Twenty-second Visit.

From St. Alphonsus Liguori, Visits to the Most Holy Sacrament (New York: Catholic Publication Society, 1870). Wording reflects its time. Public domain; the text is given word for word as printed.

Not finding her beloved, the spouse of the Canticles went about the city, asking, "Have you seen him whom my soul loveth?" Cant. iii. 3. Jesus was not then on earth; but now, if a soul that loves Jesus seeks him, she can find him at all times in the holy sacrament. The venerable Father Avila used to say, that he neither knew nor desired any sanctuary more amiable than a church in which the holy Eucharist was preserved.

O infinite love of my God, worthy of infinite love! O my Jesus, how hast thou been able to submit to such debasement as to conceal thyself under the appearances of bread, in order to dwell among men, and to unite thyself to their hearts? O incarnate Word, thy humiliation has been extreme, because thy love for us has no bounds. How can I but love thee with all my affections, when I reflect on all thou hast done to captivate my heart? I love thee ardently; and, therefore, I prefer thy will to all my interests, to all my pleasures. My delight is to please thee, my Jesus, my God, my love, and my all. Kindle within me a strong desire to remain continually before thee in the holy sacrament, to receive thee and keep thee company. I should be ungrateful if I did not accept so sweet and gracious an invitation. Ah! Lord, destroy in me all affection to creatures Thou, my Creator, dost wish to be the sole object of all my thoughts and affections. I love thee O most amiable goodness of my God; I seek nothing from thee but thyself. I do not wish for my own satisfaction; for me it is enough to satisfy thee. My Jesus, accept this good desire of a sinner, who wishes to love thee. Assist me by thy grace, and grant that I, a miserable slave of hell, may be henceforth the happy bondsman of thy love.

Ejac. Jesus, source of all my good, I love thee above all earthly goods.

The Spiritual Communion.

TWENTY-SECOND VISIT TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

Prayer of William of Paris.

O Mother of God! thy goodness never despises the sinner who recommends himself to thy patronage, however enormous his crimes may have been: and hence the Church justly calls thee her advocate and the refuge of sinners. Let not, then, my crimes prevent thee from fulfilling this office of mercy, whereby thou becomest the mediatrix of peace, the hope and secure asylum of all who are in affliction. Let it not be said that the Mother of God, who, for the sake of the world, brought forth the source of mercy, can refuse to look down with pity on any wretch that flies to her for assistance. Thou art employed as the mediatrix between God and man: let me experience a share of thy great compassion.

Ejac. O Mary, my loving Mother, may I, under God, owe my salvation to thee.

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