Project Canterbury
Manual of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament
1950transcribed by the Reverend William Willoughby, III
AD 2001
This Confraternity now embraces in one body and under one united Executive, two formerly distinct Associations, viz., "The Society of the Blessed Sacrament," instituted Christmas, 1860, and "The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament," inaugurated the first Thursday in Advent, 1862; the amalgamation having been sanctioned and ratified February 26, 1867, by their respective representatives in Council assembled.
The American Branch of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament was instituted September 11, 1867.
The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, December 7, 1888.
Ave Verum Corpus
Hail to Thee! true Body sprung
From the Virgin Mary's womb!
The Same that on the Cross was hung,
And bore for man the bitter doom!
Hear us, merciful and mild,
Jesu! Mary's gracious Child.From Whose Side for sinners riven
Water flowed and mingled Blood!
May'st Thou, dearest Lord be given
In death's hour to be my Food.
Hear us, merciful and mild,
Jesu! Mary's gracious Child.
Amen.
The Manual.
Part I.
Objects, Rules, Etc.
of the Confraternity.
Objects.
The Honor due to the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood.
Mutual and special Intercessions at the time of and in union with the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
The promotion of the observance of the Catholic and primitive Law of receiving the Holy Communion fasting.
Rules
To Communicate, or at least to be present, on Sundays and the greater Festivals and other Holy-days, when the Holy Eucharist is Celebrated, unless prevented by sickness or other urgent cause.
To promote, by all legitimate means, frequent and reverent Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, as the Chief Act of Divine Service.
To made such special Intercessions as shall be from time to time directed.
Recommendations
To give careful attention to Preparation before, and Thanksgiving after, every Communion.
To Communicate at an early Celebration.
To make, at every Celebration, one or more of the following Acts _
Of Faith.
Of Adoration.
Of Spiritual Communion.
Of Thanksgiving.
Of Reparation.
Of Intercession.
Of Prayer for the Visible Unity of Christendom.To make Acts of Spiritual Communion, when deprived of the opportunity of receiving the Holy Eucharist.
To make Offerings for the due and reverent Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Laws
I. Constitution.
The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ shall consist of Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Communicants of both sexes, being Members of, or in Communion with, the Anglo Catholic Church.
II. Membership
Subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, any one being a Communicant shall be eligible to become an Associate of this Confraternity.
Such person being desirous of becoming an Associate of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, shall signify his or her wish to the Secretary-General, or to any Priest-Associate, in the following form:
I, , being a (Bishop, Priest, Deacon, Communicant Member of, or in Communion with, the Anglo Catholic Church), do request to be admitted an Associate of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, and do hereby concur in its Objects, Rules, Recommendations and Laws.
Name in full
Address
DateI, N, Associate of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, do, from personal knowledge, recommend the aforesaid to be admitted and enrolled among the Associates of this Confraternity.
Candidates may be admitted to Membership by any Priest-Associate, according to a form hereinafter set forth. (See Manual, Part II.) Notice of the admission of an Associate must be sent to the Secretary-General within thirty days, that the name may be registered and the Intercession paper forwarded.
The Secretary-General may admit candidates to Membership, upon their signing the Application and being properly recommended, without the use of the form in the Manual, when it shall appear that it is necessary.
Those thus authorized to admit Associates should exercise great caution, and assure themselves of special devotional fitness and stability on the part of the Candidate.
Associates are expected to make Offerings, according to their ability, to the General Fund of the Confraternity, from time to time, and especially upon the day of their admission.
All Lay Associates are required to join the Parish Ward, or if there be none, to register upon the Roll of the nearest Priest-Associate holding such Roll.
9.Any Associate whose conduct shall be unsatisfactory, or who shall cease to be, so far as may appear, a consistent Member of the Confraternity, shall, if needful, after due notice to such Associate, be reported to the Secretary-General, who may, if necessary, remove from Membership, subject to an appeal to the Superior-General.
III. Organization.
A Priest-Associate shall be appointed by the Superior General to act as a Director of the Confraternity in each Province.
The duties of such Directors shall be
(a) To make arrangements for the celebration of the Annual Festival of the Confraternity on Corpus Christi, if possible in a central city or town, convenient for the greatest number of Associates.
(b) To give Conferences in different places, when requested, upon the subject of The Eucharist.
(c) To keep a list of the Associates in their respective Districts; to strive in every way to promote the growth of the Confraternity; and to make an annual report to the Secretary-General before Whitsunday.IV. Government.
12.The Confraternity shall be governed by a Superior-General and a Council, elected as hereinafter provided.
The Superior-General, Secretary-General and Treasurer-General shall constitute the Board of Trustees.
14.Each Ward shall be under a Priest-Associate, who shall be called the Superior of the Ward.
V. Officers.
Their Appointment and Duties.
(1.) The Superior-General15.The Superior-General shall be either a Bishop, or Priest, elected at the Annual Meeting of the Council.
16.In case of vacancy in the office, the Superior-General may be elected at a special meeting of the Council to be called for that purpose by the Secretary-General.
17.It shall be his duty to govern the Confraternity according to its objects and laws, with the advice of the Council.
(2.) The Secretary-General and the Treasurer-General
18.The Confraternity shall have a Secretary-General, and a Treasurer-General, to be elected at the Annual Meeting, or at a Special Meeting of the Council.
19.The Secretary-General shall keep the Registers of the Confraternity and the Minute Books of the Council, conduct all necessary Correspondence, send out Notices, and distribute the Intercession Papers, under the direction of the Superior-General. He shall receive all moneys in whatsoever way contributed, giving his receipt therefor, keep a correct, detailed account thereof in suitable books and pay such moneys monthly to the Treasurer-General.
