p. 78Prayers

A Prayer for Piety and the Fear of God

O God, thou hast brought me into being solely that during my short life here on earth I may, by fulfilling thy holy will, save my soul and thus glorify thy holy name for all eternity. I can be truly happy here on earth only when, in view of this end, I lead a life according to thy holy will. I also am a father. Thou hast intrusted children to me, to bring them up for thee, and lead them in thy fear to a Christian life. Woe is me if I do not correspond to thy beneficent designs! How great is the responsibility, how terrible the punishment! And yet I cannot bring up my children in thy holy fear and to a pious life if I myself am not animated by true piety and the fear of God. O God, grant me the grace to have this great truth always before my eyes. Arouse me by it and help me to lay it more than all else to heart, that I may lead a life agreeable to thee, that I may be a good father to my children and save my soul. Grant me grace to avoid and flee from all that hinders or endangers a Christian life; teach me to do conscientiously all that is necessary and useful to continue in the way of salvation. O ye elect, ye fathers who are in heaven! pray for me. Amen.

A Prayer for the Grace of Faith

O God, who hast by thy unbegotten Son revealed those truths and teachings which are necessary or conducive to our salvation, and proclaimed them to us by thy holy, infallible Church, increase in me the grace of faith, that I may accept these lessons of salvation with undoubting confidence. When, through the suggestions of my proud nature and through the conversations and example of an unbelieving world, I am in danger of wavering in my faith, guide and direct me; teach me to understand that our holy faith rests on firm foundations, and that only a perverse heart can doubt. Teach me how to guard the precious treasure of faith with scrupulous watchfulness, and avoid reading all writings dangerous to faith, or to unnecessarily associate with men who have suffered shipwreck of their faith, that I may not suffer a like loss. Above all, O Lord, assist me to live according to the holy faith, and order my life according to thy teachings; then through thy grace will the light of faith shine brighter and brighter, and fill my heart with confidence.

I also recommend to thee my children; protect them in the dangers to their holy faith; may they, through thy grace, be steadfast and true children of the Church, and hold firmly her teachings. Amen.

A Prayer to Obtain the Virtue of Temperance

O God, who through thy divine Son and through thy servants hast so strongly warned us against intemperance and drunkenness, and who willest that we as Christians “walk not in rioting,” but as followers of Jesus and his mortified life, grant me the grace of true Christian moderation. Prevent me from ever becoming a victim of the fatal vice of drunkenness. Alas, if my children should have the reproach of having a drunken father! O Lord, fill me with horror of this vice, that I may not expose myself to its dangers, and become a drunkard. Grant that I may never overstep the bounds of Christian moderation, but that I may remain true to its holy injunctions. Teach me to avoid all unnecessary visits to public-houses, and to avoid association with frivolous persons. Protect me with thy strong arm, O Lord, amid the many dangers of this pleasure-seeking age, and grant me the spirit of moderation and sobriety. Amen.

A Prayer Against Inordinate Love of the World

O divine Saviour, who admonishest us that “we must seek first the kingdom of God and his justice,” may I ever obey thy admonition! Alas! I am so easily carried away by my earthly occupations, that I totally forget thee, and, neglecting prayer and other pious exercises, become more and more estranged from thee and heavenly things. Can I hope to participate in those heavenly treasures to which I am now so indifferent? Must I not fear that my inordinate, worldly manner of life may cause me the loss of my soul. Then woe is me when I must at last acknowledge how unreasonable I was to devote my whole life and strength to things of which I am so easily deprived by death, and to neglect those things which could render me eternally happy! Tear then, O Lord, from my heart by thy grace the love of earthly things! Grant that I may understand that all earthly efforts and occupations are only the means by which to serve thee and acquire merits for eternity. Grant that all my actions may be done with a good intention. Give me fervor in prayer and spiritual exercises, that I may never neglect my daily devotions, that Sundays and holy days be holy in my sight; on them I will take the prescribed rest that I may devote myself to prayer, and assist at the solemnities of the Church. Preserve me, O Lord, from negligence in the reception of the holy sacraments by which I receive strength and grace. Awake me in time and lead me to the banquet of salvation. Assist me then, O Lord, that I may so use the things of this world as not to lose the things of eternity. Amen.

