Third 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.

"My delights were to be with the children of men." Prov. viii. 31.

Behold our Jesus, who, after having died for our redemption, wished to remain with us in the most holy sacrament, declaring that his delights are to be with the children of men. "O men," says St. Teresa, "how can you offend a God who declares that among you he finds his delights! Jesus delights in our society, and shall not we delight in the company of Jesus? we, particularly, who have had the honor of dwelling in his palace? How highly do vassals esteem the privilege of living in the palace of their sovereign? Behold the palace of the King, this house in which we dwell with Jesus Christ. Let us be careful to thank him, and to avail ourselves of the conversation of Jesus Christ. Behold me, then, O my Lord and my God, before this altar, where thou dost remain night and day for the love of me. Thou art the fountain of every good, the remedy of every evil, the treasure of every one who is in need. Behold, at thy feet, a sinner, among all the most needy, the most infirm: I ask thy mercy, have pity on me. Seeing that in this sacrament thou hast descended from heaven solely for my sanctification, I will not allow my miseries to discourage me. I praise thee, I thank thee, I love thee; and if thou wish me to ask an alms, I ask the grace never more to offend thee, I ask the light and grace to love thee with all my strength. Lord, I love thee with my whole soul; I love thee with all the affections of my heart. Grant that I may repeat these words with sincerity, that I may repeat them continually in this life, and for all eternity. Most holy Mary, my holy patrons, all ye blessed angels and saints of paradise, help me to love my most amiable God.

Ejac. Good Pastor, true bread, Jesus, have pity on us, feed us, defend us, grant that we may see good things in the land of the living.

The Spiritual Communion.

THIRD VISIT TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

Prayer of St. Germanus.

Most holy Virgin! who art the greatest consolation that I receive from God, thou who art the heavenly dew which assuages all my pains, thou who art the light of my soul when it is enveloped in darkness, thou who art my guide in unknown paths, the support of my weakness, my treasure in poverty, my remedy in sickness, my consolation in trouble, my refuge in misery, and the hope of my salvation; hear my supplications, have pity on me, as becomes the mother of so good a God, and obtain for me a favorable reception of all my petitions at the throne of mercy.

Ejac. O merciful, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary.

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