20.The Treasurer-General shall receive all moneys belonging to the Confraternity from the Secretary-General, given him his receipt therefor, and keep in suitable books a just and accurate account thereof; he shall make all disbursements authorized by the Superior-General or by the Council; reporting the Receipts and Expenditures from time to time for the guidance of the Council, and presenting a Yearly Account at the Annual Meeting.
(3.) The Council
21.The Council shall consist of the Superior-General together with the Secretary-General, Treasurer-General, the Superiors of Permanent Wards, and twenty Priests-Associate, who shall be elected by the Council. It shall meet annually some day in the week following Trinity Sunday, and at such other times as the Superior-General may direct. The Superior-General, on the requisition of not less than ten members of the Council, shall convene a Special Meeting within thirty days of the date thereof.
22.Associates who are Bishops shall be ex-officio members of the Council. Honorary members may be elected to the Council.
23.The Council may make By-Laws for its own guidance.
(4.) The Board of Trustees
24.The Superior-General, Secretary-General and Treasurer-General shall constitute the Board of Trustees, whose duty it shall be to hold in trust all moneys and other property belonging to the Confraternity.
VI. Of Wards.
(1.) Who may Organize Wards.
25.Any Priest-Associate, who is the Rector or Priest in charge of a Parish or Congregation, with a reasonable expectation of continuing to hold such position, may undertake the organization of a Ward of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, in accordance with the Rules regulating the same.26.No Assistant Minister or Curate may organize a Ward, without the written consent of the Rector or Priest in charge of the Church to which he is attached.
(2.) Number of Associates Necessary.
27.No Ward may be organized unless there be at least six Lay Associates resident in the city or Parish in which the same shall be situated, and a reasonable probability of further growth of Membership.
(3.) Notice of Intention to be Given.
28.Whenever it is proposed to organize a Ward, notice of the intention shall be given to the Superior-General, through the Secretary-General. Such notice shall set forth distinctly, that there is a reasonable probability of the permanency of the proposed Ward, and the number of Lay Associates already within its territory; and in case of an Assistant Minister or Curate, the notice must be accompanied with the written consent of the Rector or Priest in charge, to the organization of a Ward within his Cure.
(4.) Permission to Organize.29.The Superior-General, on the receipt of a Notice of Intention to organize, shall satisfy himself that it is in the best interest of the Confraternity that a Ward be formed at the point named. He may then give his permission for a Temporary Organization, which shall hold good until the meeting of the next Annual Meeting.
(5.) Temporary Organization.
30.Permission being obtained for a Temporary Organization, the Priest-Associate in charge shall at once send to the Secretary-General the name of the proposed Ward, the names and addresses of the officers, and the names of all Associates.
31.It shall be the business of the Secretary to report to the Secretary-General the names of all Associates received or lost, and the condition of the Ward, in time to be laid before Annual Meeting.
(6.) Permanent Organization.
32.Application must be made to the Council at its Annual Meeting for permission to organize a Permanent Ward; such Application shall set forth the true condition of the Ward as to growth and prospects.
33.This Application shall be laid before the Council at the Annual Meeting and the question of Permanent Organization shall be decided by their vote.
34.No Priest-Associate shall be entitled to a seat in the Council ex-officio, as Superior of a Ward, until the Ward has been Permanently Organized.
(7.) Charters
35.A suitable Charter shall be issued by the Secretary-General under the seal of the Confraternity, and signed by the Superior-General, to each Permanent Ward.
36.The Superior-General may authorize Priests-Associate to keep a register of names of Lay Associates not connected with any Ward; to assist such Associates in carrying out the objects of the Confraternity, and to report upon same annually to the Secretary-General before Whitsunday.
(8.) Vacancies.
37.It shall be the duty of the Superior of a Ward, on leaving the Parish, or resigning the Superiorship, to notify the Secretary-General of the fact, and provide for the perpetuation of the Ward.
38.In cast it is found impossible to do so, the Charter of the Ward shall be returned by the Superior to the Superior-General, and by him held in trust until the Ward is reorganized.
39.Should the Ward not be reorganized by the time of the next Annual Meeting of the Council, the Council may declare the Ward defunct, and its name shall be dropped from the list.
40.When the Superior of a Ward resigns the Superiorship, or the Charge in which the Ward is situated, he shall be considered to have resigned his seat in the Council.
41.If before the Annual Meeting of the Council the Ward reorganize under a new Superior, notice of the fact shall be given by the Ward Secretary to theSecretary-General, accompanied by an application from the new Superior for a return of the Charter, which shall at once be returned and the new Superior's name enrolled as a member of the Council.
(9.) Reports.
42.It shall be the duty of the Secretary of every Ward to make an Annual Report of the Condition of the Ward, the Nature of the Ward Meetings, the Amount of Funds received and expended, and a List of the Members. This Report shall be sent to the Secretary-General before June 1st.
43.Any Ward failing to report for three successive years shall be considered defunct, and its Charter shall be demanded by the Secretary-General.
44.The Superior-General may reinstate such Ward at any time within one year, on application from its Superior, if, in his judgment, to do so is for the interest of the Confraternity.
VII. Annual Conference.
45. There shall be an Annual Conference, open to all Associates, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, or within eight days of that date, after a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. All Priests-Associate shall, within the same period, if possible, celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the objects and intentions of the Confraternity. Wherever practicable, the anniversary shall be publicly observed by Priests-Associate.
VIII. Subscriptions and Offerings.
46. The Annual Subscription for the Monthly Intercession Paper and for the expenses of the Confraternity shall be One Dollar payable in advance on or before the first day of May.
