The month of the holy infancy of Our Lord is January. The Lord was born in
December as we know, but so late in the month that we must take the
beginning of the new year and consecrate the first part of the year to
God. We begin with the childhood of Our Lord in our devotions, that we may
grow as He did in grace before God and man. The holy Infant is laid in our
arms this month, that we may contemplate Him and learn holy lessons. What
are these lessons? The goodness of God towards us—the mercy and kindness
of the Child Jesus for us; for His infancy is infinitely meritorious
before God, and all grace comes to us on account of Christ, Who has been
an Infant among us. We should be like children in our confidence in God,
Who has created us and will not make us stand greater trials than we are
able to bear. We should not care over much for the things of this world;
we should not depend so much on our own efforts; but with filial
resignation we should say to God: “You want this done, and you want one to
do it. Well, then, give me the grace, the intelligence, the will, and I
will do it in such a manner as will be worthy of God.” The whole month can
be spent in meditating on these virtues; be assured they are worth being
learned, and will repay you for the trouble of practising them.
Considerations and Prayers for Every Day.
First Day.
Consider the Holy Family on this day. They rise early to make preparations
to proceed to the Temple to fulfil the law of God given to Moses, that
every male child of the Jewish nation should be circumcised. Let us
accompany them in spirit to the Temple, and witness God’s providence
working plainly in behalf of His divine Son. To‐day the Child Jesus is
circumcised. A painful operation is performed on the body of the pure and
holy Babe which was formed in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus knew that
by this ceremony He subjected Himself to the Law, and the observance of
all the dictates of a life regulated by it. Be you also subject to the law
of God, hard though it may be to man’s corrupt nature. The life of a
Christian will be a difficult one if you are not good and pious. It will
be hard for you to pray, to fast, to go to Mass, or confession. Only by
submitting to the law of God will you learn to bear your burdens
patiently, willingly, and joyfully. Remember you are not carrying your
cross alone, for the great Bearer of the cross, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
will help you: He Who has said, “My yoke is sweet and My burden light.”
Prayer.
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed on
mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we
may experience the intercession of her through whom we have had the
happiness to receive the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Second Day.
Jesus underwent the circumcision as an act of redemption. He was carried
forth by His holy Mother to begin the way of the cross, and from that
moment until the day of His death He suffered physical pain. You may here
form many thoughts on this period in the life of this holy Child, which
will console you in your sufferings. Be not cast down in your struggle
after a livelihood, be not impatient in poverty and suffering, for by
these Jesus has redeemed the world. These crosses will one day bring you
to heaven. All humanity from childhood has the vicissitudes of nature and
fortune to combat. Cruel indeed is the fate of some children: poverty,
neglect, sickness, the death of parents, and other misfortunes, leave them
often in a deplorable state. But there is a Providence watching over them;
not a sparrow falls from the housetop without the will of the heavenly
Father. At the same time those who have the means should be interested in
God’s poor, and seek to help them in all their necessities.
Prayer.
O Jesus, when Thou givest me such touching proof of Thy love, could I
remain cold towards Thee? No! it is not possible. I will love Thee, then,
O my God, with a love which nothing will daunt or repel.
Third Day.
At the presentation of the Lord in the Temple were present Simeon and
Anna; they were faithful people, and were permitted to witness the solemn
entry of Our Lord into the Temple. They were old and had served the Lord
God with faithfulness all their days, and were now waiting for the coming
of the Messias. On this day their fidelity was partially rewarded. It was
certainly a great grace to be allowed to witness the presentation of Jesus
to God, His Father, and this great reward for a good life was followed
afterwards by eternal happiness in heaven. Be faithful, then, to the
teachings of God in His holy Church. Begin in your youth, or at least when
the grace of God visits you. Never cease to trust in God during your whole
life, so that you, too, may be received into the heavenly kingdom as a
reward for your fidelity. Pray always, as Simeon and Anna did, who never
left the Temple but remained there in prayer and fasting, waiting for the
consolation of Israel.
Prayer.
O my God, how Thou didst love me on the day of Thy presentation! Oh, how
well Thou dost teach me thereby what love is when it burns the heart! O my
God! come and consume me, come and take possession of my whole being, so
that I may belong entirely to Thee. Let Thy good pleasure dispose of me as
Thou willest. Amen.
Fourth Day.
On the occasion of the circumcision, the name of Jesus was given to Our
Lord. He was called Jesus, the Redeemer: a name which was given to Him by
His Father and announced to man by an angel. Let this holy name be on your
lips—it will be to you a light, guiding you on your way through this
valley of darkness. Let it be your food, to strengthen you on your journey
to your heavenly home. Let it be a watchword at the end of your life, by
which you may open the gates of heaven. The name of Jesus is a powerful
one; it is the conqueror of death, the victor over hell. You are a
follower of Jesus, therefore you ought to show yourself an enthusiastic
follower, and love to repeat that sacred name. The name of Jesus piously
said will strengthen our good resolutions, and our resistance against
temptations. When the end of life approaches, and the darkness of despair
comes over us because we have done so little in the hours of daylight,
when we should have worked, the merits of Jesus will give us hope, for He
came to this earth to suffer for us, to give us hope, and to supply the
deficiency of our efforts.
Prayer.
Oh, may the adorable name of Jesus be the sweet and daily music of my soul
and the seal of my heart; and when, in the agony and cold sweat of death,
I shall give the last look for mercy, may the parting sigh of my soul be
Jesus. Amen, sweet Jesus, Amen.
Fifth Day.
The name of Jesus must not only be on our lips, but it must also be
indelibly engraven in our hearts. You have heard perhaps in the life of
that blessed Dominican, Suso, that he cut over his heart the name of
Jesus. In this name you can overcome all things. In this name you will be
rich in grace and strength, you will be victorious over all temptations
and successful in all your labors. Why should you not have the name of
Jesus in your heart? St. Paul has said: “Whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord, shall be saved.” You remember the exclamation of the
great Apostle, “If any man love not Our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be
anathema.” There is great peace and comfort in the name of Jesus; it is
this which enables pious people to remain faithful for long years in
dryness of the spiritual life. It is this which gives us courage to do
good actions, not for an earthly gain, but for Jesus, and the reward of
His society for all eternity. Let us never pronounce it except with
confidence, respect, love, and delight.
