Visit III

Deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum (Prov. VIII, 31).

Behold our Jesus, who, not content with having died on earth for our love, has also wished after death to remain with us in the Blessed Sacrament, declaring that among men he finds his delight. O men, exclaims St. Teresa, how can you offend a God who declares that in you he finds his delight? Jesus finds his delight with us, and shall we not find ours with Jesus? We especially, who have had the honor of dwelling in the palace. How honored those vassals consider themselves to whom the king gives a place in his palace! Behold the palace of the King, this house where we dwell with Jesus Christ. Let us know how to thank him and to make use of the conversation of Jesus Christ.

Here I am, then, my Lord and God, before this altar, where you remain night and day for me. You are the fountain of every good, you the physician for every ill, you the treasure of every poor soul. Behold at your feet today a sinner, the poorest and most infirm of all, who begs your compassion. Have pity on me. No, I do not wish my misery to discourage me, seeing you in this Sacrament come down from heaven to earth solely to do me good. I praise you, I thank you, I love you; and if you wish me to ask some alms of you, this I ask -- hear me: I wish to offend you no more, and I want you to give me light and grace to love you with all my strength. Lord, I love you with all my soul, I love you with all my affections. Grant that I may say this truly, and say it always, in this life and for all eternity. Most Holy Mary, my holy advocates, angels, all you blessed ones of paradise, help me to love my most lovable God. -- Bone Pastor, panis vere, Iesu, nostri miserere; tu nos pasce, nos tuere, tu nos bona fac videre in terra viventium.

Spiritual Communion.

To Mary

Vincula illius alligatura salutaris (Eccli. VI, 31). The devout Pelbartus says that devotion to Mary is a chain of predestination. Let us ask our Lady to bind us ever more tightly with chains of love to confidence in her protection. -- O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.

Prayer of St. Germanus:

O my only Lady, who are the only consolation I receive from God, you who are the only heavenly dew that gives refreshment to my sorrows, you who are the light of my soul when it is surrounded by darkness, you who are my guide on my journeys, my strength in my weakness, my treasure in my poverty, my medicine for my wounds, my consolation in my tears, you who are my refuge in my miseries and the hope of my salvation: hear my prayers, have pity on me, as befits the Mother of a God who has so great an affection for men. Grant me all that I ask of you.

O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.