritus (O Holy Spirit)

O Sancte Spiritus, qui sollemni Pentecostes die repente per dispertitas linguas tamquam ignis in Apostolos descendens, intra caenaculum congregatos, ita eorum mentes illuminasti, eorum animos incendisti, eorumque voluntates roborasti, ut inde per universum mundum proficiscerentur et ubicumque animose fidenterque Iesu Christi doctrinam annuntiarent, eamque suo profuso cruore obsignarent, renova, quaesumus, in animas quoque nostras prodigiales gratiae tuae effusiones. 

Quanta mentes nostrae ignorantia laborant circa naturam gravitatemque divinarum veritatum, quae obiectum fidei efficiunt, sine qua salutem nemini sperare licet. Quot aberrationes a iusta terrenorum bonorum aestimatione, quae saepius animae ipsimet anteponuntur. Quam saepe corda nostra non-ut debent-Creatoris amore palpitant, sed ignobiliter creaturarum cupidine. Quam saepe falso humani iudicii respectu impellimur, cum debemus Iesu Christi praecepta palam profiteri, eaque sincere et cum rerum etiam iactura in vitae usum deducere. Quanta infirmitas in amplectenda ferendaque sereno libentique animo huius vitae cruce, quae christianum solummodo potest divini Magistri sui discipulum dignum efficere. 

O Sancte Spiritus, mentes nostras illumina, corda nostra purifica, voluntatesque nostra redintegra; ita quidem ut infinitum animae nostrae pretium plane cognoscamus, itemque peritura huius mundi bona pro nihilo habeamus; ut Deum supra res omnes adamemus, eiusque amore proximos, quemamodum nosmetipsos, diligamus; ut fidem nostram non modo palam demonstrare ne timeamus, sed de eadem potius gloriemur; ut denique non tantum res prosperas sed res etiam adversas quasi de manu Domini accipiamus, confisi prorsus omnia Eum in eorum bonum esse conversurum, qui erga Eum amore ferantur. Fac, quaesumus, ut nos, suavibus gratiae tuae impulsionibus constanter respondentes ac perseveranti animo operantes bonum, amplissimam sempiternae gloriae messem aliquando accipere mereamur. Amen. 

O Holy Spirit, who on the solemn day of Pentecost didst suddenly descend upon the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room in parted tongues as it were of fire and didst so enlighten their minds, inflame their hearts, and strengthen their wills, that henceforth they went through the entire world and courageously and confidently proclaimed everywhere the teaching of Christ and sealed it with the shedding of their blood, renew, we beseech Thee, the wondrous outpouring of Thy grace in our hearts also. 

How grievously our minds are afflicted with ignorance concerning the nature and dignity of those divine truths which form the object of faith, without which no man may hope for salvation. How far men go astray from a just estimation of earthly goods, which too often are put before the soul itself. How often our hearts do not beat with love of the Creator as they ought, but rather with an ignoble lust for creatures. How often are we led by a false respect for human judgment, when we ought to profess openly the precepts of Jesus Christ and to reduce them to action with a sincere heart and with, if need be, of our worldly substance. What weakness we manifest in embracing and carrying with a serene and willing heart the crosses of this life, which alone can make the Christian a worthy follower of his divine Master. 

O Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds, cleanse our hearts, and give new strength to our wills; to such a degree, at least, that we may clearly recognize the value of our soul, and in a like manner, despise the perishable goods of this world; that we may love God above all things, and, for the love of Him, our neighbor as ourselves; that we may not only be free from fear in professing our faith publicly, but rather may glory in it; finally, that we may accept not only prosperity but also adversity as from the hand of the Lord, with all confidence that He will turn all things into good for those who lovingly tend towards Him. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we, by constantly answering the sweet impulses of Thy grace and doing that which is good with a persevering heart, may deserve one day to receive the rich reward of glory everlasting. Amen.
 

Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest)

One of the most widely used hymns in the Church, Veni, Creator Spiritus, is attributed to Rabanus Maurus; (776-856). It is used at Vespers, Pentecost, Dedication of a Church, Confirmation, and Holy Orders and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it. A plenary indulgence is granted if it is recited on January 1st or on the feast of Pentecost. 

Veni, Creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.

Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissima donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.

Tu, septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae,
Tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.

Accende lumen sensibus:
infunde amorem cordibus:
infirma nostri corporis
virtute firmans perpeti.

Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque dones protinus:
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

Per te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium;
Teque utrisque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio, qui a mortuis
surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula.
Amen. 

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou
Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
Amen.
 

Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit)

Veni, Sancte Spiritus is the sequence from the Mass for Pentecost. It is attributed to Stephen Langton (d. 1228), Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
et emitte coelitus
lucis tuae radium.

Veni, pater pauperum,
veni, dator munerum
veni, lumen cordium.

Consolator optime,
dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium.

In labore requies,
in aestu temperies
in fletu solatium.

O lux beatissima,
reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.

Sine tuo numine,
nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.


Lava quod est sordidum,
riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium. 

Flecte quod est rigidum,
fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.

Da tuis fidelibus,
in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.

Da virtutis meritum,
da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium,
Amen, Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit,
send forth from on high
The radiance of Thy light.

Come, Thou, Father of the poor,
come, dispenser of all good gifts,
come, Thou, light of our hearts.

Supreme comforter,
beloved guest of our soul,
sweet coolness.

In labor, rest;
in heat, refreshment;
in tears, solace.

O most blessed light,
fill the inmost places
of the hearts of Thy faithful.

Without Thy power,
there is nothing in man,
nothing is harmless.

Wash what is soiled,
water what is arid,
heal what is wounded.

Bend what is rigid,
warm what is cold,
rule what is wandering.

Give to Thy faithful,
hoping in Thee,
the Holy sevenfold gift.

Give the reward of virtue,
give forth salvation,
give perennial joy.
Amen. Alleluia. (t. cento)
 

Veni, Sancte Spiritus 2 (Come, Holy Spirit)

A traditional prayer asking for the Holy Spirit. The first line has a partial indulgence attached to it. 

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem incende. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur, et renovabis faciem terrae. Amen. 

Oremus:
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti. Da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de eius semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Amen. 

Let us pray:
O God, Who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that, by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Actus Reparationis (Act of Reparation)

A partial indulgence is granted to those who recite this prayer. A plenary indulgence is granted if it is publicly recited on the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This prayer was prescribed to be recited on this feast by Pope Pius XI. 

Iesu dulcissime, cuius effusa in homines caritas, tanta oblivione, negligentia, comtemptione, ingratissime rependitur, en nos, ante altaria tua provoluti, tam nefariam hominum socordiam iniuriasque, quibus undique amantissimum Cor tuum afficitur, peculiari honore resarcire contendimus. 

Attamen, memores tantae nos quoque indignitatis non expertes aliquando fuisse, indeque vehementissimo dolore commoti, tuam in primis misericordiam nobis imploramus, paratis, voluntaria expiatione compensare flagitia non modo quae ipsi patravimus, sed etiam illorum, qui, longe a salutis via aberrantes, vel te pastorem ducemque sectari detrectant, in sua infidelitate obstinati, vel baptismatis promissa conculcantes, suavissimum tuae legis iugum excusserunt. 

Quae deploranda crimina, cum universa expiare contendimus, tum nobis singula resarcienda proponimus: vitae cultusque immodestiam atque turpitudines, tot corruptelae pedicas innocentium animis instructas, dies festos violatos, exsecranda in te tuosque Sanctos iactata maledicta atque in tuum Vicarium ordinemque sacerdotalem convicia irrogata, ipsum denique amoris divini Sacramentum, vel neglectum vel horrendis sacrilegiis profanatum, publica postremo nationum delicta, quae Ecclesiae a te institutae iuribus magisterioque reluctantur. 

