IV. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Let us contemplate, in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin, twelve years after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of this world unto him, and was by him assumed into heaven, accompanied by the holy Angels. Our Father, &c. Prayer. O MOST prudent Virgin, who, entering the heavenly palaces, didst fill the angels with joy and man with hope; vouchsafe to intercede for us at the hour of our death, that, being delivered from the illusions and temptations of the devil, we may joyfully and securely pass out of this temporal state, to enjoy the happiness of eternal life. Amen. V. The Coronation of the most Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven. Let us contemplate, in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary was, to the great jubilee and exultation of the whole court of heaven, and particular glory of all the saints, crowned by her Son with the brightest diadem of glory. Our Father, &c. Prayer. O GLORIOUS Queen of all the heavenly host; we beseech thee accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy feet; and grant, most gracious Lady, that, by thy intercession, our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing thee so gloriously crowned, that it may never die within us, until it shall be changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen. Salve Regina, &c., as before. Memorare to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. REMEMBER, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the boundless power which thou possessest over the heart of thy Divine Son. Confiding entirely in thy merits, I now implore thy protection, O glorious Queen of the heart of Jesus, of that heart which is the inexhaustible source of all graces, and which thou canst open at thy will, in order to pour down upon mankind all the treasures of love and mercy, of light and salvation which it contains; grant me, I implore thee, the favour which I ask for. No! I cannot meet with a refusal; and since thou art my mother, I beseech thee to hear and grant my prayer. Homns to the Blessed Virgin. HAIL, thou Star of Ocean, Of the Lord most high! I. Oh! by Gabriel's Ave, peace below. Break the captive's fetters; Show thyself a mother; Virgin of all virgins! To thy shelter take us: Gentlest of the gentle ! [us. Chaste and gentle make Still as on we journey, Help our weak endea vour, Till with thee and Jesus Through the highest heaven, To the Almighty Three, Father, Son, and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. II. Hail, Queen of Heav'n, the ocean Star, O gentle, chaste, and spotless Maid, The price of our iniquity. Virgin most pure, Star of the sea, Sojourners in this vale of tears, And while to him who reigns above, STABAT MATER. Stabat Mater dolorosa Cujus animam gementem, O quam tristis et afflicta Quæ morebat, et dolebat, Quis est homo qui non At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last: Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword Oh, how sad and sore dis- Of the sole-begotten One! Christ above in torment hangs; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son. Is there one who would not weep, Whelm'd in miseries so deep Christ's dear Mother to behold? Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold? Bruis'd, derided, curs'd, defil'd, She beheld her tender child All with bloody scourges rent; For the sins of his own nation, Saw him hang in desolation, Till his spirit forth he sent. O thou Mother! fount of love! Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with thine accord: Make me feel as thou hast felt, Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ my Lord. Holy Mother! pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Saviour crucified: Let me share with thee his pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torments died. |