47. Members of Religious Orders and Candidates for Holy Orders shall be exempt from the Annual Subscription.
48. Associates are urged to make Annual Offerings, or Subscriptions, according to their ability, for providing needy Parishes and Missions with Altar Vessels, Vestments, etc. Application for such Grants shall be make to the Secretary-General, or to a Committee appointed by the Council. Appropriations for such Grants shall not exceed, except in exceptionally needy cases, one-half the cost of such Vessels, Vestments, etc.
49.Any Associate, upon the payment of $15. shall be exempt from the payment of the Annual Due.IX. Intercessions and Monthly Paper.
50. All requests for Intercessions must be sent to the Secretary-General, and subject to his approval, the Intercessions shall be included in the Monthly Paper.
51.The Monthly Paper shall be sent to all Associates of the Confraternity, through the Superiors of Wards or the Priests-Associate; but in the case of Associates so requesting they may be sent direct by the Secretary-General.
X. Medals.
52. Any Associate ceasing to be a Member of the Confraternity, by resignation or by removal from the Confraternity, is under an obligation to return the Medal to the Superior of the Ward, or to the Secretary-General.
XI. Alteration of Laws.
53. These laws may be added to or altered by a two-thirds vote of the Council.
On the Use of the Intercessions.
The following suggestions are offered as to the use of the Monthly Papers of Intercession:
In order to fulfil the duty of making "mutual and special intercession at the time of an in union with the Eucharistic Sacrifice," it is not necessary that Associates should be physically present at a Mass: It suffices, if prayer be made with an intention of offering the appointed intercessions in union with the Holy Sacrifice which at that moment is being offered somewhere in the world. Nor is it necessary that Associates, when present at a Mass, should use the intercessions in detail; for the purpose will be accomplished if the intercessions are read over previously and then offered, in intention, during the celebration. In the Intercession Paper, the petitions are so arranged so that a certain portion may be used each day: If, however, any Associate finds this daily use inconvenient, the daily groupings may be combined and so used once a week. If, in any case, the use of the intercessions in detail be impracticable, Associates may fulfil their obligations by adding to their ordinary intercessions a general prayer "for all the objects prayed for in the Confraternity."
The Manual.
Part II
Form of Admission
The Candidate to be admitted kneeling; the Priest-Associate standing, shall say:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord:
Who hath made heaven and earth.Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by 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.
O Lord, save this Thy servant:
Who putteth [his] trust in Thee.
Send [him] help, O Lord, from the sanctuary:
And strengthen [him] out of Sion.
Remember all [his] offerings:
And accept his burn sacrifice.
Grant [him] his heart's desire.
And fulfil all [his] mind.
Let [him[ rejoice in Thy Salvation.
And triumph in the Name of the Lord [his] God.
O Lord, hear our prayer.
And let our cry come unto Thee.
The Lord be with you:
And with thy spirit.Let us pray.
O Lord Jesu Christ, Who declares Thine exceeding great Love in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar; assist us, we beseech Thee, in these our supplications and prayers, and vouchsafe to receive this Thy servant now present before Thee, who desires to offer Thee special honor and worship in this adorable Mystery. Bless andsanctify him according to the multitude of Thy mercies; increase in him love and reverence for Thy Sacred Presence; bring forth in him the fruit of good living, and grant him steadfast perseverence unto the end, that hereafter he may behold, adore, and rejoice in Thy unveiled Presence in Heaven, where with the Father and the Holy Ghost, Thou livest and reignest, One God, world without end. Amen.
O God, Who in this Wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy redemption; Who livest and reignest, with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
The Superior, addressing the Person to be admitted, shall say:
Dost thou desire to be an Associate of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament?
Answer. I do.Then the Superior shall say:
N., I admit thee to be an Associate of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Form for Blessing the Medal.
Our help is in the Name of the Lord:
Who hath made heaven and earth.
The Lord be with you:
And with thy spirit.Let us pray.
Bless, O Lord, this Medal, and grant that [he] who shall wear it may ever believe [if a Priest, teach], speak, and act according to the truth of Thy Blessed Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar, as shall be pleasing to Thee and profitable to [his] soul; Who livest and reignest, One God, world without end. Amen.
The Superior, giving to the new Associate the Medal, shall say:
Receive this Token of thy Membership in the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, and see that thou fulfil in thy life what thou dost profess with thy lips.
The Superior shall then say:The Lord, the Fountain of all grace and mercy, ever in His Blessed Sacrament strengthen and renew you, guide and preserve you amid the storms of this world, and bring you into the haven of everlasting salvation. Amen.
Vespers of the Blessed Sacrament
O God, make speed to save me:
O Lord, make haste to help me.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. [Alleluia.]
Antiphon. Christ the Lord, a Priest forever.PSALM CX. Dixit Dominus
The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.
The Lord shall send the rod of Thy power out of Sion: be Thou ruler, even in the midst among Thine enemies.
In the day of Thy power shall Thy people offer Thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: the dew of Thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
The Lord sware and will not repent: Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedech.
The Lord upon Thy right hand: shall wound even kings in the day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the heathen; He shall fill the placed with the dead bodies: and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall He lift up His head.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. Christ the Lord a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedech, offered Bread and Wine.
Antiphon. The gracious Lord.PSALM CXI. Confitebor Tibi.
I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart: secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great: sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is worthy to be praised and had in honor: and His righteousness endureth forever.
The merciful and gracious Lord hat so done his marvelous works: that they ought to be had in remembrance.
He hath given meat unto them that fear Him: He shall ever be mindful of His covenant.
He hath showed His people the power of His works: that He may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of His hands are verity and judgment: all His commandments are true.
They stand fast for ever and ever: and are done in truth and equity.
He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever; holy and reverend is His Name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; the praise of it endureth for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. The gracious Lord hath given Meat unto them that fear Him, in remembrance of His marvelous works.
Antiphon. I will receive the Cup.PSALM CXVI. 10. Crediti.
I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled: I said in my haste, All men are liars.