Prayer.
O sweet Jesus! O loving Jesus! O Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, full of
piety and of love! O sweet Jesus, according to Thy great mercy have mercy
on me; blot out my iniquities, and look with tenderness upon me, a
miserable sinner invoking Thy holy name, Jesus. Amen.
Sixth Day.
The Lord has commended His holy name to every Christian as a precious
jewel which he is to use to obtain mercy and grace. “That whatsoever you
shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” We all belong to
the army of the Lord, stand under His banner, and are supposed to be ever
ready to make battle in His cause. How often have not you received the
body and blood of the Lord? Think, then, what efficacy your prayers have
when you appear before God, with the sign of the blood of Jesus on your
soul; you then pray with a power to which nothing is equal, for not only
do you pray, but Christ prays in and by you. By this holy name God is
honored, as He is honored in His adorable Son. “God hath given Him a name
which is above all names.”—Phil. ii. 9. The Lord is always an intercessor
for us—it is His office of Redeemer and Saviour that has merited this
name, by His life on earth and His death on the cross. To‐day is the feast
of the Epiphany, the manifestation of the Lord Himself to the Gentiles.
Let us thank God during the day by frequent outbursts of love, for our
vocation to the faith in the person of the Magi.
Prayer.
O God! Who didst this day reveal Thy only‐begotten Son to the Gentiles by
the guidance of a star; grant in Thy mercy, that we, who already know Thee
by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of Thy majesty, through
the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Seventh Day.
The Lord has shown Himself to you also, as He did to the three Wise Men
from the East who represented you on the feast of Epiphany. You have had
mercy shown you on this day because now you have the right to choose the
true faith, and you should be thankful for this grace. You have had a
singular privilege extended to you, which all Christians do not enjoy to
the fulness. There are among us many who have not the consolation of dying
in the arms of Jesus. They cannot claim that He said to them, “I am the
Resurrection and the Life.” We know that they, too, are hastening with us
to the Last Judgment, but with what a difference! When a misfortune
befalls these men in life they have no peace of mind; when a humiliation
meets them, the ungentle spirit of nature is aroused in them at being
despised. They are unhappy in privations, impatient in disputes, and they
are selfish. The life of those who think not of Christ is full of misery,
disappointment, and dissatisfaction; they sit in the darkness of
heathenism; but you who have the faith find relief in all your ills. Be
not one of those who by their sinfulness deserve to be deserted by God.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy heavenly mercy, the prayers of Thy
suppliant people; that they may perceive where their duty lies, and be
enabled to accomplish whatsoever tasks are necessary for their salvation.
Amen.
Eighth Day.
Our faith ought to be pure and precious as the gold which the wise kings
offered at the throne of God. You ought, then, to hold fast the faith of
Jesus Christ, which is preserved in the Catholic Church. Learn your faith,
learn the proofs of it; you will be a more fervent adherent to the chair
of St. Peter and be well instructed in everything that concerns the
Church. You will pray for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for holy Mother
Church in these troublous times. If love is a part of that purity of
faith, read nothing, listen to nothing which is against your faith; do not
belong to societies that are condemned by the Church, for they are enemies
of God’s religion. Your faith must be a lively one; give signs of it in
your actions. Sweet‐smelling as the incense in the hands of the kings must
be our faith. Every one should see that we are good and stanch Catholics;
education or riches or social standing should not be an obstacle to our
humble practice of our religion. What is there more beautiful than a well‐
educated man practising the Catholic faith according to the laws of the
Church? Unhappily the rich and the learned are sometimes ashamed of the
Church, leaving it to the poor and ignorant to be good Catholics.
Prayer.
O my God, I thank Thee for the inestimable gift of faith which Thou hast
bestowed upon me. Grant that I may always acknowledge this Thy mercy with
thanksgiving; and this not only in words, but in making a good use of it.
This grace I ask through Thy sweet name, Jesus. Amen.
Ninth Day.
In trying to lead a good Christian life you will often meet with
contradictions and persecutions, even from your associates. But the Wise
Men included the myrrh of mortification among their gifts. He who wants to
lead a life of purity will necessarily meet with many persecutions and
crosses, and only when he has taken up the cross can he follow the divine
Redeemer. The faith of Christ cannot exist without the bitter herb of
mortification. This faith is the power that conquers the world, and the
world’s insults. Let us then be firm in our faith as the three kings were
in all their trials, for they had many a one to encounter before they
found the cave of Bethlehem. Let us show our appreciation then by our zeal
and our holy lives. “He is my God, and I will glorify Him: the God of my
father, and I will exalt Him.”—Exod. xv. 2. The holy man Job will be an
example to us as to how we should serve God in trials and tribulations.
Though the Lord allowed great sufferings to come upon him, and precisely
because he had been good, still he remained true and firm and would not
make a compromise with the devil, his persecutor. Job was thankful for
everything that came from the hands of God. He praised God for it all his
days.
Prayer.
O my God, how good it is to serve Thee thus, and to give ourselves wholly
to Thee. Give to me as Thou didst to the Magi the spirit of wisdom, of
prayer, and of sacrifice, so that, following Thee through all my life, I
may reach a happy eternity. Amen.
Tenth Day.
It is a singular fact that the star disappeared at Jerusalem, though that
was not, as yet, the place where the new‐born King of the Jews was to be
looked for. Herod was the temporal king of Jerusalem; the high priest and
the doctors of the Law were also there. As this was the seat of the
religion of the people of God, here were made many prophecies that were to
be accomplished. We should have thought that here also the star would have
been seen. Jerusalem, however, remains in darkness, the people that were
to be the recipients of God’s promises are passed over, and the great
grace of vocation was given to men who knew nothing of the testament of
God—to pagans. The star appears to them and illuminates the darkness in
which they find themselves, and calls them to a heavenly light. Our Lord
explained this Himself afterwards, when He said that from the rising to
the setting of the sun would come those who would sit at His banquet,
while the “children of the kingdom” should go out empty‐handed, for they
deserved no better treatment because of their infidelity and presumption.
Prayer.
O God, Who didst permit the children of Israel so often to sink under the
trials which Thou didst send them, and so often to offend by yielding
under temptation: have regard, I beseech Thee, to Thy servant, and assist
me with heavenly strength that I may have patience and courage under all
the trials of life. Amen.