p. 80A Prayer on the Anniversary of Marriage¹1Good Christians thus happily united should approach together the sacraments, either on the anniversary of their marriage or on the Sunday preceding or following it, in order to receive them with better preparation, and to renew the graces of the sacrament of matrimony. What a beautiful practice! Could not married people at least assist at Mass with this intention? Do they realize how much they stand in need of the blessing and assistance of God in the midst of so many important duties, surrounded as they are by so many difficulties and dangers, that they may not perish, but work out their salvation? It was for this very reason that our Lord instituted the sacrament of matrimony, and this same reason shows also how commendable a practice it is to renew yearly the graces received in this Sacrament.

O my God and Lord, it was on this day that in thy holy house, kneeling at the foot of the altar, I received the holy sacrament of matrimony and entered with its blessing into the marriage state. Can I let it pass without thanksgiving and gratitude to thee? No, O Lord, from my whole heart I thank thee for having led me through thy sacrament into the married state, sanctified my matrimonial union, and opened the treasures of thy grace to me, that I might be enabled to correspond with the requirements of my state of life, and to persevere in fidelity and love towards my wife, in conjugal purity, and to bring up my children in thy fear, and thus to work out my salvation. I thank thee for every grace which in virtue of this sacrament I have since received; I thank thee for thy protection and assistance, and for all good which thou hast granted me and mine. Praise be to thee for all eternity!

But have I, in co-operation with thy grace, fulfilled the obligations of my state? Have I lived as a truly Christian father and husband? Alas, I have much to accuse myself of. O my God, I am most heartily sorry. Have pity on me! Forgive me in thy infinite mercy and for the sake of thy Son, Jesus! I am firmly resolved: I will in future strive with renewed fervor to fulfil faithfully and conscientiously every duty as a Christian and a father. How can I otherwise hope to be in thy grace and gain salvation? But, O Lord, of what avail are all my resolutions, if thou dost not give the grace to keep them? Renew then, O Lord, on this day the blessing of the sacrament, and grant that its grace may day by day abundantly flow into my heart; animated and strengthened by it, I will be mindful and able to perform the duties of my vocation.

For my wife also I beseech thy favor and grace. Grant that we, so intimately united by thy sacrament, may always be in the love and fear of God, that our married life be, as it should, an image of the intimate union of Christ with his holy Church, and lead us to eternal life.

Remember also, O Lord, the children thou hast given us. Bless them, protect them, grant them grace that they may live according to thy will. Assist me that I may bring them up entirely for thee.

Holy Virgin and Mother Mary, St. Joseph and all the saints who have lived in the married state, pray for me. Amen.

Morning Prayer

O Lord, thou hast granted me this day, that by fulfilling my duties to thee I may work out my salvation. Assist me then with thy grace. Grant above all that I may fulfil the most important and holy duties, my duties towards my children, and that in particular I may afford them a good example. Bless all that I may say or do this day for their instruction and edification.

And my children, O Lord, take them under the protection of thy love and grace; guard them in dangers, and protect them from all evil. Preserve them from sin; fill their young hearts with thy holy love; animate and strengthen them with thy grace, that they may serve thee faithfully, and that as they increase in age they may increase in virtue and grace.

Ye guardian angels and patrons of my children, I commend them to you; take charge of them and pray for them. Amen.

Evening Prayer²2Do not omit, Christian father, to examine your conscience in the evening, if it be only for some minutes, especially whether you have faithfully performed your duties during the day. Was your example such as to be worthy of imitation? Have you said or done anything that could have given scandal to your children? Have you had as careful an eye over your children as you should have had? Have you permitted them to rove about unguarded? Have you brought them to church, to school? Did you take it to heart to give them useful instruction; to remind them of God, and of higher things? Have you reminded them of their faults? Have you admonished, warned, and punished them according to duty? Have you, in doing this, given way to anger and impatience, and punished them beyond measure? Have you taught them to say their prayers and insisted on their doing so; on their loving God and man; on their being truthful, obedient, peaceable, industrious, lovers of cleanliness and order? Do you pray for them as you should? Be sorry if you have committed faults; ask God’s pardon, resolve and promise our Lord to be more faithful on the morrow.

