Prayer Before Mass
Eternal Father,
I unite myself with the intentions and affections of our Lady of Sorrow on Calvary, and I offer to Thee the Sacrifice which Thy beloved Son made of Himself on the Cross, and which He now renews on this holy Altar.
I offer it in the name of all mankind, with the Masses which are now being offered, and all those which will be offered throughout the world this day: To adore Thee and give Thee the honor which is due to Thee, confessing Thy supreme dominion over all things, and the absolute dependence of everything upon Thee, Who are our one and last End; To thank Thee for the innumerable benefits we have received; To appease Thy justice, aroused against us by so many sins, and to make satisfaction for them; To implore grace and mercy for myself, for Thy Church, for all afflicted and sorrowing, for poor sinners, for those whom I have promised prayers, for all the world, and for the holy souls in Purgatory.
Amen
– Photo above of St. Therese of Lisieux marble statue at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis during the Christmas season.
Thanks for your Blog
God Bless you
Comment by Christian — February 21, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Thank you for this. I will print it out and keep it with me to pray before Mass.
I, too, am immersed in John of the Cross. I recently purchased and am reading/studying The Science of the Cross by Edith Stein, her summary of John’s work.
Excellent stuff.
TNP
Comment by TNP — February 22, 2008 @ 10:07 am
TNP
Oh, you are a scholar then reading Edith Stein! You will love Science of the Cross, it is steeped in great wisdoms…
Comment by aeternus — February 22, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
What a way to prepare for holy Mass. It certainly brings home to the reader the importance and significance of Calvary, and the blessings obtainable for ourselves, others and not least, the Holy Souls.
Comment by Ann — February 24, 2008 @ 11:10 am