Eleventh Day.
We are similar in condition to Jerusalem: We have the promise of God, we
have the Messias in our midst, on our altars. Jerusalem was the gay
capital of the Jewish nation, and it had no time to attend to the call of
God. We also will meet the same fate that overtook that unfortunate city,
which knew not the day of its visitation. Our Lord “came unto His own, and
His own received Him not.” We are too busy with the things of this world
to give a few thoughts to God; we do not realize the precious gifts of Our
Lord, or of His sacred presence, and so we will be allowed to go forth
empty‐handed; strangers will take our places in the heavenly kingdom,
while we shall sit in darkness for all eternity. The Lord will find
faithful followers among strangers who have not our knowledge; they are
guided only by a star that does not speak. They follow it and are
rewarded; they follow it because they acknowledge the fact that they stand
in need of a leader and guide.
Prayer.
Help me, O my God, and defend me from all dangers; let Thy heavenly light
dart upon my soul amidst all its darkness; let faith be its guide, and
support it with hope. Behold, I now protest that I renounce all kinds of
suggestions that are injurious to that faith and hope which I am bound to
have in Thee. Amen.
Twelfth Day.
Mary was found with the Child by the Magi; she it was who received the
gifts for the Lord. There sat Mary as on a throne, having the Infant Jesus
in her lap, and the Wise Men fell down and adored Him. How kingly seemed
to them the poverty of that Babe! how right royal that sinless Mother’s
lap, on which He was enthroned! We, too, have arrived at the stable of
Bethlehem in our meditations. Mary is there, holding out towards us also
her divine Son. Through her He has become ours in holy communion, ours
when we are faithful servants of this good Master. Mary is always with
Jesus; we cannot think of the sacred humanity of Christ without thinking
also of the Mother who gave Him birth. How far removed is the Mother from
the Son? Let us then bow down in humility and adoration before the Child
who is Our God; but let us also look up to Mary. She teaches us God as we
never could else have learned Him. The Child Jesus seems to understand
better than we that the caresses which are poured out to Him are also
intended for us. Let us look with gratitude at this good Mother of Jesus,
who is to be our Mother because she has taken us under her protection, and
presents our petitions to the divine Infant, her sweet Son.
Prayer.
O Mary, my good Mother, I cast myself into thy arms: obtain for me from
thy divine Son the virtues of humility and charity, great purity of heart,
of body, and of soul, final perseverance in good, the gift of fervor in
prayer, a pious life, and a happy death. Amen.
Thirteenth Day.
Mary is present at our visit to Jesus, to receive the gifts that we are
about to bring to the Infant at this sacred season, when we celebrate the
feast of Epiphany. We are going to offer to Jesus, through Mary, a gift of
gold. Gold is the most precious and the most sought after possession in
the world. Whatever we have most precious, then, we will give to Him: our
attachment to our family, our inclinations, our prejudices, our
possessions, we will lay at the feet of Jesus, so that Mary may point them
out to this sacred Babe, and show Him how generous we have been to make a
sacrifice of the dearest things we have on earth. The man of the world
makes supreme efforts to gain gold, so we will make supreme efforts to
bring our whole being, with all its energies, as a sacrifice to Him; our
hearts with all their inclinations will be consecrated to the service of
Jesus Christ. We will love Him not only in Himself, but in our neighbor;
we will succor Him in the person of the poor, and in those even of whom we
have to complain; and that on account of His words, “As long as you did it
to one of these, My least brethren, you did it to Me.”—Matt. xxv. 40.
Prayer.
O my Mother, give me Jesus as thou didst give Him to the holy Wise Men.
Obtain for me a fervent heart to desire Jesus; a pure and humble heart to
receive Jesus; a constant heart, that I may never, by the least wilful
sin, sadden His loving Heart. Amen.
Fourteenth Day.
During these days make the sacrifice of your heart a persevering, loving,
patient sacrifice. You are not going to retain anything of this heart, you
are not going to divide your love. Jesus has given Himself entirely to
you; He has been presented to you by the hands of Mary. He has made you a
Christian, that you may take advantage of this privilege of enjoying Him
as often as you please. You can be on familiar terms with Him, you can
unite Him to your heart in holy communion, when He will enter your soul
and be such a gracious, noble guest. By your Christian character He has
privileged you to participate in all the sacraments of the Church. He
confirms you in your Christianity; He pardons your transgressions when you
have fallen, and when, with sorrow in your heart, you wish to rise again;
He claims you as His at the end of your life by anointing you in your last
sickness: He claims you in fact, body and soul, for His own glory.
Prayer.
Most sweet Infant Jesus, I acknowledge Thee my benefactor. I return Thee
thanks for whatever I possess, and I heartily beg Thy grace, that I may
make good use of the benefits which through Thy great mercy I enjoy. Amen.
Fifteenth Day.
You are going to appear before Jesus and Mary during these days with the
incense of the Magi, which they presented to Him as a tribute of praise;
they acknowledged Jesus as their God. Incense is offered to God alone; it
is a prayer in itself, and ascends with a pleasant odor. You are going to
stand before Jesus offering your incense of prayer and adoration. You have
your daily prayers to say; in fact the whole day should be a prayer, which
should insert itself into all your actions. How noble will not such a day
appear to you when you look back on it! Oh, that all your days were like
this one, full of holy joy, peace and happiness; such a happiness as you
cannot find in earthly pleasure and enjoyment. Mary will receive this gift
of prayer for her divine Son, and point out to Him the pious Christian
that has brought the same sacrifice as did the kings of the East—the
incense of prayer. How pleased will be our sweet Jesus to receive this
gift from our hands, and in exchange He will give us the gift of piety,
thus enabling us to love God alone and to despise all else.
Prayer.
Hail, most sweet Jesus, Son of God and of Mary, I love Thee with my whole
soul, and above all things, because Thou art infinitely worthy of all
love. I firmly resolve by Thy grace to sin no more, and henceforth to
avoid all occasions of sin. Amen.
Sixteenth Day.