Thanks be to thee, O God and Father, for all the graces and favors which thou hast this day bestowed on me and on my children. All good gifts come from thee. Thou rulest over us mercifully. Alas that I have been so ungrateful, and have offended thee the best of fathers! Pardon mercifully! Forgive me my neglects of the duties of my vocation... What can I do but beseech thy grace? Be gracious to me! May I still more and more understand the sacredness of my paternal duties, and fulfil them! Yes, O Lord, it is my firm purpose. I promise thee anew. Come with thy precious grace to my assistance; inflame my heart evermore with thy holy love and with love for my children, that filled with holy fervor I may bring them up for thee and for eternal life.

For this night, O Lord, I commend them to thee. May thy hand protect them in their nightly rest; drive away the enemy from their place of sleep; may thy holy angel be near them. O do not permit that night may be an occasion of sin to them; preserve them in innocence and in immaculate purity!

Holy Virgin, St. Joseph, ye holy angels and elect, I commend my children to thy care. Amen.

Prayers at Mass for a Christian Father

At the Introit

O Lord, I come here into thy holy temple to implore grace for my state of life. I am not able to fulfil the duties of my vocation as thou willest, if thou wilt not grant me thy assistance. Thou hast assured me of the help of thy grace in the holy sacrament of marriage. Would that I were worthy of it. Alas, I confess my unworthiness, and that I am not deserving of thy grace. Therefore do I come to the altar of thy divine Son, that united with the holy sacrifice which he consummates for me I may not appear unworthy, and find a hearing when I implore thy divine assistance and grace for my children. Grant then that I may assist at this holy sacrifice with devotion. Amen.

p. 83At the Offertory

O almighty and eternal God, in union with the priest, I also consecrate to thee this gift of bread and wine, and with him lay in spirit upon the altar the solicitude of my heart, my desire and prayer for grace to fulfil the duties of my state. O Lord, I acknowledge that my prayers, like the gift of bread and wine, are valueless; but as through thy goodness and power the bread and wine are changed into the sacrifice of the body and blood of thy divine Son, a sacrifice infinitely pleasing to thee, so grant in union with this holy sacrifice my petition to find grace in thy sight. I implore thee therefore in the spirit of humility, with contrite heart, and under the invocation of the most holy Virgin Mary, of St. Joseph, of all fathers who are in heaven, and of all the saints.

At the Consecration

O Jesus, thou deignest with infinite love to come down upon the altar at the word of thy servant to renew, under the form of bread and wine, the merciful sacrifice which was consummated on Golgotha, that we may participate in its graces.

In deepest humility I adore thee here present as my Lord and Saviour; praise and thanksgiving to thee from the bottom of my heart for so many graces. Receive me then, O Jesus, with my petition, in thy holy sacrifice. Grant my prayer that I may be a good father to my children, thy little ones. Amen.

After the Consecration

O God, my heart is now raised in trust and confidence to thee, for it is thy divine Son who represents me before thee, and presents my petition together with the sacrifice of his sacred body and blood. It is the same sacrifice which he once consummated on the cross in obedience to thy will. May my petition then, in union with this holy sacrifice and for his sake, find grace with thee. Pardon me then for any neglect of the duties of my calling; animate me that I may henceforth fulfil them with renewed zeal. Grant me all those graces which I stand in need of for the education of my children, an exemplary life, charity, wisdom, patience, mildness, perseverance, and fervor in prayer for my children. Grant me, O Lord, thy grace.

Before and at Communion

Say the Prayer to Jesus, the Friend of Children.

At the End of Mass

See the prayers from A Prayer for Piety and the Fear of God through A Prayer Against Inordinate Love of the World.