What reward shall I give unto the Lord: for all the benefits that He hath done unto me?
I will receive the Cup of Salvation: and call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows now in the presence of all His people: right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Behold, O Lord, how that I am Thy servant: I am Thy servant, and the son of Thine handmaid; Thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.
I will offer to Thee the Sacrifice of thanksgiving: and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all His people: in the courts of the Lord's house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. I will receive the Cup of Salvation, and I will offer the Sacrifice ofthanksgiving.
Antiphon. Like the olive branches.PSALM CXXVII. Beati omnes.
Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: and walk in His ways.
For thou shalt eat the labors of thine hands: O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.
Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine: upon the walls of thine house.
Thy children like the olive branches: round about thy table.
Lo, thus shall the man be blessed: that feareth the Lord.
The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee: that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long;
Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children: and peace upon Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. Like the olive branches, may the children of the Church be round about the table of the Lord.
Antiphon. He that maketh peace.PSALM CXLVII. 12. Lauda Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.
For He hath made fast the bars of thy gates: and hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the flour of wheat.
He sendeth forth His commandment upon earth: and His word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool: and scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like morsels: who is able to abide his frost?
He sendeth out His Word, and melteth them: He bloweth with His wind, and the waters flow.
He showeth His Word unto Jacob: His statutes and ordinances unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation: neither have the heathen knowledge of His laws.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. He That maketh peace in the borders of the Church, is the Lord That filleth us with the Flour of Wheat.THE SHORT CHAPTER
Brethren, For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you: thatthe Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He brake it and said, Take, eat; this is My Body which is broken for you; This do in remembrance of Me.
Thanks be to God.HYMN
Pange lingua gloriosiNow, my tongue, the mystery telling
Of the glorious Body sin,
And the Blood, all price excelling,
Which the Gentile's Lord and King,
In a Virgin's womb, once dwelling,
Shed for this world's ransoming.Given for us, and condescending
To be born for us below,
He with men in converse blending,
Dwelt the seed of truth to sow,
Till He closed with wondrous ending
His most patient life of woe.That last night, at Supper lying,
'Mid the Twelve, His chosen band,
Jesus, with the law complying,
Keeps the feast its rites demand;
Then, more precious Food supplying,
Gives Himself with His own Hand.Word-made-Flesh true bread He maketh
By His Word His Flesh to be;
Wine His Blood; which whoso taketh
Must from carnal thoughts be free;
Faith alone, though sight forsaketh,
Shows true hearts the mystery.Therefore we, before Him bending,
This great Sacrament revere;
Types and shadows have their ending,
For the newer rite is here;
Faith our outward sense befriending,
Makes our inward vision clear.Glory let us give, and blessing
To the Father, and the Son,
Honor, might, and praise addressing,
While eternal ages run;
Ever too His love confessing,
Who from Both with Both is One. Amen.Thou gavest them Bread from Heaven. [Alleluia.]
Containing in Itself all sweetness. [Alleluia.]Antiphon, 1st Vespers. O how sweet.
Or,
Antiphon, 2nd Vespers. O Sacred Banquet.MAGNIFICAT. St. Luke I.
My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded: the lowliness of His handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty that magnified me: and Holy is His Name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him: throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He remembering His mercy hath holpen His servant Israel: as He promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Antiphon. O how sweet is Thy Spirit O Lord, Who, that Thou mightest show forth Thy sweetness unto Thy children, feedest them with that most sweet Bread from Heaven, fillest the hungry with good things, and sendest the disdainful rich empty away.
Or,
Antiphon. O Sacred Banquet wherein Christ is received: the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future Glory is given unto us, alleluia.O God, Who in this Wonderful Sacrament has left unto us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Bodyand Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy redemption; Who livest and reignest with the Father, in Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
V.The Lord be with you.
R.And with thy spirit.V.Let us bless the Lord:
R.Thanks be to God.May the souls of the Faithful, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.
R.Amen.Adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
O Salutaris Hostia.
O Saving Victim, opening wide
The gate of Heaven to man below:
Our foes press on from every side,
Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.All praise and thanks to Thee ascend
Forevermore, blest One in Three;
O, grant us life that shall not end
In our true native land with Thee.
Amen.Here may be sung a Litany, or some suitable Eucharistic Hymn.
Tantum Ergo.
Therefore we, before Him bending,
This great Sacrament revere;
Types and shadows have their ending,
For the newer rite is here;
Faith our outward sense befriending,
Makes our inward vision clear.Glory let us give, and blessing
To the Father, and the Son,
Honor, might, and praise addressing,
While eternal ages run;
Ever too His love confessing,
Who from Both with Both is One. Amen.Thou gavest them Bread from Heaven. [Alleluia.]
Containing in Itself all sweetness. [Alleluia.]Let us pray.
O God, Who in this Wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy redemption; Who livest and reignest, with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.PSALM CXVII. Laudate Dominum.
O praise the Lord, all ye heathen: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is ever more and more towards us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.The Festival of Corpus Christi
Introit. He fed them with the finest wheat-flour, Alleluia: and with honey out of the stony rock hath He satisfied them, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia._Ps. Lxxxi. 17.
Psalm lxxxi. Sing we merrily unto God our strength: make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob. Glory. He fed.
Collect.
O God, Who in this Wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy Redemption; Who livest and reignest, with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. I Cor. xi. 23.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said: Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup when he had supped, saying: This cup is the New Testament in My Blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do show the Lord's death until He come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this Bread, and drink this Cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's Body.Gradual. Ps. cxlv. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest themtheir meat in due season. V. Thou openest Thine hand: and fillest all things living with plenteousness.
Alleluia. Alleluia. St. John vi. V. My Flesh is Meat indeed, and My Blood is Drink indeed: he that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh my Blood, dwelleth in Me and I in him.Sequence.