Mary is found with Jesus, too, in order to accept another gift, which you
must not forget and which the Magi brought also, i.e., the bitter myrrh of
mortification. We have seen that we should offer a pure heart to the Lord
and a life full of prayer—but we must also add to these gifts the virtues
of self‐denial, self‐abnegation and mortification. Mary offered this great
gift of generosity in its fulness. She is the Queen of martyrs, the
sorrowful Mother. Mourn with her over your own ingratitude and the sins of
the world; follow her in the way of the cross of her life; condole with
her. It is a precious gift to God to mortify one’s self, and one can find
daily opportunities of doing so. As a Christian you are not to look
backward. Give the same gifts as the Magi did; put some little privation
on yourself, no matter what it may be, or how insignificant it may appear.
God will look upon it with eyes of love, and in return will enrich you
with the spirit of mortification and of sacrifice, which will make you
apostles and martyrs.
Prayer.
O most sweet Infant Jesus! grant me, as Thou didst to the Magi, the spirit
of wisdom, of prayer, and of sacrifice; so that following their example of
steadfast faith, I may one day receive the reward of eternal happiness.
Amen.
Seventeenth Day.
We read that the Lord accompanied His parents on a visit to the Temple in
Jerusalem, and remained there unknown to them, when they had departed for
their own home. It was His Father’s house, and He expressed a kind of
wonder that He was expected to be anywhere else at any time. We might
apply this to ourselves as well. God is Our Father; the church is Our
Father’s house, and we should be found at home. Besides, Jesus is in the
tabernacle; He, our Brother, is in His Father’s house, and the whole
family should be gathered there. You should make frequent visits to the
church, and should any one be surprised at your conduct, and ask you the
reason, you can answer with justice: “Am I not to be about the things that
are my Father’s?” Go to your work, be in your home, but also love to pass
some time in the presence of the Lord in the church. The angels are there,
silently praying before their God in the tabernacle; join them in their
devout occupation. You like to visit a friend; no nearer nor dearer friend
will you ever find than Jesus, your loving Saviour.
Prayer.
O Jesus, Thou knowest my desire of serving Thee with the purest intention
of living but for Thee. Thou art my hope, my strength, and my life. I will
seek not so much for consolation as for the grace of a greater love
towards Thee, my sweet Saviour, and for strength to suffer bravely for Thy
greater glory and my own sanctification. Amen.
Eighteenth Day.
From your early childhood you have been brought to the church. Even before
you knew what church meant you trotted along with the other children, and
sat in your pew and knelt with the rest, not knowing how to pray, not
knowing what you were about. But afterwards you began to understand that
you were going to a holy place, where sacred things were performed: things
that reminded you of heaven, even while you were still on this earth. When
you were made a Christian by Baptism, then you were introduced into the
mystic body of the Church, and you also received the right to stand in the
material temple of the Lord, and take your place among the many members of
the Christian people. The Church has become your home, a place of
happiness and consolation in all your afflictions. But do we use it as
such? Do we go with all our trials and temptations to our sweet Lord,
hidden in the tabernacle, Who is there waiting and anxious to console us
in our miseries?
Prayer.
My dearest Jesus, how much hast Thou not done to oblige me to love Thee,
and how much hath it cost Thee to gain to Thyself my love? Pierce my poor
soul, O dearest Jesus, with the sweet dart of Thy love, so that I may ever
languish with desire of Thee. Amen.
Nineteenth Day.
When the shepherds were told to seek for the Child Jesus, they were sent
to look for a child. When we set out to look for the Redeemer we expect to
see something remarkable; with fear and trembling we approach the spot,
and find only a helpless Child lying on some straw in a manger. Man looks
for great and startling works, and God meets him by showing things which,
in his consideration, are insignificant. We think that God should choose
great things and He chooses small ones. This is the difference between
divine and human reasoning, between the ways of God and the ways of man.
God has become man in the form of a child, and human wisdom thinks that
now, over the whole world, a great clamor, noise, and wonderment should be
raised; that all nations should be astounded. Instead the Lord is a child
that does not talk, does nothing wonderful, even cries like other
children, and so He remains, or rather grows, gaining by degrees the use
of human faculties the same as other children. These are the ways of God;
we think we should have ordered all things differently.
Prayer.
O sweet Babe of Bethlehem, I adore Thee in Thy humility. Mayest Thou be
ever reverenced and adored by all creatures. May we with the angels ever
adore Thee, and may the hearts of all the faithful ever breathe out in Thy
honor a most sweet perfume. Amen.
Twentieth Day.
What a difference! Adam was placed in paradise, a most beautiful garden;
the second Adam, Jesus, is placed in the manger. The former was but a
simple human being, while this One is the true God. And why was this
difference made? Through Adam’s sin paradise, that beautiful place, had
been desecrated: God, the Author of our being, forgotten. In punishment of
this rebellion the second Adam had to atone for this defection. We had
lowered ourselves to the level of the animals, we had sought our joy among
the natural inclinations, and thither Our Lord had to descend in order to
find us. Paradise is again to be brought to this earth. We, too, should
show by our faith, our devotions, and our magnificent churches, where our
happiness is. We may enjoy this paradise even on earth by doing the will
of God in all things, and receiving frequently the body and blood of
Christ, in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Prayer.
O most sweet Infant Jesus, behold here a poor petitioner who wants Thy
aid; but such is my unhappiness, the more I want the less able I am to ask
for relief. Have regard, therefore, to my distressed condition, and
according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies have compassion on me.
Amen.
Twenty‐first Day.
The angels announced the glad tidings of the birth of Christ to the
shepherds, who heard the words and acted on them promptly and with joy,
ignorant though they were. The promise of the coming of a Redeemer was
clearly placed before their minds, so that they were as prepared for this
startling announcement as if they had been waiting for it for many years.
So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant. How
beautiful is Our Lord’s attraction to the lowly, represented in the call
of these poor men. Such are the men that the Babe called first. We should
allow the glorious truths of the incarnation to sink deeply into our
souls, that we may celebrate the month of the holy childhood with profit
to ourselves and to the glory of God. We should be interested also in
spreading the Gospel among Protestants and Jews, and by our lives lead bad
Catholics back again to the Infant Babe. Lay people can sometimes do more
good than they imagine, and in some cases even more than a priest, because
their advice and good example may have an effect where a priest could not
reach.
Prayer.
O most sweet Babe of Bethlehem! what praise, love, and thanks shall I
return Thee for all Thy mercies? Let my body, soul, and all that is within
me bless Thee eternally, and let heaven, earth, and all that is within
them say Amen.