Quae utinam crimina sanguine ipsi nostro eluere possemus! Interea ad violatum divinum honorem resarciendum, quam Tu olim Patri in Cruce satisfactionem obtulisti quamque quotidie in altaribus renovare pergis, hanc eamdem nos tibi praestamus, cum Virginis Matris, omnium Sanctorum, piorum quoque fidelium expiationibus coniunctam, ex animo spondentes, cum praeterita nostra aliorumque peccata ac tanti amoris incuriam firma fide, candidis vitae moribus, perfecta legis evangelicae, caritatis potissimum, observantia, quantum in nobis erit, gratia tua favente, nos esse compensaturos, tum iniurias tibi inferendas pro viribus prohibituros, et quam plurimos potuerimus ad tui sequelam convocaturos. Excipias, quaesumus, benignissime Iesu, beata Virgine Maria Reparatrice intercedente, voluntarium huius expiationis obsequium nosque in officio tuique servito fidissimos ad mortem usque velis, magno illo perseverantiae munere, continere, ut ad illam tandem patriam perveniamus omnes, ubi Tu cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Most sweet Jesus, whose overflowing charity for men is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Thee, eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries to which Thy loving Heart is everywhere subject. 

Mindful, alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Thy pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation, not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying far from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow Thee, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the promises of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Thy law. 

We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against Thee; we are now determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holydays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against Thee and Thy Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Thy Vicar on earth and Thy priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which Thou hast founded. 

Would that we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Thy divine honor, the satisfaction Thou once made to Thy Eternal Father on the cross and which Thou continuest to renew daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Thy Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Thy grace, for all neglect of Thy great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth, we will live a life of unswerving faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the Gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent others from offending Thee and to bring as many as possible to follow Thee. 

O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowning gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to Thee, so that we may all one day come to that happy home, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit Thou livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen.
 

Attende Domine (Hearken, O Lord)

Mozarabic 10th Century Hymn of Praise 

R: Attende Domine, et miserere, quia peccavimus tibi. 

Ad te Rex summe, omnium redemptor, oculos nostros sublevamus flentes: exaudi, Christe, supplicantum preces. R. 

Dextera Patris, lapis angularis, via salutis, ianua caelestis, ablue nostri maculas delicti. R. 

Rogamus, Deus, tuam maiestatem: auribus sacris gemitus exaudi: crimina nostra placidus indulge. R. 

Tibi fatemur crimina admissa: contrito corde pandimus occulta: tua Redemptor, pietas ignoscat. R. 

Innocens captus, nec repugnans ductus, testibus falsis pro impiis damnatus: quos redemisti, tu conserva, Christe. R. 

R: Hearken, O Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against Thee. 

Crying, we raise our eyes to Thee, Sovereign King, Redeemer of all. Listen, Christ, to the pleas of the supplicant sinners. R. 

Thou art at the Right Hand of God the Father, the Keystone, the Way of salvation and Gate of Heaven, cleanse the stains of our sins. R. 

O God, we beseech Thy majesty to hear our groans; to forgive our sins. R. 

We confess to Thee our consented sins; we declare our hidden sins with contrite heart; in Thy mercy, O Redeemer, forgive them. R. 

Thou wert captured, being innocent; brought about without resistance, condemned by impious men with false witnesses. O Christ keep safe those whom Thou hast redeemed. R.
 

Libera Me (Deliver Me, Lord Jesus Christ)

From the Roman Missal. 

Libera me, Domine, Iesu Christe, ab omnibus iniquitatis meis et universis malis, fac me tuis semper inhaerere mandatis et a te numquam separari permittas. Amen. 

Deliver me, Lord Jesus Christ, from all my iniquities and from every evil, make me ever hold fast to Thy commandments and never allow me to be separated from Thee. Amen.
 

Prex Menasse (The Prayer of Manasseh)

The Prayer of Manasseh was originally part of Jerome's Vulgate. After the Council of Trent, however, it was placed in the Appendix as a part of the Apocrypha. Written sometime in the first 2 centuries BC, the Prayer of Manasseh is a classic of penitential devotion. It is associated with the wicked king of Judah, Manasseh, who composed a prayer in exile asking for forgiveness of his many sins. (2Chr 33:13) 

Domine Deus omnipotens patrum nostrorum Abraham et Isaac et Iacob et semini eorum iusto; qui fecisti caelum et terram cum omni ornatu eorum; qui signasti mare verbo praecepti tui, qui conclusisti abyssum et signasti eam terribili et laudabili nomine tuo; quem omnia pavent et tremunt a vultu virtutis tuae, quia importabilis est magnificentia gloriae tuae et insustentabilis ira super peccatores comminationis tuae; inmensa vero et investigabilis misericordia promissionis tuae, quoniam Tu es Dominus altissimus super omnem terram benignus longanimis et multum misericors et paenitens super malitias hominum. Tu, autem, Domine, secundum bonitatem tuam promisisti paenitentiam et remissionem iis qui peccaverunt tibi; et multitudine miserationum tuarum decrevisti poenitentiam peccatoribus in salutem. Et, tu, igitur, Domine, Deus iustorum, non posuisti paenitentiam iustis Abraham et Isaac et Iacob his qui tibi non peccaverunt, sed posuisti poenitentiam propter me peccatorem. Quoniam peccavi super numerum harenae maris, multiplicatae sunt iniquitates meae, Domine, multiplicatae sunt iniquitates meae! Et non sum dignus intueri et aspicere altitudinem caeli prae multitudine iniquitatum mearum. Incurvatus sum multo vinculo ferro, ut non possim attollere caput meum et non est respiratio mihi, quia excitavi iracundiam tuam et malum coram te feci statuens abominationes et multiplicans offensiones. Et nunc flecto genua cordis mei, precans ad te bonitatem Domine. Peccavi, Domine, peccavi, et iniquitatem meam agnosco. Quare peto rogans te, Domine, remitte mihi, remitte mihi! Ne simul perdas me cum iniquitatibus meis neque in aeternum iratus reserves mala mihi neque damnes me in infima terrae loca. Quia tu es, Deus, Deus inquam poenitentium, et in me ostendes omnem bonitatem tuam! Quia indignum salvabis me secundum magnam misericordiam tuam, et laudabo te semper omnibus diebus vitae meae. Quoniam te laudat omnis virtus caelorum et tibi est gloria in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

O Lord Almighty, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of all their righteous seed; Thou who hast made heaven and earth with all their adornments; Thou who hast marked the sea with Thy word of command, Thou who hast confined the deep and marked it with Thy terrible and glorious name; at Whom all things quake and tremble before Thy virtuous face, for unbearable is the magnificence of Thy glory and overwhelming is the threat of Thy wrath upon sinners; yet truly boundless and unknowable is the promise of Thy mercy, for Thou art the Lord, the Most High over all the earth, compassionate, long-suffering, greatly merciful, and lamenting over the evils of men. But Thou, O Lord, according to Thy goodness, hast promised repentance and remission for those who have sinned against Thee; and in the multitude of Thy mercies Thou hast appointed repentance for salvation of sinners. Therefore, Thou, O Lord, God of the just, hast not appointed repentance for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who did not sin against Thee, but Thou hast appointed penance for me on account of my sins. For my sins number more than the grains of sand in the sea, my sins I have multiplied, O Lord, my sins I have multiplied! I am not worthy to gaze upon and behold heaven above because of the multitude of my sins. I am bowed down by many fetters of iron, so that I cannot lift my head nor can I breathe, for I have provoked Thy wrath and done evil in Thy sight, setting up abominations and multiplying my offenses. And now I bend on my knee and humble my heart, beseeching Thy goodness, O Lord. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my transgressions. For this reason I beg to ask Thee, O Lord, forgive me, forgive me! Do not destroy me with my transgressions nor be angry forever with me nor condemn me to the depths of the inferno. For I say Thou art, O God, the God of the repentant, and in me Thou wilt show Thy great goodness! For, unworthy as I am, Thou wilt save me according to Thy great mercy, and I will praise Thee always for all of the days of my life. For all the host of the heavens praise Thee and to Thee be glory forever. Amen.
 