A Prayer for Wisdom

How great, O God, and how momentous is the vocation thou hast given me, and how difficult to fulfil it! I must bring up the children whom thou hast entrusted to me, and teach them to conquer their defects and practise the Christian virtues. O my God, I am ignorant and incompetent. How shall I always know the right way if thou dost not help me? Send, therefore, O Lord, from thy heavenly throne a ray of divine wisdom into my heart, as thou gavest to Solomon a wise, discerning heart, that he might rule his people well. Enlighten me that I may know how to treat my children, each according to his way, that they may be freed from their failings and preserved from everything that is hurtful and dangerous to them; show me the means and the way to bring them up properly; lead me that I may be as far from dangerous forbearance as from unreasonable severity; give me the right word when I instruct, reprove, or admonish them. Make known to me thy holy will when I have to advise them. Led by thy hand, let me accomplish the work of their education; for thou ever leadest thy children with infinite wisdom in the way of salvation.

O Holy Ghost, thou dispenser of gifts and graces, grant me the gift of wisdom and of counsel, for the good of my children. Amen.—Our Father and Hail Mary.

A Prayer for Mildness

Divine Saviour, who didst dwell for three years among thy disciples, as a father among his children, how much hadst thou to suffer from their imperfections and failings; how calculated was often their conduct to excite impatience and anger? And yet thou wast always so indulgent to them, so kind, so mild! An unfriendly, hard, cruel word never passed thy lips. Oh may I be like to thee in my demeanor towards my children! I must, if I am thy disciple, and wish to save my soul. May I then “learn from thee to be meek.” When the misconduct of my children causes impatience and anger in me help me to overcome these emotions, that I may not manifest them. Grant that I may be calm and dispassionate in correcting or punishing my children. For “the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.” O meek Jesus, have mercy on me! Amen.—Our Father and Hail Mary.

p. 85Prayer to Jesus, the Friend of Children

O Jesus, how great was once thy love for children. It is still the same to-day. Yes, thy love for Christian children is still greater. And thou lovest, O divine Lord, my children more than I, and art their divine friend. Oh how consoling and encouraging for me! Praise be to thee! Grant me, then, the grace, O divine Saviour, that I may conduct myself towards my children according to thy will and pleasure. Grant that I may bring them up entirely for thee and lead them with all my strength to know thee more and more, to love thee, and to regulate their whole lives according to thy holy example, that they may become thy disciples and through thee obtain salvation. O Jesus, in virtue of the holy sacrament through which thou hast led me to the married state and the office of father, and by the grace of the holy sacrifice, assist me that I may fulfil all the obligations of a Christian father most faithfully and zealously. Let my life be a model for my children; fill my heart with that love which thy divine heart has for my children; give me wisdom, courage, patience, and meekness; give me fervor in my prayers for my children. May thy blessing be on all that I do for my children. Amen.

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

O most blessed Virgin Mary, admirable Mother, since I have been found worthy to be a father I fly to thee. Pray for me, O holy and powerful Mother, that I may show myself worthy of my calling. May it be granted to me through thy powerful intercession that I may in future fulfil all duties as a Christian father conscientiously, faithfully, and perseveringly. What a holy and meritorious life thou didst lead, O holy Mother, by the side of thy spouse, with Jesus thy divine Son, in prayer and labor and good works, in the cottage at Nazareth! Oh let it be the model of my family life! Call down upon my household the spirit of piety and the fear of the Lord, that my children may prosper in all things. Amen.

A Prayer to St. Joseph

O holy Joseph, thou faithful companion of the blessed Mother, thou who didst protect her and her divine child with such care, and didst devote thy whole life to them; I beseech thee to be also my and my children’s protector and advocate with Jesus thy adopted Son. Obtain for me the grace to fulfil my duties to my children as thou and Mary have done to Jesus. St. Joseph, pray for me. Amen.

A Prayer to the Guardian Angels

O holy guardian angels, ye heavenly friends of my children, full of confidence I turn to you. Those whom the Lord has entrusted to me he has also entrusted to your love and care. Obtain for me by your intercession, that animated with the same sentiment which animates you towards my children, I may do all things to bring them up for God and heaven. O may I be such a father to them that I may be not unworthy of your love and friendship. Obtain this for me by your powerful intercession. Amen.

p. 86A Prayer to the Patron Saints of the Children³3They too should be justly venerated and invoked, since they have in holy baptism been appointed, to be not only models for imitation, but also intercessors of the children. Hence also the direction of holy Church to give to the children not profane names but the names of Saints.