Lauda, Sion, Salvatorem.Praise, O Sion, praise thy pastor,
Praise thy Saviour and thy master,
High the choral anthems raise;
All thy utmost might it needeth,
For He all thy praise exceedeth,
Thou canst ne'er express His praise.Great the theme of our thanksgiving,
Bread of Life, Bread ever-living,
Is to-day before thee set;
E'en the Same we touch and take It,
As when o'er the board He brake It,
Where the brethren twelve were met.Loud and solemn be our chanting,
Nor let joy, nor grace be wanting
In the gladness of the breast;
Let a solemn chant be raisd,
While the Mystery is praisd
Of the holy Eucharist.Here our new King's Table gracing,
The new Passover's new blessing
Hath the ancient forms effaced;
Youth decrepit age excelleth,
Truth uncertain shades dispelleth,
Darkness is by Light replaced.His own Act at Supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated
In His memory divine;
Wherefore now, with adoration,
We the Victim of salvation
Consecrate from bread and wine.
This the truth each Christian learneth,
Bread into His Flesh He turneth,
Wine to His most holy Blood;
Doth it pass thy comprehending?
Faith, the law of sight transcending,
Leaps to things not understood.Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless Things to sense forbidden,
Sings, not things, are all we see;
Blood is poured, and Flesh is broken,
Yet in either wondrous Token,
Christ entire we know to be.Severed not by him that taketh,
None divideth Him nor breaketh,
Whole His Blessd Self they taste;
One or thousand Him are taking,
Yet the same are all partaking,
Him, indeed, they cannot waste.Good and bad the Feast are sharing,
Yet a doom unlike preparing:
Life or everlasting woe;
Sinners death, the righteous making
Life their own; from that same taking,
Ah! what different ends shall flow.When they break the holy Token,
Waver not, the word is spoken;
What is veild, all unbroken,
Doth in every part abide:
Of the Substance is no rending,
In the sign our act has ending
When we break; nor change nor spending
E'er befalls the Signified.Lo, the Bread which Angels feedeth,
Made the Food the pilgrim needeth,
Children's Bread which He concedeth,
And to dogs must ne'er be given;
Which each ancient type conveyeth,
Isaac's sacrifice displayeth,
And the Paschal Lamb portrayeth,
Manna rained of old from heaven.Shepherd Good, true Bread and living,
Jesu, be to us forgiving;
Thou protecting, Thou relieving,
In the land of all the living,
Cause Thou us all good to see:
Thou all-ruling, all-espying,
Feed'st us here, till hour of dying;
There upon Thy bosom lying,
We with all the Saints are sighing,
Fellow-heirs and friends to be. Amen.The Gospel. St. John vi. 55.
Jesus said to the Jews, My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that Bread which came down from Heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eatheth of this Bread shall live forever.
Offertory Lev. xxi. The priests of the Lord do offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire and the bread of their God: therefore they shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the Name of their God. Alleluia.
Secret. O Lord, we beseech Thee, favorably bestow upon Thy Church the gifts of Unity and Peace: which are in mystery set forth in the oblations we make before Thee. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
Preface. Because Thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born for us; Who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very Man, of the substance of the Virgin Mary His mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.
Communion. I Cor. xi. As often as ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do show the Lord's death until He come: Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this Bread, and drink this Cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Alleluia.
Post-Communion. Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to be fulfilled with the everlasting fruition of Thy Godhead: whereof the receiving of Thy precious Body and Blood in this life, is both a figure and a pledge. Who livest and reignest with the Father in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
Litanies.
I.
Litany of the Blessed SacramentLord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father, Creator of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
God the Son, Redeemer of mankind;
Have mercy upon us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Perfecter of the elect;
Have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, Three Persons, One God;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, God and Man, in Two Natures and One Divine Person,
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Wonderful God, Who vouchsafest to be Present upon the Altar when the Priest pronounces the words of Consecration;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Heavenly Physician, Who vouchsafest to descent from Thy Palace of immortal bliss to our houses of clay, to visit us on beds of sickness, and to give Thyself to comfort our sorrows;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Incomprehensible God, Who, though the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain Thee, art pleased to dwell among men;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Sovereign King, Who, though Thy Throne is attended by glorified Spirits, yet declinest not the service of men;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Glorious God, Who sittest at the Right Hand of Thy Eternal Father, adored by innumerable Angels, and encompassed with the splendors of inaccessible light;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Gracious God, Who, condescending to the weakness of our nature, coverest Thy Glory under the familiar Forms of Bread and Wine, and so givest Thyself to miserable sinners;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Merciful God, Who, concealing the brightness of Thy Majesty under these low and humble Veils, invitest us to approach unto Thee, to lay open our miseries before Thy eyes, and to deliver our petitions into Thy hands;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, our Pitiful God, Who to communicate Thy Divine Nature to sinners, humblestThyself to descent into our hearts, and, by an inconceivable Union, to become One with us;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, the Bread of Life, Which camest down from Heaven, of Which whosoever eats shall live for ever;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, the Heavenly Manna, Whose sweetness nourisheth Thy elect in the desert of this world;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, the Food of Angels, Whose sweetness filleth our hearts with Celestial joy;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, the Lamb without spot, Who, once sacrificed, art continually offered, yet art alive for evermore; Who art continually consumed, yet still remainest Perfect;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, the Good Shepherd, Who layest down Thy Life for Thy Sheep, and feedest them with Thine Own Body;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who, in this August and Venerable Mystery, art Thyself both Priest and Victim;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who in the Sacred Memorial of Thy Death, hast consummated all Thy wonders into one stupendous Miracle;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who, in this Adorable Mystery, hast contracted all Thy Blessings into one inestimable Bounty;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who, by this blessed Fruit of the Tree of Life, restorest us again to immortality;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who, by becoming Thyself our Daily Food in this life, preparest us to feed on Thee forever in the next;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who, in this Divine Banquet, givest us possession of Thy grace here, and a certain pledge of our glory hereafter;
Have mercy upon us.