Oratio Sancti Ambrosii Ante Missam (Prayer of St. Ambrose Before Mass)

By St. Ambrose (340-397) 

Ad mensam dulcissimi convivii tui, pie Domine Iesu Christe, ego peccator de propriis meis meritis nihil praesumens, sed de tua confidens misericordia et bonitate, accedere vereor et contremisco. Nam cor et corpus habeo multis criminibus maculatem, mentem et linguam non caute custoditam. Ergo, o pia Deitas, o tremenda maiestas, ego miser, inter angustias deprehensus, ad te fontem misericordiae recurro, ad te festino sanandus, sub tuam protectionem fugio; et quem Iudicem sustinere nequeo, Salvatorem habere suspiro. Tibi, Domine, plagas meas ostendo, tibi verecundiam meam detego. Scio peccata mea multa et magna, pro quibus timeo; spero in misericordias tuas, quarum non est numerus. 

Rescipe ergo in me oculis misercordiae tuae, Domine, Iesu Christe, Rex aeterna, Deus et homo, crucifixus propter hominem. Exaudi me sperantem in te; miserere mei pleni miseriis et peccatis, tu qui fontem miserationis numquam manare cessabis. 

Salve, salutaris victima, pro me et omnia humano genere in patibulo Crucis oblata. Salve, nobilis, et pretiose sanguis, de vulneribus crucifixi Domini mei Iesu Christi profluens, et peccata totus mundi abluens. 

Recordare, Domine, creaturae tuae, quam tuo Sanguine redemisti. Paenitet me peccasse, cupio emendare quod feci. Aufer ergo a me, clementissime Pater, omnes iniquitates et peccata mea; ut, purificatus mente et corpore, digne degustare merear Sancta et corpore, digne degustare merear Sancta sanctorum. Et concede, ut haec sancta praelibatio Corporis et Sanguinis tui, quam ego indignus sumere intendo, sit peccatorum meorum remissio, sit delictorum perfecta purgatio, sit turpium cogitationem effugatio ac bonorum sensuum regeneratio, operumque tibi placentium salubris efficacia, animae quoque et corporis contra inimicorum meorum insidias firmissima tuitio. Amen. 

Lord Jesus Christ, I approach Thy banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth, but only on Thy goodness and mercy. I am defiled by my many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek Thy protection, I look for Thy healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to Thee, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear Thy judgment, but I trust in Thy salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to Thee and uncover my shame before Thee. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in Thy mercies, for they cannot be numbered. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal King, God and man, crucified for mankind, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in Thee. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of Thy compassion never ends. 

Praise to Thee saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious Blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. 

Remember, Lord, Thy creature, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy blood; I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the Holy of Holies. May Thy Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to Thee and profitable to my health in body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen.
 

Oratio Sancti Aquinatis Ante Missam (Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Mass)

By St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) 

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, ecce accedo ad sacramentum unigeniti Filii tui, Domini nostri, Iesu Christi; accedo tamquam infirmus ad medicum vitae, immundus ad fontem misericordiae, caecus ad lumen claritatis aeternae, pauper et egenus ad Dominum caeli et terrae. Rogo ergo immensae largitatis tuae abundantiam, quatenus meam curare digneris infirmitatem, lavare foeditatem, illuminare caecitatem, ditare paupertatem, vestire nuditatem; ut panem Angelorum, Regem et Dominum dominantium, tanta suscipiam reverentia et humilitate, tanta contritione et devotione, tanta puritate et fide, tali proposito et intentione, sicut expedit saluti animae meae. Da mihi, quaeso, Dominici Corporis et Sanguinis non solum suscipere sacramentum, sed etiam rem et virtutem sacramenti. O mitissime Deus, da mihi Corpus unigeniti Filii tui, Domini nostri, Iesu Christi, quod traxit de Virgine Maria, sic suscipere, ut corpori suo mystico merear incoporari, et inter eius membra connumerari. O amantissime Pater, concede mihi dilectum Filium tuum, quem nunc velatum in via suscipere propono, revelata tandem facie perpetuo contemplari: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in Thy great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation. May I receive the sacrament of the Lord's body and blood, in its reality and power. Kind God, may I receive the body of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so received into His mystical body, and numbered among His members. Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive Thy beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see Him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever. Amen.
 

Oratio ad Beatam Mariam Virginem Ante Missam (Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Before Mass)

O Mater pietatis et misericordiae, beatissima Virgo Maria, ego miser et indignus peccator ad te confugio toto corde et affectu; et precor pietatem tuam, ut, sicut dulcissimo Filio tuo in Cruce pendenti astitisti, ita et mihi, misero peccatori, et sacerdotibus omnibus, hic et in tota sancta Ecclesia hodie offerentibus, clementer adsistere digneris, ut, tua gratia adiuti, dignam et acceptabilem hostiam in conspectu summae et individuae Trinitatis offerre valeamus. Amen. 

Mother of mercy and love, blessed Virgin Mary, I am a poor and unworthy sinner and I turn to thee in confidence and love. As Thou stoodst by thy Son as He hung dying on the cross, stand also by me, a poor sinner, and by all the priests who are offering Mass today here and throughout the entire Church. Help us to offer a perfect and acceptable sacrifice in the sight of the holy and undivided Trinity, our most high God. Amen.
 

Oratio ad Sanctum Ioseph Ante Missam (Prayer to St. Joseph Before Mass)

From the Roman Missal. 

O felicem virum, beatum Ioseph, cui datum est Deum, quem multi reges voluerunt videre et non viderunt, audire et non audierunt, non solum videre et audire, sed portare, deosculari, vestire et custodire! 

V Ora pro nobis, beate Iospeh.
R Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. 

Deus, qui dedisti nobis regale sacerdotium: praesta, quaesumus; ut, sicut beatus Ioseph unigenitum Filium tuum, natum ex Maria Virgine, suis manibus reverenter tractare meruit et portare, ita nos facias cum cordis munditia et operis innocentia tuis sanctis altaribus deservire, ut sacrosanctum Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem hodie digne sumamus, et in futuro saeculo praemium habere mereamur aeternum. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

O Blessed Joseph, happy man, to whom it was given not only to see and to hear that God Whom many kings longed to see, and saw not, to hear, and heard not; but also to carry Him in your arms, to embrace Him, to clothe Him, and guard and defend Him. 

V Pray for us, O Blessed Joseph.
R That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

O God, Who has given us a royal priesthood, we beseech Thee, that as Blessed Joseph was found worthy to touch with his hands, and to bear in his arms, Thy only-begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, so may we be made fit, by cleanness of heart and blamelessness of life, to minister at Thy holy altar; may we, this day, with reverent devotion partake of the Sacred Body and Blood of Your Only-begotten Son, and may we in the world to come be accounted worthy of receiving an everlasting reward. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Oratio ad Omnes Angelos et Sanctos Ante Missam (Prayer to All the Angles and Saints Before Mass)

Angeli, Archangeli, Throni, Dominationes, Principatus, Potestates, Virtutes caelorum, Cherebim atque Seraphim, omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei, praesertim Patroni mei, intercedere dignemini pro me, ut hoc sacrificium Deo omnipotenti digne valeam offerre, ad laudem et gloriam nominis sui et ad utilitatem meam totiusque Ecclesiae suae sanctae. Amen. 

Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, heavenly Virtues, Cherubim and Seraphim; all Saints of God, holy men and women, and for you especially my patrons: deign to intercede for me that I may be worthy to offer this Sacrifice to almighty God, to the praise and glory of His name, for my own welfare and also that of all His holy Church. Amen.
 

Formula Intensionis Ante Missam (Statement of Intention)

Composed by Pope Gregory XIII (1572 - 1585). From the Roman Missal. 

Ego volo celebrare Missam, et conficere Corpus et Sanguinem Domini nostri Iesu Christi, iuxta ritum sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae, ad laudem omnipotentis Dei totiusque Curiae triumphantis, ad utlitatem meam totiusque Curiae militantis, pro omnibus, qui se commendaverunt orationibus meis in genere et in specie, et pro felici statu sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae. 

Gaudium cum pace, ememdationem vitae, spatium verae paenitentiae, gratiam et consolationem Sancti Spiritus, perseverantiam in bonis operibus, tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. Amen. 