Twenty‐second Day.
God’s glory was the object of the angels who came to announce the birth of
Our Lord. Glory to God in the highest! Infinite glory accrues to God the
Father by sending His divine Son to this earth to become man. We are His
intelligent creatures, to whom He was sent, and we must give to God a
rational worship. When we do not give glory and thanks to God, and are
ungrateful, we rob the Creator of that recognition which He should have
from His creatures. But the same must be said of all our works; we must
have the glory of God before our minds; we should do nothing but with the
express or implicit motive—the honor of God. Our maxim should be, “All for
the greater glory of God.” When the angels reported the birth of the Lord
they did not refer to their own greatness but sang out, “God has done this
from His throne in heaven,” to Him is due the glorification of His
creatures; so also we, after a good action, do not think complacently of
our own sanctity or excellence, but say it was the inspiration of God, and
God’s work, which has been done by us unworthy instruments in His hands.
Mary referred all her glory and graces to God: “My soul doth magnify the
Lord.”
Prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God! Lord of heaven and earth, Who dost reveal
Thyself to little ones, grant us, we beseech Thee, to honor meetly the
holy mysteries in the life of Thy Son, the Child Jesus, and to follow Him
humbly in our lives, so that we may come to the eternal kingdom promised
by Thee to little ones, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Twenty‐third Day.
Again the angels said, “Peace on earth to men of good‐will.” How precious
is the peace of the soul! Peace is the fruit of a good conscience, which
produces peace with God and with one’s self. Seek to purify your will,
make it conformable to the will of God, for then you enjoy peace more and
more; you will taste the happiness of that peace which surpasses all the
joys of the world, and which the world cannot give. In the contemplation
of the joyous feasts which we celebrate, during this month of the
mysteries of the divine infancy of the Lord, we will find the happiness of
our soul. Continue in your adoration of the Infant Jesus, bring Him the
grateful thanks of a pure heart, pray with earnestness, with perseverance,
for the mercy of God, which He can extend to you in answer to your
supplications if you are sincere. Remember the words of the angels, “Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good‐will.” It is a
saying which is worth repeating to yourself.
Prayer.
O most amiable Jesus, who for my sake and instruction didst vouchsafe to
conceal Thy eternal wisdom under the weakness of childhood! I most humbly
thank Thee for having shown me in Thy own sacred person how I should
sanctify my youth, and thereby draw a blessing on my future life. Amen.
Twenty‐fourth Day.
“Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.”—Luke ii. 19.
Twice do we read that Mary did this. The Holy Ghost certainly wished to
attract our attention to this fact, that we might imitate the action. All
that was done and all that was said made a great impression on Mary’s
heart. She merited more and more the eulogiums which God Himself bestows
on those who hear the word of God and keep it. The facts and the words of
the incarnation must be the same to us—precious thoughts and gifts which
we know how to value and appreciate. At certain times we should give
evidence of our belief in the joy of our heart. God’s glory must be
published externally, we must not bury it in our hearts only, for Mary
preserved all these words in her heart so as to make them public at some
future time, for the welfare of the Church. With greatest devotion and
zeal she had heard the revelations of God; with liberality she made
manifest the fulness of her heart for the glory of God.
Prayer.
O Wisdom, Who didst proceed out of the mouth of the Most High, reaching
from end to end, with might and with sweetness disposing all things, come
and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.
Twenty‐fifth Day.
Mary not only kept all these words in her heart, but she also meditated on
them. In fact the meaning of the words, “kept in her heart,” is that they
were ever fresh there; she kept the eyes of her soul on them, and thought
of them; she was part of the workings of God’s providence, and had no
other thought than that the will of God should be done in all things,
especially just now, in this instance of the childhood of Christ. Men and
angels had brought her the testimony of their admiration of the wonderful
works of God; and Mary was consoled and confirmed in her willingness to
suffer everything for her divine Infant Son. To us also the meditation and
the consideration of God’s infinite goodness, and the facts of revelation,
are the very centre‐post around which the Christian life should move. Be
not a passive Christian that is borne along in the crowd; go a little
farther, and become an intelligent worshipper, who has reflected well on
religious tenets, and to whom they have given a great deal of consolation
and hope of future happiness.
Prayer.
O Adonai and leader of the house of Israel! Who didst appear to Moses in
the fire of the flaming bush, and didst give him the Law of Sinai: come
and save us with a stretched‐forth arm. Amen.
Twenty‐sixth Day.
We are often solicitous about temporal affairs: our eating, drinking,
clothing, and that which is dependent on us. We are right in making all
necessary efforts, but we must not forget God, or lose confidence in Him.
The Magi left their kingdoms, palaces, families, their great comforts of
home, and went on a long journey, led by the star, without being clearly
told how far their journey was to carry them. They had to travel through
unknown lands, under a burning sun, exposed to wild beasts, and the enmity
of wandering tribes. Still they persevered until they were rewarded by the
sight of the Messias, the Redeemer of the world. Then “they rejoiced with
exceeding great joy.” This is also a lesson to us to quiet our fears. God
knows what we have done for Him, and a thousand‐fold will He reward our
generous actions, and at the same time our families will be protected and
our wants supplied. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice:
and all these things shall be added unto you.”—Luke xii. 31.
Prayer.
O Root of Jesse! Who art a signal to the people, in Whose presence kings
shall be silent, and to Whom the Gentiles shall pray: come and deliver us
now and delay not. Amen.
Twenty‐seventh Day.
The revelation which you have received from God ought to enter deeply into
your soul. Mary’s heart was full of grace. You should receive God’s word
into your hearts, that it may be the nourishment of your souls, that it
may fill you with holy sentiments and desires, and model you according to
the life of Christ. During these days you have given much thought to the
birth of Our Lord. Be careful in your prayers not to keep it on your lips
only, but let it take deep root in your hearts, so that Christ may be born
again in your souls. Pray to Mary, to the angels, and to the saints, that
they may assist you; that you may preserve the deposit of faith with
fidelity as they preserved it, for the nourishment of the spirit and the
sanctification of your soul, and of others that may be intrusted to your
care. Your piety and love of the Lord should increase with these
meditations. “Thy word is exceedingly refined: and Thy servant hath loved
it.”—Ps. cxviii. 140.