Holy patrons of my children, St.——and St.——, take an interest in me, their father; pray for me that through your intercession I may receive the grace that I may by word and example exercise a salutary influence over my children, and that they, by imitating your virtues, may grow up good members of the Church and be received one day into your happy society. Amen.

A Father’s Prayer for Blessings on His Work

O God, all that I may do for the proper education of my children will not bear fruit without the blessing of thy grace. Although I may “plant and water,” the “increase” will be wanting if thou dost not “give” it. “Except the Lord build the house,” says the Psalmist, “they labor in vain who build it. Except the Lord keep the city he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.” Therefore I beseech thee, O Lord, give “the increase” to all that I do for my children by teaching, admonition, warning, punishment, vigilance and direction; assist me to “keep” them from all evil of body and soul; assist me to “build” that the “house” of virtue and perfection will have in them a firm foundation. Accompany my words and works with thy grace that they may conduce to the welfare of my children, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

p. 87A Prayer for Protection of the Children in Temptation

O God, to how many and great temptations of body and soul are my children exposed! And how insufficient is the protection I can give them. Yes, Lord, “In vain I watch over them if thou dost not assist me.” But if they dwell “in the aid of the Most High, and abide under the protection of the God of Jacob,” how contented may I not be! Receive then, O Lord, my children, under thy protection. Keep them far from all dangers of soul and body; give them health. But above all protect them from danger to their souls. Keep far from them all that may exercise a hurtful influence on their young hearts and become an occasion of sin to them. Preserve them from sin. Send “thy holy angels to keep them in all their ways that they may bear them up in their hands, lest they dash their feet against a stone.” O Almighty God and father, lead my children through the dangers and storms of this life, that they may enter safely into the haven of salvation. Amen.

A Prayer to Preserve the Children from Mortal Sin

O God, how many and how great are the temptations to sin for my children in this world! And it is not in my power to lead them safely through them. Thou must assist and protect, thou must rescue and lead to victory. Come then to my aid, O Lord, in the power of thy grace, that the monster of mortal sin may not approach my children. Thou knowest, O Lord, how much I love my children; but I would rather that thou shouldst take them from me by death than that by sin they should suffer the death of their souls and become an object of abomination and wrath to thee. Therefore I beseech thee, thou Father of my children, haste to take them out of this life rather than that they should suffer this misfortune, so that by losing them during this short life I may find them again in thy house and possess them forever with thee. Hear me, O Lord, hear me; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.—Hail Mary.

A Prayer for Purity in Children

O most holy God, who lovest purity and innocence, grant my children the precious gift of purity. Alas, if the vice of impurity should soil my children. How unhappy would they be—for time and eternity. Lord, protect them; keep far from them this terrible misfortune! Without thy special grace they cannot preserve holy purity. O Lord, grant them this grace! May their hearts be as a sanctuary undefiled by any impure thoughts and sentiments; may their eyes be modest, their ears and mouth closed to any impropriety in word or conversation; fill them with horror for everything contrary to purity, and let them, unblemished in body and soul, continue to be temples consecrated to the Holy Ghost. O Lord, thou lover of pure souls, let my children be numbered among thy beloved ones; let that blessing which in time and eternity accompanies holy purity come to my children.

Immaculate Mother, thou model and intercessor of pure souls; St. Joseph, St. Aloysius, and all holy youths, virgins, and saintly children, help me by your intercession. Amen.