My purpose is to celebrate Mass and to make present the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the rite of the holy Roman Church to the praise of our all-powerful God and all His assembly in the glory of heaven, for my good and the good of all His pilgrim Church on earth, and for all who have asked me to pray for them in general and in particular, and for the good of the holy Roman Church. 

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us joy and peace, amendment of life, room for true repentance, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and perseverance in good works. Amen.
 

Oratio Ante Communionem (Prayer before Communion)

This prayer is taken from the Priest's private prayers before communion. It was first seen in a 9th century Sacramentary of Amiens and has been a part of the Mass since the 10th century. 

Domine Iesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntate Patris cooperante Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificasti: libera me per hoc sacrosanctum Corpus et Sanguinem tuum ab omnibus iniquitatibus meis et universis malis: et fac me tuis semper inhaerere mandatis, et a te numquam separari permittas. Amen. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who by the will of the Father and with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit have by Thy death given life unto the world: deliver me by this, Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all my sins and from every evil. Make me always cling to Thy commandments and never permit me to be separated from Thee. Amen.
 

Perceptio Corporis Tui (Let the Receiving of Thy Body)

This prayer is taken from the Priest's private prayers before communion. It was first seen in the 9th century and has been a part of the Mass since the 10th century. The form below was taken from the '62 Missal. 

Perceptio Corporis tui, Domine Iesu Christe, quod ego indignus sumere praesumo, non mihi proveniat in iudicium et condemnationem; sed pro tua pietate prosit mihi ad tutamentum mentis et corporis et ad medelam percipiendam: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Let the receiving of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, do presume to receive, turn not to me for judgment and condemnation, but, according to Thy mercy, let it be profitable to me for the receiving of protection and healing, both of soul and body: Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Oratio Ante Perceptionem Eucharisticae (Prayer before the reception of the Eucharist)

This prayer was, in part, composed by St. Anselm (1033 - 1109), who was the founder of Scholasticism and is a Doctor of the Church. The opening line bears a striking resemblance to the priest's private prayer before communion in the current Roman Missal and no doubt was influenced by it. 

Domine Iesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntate Patris, cooperante Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificasti, adoro et veneror hoc sanctum Corpus tuum, et hunc sanctum Sanguinem tuum, quod traditum, et qui effusus est pro multis in remissionem peccatorum. Deprecor clementiam tuam, misericors Domine, per horum virtutem, fac me unum de illis multis, et fac me haec sic sentire per fidem et affectum, ut sentiam ea per salutis effectum: et absolve et libera servos et ancillas tuas, me et omnes qui mihi confessi sunt sua peccata, et pro quibus promisi vel obnoxius sum orare, et qui se sperant vel petunt meis orationibus apud te iuvari, ab omni peccato et poena peccati; et fac Ecclesiam nostram continua tua protectione et consolatione laetari. Qui cum Deo Patre... Amen. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, who according to the will of the Father and with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit hast by Thy death given life unto the world, I adore and revere this Thy holy Body and this Thy holy Blood which was given over and poured forth for the many unto the remission of sins. O merciful Lord, I beg of Thy mercy that through the power of this sacrament Thou willst make me one of that many. Through faith and love make me feel the power of these sacraments so I may experience their saving power. Absolve and free from all sin and punishment of sin Thy servants, Thy handmaidens, myself, all who have confessed their sins to me, those who I have promised or am obliged to pray for, and so too those who themselves hope or beg to be helped by my prayers with Thee. Make our Church rejoice in Thy constant protection and consolation. Thou who with God the Father.... Amen.
 

Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)

The author of this classic prayer is unknown, although some attribute it to Blessed Bernadine of Feltre. It was a favorite of St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) who popularized its usage. The prayer carries a partial indulgence. 

Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salve me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.
 

Oblatio Sui (Prayer of Self-Dedication to Jesus Christ)

By St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556), founder of the Jesuits. 

Suscipe, Domine, universam meam libertatem. Accipe memoriam, intellectum atque voluntatem omnem. Quidquid habeo vel possideo mihi largitus es; id tibi totum restituo, ac tuae prorsus voluntati trado gubernandum. Amorem tui solum cum gratia tua mihi dones, et dives sum satis, nec aliud quidquam ultra posco. Amen. 

Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, my memory, my understanding, and my will. All that I have and cherish Thou hast given me. I surrender it all to be guided by Thy will. Thy grace and Thy love are wealth enough for me. Give me these Lord Jesus and I ask for nothing more. Amen.
 

En Ego, O Bone et Dulcissime Iesu (Prayer before a Crucifix)

A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful on any Friday of Lent or Passiontide who after Communion piously recite the above prayer before an image of Christ crucified. On other days of the year the indulgence is partial. 

En ego, o bone et dulcissime Iesu, ante conspectum tuum genibus me provolvo, ac maximo animi ardore te oro atque obtestor, ut meum in cor vividos fidei, spei et caritatis sensus, atque veram peccatorum meorum poenitentiam, eaque emendandi firmissimam voluntatem velis imprimere; dum magno animi affectu et dolore tua quinque vulnera mecum ipse considero ac mente contemplor, illud prae oculis habens, quod iam in ore ponebat tuo David propheta de te, o bono Iesu: Foderunt manus meas et pedes meos: dinumeraverunt omnia ossa mea. Amen. 

Behold, o good and most sweet Jesus, I fall upon my knees before Thee, and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. And with deep affection and grief, I reflect upon Thy five wounds, having before my eyes that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, o good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet, they have counted all my bones." Amen.

 

Oratio Sancti Thomae Aquinatis Post Missam (Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas After Mass)

Written by St. Thomas Aquinas 

Gratias tibi ago, Domine, sancte Pater, omnipotens aeterne Deus, qui me peccatorem, indignum famulum tuum, nullis meis meritis, sed sola dignatione misericordiae tuae satiare dignatus es pretioso Corpore et Sanguine Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi. Et precor, ut haec sancta communio non sit mihi reatus ad poenam, sed intercessio salutaris ad veniam. Sit mihi armatura fidei et scutum bonae voluntatis. Sit vitiorum meorum evacuatio, concupiscentiae et libidinis exterminatio, caritatis et patientiae, humilitatis et obedientiae omniumque virtutem augmentatio: contra insidias inimicorum omnium, tam visibilum quam invisibilium firma defensio; motuum meorum, tam carnalium quam spiritualium, perfecta quietatio: in te uno ac vero Deo firma adhaesio; atque finis mei felix consummatio. Et precor te, ut ad illud ineffabile convivium me peccatorem perducere digneris, ubi tu, cum Filio tuo et Spiritu Sancto. Sanctis tuis es lux vera, satietas plena, gaudium sempiternum, iucunditas consummata et felicitas perfecta. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

Lord, Father all-powerful, and ever-living God, I thank Thee, for even though I am a sinner, Thy unprofitable servant, not because of my worth, but in the kindness of Thy mercy, Thou hast fed me with the precious Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this holy communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to Thee, the one true God and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with Thee. And I pray that Thou willest lead me, a sinner to the banquet where Thou with Thy Son and Holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness to Thy saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Oratio Sancti Bonaventurae (Prayer of St. Bonaventure)

St. Bonaventure (1218-1274) was born in Tuscany and became a Franciscan. He is regarded as the greatest exponent of Mystical Theology in the Middle Ages and is known as the Seraphic Doctor. 

Transfige, dulcissime Domine Iesu, medullas et viscera animae meae suavissimo ac saluberrimo amoris tui vulnere, vera serenaque et apostolica sanctissima caritate, ut langueat et liquefiat anima mea solo semper amore et desiderio tui, te concupiscat et deficiat in atria tua, cupiat dissolvi et esse tecum. 

Da ut anima mea te esuriat, panem Angelorum, refectionem animarum sanctarum; panem nostrum cotidianum, supersubstantialem, habentem omnem dulcedinem et saporem, et omne delectamentum suavitatis. Te, in quem desiderant Angeli prospicere, semper esuriat et comedat cor meum, et dulcedine saporis tui repleantur viscera animae meae; te semper sitiat fontem vitae, fontem sapientiae et scientiae, fontem aeterni luminis, torrentem voluptatis, ubertatem domus Dei. 