Prayer.
O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel! Who openest, and no man
shutteth: Who shuttest, and no man openeth; come and take out of prison
him that is in fetters, and who sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of
death. Amen.
Twenty‐eighth Day.
The obedience of Our Lord to His parents is an admirable lesson. Jesus
Christ is obedient, and submits His infinite wisdom to the commands of
human beings. Not only was He obedient to His heavenly Father even unto
the death of the cross, but He exactly fulfilled all the requirements of
the Fourth Commandment without a murmur, without deferring the execution
of His parents’ wishes to a time more suitable to Himself. St. Bernard
says that he is obedient who fulfils a command without delay, and with a
cheerful heart. Our Lord fulfilled this law so scrupulously because He
wished to leave us an example. Remember the fact that the Boy Jesus was
not only obedient to His heavenly Father, but also to His superiors
according to the order of things. The Lord left, without delay, the
performance of a holy action when He was called away from it. Our
obedience to the Church and its lawful pastors is also an obligation
devolving upon us. Children, obey your parents, servants, your masters,
citizens, the State and all constituted public authority. Religious fulfil
this law of obedience because they make a vow of obedience.
Prayer.
O Orient brightness of eternal light, and Sun of righteousness! come and
enlighten those that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Amen.
Twenty‐ninth Day.
“Jesus advanced in wisdom and age, and grace with God and men.”—Luke ii.
52. From the first instant of His sacred life on earth there were hidden
in the Lord all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He constantly
developed these before the sight of men. The sun has always the same
abundance of heat and light, yet it still increases as the day wears on
until it stands in the zenith in all its glory and power, and as the day
wanes it, as it were, draws its power to itself. The older Jesus, the Sun
of justice, grew, the brighter became the light of His holy life, and it
illumined more and more the lives of those who observed Him. The growing
older is inevitable; as time passes we grow older, but we do not
necessarily grow in wisdom before God and men. Our piety before God is not
increased, and we frequently give scandal to men by our impiety. When we
were young we loved God, but as we grew older we were so implicated with
the things of this life that we lost a great deal of our simplicity. Why
should this be so?
Prayer.
O King of the Gentiles, and their desired One, the corner‐stone that joins
the two walls! come and save man, whom Thou didst form out of dust. Amen.
Thirtieth Day.
Jesus was filled with grace and truth from the very beginning of His life.
We have seen His glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father, full of
grace and truth. More and more did His virtues, however, shine forth with
ever increasing splendor; men wondered at this glorious Being, loved Him,
and afterwards followed Him when He began His mission. We, too, were full
of grace at our Baptism, and long afterwards, in our childhood, we were
pleasing in the sight of God, because we were innocent children whom God
loved. We were then modest, pious, obedient, but in course of time we
sought to please men more than God. To please men is often to displease
God. We should have hungered and thirsted after justice, and this would
have kept alive in us the desire to grow in grace, wisdom and truth. But
now let us arouse ourselves, and even though we are old, let us strive to
become like the divine Infant. Let us, with the grace of God, renew in
ourselves the graces that were in us. Let us examine our conscience, and
see whether we have remained faithful to our good resolutions, if we have
ever made them before. It is not too late yet to resolve to do better in
the future.
Prayer.
O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver! the expectation of the Gentiles and their
Saviour; come and save us, O Lord, Our God. Amen.
Thirty‐first Day.
On this last day of the devotion of the holy infancy, let us endeavor to
make permanent the pious sentiments that have passed through our souls. We
wish to have Jesus in our hearts, not only for the present but also for
the future. It is not enough to find Jesus as the shepherds and the Magi
did, but we should try to keep ourselves always in His sacred presence.
The means to retain Jesus are no other than to keep ourselves in grace, to
avoid sin, to preserve His love in our hearts, and lastly to be watchful,
when temptation assails us, against sensuality, pride, avarice, and want
of charity, and any other vice. Let us remain close to Our Lord,
remembering our promises of fidelity, in a humble confidence that He will
assist us with His grace. Let us remember the words of the Royal Prophet
David: That a soul that fears God will not be affected by infidelity. Let
us repeat with the spouse in the Canticles: “I found Him Whom my soul
loveth: I held Him: and I will not let Him go.” Who will separate me from
the love of Christ?
Prayer.
O Infant Jesus! grant that each moment of our lives, we may pay homage to
that moment in which Thou didst begin the work of our salvation. Amen.
Mass in Commemoration of the Holy Infancy of Jesus Christ.
Preparatory Prayer.
Deign, O almighty God, to give me the grace to remember, with devotion and
love during the holy sacrifice, the sacred birth, the Passion and death of
Thy Son, Jesus Christ. I offer to Thee, Thy divine Son by the hands of
Mary, His Virgin Mother, to the honor of Thy holy name, and in grateful
thanksgiving for the numberless graces and blessings which Thou hast
bestowed upon Thy poor creature. I offer Him also for the joy of the
heavenly court, as a victim of propitiation for my sins, for the living
and the dead, and for my special intention, which, with all confidence, I
recommend to Thee. Permit me to feel Thy sacred presence, to be immersed
in Thy pure light, and to be comforted by it, so that I may always, but
especially on this day, serve Thee faithfully, and bear the trials which
Thou sendest me with love and courage. In consideration of the tears and
the precious blood of Thy divine Son, by Whom I knock at the gates of Thy
mercy and kindness, grant that all misfortunes of body and soul may be
averted from me, through Christ Our Lord, Who is ever praised with Thee
and the Holy Ghost, for all eternity. Amen.
Introit.
O my God, I should be holy as Thou art holy, fountain of all sanctity; and
still Thou seest in me nothing pure. I am full of iniquity. Have mercy on
me, make manifest in me Thy mercy. I present to Thee, in sorrow and
humility, the Infant Jesus as my intercessor. Look upon Him, O heavenly
Father, the brightness of Thy own glory, now lying in a crib in a wretched
stable. And from that lowly bed He raises up His little hands, begging for
pardon, in order that we, His erring brothers and sisters, may be brought
back to Thy paternal Heart, and to ward off the punishment which we so
richly deserve. O divine Redeemer, despise not our confidence! Stretch out
Thy almighty right hand and draw us forth from the floods of our sins,
miseries, and iniquities, so that we may gratefully thank Thee and the
Father for all eternity. Amen.