Prayer of a Christian Father for His Wife

O God, who, next to me, hast entrusted my children to my wife, hear my prayer for her. How great is the influence which she as mother has over the children; grant that she may be a faithful and true Christian mother to our children. Give her the spirit of piety and the fear of the Lord; fill her heart more and more with love for thee and for her children, that she may bring them up for thee, and by word and example lead them to a truly Christian life, and to eternal happiness. Assist her that she may not sink under the sacrifices and difficulties of her maternal vocation; visit her with the consolations of thy grace. Bless her labors in behalf of her children, that they may grow up pleasing in thy sight and be our joy and consolation. Thou art a liberal rewarder; reward then my wife with grace and eternal life for what she does for our children, who are also thine. Amen.

p. 88Litany of the Christian Father

Thou great Father, from whom all fatherhood proceeds, Have mercy on me.

God, the heavenly Father of my children, Have mercy on me.

Thou who lovest my children more than I can, Have mercy on me.

Thou who willest them to be eternally happy with thee, Have mercy on me.

Thou who hast sacrificed thy only begotten Son for them, Have mercy on me.

Thou who sendest thy angels to protect them, Have mercy on me.

Thou who hast entrusted them to my love and care, Have mercy on me.

Thou who willest me to support and bring them up for thee, Have mercy on me.

Thou who will require an account of them from me, Have mercy on me.

Thou who will reward the father who fulfils his duty, Have mercy on me.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on me.

Thou who becamest man for us, Have mercy on me.

O Jesus, who by becoming a child hast sanctified the tender age of childhood, Have mercy on me.

O Jesus, most loving child, Have mercy on me!

O Jesus, most obedient son of thy mother, Have mercy on me!

O Jesus, friend of children, Have mercy on me!

O Jesus, who didst permit little children to come to thee, to embrace and bless them, Have mercy on me!

Thou who hast declared woe to all who scandalize children, Have mercy on me!

Thou who acceptest as done for thee what is done for children, Have mercy on me!

Thou who lovest my children and sacrificed thyself for them, Have mercy on me!

Thou who hast endowed thy church with all the treasures of grace for them, Have mercy on me!

Thou who, in the sacrament of marriage, didst bless me and give me grace to fulfil my vocation, Have mercy on me!

Thou who in holy baptism madest my children, children of God, Have mercy on me!

Thou without whose grace I cannot do my duty to my children, Have mercy on me!

Thou without whose grace my children cannot become good and persevere, Have mercy on me!

Thou spirit of wisdom and understanding, Have mercy on me!

Thou spirit of counsel and of strength, Have mercy on me!

Thou spirit of godliness and the fear of the Lord, Have mercy on me!

Thou spirit of wisdom and of grace, Have mercy on me!

Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on me!

Holy Mary, Pray for me.

Holy Mother of God, Pray for me.

Mother of Christ, Pray for me.

Thou who didst offer thy divine Son in the Temple, Pray for me.

Thou who didst flee with him into Egypt, Pray for me.

Thou who soughtest him in sorrow for three days, Pray for me.

Thou who didst behold him suffering and dying on the cross, Pray for me.

Thou who didst rejoice in his resurrection and ascension, Pray for me.

Thou who art now glorified with him in heaven, Pray for me.

St. Joseph, Pray for me.

Thou patron of the Christian family, Pray for me.

Thou who didst protect and cherish thy divine foster-Son, Pray for me.

Thou who hadst the happiness of living and working so many years with him, Pray for me.

Thou who didst breathe thy last in his arms, Pray for me.

Ye holy guardian angels and friends of my children, who look upon the face of our heavenly Father, Pray for me.

Ye who are sent by God to guard my children, Pray for me.

St. Joachim, consort of St. Anna and father of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pray for me.

All ye holy fathers of the old law, Pray for me.

All holy fathers, Pray for me.

Ye who by fulfilling your duties to your children obtained salvation, Pray for me.

All ye holy angels, Pray for me.

All ye patriarchs and prophets, Pray for me.

All ye holy apostles and martyrs, Pray for me.

All ye holy bishops, priests, and confessors, Pray for me.

All ye holy virgins and widows, Pray for me.

All ye holy and innocent children, Pray for me.

From all evil, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all indifference to the duties of my vocation, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all neglect of my paternal duties, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all indifference to the salvation of my children, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all unreasonable love and indulgence for my children, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all anger and passion, Deliver me, O Lord.

From all bad example, Deliver me, O Lord.