Te semper ambiat, te quaerat, te inveniat, ad te tendat, ad te perveniat, te meditetur, te loquatur, et omnia operetur in laudem et gloriam nominis tui, cum humilitate et discretione, cum dilectione, et delectatione, cum facilitate et affectu, cum perseverantia usque in finem; ut tu sis solus semper spes mea, tota fiducia mea, divitiae meae, delectatio mea, iucunditas mea, gaudium meum, quies et tranquillitas mea, pax mea, suavitas mea, odor meus, dulcedo mea, cibus meus, refectio mea, refugium meum, auxilium meum, sapientia mea, portio mea, possessio mea, thesaurus meus, in quo fixa et firma et immobiliter semper sint radicata mens mea et cor meum. Amen. 

Pierce, O most Sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most joyous and healthful wound of Thy love, with true, serene, and most holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish and melt with love and longing for Thee, that it may yearn for Thee and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee. 

Grant that my soul may hunger after Thee, the bread of angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial bread, having all sweetness and savor and every delight of taste; let my heart ever hunger after and feed upon Thee, upon whom the angels desire to look, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savor; may it ever thirst after Thee, the fountain of life, the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the richness of the house of God. 

May it ever compass Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, run to Thee, attain Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with ease and affection, and with perseverance unto the end; may Thou alone be ever my hope, my entire assurance, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquillity, my peace, my sweetness, my fragrance, my sweet savor, my food, my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession and my treasure, in whom may my mind and my heart be fixed and firmly rooted immovably henceforth and for ever. Amen.
 

Oratio Universalis (Universal Prayer)

Written by Pope Clement XI (1649-1721, pope from 1700). 

Credo Domine, sed credam firmius; spero, sed sperem securius; amo, sed amem ardentius; doleo, sed doleam vehementius. Adoro te ut primum principium; desidero ut finem ultimum; laudo ut benefactorem perpetuum; invoco ut defensorem propitium. Tua me sapientia dirige, iustitia contine, clementia solare, potentia protege. Offero tibi, Domine cogitanda, ut sint ad te; dicenda, ut sint de te; facienda, ut sint secundum te; ferenda, ut sint propter te. Volo quidquid vis, volo quia vis, volo quomodo vis, volo quamdiu vis. Oro, Domine; intellectum illumines, voluntatem inflammes, cor emundes, animam sanctifices. Defleam praeteritas iniquitates, repellam futuras tentationes, corrigam vitiosas propensiones, excolam idoneas virtutes. Tribue mihi, bone Deus, amorem tui, odium mei, zelum proximi, contemplum mundi. Studeam superibus obedire, inferioribus subvenire, amiciis consulere, inimicis parcere. Vincam voluptatem austeritate, avaritiam largitate, iracundiam lenitate, tepiditatem fervore. Redde me prudentem in consiliis, constantem in periculis, patientem in adversis, humilem in prosperis. Fac, Domine, ut sim in oratione attentus, in epulis sobrius, in munere sedulus, in proposito firmus. Curem habere innocentiam interiorem, modestiam exteriorem, conversationem exemplarem, vitam regularem. Assidue invigilem naturae domandae, gratiae fovendae, legi servandae, saluti promerendae. Discam a te quam tenue quod terrenum, quam grande quod divinum, quam breve quod temporaneum, quam durabile quod aeternum. Da mortem praeveniam, iudicium pertimeam, infernum effugiam, paradisum obtineam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

Lord, I believe in Thee: increase my faith. I trust in Thee: strengthen my trust. I love Thee: let me love Thee more and more. I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow. I worship Thee as my first beginning, I long for Thee as my last end, I praise Thee as my constant helper, and call on Thee as my loving protector. Guide me by Thy wisdom, correct me with Thy justice, comfort me with Thy mercy, protect me with Thy power. I offer Thee, Lord, my thoughts; to be fixed on Thee; my words: to have Thee for their theme; my actions: to reflect my love for Thee; my sufferings: to be endured for Thy greater glory. I want to do what Thou asketh of me: in the way Thou asketh, because Thou asketh. Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart, and make me holy. Help me to repent of my past sins and to resist temptation in the future. Help me to rise above my human weakness and to grow stronger as a Christian. Let me love Thee, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am: a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies. Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out toward others. Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks. Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity. Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions. Let my conscience be clear, my conduct without fault, my speech blameless, my life well-ordered. Put me on guard against my human weaknesses. Let me cherish Thy love for me, keep Thy law, and come at last to Thy salvation. Teach me to realize that this world is passing, that my true future is happiness of heaven, that life on earth is short, and the life to come eternal. Help me to prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, but a greater trust in Thy goodness. Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven. 

Grant this though Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Obsecro Te, Dulcissime Domine Iesu Christe (I Beseech Thee, Most Sweet Jesus Christ)

Obsecro te, dulcissime Domine Iesu Christe, ut passio tua sit mihi virtus, qua muniar, protegar, atque defendar. Vulnera tua sint mihi cibus potusque, quibus pascar inebrier atque delecter. Aspersio Sanguinis tui sit mihi ablutio omnium delictorum meorum. Mors tua sit mihi vita indeficiens, crux sit mihi gloria sempiterna. In his sit mihi refectio, exsultatio, sanitas et dulcedo cordis mei: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

I beseech Thee, most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, that Thy Passion may be to me power by which I may be strengthened, protected and defended. May Thy wounds be to me food and drink by which I may be nourished, inebriated, and delighted. May the sprinkling of Thy Blood be to me an ablution for all my sins. May Thy death prove for me unfailing life, and may Thy Cross be to me eternal glory. In these be my refreshment, joy, health, and delight of my heart: Thou who livest and reignest forever. Amen.
 

(Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary After Mass)

O Maria, Virgo et Mater sanctissima, ecce suscepi dilectissimum Filium tuum, quem immaculato utero tuo concepisti, genuisti, lactasti, atque suavissimis amplexibus strinxisti. Ecce, cuius aspectu laetabaris et omnibus deliciis replebaris, illum ipsum tibi humiliter et amanter repraessento et offero tuis brachiis constringendum, tuo corde amandum, sanctissimaeque Trinitati in supremum latriae cultum, pro tui ipsius honore et gloria et pro meis totiusque mundi necessitatibus, offerendum. Rogo ergo te, piissima Mater, impetra mihi veniam omnium peccatorum meorum, uberemque gratiam ipsi deinceps fidelius serviendi, ac denique gratiam finalem, ut eum tecum laudare possim per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

O Mary, most holy virgin mother, I have received thy Son, Jesus Christ. With love thou becamest His mother, gave birth to Him, nursed Him, and helped Him grow to manhood. With love I return Him to thee, to hold once more, to love with all thy heart, and to offer to the Holy Trinity as our supreme act of worship for thy honor and for the good of all thy pilgrim brothers and sisters. Mother ask God to forgive my sins and to help me serve Him more faithfully. Keep me true to Christ until death, and let me come to praise Him with thee for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Oratio ad Sanctum Ioseph (Prayer to St. Joseph)

This is one of the more popular prayers to St. Joseph. It is used after Mass and in conjunction with the Cord of St. Joseph. 

Virginum custos et pater, sancte Ioseph, cuius fideli custodiae ipsa Innocentia Christus Iesus et Virgo virginum Maria commisa fuit; te per hoc utrumque carissimum pignus Iesum et Mariam obsecro et obtestor, ut me, ab omni immunditia praeservatum, mente incontaminata, puro corde et casto corpore Iesu et Mariae semper facias castissime famulari. Amen. 

Guardian of virgins, and holy father Joseph, to whose faithful custody Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed; I pray and beseech thee, by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.
 

Oratio Sancti Iohannis Chrysostomi (Prayer of St. John Chrysostom)

Written by St. John Chrysostom (344-407), Bishop, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Doctor of the Church. 