Gospel.
We render Thee, O loving Jesus, our everlasting thanksgiving for having
descended from Thy unspeakable happiness in heaven to this miserable
earth, where Thou dost wish to console Thy needy creatures and to teach us
by Thy holy Gospel the way to heaven. Who would not approach Thee with
confidence, when he sees Thee, the infinite God, wrapped in swaddling‐
clothes, resting on the bosom of the purest and tenderest of Mothers, with
hands full of graces and a Heart full of love! Even though untold misery
should overwhelm our hearts, and innumerable desires consume our souls,
still we would take confidence from this kindness and love, and our souls
would be filled with happiness and peace. Look upon me, then, O gracious
Infant! and by that look of kindness may my intellect be enlightened to
understand the divine truths; may my will be inflamed to fulfil Thy
commands and inspirations, and my memory continually suggest Thy promises
and Thy goodness. So that on the altar of my heart may be placed a triple
sacrifice of faith, hope, and charity, and then I can claim from Thy
majesty new graces and benedictions upon myself, upon those in whom I am
interested, and upon all those on whom the light of the Gospel has not
shone, that we may become vessels to Thy honor and love, and may praise
Thy mercies for all eternity. Amen.
Offertory.
As I kneel in spirit at the crib of Bethlehem, and see the divine Infant
offering Himself to the heavenly Father for my sins, so I bring, as an
offering with the priest, my poor heart which thirsts for Thee. Oh, that I
could offer Thee as gifts many virtuous acts! but bowed down in the dust
of my own nothingness, I cannot offer anything more than an empty,
sorrowful heart. Look upon it with mercy, and send upon it the dew of Thy
grace and love, which will quickly bear fruit of humility and meekness.
Adorn my soul with the flowers of devotion, that my whole life may become
a song of praise and petition for mercy. Amen.
Sanctus.
Unfathomable, O Lord God, are the depths of Thy mysteries, and wonderful
the inventions of Thy mercy. Faith teaches me that He Who is in the crib,
and weeps and trembles, is the One Whose thunder rolls in the clouds, at
the sound of Whose voice cherubim and seraphim veil their faces with their
wings. What a manifestation of humility and love do I contemplate in this!
Come, O Lord, with Thy all‐conquering love, and enkindle my cold heart and
the hearts of all careless Christians with the flames of love! Come to me
in the fulness of Thy graces and blessings, and stir up my sluggish humor;
enlighten all needy souls with the abundance of Thy eternal brightness,
that we may now, and for all eternity, sing the angelic anthem: Holy,
holy, holy, is Our God! Amen.
The Secret.
O kind Father! in humility I beg of Thee, through Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, may our sacrifice and prayers please Thee. Bless me, bless those
who are here present at this sacrifice, and bless also all who are needy
and suffering. I pray Thee especially for the holy Catholic Church and her
ministers, that Thou mayest keep them in peace and harmony; that Thou
mayest protect and govern them, and mayest pour into their souls that
peace which the divine Infant brought to this earth—Who alone is the cause
of the happiness which we enjoy here below. I wish to join the angels in
exclaiming, “Peace to my soul, peace to all men of good‐will.”
Consecration.
Look down, O Lord God the Father! on this altar where Thy divine Son
adores Thee as He did from the stable of Bethlehem, and offers Himself as
a spotless lamb as He did on Calvary. We unite our prayers with His, and
we beg of Thy unlimited mercy that Thou wouldst listen to the pleading of
this divine Heart and of this precious blood, and grant us what is
pleasing to Thee. Grant that we may grow in the odor of sanctity of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, and share with Him eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
After The Consecration.
O divine Infant Jesus, give me the grace to realize the wonders of Thy
holy love! In all humility I consecrate myself to Thee as a holocaust to
Thy holy condescension. Oh, that I were able to adore Thee with that
sincere and heartfelt devotion with which the holy Virgin, St. Joseph, the
pious shepherds, the Magi, and all the fervent adorers of Thy divine
infancy adored Thee. With all my soul I will love Thee. All the movements
of my heart shall be directed towards Thee; my soul shall be Thy dwelling.
With Thy grace I will fulfil all the duties of my state in life. Change
this sinful man into a new being by Thy almighty love, by the same love
with which Thou hast changed the bread and wine into Thy adorable body and
blood. May Thy profound humility restrain the pride of my heart; may Thy
wonderful purity transform me into a lily of purity for the heavenly
garden, and Thy love guide me through the storms of this wretched life to
the habitation of bliss: to Thy throne, where ever and ever springs forth
life without end. Amen.
Commemoration Of The Dead.
Remember, also, O most merciful Jesus! all Thy servants who have departed
this life, marked with the seal of faith and charity, and who sleep the
sleep of peace. Let them all feel, according to their burning desire, the
power of the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Open to them the gates of heaven,
the abode of light and peace, that they may join the innumerable chorus of
angels and saints, who praise and love Thee for all eternity. Amen.
Agnus Dei.
O immaculate Lamb of God, suffering all human tribulations! teach me to
tear myself away from the affections of earthly things, which still keep
me from adhering solely to Thee. O gracious Lamb of God, Who didst descend
from heaven to bring grace and light into my needy soul! let the dew of
Thy kindness descend upon this barren land of my heart, to enrich it with
many virtues. O pure Lamb of God, Prince of peace and love! calm in my
soul all disquiet, and let it be inflamed with the flames of Thy holy
love, whence all my words and actions derive their merit. Amen.
Communion.
O dearest Jesus, my Redeemer! from the stable of Bethlehem Thou callest to
me, “Come to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh
you.”—Matt. xi. 28. Pressed and overwhelmed with many trials, my soul
longs for Thee, and desires to partake of the heavenly banquet of Thy
flesh and blood, and to be united to Thee most intimately. Come, O Lord,
to comfort my languishing spirit! strengthen my weak resolutions; change
my whole being into something more pleasing to Thee. What heart is not
softened by Thy loving glance, and desires not to be one with Thee? Admit
my heart to a union with Thine, that both may be consumed together. As dry
wood easily takes fire from flames, so may my heart begin to burn
brightly, and whatever is displeasing to Thee be consumed by Thy holy
love. Let me find rest in the enjoyment of Thy divinity; and let me have
no earthly attachments, so that when I shall be loosed from the ties of
this world, I may fly to Thee, and rest in Thy bosom.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me:
Body of Christ, save me:
Blood of Christ, inebriate me:
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me:
O good Jesus, hear me:
Within Thy wounds hide me:
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me:
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.