From the demon of impurity, Deliver me, O Lord.

By thy life, sufferings, and death, Deliver me, O Lord.

By thy love for children, Deliver me, O Lord.

By the rich reward thou didst promise them who receive children, Deliver me, O Lord.

By the mercy of thy divine heart, Deliver me, O Lord.

I, a sinner, beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant me grace to know the grandeur of my fatherly vocation, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant me to know the holiness and importance of my duties to my children, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant me wisdom to know my difficult task, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant me zeal in prayer for my children, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou bless my teachings and admonitions, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant me grace to always give my children good example, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou guard my children from all frivolity and mortal sin, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou inspire them with piety and the fear of God, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou grant them the treasure of inviolate purity, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou guard them from the attack of the enemy, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou guard them from the evil influence of the world, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou keep them in thy grace, I beseech thee to hear me.

That thou lead them to eternal life, I beseech thee to hear me.

Prayer.—O God, whose mercy and goodness are infinite, I thank thy majesty for all the gifts and graces thou hast granted me and my children; and as thou grantest the prayers of those who beseech thee I pray unceasingly to thy fatherly kindness never to forsake me and my children, and lead us to eternal reward. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Abode of the most perfect love, containing all perfection; worthy to be honored above all things by all hearts, I also offer unto Thee my sincere veneration; I love Thee with my whole heart, and I wish nothing else but to love Thee more and more, in order to consecrate to Thee all that I have and am.

O divine Heart, filled with so great and loving a care for men that Thou hast ordained and accomplished whatever was useful for their true welfare, and delivered Thyself up to ignominy and suffering, and even to death, for their sake, awake also in my heart similar sentiments of love, so that I too may be ready to offer sacrifices for the good of my neighbor, and to undergo troubles and difficulties. Inspire my heart especially with love for my children, similar to that which Thou hast for them, so that I may live wholly for them, and like Thee make every effort to lead them to eternal salvation.

To Thy loving Heart, O Jesus, I recommend my children. Encircle them, sanctuary of love, with Thy burning flames. Keep them so that no one may tear them from Thee. Thou knowest the dangers to which they are exposed, the enemies which threaten them. Have pity on them! According to the multitude of Thy mercies, hasten to their assistance. O most Sacred Heart of my Lord, wherein are contained all virtues and perfections, free my children from whatever is displeasing to Thee; destroy in them sin, and pardon them all the evil they have committed against Thee. Infuse into them out of Thy most Sacred Heart whatever is pleasing to Thee. Sanctify and take possession of them. Do in all things in their regard what is most pleasing to Thee, only preserve them in Thy holy love; cast them not away from Thee, I implore Thee. Grant that they may be united to Thee for all eternity in love and happiness. Amen.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Mary

O sacred heart of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, heart most pleasing to the adorable Trinity, and worthy the veneration and love of angels and men; O heart most like the sacred heart of Jesus whose perfect image thou art; heart full of kindness and compassion for our misery: to thee I commend myself in the holiest work of my life—the education of my children. To thee, O most loving heart of Mary, I commend my children; through thy intercession thou canst do all things. Infuse into them a love for thy virtues, and enkindle in them that holy fire by which thou wert always inflamed. Watch over them, guard them, and be to them always a refuge and an invincible barrier against the assaults of the enemy. Be their help in need, their strength in distress, their refuge in temptations, their protector in danger; be a mother to them; reconcile them with thy Son, commend them to thy Son, present them to thy Son. Assist them now and at all times, particularly at the hour of death, O kind, O mild, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

p. 93Prayer to St. Aloysius

O Saint Aloysius, thou who by the most perfect co-operation with grace hast led a truly angelic life, and who art venerated by the Church as the model and patron of youth, I commend to thee also my children; approach the throne of God in their behalf. Pray for them, that they also may walk in the commandments of the Lord and hate and shun sin as thou hast done. Obtain for them the grace of that innocence and purity of heart which adorned thy life; help them that they may honor and love the Lord and his Blessed mother as devoutly as thou hast. Saint Aloysius, pray for them. Amen.