Gratias tibi agimus, clementissime Dominator, Redemptor animarum nostrarum, quoniam et praesenti hac die caelestibus et immortalibus mysteriis nos dignos fecisti. Tu dirige viam nostram; serva nos in timore tuo; tuere vitam nostram; gressus nostros firma orationibus et intercessionibus sanctae et gloriosae Dei Genetricis et semper Virginis Mariae. Exaltare super caelos, Deus, et super omnem terram gloria tua nunc et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

We give Thee thanks, O most merciful Lord and Redeemer of our souls, for this day Thou hast made us worthy with these immortal and heavenly mysteries. Direct our way; keep us in fear of Thee; guard our lives; and make our steps firm through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious and holy Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary. Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and above all the earth, Thy glory, now and forever and ever. Amen.
 

E Doctrina Duodecim Apostolorum (From the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

This prayer is from the "Teaching of the Twelve Apostles", otherwise known as the Didache. The Didache is a second century document written in Jerusalem (ca. 140 AD, though some parts appear to be ca. first century) and contains a summary of the catechesis of the Twelve Apostles. It was used in the early Church for the instruction of the catechumens and was highly valued as a source of instruction and inspiration in the early Church. Today is gives us important insight into the teachings and practices of the early Church. The prayer below is extracted from a section that outlines the form of the early Mass. 

Gratias tibi agimus, Pater sancte, pro sancto nomine tuo, quod fecisti ut habitet in cordibus nostris, et pro scientia et fide et immortalitate, quam indicasti nobis per Iesum puerum tuum; gloria tibi in saecula. Tu, Domine omnipotens, creasti omnia propter nomen tuum, et cibum potumque dedisti hominibus ad fruendum, ut tibi gratias agant, nobis autem largitus es spiritualem cibum et potum et vitam aeternam per puerum tuum. Ante omnia gratias tibi agimus, quod potens es; gloria tibi in saecula. Recordare, Domine, Ecclesiae tuae, ut eam liberes ab omni malo eamque perficias in caritate tua, et collige eam a quattuor ventis sanctificatam in regnum tuum, quod ei parasti, quoniam tua est virtus et gloria in saecula. Adveniat gratia et praetereat mundus hic. Hosanna filio David. Si quis sanctus est, accedat; si quis non est, paenitentiam agat. Maranatha. Amen. 

We thank Thee, Holy Father, for Thy holy Name which Thou hast made to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which Thou hast made known to us through Jesus Thy Son; glory to Thee forever. Thou, O Lord Almighty, hast created all things for the sake on Thy Name, and hast given food and drink to all for their enjoyment, so that they might return thanks to Thee. Upon us, however, Thou hast bestowed spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Thy Son. Above all, we give Thee thanks, for Thou art almighty; glory unto Thee forever. Remember, O Lord, Thy Church. Deliver it from all evil and perfect in Thy love. Gather it from the four winds, sanctified in Thy kingdom which Thou hast prepared for it, for Thine is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come and this world pass away. Hosanna to the Son of David. If anyone is holy, let him come. If not, let him repent. Maranatha! Amen.
 

Placeat

From the 9th century sacramentary of Amiens, this prayer is traditionally recited by the priest after Mass. 

Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas, obsequium servitutis meae: et praesta; ut sacrificium, quod oculis tuae maiestatis indignus obtuli, tibi sit acceptabile, mihique et omnibus, pro quibus illud obtuli, sit, te miserante, propitiabile. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 

May the tribute of my humble ministry be pleasing to Thee, Holy Trinity. Grant that the sacrifice which I, unworthy as I am, have offered in the presence of Thy majesty may be acceptable to Thee. Through Thy mercy may it bring forgiveness to me and to all for whom I have offered it: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Salutatio ad Dominum Iesum Christum (Salutation to the Lord Jesus Christ)

A salutation to the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. Written by St. Anselm (1033 - 1109), who was the founder of Scholasticism and is a Doctor of the Church. 

Christi Corpus, ave, sancta de virgine natum,
Viva caro, Deitas integra, verus homo.
Salve vera salus, vis, vita, redemptio mundi
Liberet a cunctis nos tua dextera malis.
Christi Sanguis, ave, coeli sanctissime potus,
Unda salutaris crimina nostra lavans.
Sanguis ave lateris Christi de vulnere sparse,
In cruce pendens unda salutaris ave.

Body of Christ, hail! Born of the holy Virgin,
Living flesh, Deity entire, true man.
Hail, true salvation, strength, life, redemption of the world,
May Thy right hand free us from all evil.
Blood of Christ, hail! Heaven's most holy drink,
River of salvation washing away our sins.
Hail, Blood, oozing from the wound of Christ's side,
River of salvation, suspended on the Cross, hail!
 

Adoro Te Devote (Hidden God)

One of the five beautiful hymns St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) composed in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at the specific request of Pope Urban IV (1261-1264) for the then new Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. It is found in the Roman Missal as a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly recite this hymn. 

Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,
Quae sub his figuris vere latitas:
Tibi se cor meum totum subiicit,
Quia te contemplans totum deficit.

Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur.
Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius:
Nil hoc verbo Veritatis verius.

In cruce latebat sola Deitas,
At hic latet simul et humanitas;
Ambo tamen credens atque confitens,
Peto quod petivit latro paenitens.

Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor;
Deum tamen meum te confiteor.
Fac me tibi semper magis credere,
In te spem habere, te diligere.

O memoriale mortis Domini!
Panis vivus, vitam praestans homini!
Praesta meae menti de te vivere
Et te illi semper dulce sapere.

Pie pellicane, Iesu Domine,
Me immundum munda tuo sanguine.
Cuius una stilla salvum facere
Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.

Iesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio,
Oro fiat illud quod tam sitio;
Ut te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beatus tuae gloriae.

Amen. 

Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee,
Truly present underneath these veils:
All my heart subdues itself before Thee,
Since it all before Thee faints and fails.

Not to sight, or taste, or touch be credit,
Hearing only do we trust secure;
I believe, for God the Son has said it-
Word of truth that ever shall endure.

On the cross was veiled Thy Godhead's splendor,
Here Thy manhood lies hidden too;
Unto both alike my faith I render,
And, as sued the contrite thief, I sue.

Though I look not on Thy wounds with Thomas,
Thee, my Lord, and Thee, my God, I call:
Make me more and more believe Thy promise,
Hope in Thee, and love Thee over all.

O memorial of my Savior dying,
Living Bread, that gives life to man;
Make my soul, its life from Thee supplying,
Taste Thy sweetness, as on earth it can.

Deign, O Jesus, Pelican of heaven,
Me, a sinner, in Thy Blood to lave,
To a single drop of which is given
All the world from all its sin to save.

Contemplating, Lord, Thy hidden presence,
Grant me what I thirst for and implore,
In the revelation of Thy essence
To behold Thy glory evermore.

Amen.
 

Lauda Sion (Laud, O Zion)

When Pope Urban IV (1261-1264) first instituted the new Feast of Corpus Christi he requested St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) to compose hymns for the feast. This is one of the five beautiful hymns he composed in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to Lauda Sion, St. Thomas wrote Adoro Te Devote, Pange Lingua, Sacris Sollemnis and Verbum Supernum. Lauda Sion is the sequence before the Gospel on Corpus Christi. 

Lauda Sion Salvatorem,
Lauda ducem et pastorem,
In hymnis et canticis.

Quantum potes, tantum aude:
Quia maior omni laude,
Nec laudare sufficis.

Laudis thema specialis,
Panis vivus et vitalis
Hodie proponitur.

Quem in sacrae mensae coenae,
Turbae fratrum duodenae
Datum non ambigitur.

Sit laus plena, sit sonora,
Sit iucunda, sit decora
Mentis iubilatio.

Dies enim solemnis agitur,
In qua mensae prima recolitur
Huius institutio.

In hac mensa novi Regis,
Novum Pascha novae legis,
Phase vetus terminat.

Vetustatem novitas,
Umbram fugat veritas,
Noctem lux eliminat.

Quod in coena Christus gessit,
Faciendum hoc expressit
In sui memoriam.