Conclusion.
Accept, O Blessed Trinity! my grateful thanks for the graces which Thou
hast poured upon my soul during this holy sacrifice, which I have attended
in honor of the holy infancy. And then, O divine Infant! permit me to
remain with Thee whilst I am engaged in the duties of my state in life.
Make me ever mindful of that gratitude which I ought to have for Thy holy
love; let me feel the truth of the words, “I have found Him Whom my soul
loveth”; I will never be separated from Him. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus.
(Form to which an indulgence of three hundred days was granted by
Pope Pius IX., who suppressed all other forms.)
Lord, have mercy on us.
_Christ, have mercy on us._
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
_Jesus, graciously hear us._
God the Father of heaven, _Have mercy on us._
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, _Have mercy on us._
God the Holy Ghost, _Have mercy on us._
Holy Trinity, one God, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, Son of the living God, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, splendor of the Father, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, king of glory, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, sun of justice, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus amiable, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus admirable, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, the powerful God, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, father of the world to come, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, angel of the great council, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, most powerful, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, most patient, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, most obedient, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, lover of chastity, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, lover of us, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, God of peace, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, author of life, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, model of all virtues, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, zealous for souls, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, our God, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, our refuge, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, father of the poor, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, good shepherd, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, true light, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, eternal wisdom, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, infinite goodness, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, our way and our life, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, joy of the angels, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, king of the patriarchs, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, master of the apostles, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, strength of martyrs, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, light of confessors, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, purity of virgins, _Have mercy on us._
Jesus, crown of all saints, _Have mercy on us._
Be merciful. _Spare us, O Jesus!_
Be merciful, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From all evil, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From all sin, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From Thy wrath, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From the snares of the devil, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From the spirit of fornication, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From eternal death, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
From the neglect of Thy inspirations, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, _Graciously hear us,
O Jesus_!
Through Thy nativity, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy infancy, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy most divine life, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy labors, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy agony and Passion, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy cross and dereliction, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy languors, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy death and burial, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy resurrection, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy ascension, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy joys, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Through Thy glory, _Deliver us, O Jesus._
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Spare us, O
Jesus!_
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Graciously
hear us, O Jesus!_
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Have mercy on
us, O Jesus!_
Jesus, hear us.
_Jesus, graciously hear us!_
_Let Us Pray._
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said, “Ask, and it shall be given
you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to
you,” grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask the gift of Thy divine
love, that we may love Thee with our whole heart, in word and
work, and never cease from showing forth Thy praise.
Grant, O Lord, that we may have a perpetual fear and love of Thy
holy name, for Thou never failest to direct and govern those whom
Thou hast instructed in Thy true and solid love, through the same
Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Litany of the Infant Jesus.
(_For Private Devotion Only._)
Lord, have mercy.
_Lord, have mercy._
Christ, have mercy.
_Christ, have mercy._
Lord, have mercy.
_Lord, have mercy._
Infant Jesus, hear us.
_Infant Jesus, graciously hear us._
God, the Father of heaven, _Have mercy on us._
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, _Have mercy on us._
God the Holy Ghost, _Have mercy on us._
Holy Trinity, one God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant Jesus, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, very God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Son of the living God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, begotten before the morning star, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Word made flesh, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, wisdom of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, purity of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, only Son of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, only‐born of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, image of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Creator of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, splendor of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, honor of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, equal to Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, subject to Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, joy of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, riches of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, gift of Thy Father, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, offering of Thy Mother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, precious fruit of a Virgin, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Creator of man, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, power of God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, our God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, our Brother, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, perfect man from Thy conception, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, ancient in wisdom from Thy childhood, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, father of ages, _Have mercy on us._
Infant of days, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, giving life and nourished at the breast, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, Eternal Word, and making Thyself dumb, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, weeping in Thy crib, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, thundering in the heavens, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, terror of hell, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, joy of paradise, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, dreaded by tyrants, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, desired by the Magi, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, exiled from Thy people, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, king in exile, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, destroyer of idols, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, vindicator of the glory of God, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, strong in weakness, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, powerful in abasement, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, treasure of grace, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, fountain of love, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, author of the blessings of heaven, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, repairer of the evils of earth, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, head of the angels, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, stem of the patriarchs, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, word of the prophets, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, expectation of nations, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, joy of the shepherds, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, light of the Magi, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, salvation of children, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, hope of the just, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, teacher of doctors, _Have mercy on us._
Infant, first‐fruits of the saints, _Have mercy on us._
Be merciful, _Spare us, O Infant Jesus_!
Be merciful, _Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus_!
From the bondage of the children of Adam, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From the slavery of the devil, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From the corruption of the world, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From the lust of the flesh, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From the pride of life, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From an immoderate desire of knowledge, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From blindness of mind, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From perversity of will, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
From our sins, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most pure conception, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most humble birth, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy tears, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most painful circumcision, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most glorious epiphany, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most devout presentation, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy most innocent conversation in the world, _Infant Jesus,
deliver us._
Through Thy most holy life, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy poverty, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy sorrows, _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Through Thy labors and trials. _Infant Jesus, deliver us._
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. _Spare us. O Infant
Jesus!_
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. _Graciously hear us. O
Infant Jesus!_
Lamb of God. Who takest away the sins of the world. _Have mercy on us. O
Infant Jesus!_
Infant Jesus, hear us,
_Infant Jesus, graciously hear us_!
_Let Us Pray._
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst vouchsafe so to annihilate the greatness of
Thy incarnate divinity and most sacred humanity, as to be born in time,
and become a little child; grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom
in the silence of a child, power in weakness, majesty in abasement: so
that adoring Thy humiliations on earth, we may contemplate Thy glories in
heaven. Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, God,
forever and ever. Amen.
The Mysteries of the Sacred Infancy.
(For every day of this month and each 25th day of every month during the
year.)
_V._ Incline unto my aid, O God.
_R._ O Lord, make haste to help me.
_V._ Glory be to the Father, etc.
_R._ As it was in, etc. Our Father, etc.