Jesu, Who art the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and through Whom alone we approach the Father;
Have mercy upon us.
Spare us, Good Lord;
And pardon our sins.
Spare us, Good Lord;
And hear our prayers.
From presuming to measure the depth of Thy Almightiness by the short line ofhuman reason;
Good Lord, deliver us.
From presuming to interpret the unsearchable secrets of Thy will by the fallible rule of man's judgment;
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all distraction and irreverence when present at this Awful Sacrifice;
Good Lord, deliver us.
From neglecting to approach Thy Holy Table, and from coming to It unprepared;
Good Lord, deliver us.
From an unworthy and fruitless reception of this adorable Mystery;
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all hardness of heart, and ingratitude for so unspeakable a Blessing;
Good Lord, deliver us.
By Thine irresistible Power, which changeth the course of Nature as Thou willest;
Good Lord, deliver us.
By Thine unsearchable wisdom, which disposeth all things in perfect order;
Good Lord, deliver us.
By Thine Infinite Goodness, which freely bestoweth Thyself in this incomprehensible Mystery;
Good Lord, deliver us.
By Thy most Sacred Body broken for us, and really given unto us in the Holy Communion;
Good Lord, deliver us.
By Thy most Precious Blood poured out for us on the Cross, and really given unto us in the Cup of Blessing;
Good Lord, deliver us.
We sinners most humbly beseech Thee;
To hear us, O Lord Jesu Christ.
And that it may please Thee to grant,
That we may always believe that nothing is more reasonable to thee than to submit our reason unto Thee,
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That by this Sacred Oblation we may acknowledge Thine infinite perfections in Thyself and Thy supreme domination over all things;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That by this adorable Sacrifice we may acknowledge our perpetual dependence upon Thee, and our absolute subjection to Thy will;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That we may ever magnify Thy goodness, Who, having no need of us, hast set forth such endearing motives to make us love Thee;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That we may thankfully comply with Thy gracious desire of being united to us, by afervent desire of being made one with Thee;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That before we approach the Banquet of Divine Love, we may endeavor to be reconciled to Thee, and to be in perfect charity with all the world;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That, at the moment of receiving Thy Sacred Body and Thy Precious Blood, our souls may dissolve in reverence and love, to attend on and entertain so Glorious a Guest;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That returning from the Holy Eucharist, we may collect all our thoughts to praise and bless Thee, and strive to live after Thy commandments;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That, by this Heavenly Medicine, our heart may be healed of all infirmities, and our will strengthened against all relapses;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
That, as by faith we adore Thee Present beneath the Sacred Veils, we may hereafter behold Thee Face to face, and evermore be glad with the joy of Thy Countenance;
We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord.
O Lamb of God, That takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, That takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, That takest away the sins of the world;
Grant us Thy peace.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O God, Who in this Wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a Memorial of Thy Passion; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy Redemption, Who livest and reignest, with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.II.
Litany of Reparation.Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
O, Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.
O God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the World,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy upon us.
O Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy upon us.
Sacred Victim, offered for the sins of the World,
Have mercy upon us.
Sacred Victim, consumed on the Altar by us, and for us,
Have mercy upon us.
Sacred Victim, despised and neglected by careless Christians,
Have mercy upon us.
Sacred Victim, outraged by the blasphemies of sinful men,
Have mercy upon us.
Sacred Victim, neglected and abandoned in Thine own dear Sacrament,
Have mercy upon us.
Be merciful.
Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful,
Spare us, O Lord.
For so many unworthy communions,
We offer our reparation, O Lord.
For the great irreverence of Christians,
We offer our reparation, O Lord.
For the continual blasphemies of the impious,
We offer our reparation, O Lord.
For the carelessness and neglect of Priests and people,
We offer our reparation, O Lord.
For the unbelief of those who discern Thee not,
We offer our reparation, O Lord.
That Thou wouldest have mercy upon us and spare us,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldest accept our sorrow and humility,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldest increase faith and reverence in all people,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldest endue all with zeal for Thine honor and glory,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldest incline all hearts to worship and receive Thee worthily,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
That Thou wouldest make known to all Thy love in this Holy Sacrament,
We beseech Thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world;
Spare us, Good Lord.
O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world;
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
Behold our affliction, O Lord,
And glorify Thy holy Name.
Lord, hear our prayer,
And let our cry come unto Thee.
The Lord be with you,
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast willed to abide with us always in this wonderful Sacrament, thus ever glorifying Thy Father, by the Memorial of Thy Passion, and giving unto us the Food of Life; grant us grace to grieve with a hearty sorrow for the insults offered this Holy Mystery, and to repair so far as lies in our power, and with sincere love, the many dishonors Thou still continuest to receive in this Holy Spirit, Who livest and reignest with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
The Lord be with you:
And with thy spirit.
May the Almighty and Merciful Lord graciously hear us. Amen.
And may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Acts of Devotion and Prayers.
The following Acts of Devotion and Prayers are not obligatory upon the Associates, nor intended to supersede other similar Acts and Prayers which may for any reason be preferred.
Acts of Faith.
I.
O my beloved Lord and Saviour, Jesu Christ, I firmly believe, because Thou hast said, "This is My Body; This is My Blood," that in this blessed Sacrament Thou art truly present, Thy Divinity and Thy humanity, with all the treasures of Thy merits and Thy Grace: that Thou art Thyself mystically offered for us in this Holy Oblation; and that through Thine Own Presence Thou dost communicate the virtues of Thy most precious Death and Passion to all Thy faithful, both living and departed.
