Prayer to a Martyr

I SALUTE thee and venerate thee, O most holy martyr of Christ, St. N. I bless and magnify the infinite goodness and condescension of the ever-adorable Trinity for all the grace which he hath deigned to bestow on thee of his exceeding and most bounteous love. I bless the boundless liberality of the divine compassion which so gently prevented thee with the blessings of sweetness, and hath gloriously adorned thy head with the triumphant crown of martyrdom in the heavens. O holy N., most blessed martyr of Christ, invincible soldier in that army whose garments are sprinkled with blood; thou art a foundation-stone of the faith, and a column of strength. Thou art a glorious hero of the Church, the honour and the glory of Paradise; blessed art thou amongst martyrs, and beautiful in thy form above the inhabitants of heaven. For the increase of thy glory and blessedness I offer thee the most worshipful Heart of Jesus Christ, so consummate and perfect in all good things through its union with his Divinity; devoutly beseeching thee, by all and every drop of thy precious blood which thou hast shed, by all the cruel wounds thou didst receive, and by the bitter anguish thou didst endure in heart and soul and body, that thou wouldst be with me in the hour of my death, which I commend to thee with sure trust; and wouldst offer to Jesus my Judge, in compensation for the merits which I lack, the virtues whereby thou knowest thyself to be more especially pleasing in his sight. Amen.