Docti sacris institutis,
Panem, vinum in salutis
Consecramus hostiam.

Dogma datur christianis,
Quod in carnem transit panis,
Et vinum in sanguinem.

Quod non capis, quod non vides,
Animosa firmat fides,
Praeter rerum ordinem.

Sub diversis speciebus,
Signis tantum, et non rebus,
Latent res eximiae.

Caro cibus, sanguis potus:
Manet tamen Christus totus
Sub utraque specie.

A sumente non concisus,
Non confractus, non divisus:
Integer accipitur.

Sumit unus, sumunt mille:
Quantum isti, tantum ille:
Nec sumptus consumitur.

Sumunt boni, sumunt mali:
Sorte tamen inaequali,
Vitae vel interitus.

Mors est malis, vita bonis:
Vide paris sumptionis
Quam sit dispar exitus.


Fracto demum sacramento,
Ne vacilles, sed memento
Tantum esse sub fragmento,
Quantum tot tegitur.

Nulla rei fit scissura:
Signi tantum fit fractura,
Qua nec status, nec statura
Signati minuitur.

Ecce Panis Angelorum,
Factus cibus viatorum:
Vere panis filiorum,
Non mittendus canibus.

In figuris praesignatur,
Cum Isaac immolatur,
Agnus Paschae deputatur,
Datur manna patribus.

Bone pastor, panis vere,
Iesu, nostri miserere:
Tu nos pasce, nos tuere,
Tu nos bona fac videre
In terra viventium.

Tui qui cuncta scis et vales,
Qui nos pascis hic mortales:
Tuos ibi commensales,
Coheredes et sodales
Fac sanctorum civium.

Amen. Alleluia. 

Zion, to Your Savior sing,
To Your Shepherd and Your King!
Let the air with praises ring!

All you can, proclaim with mirth,
Far higher is His worth
Than the glory words may wing.

Lo! before our eyes and living
Is the Sacred Bread life-giving,
Theme of canticle and hymn.

We profess this Bread from heaven
To the Twelve by Christ was given,
For our faith rest firm in Him.

Let us form a joyful chorus,
May our lauds ascend sonorous,
Bursting from each loving breast.

For we solemnly record
How the Table of the Lord
With the Lamb's own gift was blest.

On this altar of the King
This new Paschal Offering
Brings an end to ancient rite.

Shadows flee that truth may stay,
Oldness to the new gives way,
And the night's darkness to the light.

What at Supper Christ completed
He ordained to be repeated,
In His memory Divine.

Wherefore now, with adoration,
We, the Host of our salvation,
Consecrate from bread and wine.

Words a nature's course derange,
That in Flesh the bread may change
And the wine in Christ's own Blood.

Does it pass your comprehending?
Faith, the law of light transcending,
Leaps to things not understood.

Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless things, to sense forbidden;
Signs, not things, are all we see.

Flesh from bread, and Blood from wine,
Yet is Christ in either sign,
All entire confessed to be.

And whoe'er of Him partakes,
Severs not, nor rends, nor breaks:
All entire, their Lord receive.

Whether one or thousand eat,
All receive the selfsame meat,
Nor do less for others leave.

Both the wicked and the good
Eat of this celestial Food:
But with ends how opposite!

With this most substantial Bread,
Unto life or death they're fed,
In a difference infinite.

Nor a single doubt retain,
When they break the Host in twain,
But that in each part remain
What was in the whole before;

For the outward sign alone
May some change have undergone,
While the Signified stays one,
And the same forevermore.

Hail! Bead of the Angels, broken,
For us pilgrims food, and token
Of the promise by Christ spoken,
Children's meat, to dogs denied!

Shown in Isaac's dedication,
In the Manna's preparation,
In the Paschal immolation,
In old types pre-signified.

Jesus, Shepherd mild and meek,
Shield the poor, support the weak;
Help all who Your pardon sue,
Placing all their trust in You:
Fill them with Your healing grace!

Source of all we have or know,
Feed and lead us here below.
Grant that with Your Saints above,
Sitting at the feast of love
We may see You face to face.

Amen. Alleluia.
 

Pange Lingua (Sing, My Tongue)

There are two Pange Linguas in use, one by Venantius Fortunatus and then this one, composed by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This hymn is also used on Holy Thursday. The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo that is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The rhythm of the Pange Lingua is said to have come down from a marching song of Caesar's Legions: "Ecce, Caesar nunc triumphat qui subgegit Gallias." 

Pange lingua gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
Quem in mundi pretium
Fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
Ex inacta Virgine,
Et in mundo conversatus,
Sparso verbi semine,
Sui moras incolatus
Miro clausit ordine.

In suprema nocte coenae
Recumbus cum fratribus
Observata lege plene
Cibis in legalibus,
Cibum turbae duodenae
Se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
Verbo carnem efficit:
Fitque sanguis Christi merum,
Et si sensus deficit,
Ad firmandum cor sincerum
Sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen. Alleluia.

Sing, my tongue,
The mystery of the glorious body,
And of the precious Blood,
Shed to save the world,
By the King of the nations,
The fruit of a noble womb.

Given to us, born for us,
From a stainless Virgin,
And having dwelt in the world,
Sowing the seed of the word,
He closed in a wonderful way,
The days of his habitation.

On the night of His last supper,
Reclining with His brothers,
The law having been fully observed
With legal foods,
He gives Himself as food with His
Own hands to the twelve.

The Word in Flesh makes true Bread
His Flesh with a word;
Wine becomes the Blood of Christ,
And if sense is deficient,
To confirm sincere hearts,
Faith alone suffices.

Then let us prostrate and
Venerate so great a Sacrament,
And let the old law yield
To the new rite;
Let faith stand forward to
Supply the defect of the senses.

To the Begetter and the Begotten,
Be praise and jubilation,
Health, honor, and strength,
And blessing too,
And let equal praise be to Him,
Who proceeds from Both.
Amen. Alleluia.
 

Sacris Solemniis (At This Our Solemn Feast)

This is one of the five beautiful hymns St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) composed in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at specific request of Pope Urban IV (1261-1264). Pope Urban IV made the request when he first instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. Today Sacris Solemniis is used as a hymn for the Office of the Readings for Corpus Christi. The last two stanzas are the text for the hymn Panis Angelicus. 

Sacris solemniis iuncta sint gaudia,
Et ex praecordiis sonent praeconia;
Recedant vetera, nova sint omnia,
Corda, voces, et opera.

Noctis recolitur cena novissima,
Qua Christus creditur agnum et azyma
Dedisse fratribus, iuxta legitima
Priscis indulta patribus.

Post agnum typicum, expletis epulis,
Corpus Dominicum datum discipulis,
Sic totum omnibus, quod totum singulis,
Eius fatemur manibus.

Dedit fragilibus corporis ferculum,
Dedit et tristibus sanguinis poculum,
Dicens: Accipite quod trado vasculum;
Omnes ex eo bibite.

Sic sacrificium istud instituit,
Cuius officium committi voluit
Solis presbyteris, quibus sic congruit,
Ut sumant, et dent ceteris.

Panis angelicus fit panis hominum;
Dat panis caelicus figuris terminum;
O res mirabilis: manducat Dominum
Pauper, servus et humilis.

Te, trina Deitas unaque, poscimus:
Sic nos tu visita, sicut te colimus;
Per tuas semitas duc nos quo tendimus,
Ad lucem quam inhabitas. Amen.

At this our solemn feast
Let holy joys abound,
And from the inmost breast
Let songs of praise resound;
Let ancient rites depart,
And all be new around,
In every act, and voice, and heart.

Remember we that eve,
When, the Last Supper spread,
Christ, as we all believe,
The Lamb, with leavenless bread,
Among His brethren shared,
And thus the Law obeyed,
Of all unto their sire declared.

The typic Lamb consumed,
The legal Feast complete,
The Lord unto the Twelve
His Body gave to eat;
The whole to all, no less
The whole to each did mete
With His own hands, as we confess.

He gave them, weak and frail,
His Flesh, their Food to be;
On them, downcast and sad,
His Blood bestowed He:
And thus to them He spake,
"Receive this Cup from Me,
And all of you of this partake."