I beseech Thee, that Thy Holy Spirit may increase and quicken my faith; enkindle all the desires of my soul; inflame me with raptures of love, of thankfulness, and joy. Give me grace to approach Thee with the reverence and humility due to Thy Majesty, and to receive Thee in most intimate Communion with a cleansed conscience and a pure heart. Amen.II.
O God, Whose Blessed Son Jesus Christ was called of Thee a High Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek, and Who, on the same night in which He was betrayed, said, taking bread and wine into His Sacred Hands, "This is My Body; This is My Blood; Do this in remembrance of Me;" thus teaching us the Oblation of the New Covenant, which the Church receiving from the Apostles offers to Thee throughout the whole world; have mercy upon us miserable sinners; send us, as Thou hast promised, the "Corn, and Wine, and Oil" of gladness, that we may be "satisfied therewith, and be no more a reproach among the heathen."
Grant, O Lord, that we being jealous for the truth of Thy Word may continually offer to Thee this our "Pure Offering," and evermore glorify Thee in Thy Holy Church. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and High Priest, Who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.Acts of Adoration.
I.
I adore Thee, O Lord my God, Whom I now behold veiled beneath these earthly forms. Prostrate I adore Thy Majesty, and because, sinful and unworthy that I am, I cannot honor Thee as I ought, I unite myself with Thy Saints and Angels in their more perfect adoration.
Hail, most Holy Body of Christ! Hail, Living Bread, that comest down from Heaven to give life to the world! Hail, most Holy Blood of Jesus shed for sinners! Above all things the sum and fulness of delight! Hail, saving Victim, offered for me and for all mankind! Christ, Eternal King! Man, crucified for man!
Behold, I praise, I bless, I glorify Thee. I wold that all might glorify Thee in this Mystery of Thy love. And grant to me that, dying to the world, and living here a life hidden in Thee, I may hereafter see Thy Face unveiled, to love and adore and rejoice in Thee, through all eternity. Amen.II.
I adore Thee, my God and my Saviour Jesus Christ, perfect God and perfect Man, present now before mine eyes in this Blessed Sacrament of Thy Love. I bow down and adore Thee in this the secret Shrine of Thy Glory; not as Thou deservest to be adored, but as my infirmity enables me. And that I may the better honor Thee, I unite myself with all Angels and Saints in their more perfect adoration of Thy Majesty. Let my life be hidden through Thee in God, that, dying to myself, I may live to Thee; praising, honoring, adoring and glorifying Thee, until I behold Thee Face to face to be adored through all Eternity. Amen.Act of Thanksgiving
I offer thanks to Thee, O Lord, Almighty, Everlasting God, because, not for any merit of mine, but of the condescension of Thy mercy only, Thou hast given Thyselfto me a sinner. I am filled with a thrilling sense of thankfulness and love. My soul exults, and adores, and praises Thee, O Lord, my God, my Jesu, my Redeemer; for Thou hast spoken and has said, "Whoso eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him." O Joy beyond all joys! to possess Thee enshrined within my bosom; to embrace Thee with all the fervor of my heart; to be "flesh of Thy Flesh, and bone of Thy Bone;" to be of one Body and one Spirit with Thee, the Eternal, the Incomprehensible, the All-Holy God.
Wherefore in this blissful confidence of my perfect union with Thee, O my God, I devote myself wholly to Thee, beseeching Thee to shed forth within me the fulness of Thy Grace, that all my faculties of soul and body, every sense, thought, affection, and desire, may be concentrated and absorbed in the one end of loving and serving Thee, ever more and more. Amen.Acts of Reparation
I.
O Lord, my God and Saviour, Who, as Thou didst endure for our salvation the outrages of those who crucified Thee, so now endurest the irreverences of those who "discern Thee not," rather than withhold Thy Sacred Presence from our Altars; grant us Thy grace to bewail, with true sorrow of heart, the indignities committed against Thee; and with devout love to repair, as far as lies in our power, the many dishonors Thou still continuest to receive in this Adorable Mystery; Who livest and reignest, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
II.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast willed to abide with us always in this Wonderful Sacrament, thus ever glorifying Thy Father by the Memorial of Thy Passion, and giving unto us the Food of Life; grant us grace to grieve with a hearty sorrow for the insults offered this Holy Mystery, and to repair so far as lies in our power, with sincere love, the many dishonors Thou still continuest to receive in this Holy Sacrament, Who livest and reignest with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
Acts of Intercession
I.
O Almighty Father, look favorably upon us, we beseech Thee, accept this most Holy Sacrifice of praise and propitiation, Which we offer to Thee in union with the Oblation Which our Lord Jesus Christ offers unceasingly in the Heavens: and by His love, have mercy upon all for whom He died,_that they who know Thee not, may be brought to the knowledge and love of the truth; that Thy whole Church may be replenished with the fruits of Thy holiness; that all sinners may be converted to Thee; that all Thy faithful, struggling through trial, in weakness or suffering, spiritual or bodily, may be strengthened and refreshed; that all who have departedthis life with the seal of faith, especially those who have been united with us in this Confraternity, may rest in peace, and that we with them, purified from all earthly stains, may attain to the Fulness of everlasting Joy. Amen.
II.
Almighty God, we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for such as sin against Thee, or neglect to serve Thee; that Thou wouldest vouchsafe to bestow upon them true repentance and earnest longing for Thy service. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Increase of Reservation
O God, Who, in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, dost in a special manner fulfil Thy promise to be with Thy people until the end of the world; increase the ancient practice of the Reservation of this Holy Mystery, that our Priests may at all times be able to minister the same to the sick and dying, and Thy faithful people to adore and worship Thee, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
Prayers for the Visible Unity of Christendom
I.
O God, Who art One God, yet Three Persons, Blessed for evermore, Who has predestined us to glorify Thee in one Body in Thy Only-begotten Son; we earnestly pray Thee for the restoration of visible unity of worship and communion between the divided members of the Catholic Church, both East and West; and that all who confess Thy holy Name; and are called Christians, may be reunited, as at the beginning, "in the Apostles' doctrine, and the fellowship, and in the breaking of the Bread, and in the Prayers."
Remove, we beseech Thee, from us, and from all others, whatsoever may hinder or delay this blessed reunion, all suspicions, prejudices, hard thoughts and judgments; endue us with such ardent love toward Thee, and toward each other, that we may be one in heart, even as Thou, Lord, art One with the Father, to Whom, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, be all praise and glory and thanksgiving for ever. Amen.II.
O Lord Jesu Christ, Who saidst unto Thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will; Who livest and reignest, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Confraternity.
O Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly pray Thee to vouchsafe Thy blessing tothis Confraternity, that all the Associates may earnestly strive to promote the Honor due to Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood; and grant that, persevering unto the end in the faith, practice and communion of Thy Holy Church, we may all at length attain to everlasting life. Through the Same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Daily Prayer
O Almighty God, look, we beseech Thee, on the Face of Thy Beloved Son, and for the sake of His merits, mercifully hear the prayers which throughout our Confraternity we continually offer unto Thee [especially _], and grant us unity, a true faith, and a life agreeable to Thy will. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Act of Spiritual Communion
In union, O dear Lord, with the faithful at every Altar of Thy Church, where Thy Blessed Body and Blood are being offered to the Father, I desire to offer Thee praise and thanksgiving. I present to Thee my soul and body, with the earnest wish that I may be always united to Thee. And since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, I beseech Thee to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to Thee, and embrace Thee with all the affections of my soul. O let nothing ever separate me from Thee. Let me live and die in Thy love. Amen.
Anima Christi.
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 Jesu, hear me:
Within Thy Wounds hide me:
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee:
From the malicious enemy defend me:
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee;
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee for all eternity. Amen.Prayer for the Church.
O God, Who wonderfully refreshest Thy Church by Thy Precious Body and Blood; pour out upon it Thy Quickening Spirit, that, living upon Thee on earth through partaking of the Heavenly Mysteries, we may attain to live with Thee in Heaven; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
At the Censing.
Almighty God, Who by Thy Holy Prophet didst command that from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same in every place Incense shall be offered unto Thy Name and a pure Offering; Grant that we who adore Thee, present in this Blessed Sacrament of Thy Love, may never wilfully withhold from Thee this outward symbol of our loving belief in Thy Presence, and of our Adoration of Thee, O Blessed Jesus, Whom the wise men of the East in like manner so adored and worshipped visibly in Thy lowly dwelling. Amen.
Night Prayer.
O Divine Jesus! lonely tonight in so many Tabernacles, without visitor or worhipper, I offer Thee my loving heart, and may its every pulsation be a prayer of love to Thee. Thou art ever watching under the Sacramental Veil; in Thy love Thou never sleepest, and Thou art never weary of Thy vigils for sinners.
O lovely Jesus! O lonely Jesus! may my heart be a lamp, the light of which shall burn and beam for Thee alone.
Watch, Sacramental Sentinel! watch for the weary world, and the erring soul and for Thy poor lonely child. Amen.Blessed, praised, and hallowed by Jesus Christ on His Throne of Glory, and in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.
Hymns.
Adoro Te Devote.
Thee we adore, O hidden Saviour, Thee,
Who in Thy Sacrament dost deign to be;
Both flesh and spirit at Thy Presence fail,
Yet here Thy Presence we devoutly hail.O blessed Memorial of our dying Lord,
Who living Bread to men dost here afford!
O may our souls forever feed on Thee,
And Thou, O Christ, forever precious be.Fountain of goodness, Jesus, Lord and God,
Cleanse us, unclean, with Thy most cleansing Blood;
Increase our faith and love, that we may know
The hope and peace which from Thy Presence flow.O Christ, Whom now beneath the veil we see,
May what we hope for soon our portion be,
To gaze upon Thee unveiled, and see Thy Face,
The vision of Thy glory and Thy grace.
Amen.O Esca Viatorum.
O Food that weary pilgrims love,
O Bread of Angel Hosts above,
O Manna of the Saints,
The hungry soul would feed on Thee;
Ne'er may the heart unsolaced be
Which for Thy sweetness faints.O Fount of Love, O Cleansing Tide,
Which from the Saviour's piercd Side
And Sacred Heart dost flow,
Be ours to drink of Thy pure rill,
Which only can our spirits fill,
And all our need bestow.Lord Jesus, Whom by power Divine
Now hidden 'neath the outward sign,
We worship and adore,
Grant when the veil away is rolled,
With open face we may behold
Thyself forevermore.
Amen.Verbum Supernum Prodiens.
The Heavenly Word proceeding forth,
Yet leaving not the Father's side,
Accomplishing His work on earth,
Had reached at length life's eventide.By false disciple to be given
To foemen for His life athirst;
Himself the very Bread of Heaven,
He gave to His disciples first.He gave Himself in either Kind,
His precious Flesh, His precious Blood,
In love's own fulness thus designed
Of the whole man to be the Food.By birth their fellow-man was He,
Their Meat when sitting at the board;
He died their Ransomer to be,
He ever reigns, their great Reward.O saving Victim, opening wide
The gate of Heaven to man below;
Our foes press on from every side,
Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.All praise and thanks to Thee ascend,
Forevermore, Blest One in Three;
O, grant us life that shall not end
In our true native land with Thee.
Amen.A. M. D. G.