So He this Sacrifice
To institute did will,
And charged His priests alone
That office to fulfill:
In them He did confide:
To whom it pertains still
To take, and the rest divide.

Thus Angels' Bread is made
The Living Bread for us today:
The Living Bread from heaven
With figures does away:
O wondrous gift indeed!
The poor and lowly may
Upon their Lord and Master feed.

You, therefore, we implore,
O Godhead, One in Three,
So may You visit us
Who worship You with glee;
And lead us on Your way,
That we at last may see
Where You dwell in Eternal Day.
Amen.
 

Verbum Supernum (The Word of God)

Verbum Supernum was written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to Verbum Supernum, St. Thomas also wrote Adoro Te Devote, Lauda Sion, Pange Lingua, and Sacris Solemniis at the specific request of Pope Urban IV (1261-1264) for the then newly instituted Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. It is used as a hymn at Lauds (Morning Prayer) on Corpus Christi. The last two stanzas are the text for the hymn O Salutaris Hostia. 

Verbum supernum prodiens,
Nec Patris linquens dexteram,
Ad opus suum exiens,
Venit ad vitae vesperam.

In mortem a discipulo
Suis tradendus aemulis,
Prius in vitae ferculo
Se tradidit discipulis.

Quibus sub bina specie
Carnem dedit et sanguinem;
Ut duplicis substantiae
Totum cibaret hominem.

Se nascens dedit socium,
Convescens in edulium,
Se moriens in pretium,
Se regnans dat in praemium.

O salutaris hostia,
Quae caeli pandis ostium,
Bella premunt hostilia;
Da robur, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino
Sit sempiterna gloria:
Qui vitam sine termino
Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

The Word of God proceeding forth,
Yet not leaving the Father's side,
Went forth upon His work on earth
And reached at length life's eventide.

By false disciple to be given
To foemen for His Blood athirst,
Himself, the living Bread from heaven,
He gave to His disciples first.

To them He gave, in twofold kind,
His very Flesh, His very Blood:
Of twofold substance are we made,
And He would freely be our Food.

By birth our fellowman was He,
Our Food while seated at the board;
He died, our ransomer to be;
He ever reigns, our great reward.

O saving Victim, opening wide
The gate of heaven to all us below:
Our foes press on from every side;
Your aid supply, Your strength bestow.

To Your great Name be endless praise,
Immortal Godhead, One in Three!
O grant us endless length of days
With You in our true country. Amen.
 

O Sacrum Convivium (O Sacred Banquet)

O Sacrum Convivium is a traditional prayer honoring the Blessed Sacrament. What appears below is more than just O Sacrum Convivium. The prayer has been appended here with a response and final prayer making it a fit meditation of the Eucharistic mystery. A partial indulgence is attached to O Sacrum Convivium. 

O sacrum convivium, in quo Christus sumitur: recolitur memoria passionis eius; mens impletur gratia et furturae gloriae nobis pignus datur. 

V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis;
R. Omnem delectamentum in se habentem.

Oremus; Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili Passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti; tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Tempore paschali sequens dicitur oratio:
Oremus; Spiritum nobis, Domine tuae caritatis infunde, ut, quos Sacramentis paschalibus satiasti, tua facias pietate concordes. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate eiusdem Spiritus Sancti Deus per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory given to us. 

V. Thou didst give them bread from heaven;
R. Containing in itself all sweetness.

Let us pray; O God, who under a wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to reverence the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever feel within ourselves the fruit of Thy Redemption: Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. 

In Paschaltide the following is said:
Let us pray; Pour upon us, O Lord, the Spirit of Thy love, to make us of one heart, whom, by Thy tender mercy, Thou hast filled with the paschal sacrament. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Oratio Sancti Caietani (Prayer of St. Cajetan)

Written by St. Cajetan (1480-1547). 

Respice, Domine, Sancte Pater, de sanctuario tuo et de excleso caelorum habitaculo, et vide hanc sacrosanctum Hostiam, quam tibi offert magnus Pontifex noster, sanctus puer tuus Dominus Iesus pro peccatis fratrum suorum; et esto placabilis super multitudinem malitiae nostrae. Ecce, vox sanguinis fratris nostri Iesu clamat ad te de Cruce. Exaudi, Domine: placare, Domine: attende et fac ne moreris propter temetipsum, Deus meus, qui nomen tuum invocatum est super civitatem istam et super populum tuum; et fac nobiscum secundum misericordiam tuam. Amen. 

Ut civitatem istam defendere, pacificare, custodire, conservare et benedicere digneris: Te rogamus, audi nos. 

Look down, O Lord, from Thy sanctuary, from Thy dwelling in heaven on high, and behold this sacred Victim which our great High Priest, Thy holy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, offers up to Thee for the sins of His brethren and be appeased despite the multitude of our transgressions. Behold, the voice of the Blood of Jesus, our Brother, cries to Thee from the cross. Give ear, O Lord. Be appeased, O Lord. Hearken and do not delay for Thine own sake, O my God; for Thy Name is invoked upon this city and upon Thy people and deal with us according to Thy mercy. Amen. 

That Thou wouldst defend, pacify, keep, preserve, and bless this city, we beseech Thee, hear us.
 

Te, Iesu, verum Deum et Hominem (I adore Thee, O Jesus)

Te, Iesu, verum Deum et Hominem hic in sancta Eucharistia praesentem, in genua humillime provolutus, cum fidelibus terrae et Sanctis caeli mente coniunctus, adoro; ac pro tanto beneficio intime gratus, te, Iesu, infinite perfectum atque infinite amabilem ex toto corde diligo. 

Da mihi gratiam ne ullo modo te unquam offendam, atque ut, tua hac in terra eucharistica praesentia recreatus, ad tua aeterna ac beata in caelis praesentia una cum Maria perfruendum merear pervenire. Amen. 

I adore Thee, O Jesus, true God and true Man, here present in the Holy Eucharist, humbly kneeling before Thee and united in spirit will all the faithful on earth and all the blessed in heaven. In deepest gratitude for so great a blessing, I love Thee, my Jesus, with my whole heart, for Thou art all perfect and worthy of love. 

Give me grace to nevermore in anyway offend Thee, and grant that I, being refreshed by Thy Eucharistic presence here on earth, may be found worthy to come to the enjoyment with Mary of Thine eternal and ever-blessed presence in heaven. Amen.
 

Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling)

Tantum Ergo is the last two stanzas from the Eucharistic Prayer (Pange Lingua) composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The response and the prayer at the end is a later addition used at Benediction. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it and a plenary indulgence is granted to those who recite it on Holy Thursday or Corpus Christi. 

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen. 

V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis. (T.P. Alleluia)
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. (T.P. Alleluia)

Oremus: Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. 

R. Amen. 

Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! oe'r ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen. 

R. Thou hast given them bread from heaven (P.T. Alleluia).
V. Having within it all sweetness (P.T. Alleluia).

Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever. 

R. Amen.
 

Laudes Divinae (Divine Praises)

The Divine Praises are a series of acclamations praising God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and all the angels and saints. It was written originally in 1797 by Luigi Felici, S.J. to make reparations against blasphemy and profanity. Since then it has been added to by recent Popes giving us this present form. The Divine Praises are often used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Benedictus Deus.
Benedictum Nomen Sanctum eius.
Benedictus Iesus Christus, verus Deus and verus homo.
Benedictum Nomen Iesu
Benedictum Cor eius sacratissimum.
Benedictus Sanguis eius pretiosissimus.
Benedictus Iesus in sanctissimo altaris Sacramento.
Benedictus Sanctus Spiritus, Paraclitus.
Benedicta excelsa Mater Dei, Maria sanctissima.
Benedicta sancta eius et immaculata Conceptio.
Benedicta eius gloriosa Assumptio.
Benedictum nomen Mariae, Virginis et Matris.
Benedictus sanctus Ioseph, eius castissimus Sponsus.
Benedictus Deus in Angelis suis, et in Sanctis suis.
Amen. 

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.
Amen.