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1
CATECHISM
OF THE
CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
FOR THE USE OF
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS,
AND
Especially for those Children IN OUR Sunday Schools who have made their First Communion.
BY
J. H. SLIXGER, O. P.
PEEMISSU .ysSgSsd^T^ SUPHEIOETJM,
NEW YORK: PRINTED BY P. F. McBREEN, 14 & 16 ANN STREET.
-p^'l^
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877,
By key. J. H. SLINGER, O. P.,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
Thb Library of congrbss
washington
PREFACE.
This CatechiBm is not intended to take the place of the small Catechisms now in common use in the United States, but to supplement them. The author having charge of a large Sunday- School for some years, felt the necessity of a Catechism for advanced pupils, which, while giving a much fuller explanation of the doctrines of our holy faith, would also give the same answers as those already learned whenever it would be found necessary to ask any of the questions contained in the small Catechisms.
With this aim the present Catechism has been prepared, thus making it easy for the children, since they are not required to learn new answers to the same questions. It has also been the author's aim to make the questions and answers as clear and concise as possible.
The texts and examples from Scripture for the elucidation of the questions considered have been chosen with great care ; these alone would make a valuable collection, and should be committed to memory, as they contain some of the proofs of the doctrines of the Catholic Church. The two Litanies in the Morning and Evening Prayers, and the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, are inserted in this Catechism for the purpose of famil- iarizing the children with them, and teaching them how to say them correctly; the Prayers at Mass, to avoid the necessity of a Prayer Book; and a collection of familiar hymns which may be sung by the children during Mass, and at the beginning and close of Sunday School.
Feast op St. Dominic, ) J. H. S.
New York, 1877. f
THE MANNER OF LAY PERSON BAPTIZING INFANTS, IN CASE OF DANGER OF DEATH.
Take common water ^ pour it on the head or face of the childj and while you are pouring iiy say the following words:
I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Note. — Any person, whether man, woman, or child, may baptize an infant in case of danger of death. But a parent should never baptize his own child, unless no one else is at hand to baptize it.
MEMORAEE.
Eemember, O most pious Virgin Mary, that it was never known or heard of, that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was ever abandoned by thee ; in- spired with this confidence, O Virgin Mother, to thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrow- ful.
(Here pause and make your petition. )
O mother of the Word Incarnate do not despise my petition but haar and in Ihy mercy grant it. Amen»
Poiining pragijrs.
^ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
AN ACT OF ADORATION.
O Great God, the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth ! I prostrate myself before Thee. With all the angels and saints I adore Thee. I acknowledge Thee to be my Creator and Sovereign Lord, my first beginning and my last end. I render to Thee the homage of my being and life. I submit myself to Thy holy will, and I devote myself to Thy divine service noAV and forever.
AN ACT OF FAITH.
O my God ! I firmly believe all the sacred truths which the holy Catholic Church be- lieves and teaches, because thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be de- ceived.
MORKIlSra PBAYERS.
AN ACT OF HOPE.
O my God ! relying upon Thy infinite: goodness and promises, I hope to obtaini pardon of my sins, the assistance of Thy grace and life everlasting, through the merits^ of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
AN ACT OF LOYE.
O my God ! I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and soul, purely because ' Thou art infinitely perfect and deserving of all love. I love also my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
O glorious Trinity ! I praise Thee and give Thee thanks for the numberless benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me. I thank Thee, O heavenly Father ! for having created me to Thy own image and likeness, and for having preserved me to this day. I thank Thee, O merciful Son ! for having redeemed me by Thy death, and so often fed me with Thy precious body and blood. I thank thee, O Holy Ghost ! for having cleansed my soul by
MOPvNINa PKAYERS. 7
Thy grace in holy baptism, for having called me to the true faith, and so often washed me from my sins in the sacrament of penance. I thank Thee, O most bountiful God ! for having preserved me the past night, and granting me this day to serve Thee. I earnestly invite all the saints of heaven and earth to join with me in i^raise and thanks- giving for Thy infinite goodness.
AN ACT OF CONTRITION.
O my God ! I am most heartily sorry for all my sins, and I detest them above all things from the l3ottom of my heart, because they displease Thee, O my God ! who art most deserving of all my love; and I firmly pur- pose, by Thy holy grace, never more to offend Thee, and to do all that I can to atone for my sins and amend my life.
THE LOED's prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallo w^ed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. Amen,
MORNIXa PRAYERS.
THE ANGELICAL SALUTATION.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE apostles' CBEED.
T believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was con- ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was cru- cified, dead and buried; He descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life ever- lasting. Amen.
THE CONFITEOR.
I confess to Almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to
MORNIl^a PRAYERS. 9
the holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
May the Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to ever- lasting life. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution and remission of all my sins. Amen. ♦
INVOKE THE BLESSED VIRGIN, YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL AND YOUR PATRON SAINT.
O holy Virgin, mother of God, my advo- cate and patroness, pray for thy poor servant, show thyself a mother to me; and thou, O blessed spirit whom God in his mercy has appointed to watch over me, intercede for me this day, that I may not stray from the path of virtue. Thou also, O happy saint whose name I bear, pray for me, that I may serve God faithfully in this life, as thou hast done, and glorify Him eternally with thee in heaven. Amen.
10 MOElSriNG PEAYERS.
THE LITANY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God.
Jesus, Son of the living God,
Jesus, splendor of the Father,
Jesus, brightness of eternal life,
Jesus, king of glory,
Jesus, Son of Justice,
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary,
Jesus, most amiable,
Jesus, most admirable,
Jesus, powerful God,
Jesus, Father of the world to come,
Jesus, angel of the Great Council,
Jesus, most patient,
Jesus, most obedient,
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Jesus, lover of chastity,
Jesus, God of peace,
Jesus, lover of mankind,
Jesus, author of life,
Ob
Co
MORl^Il^G PRAYERS. 11
Jesus, model of virtues,
Jesus, zealous for souls,
Jesus, our God,
Jesus, our refuge,
Jesus, father of the poor,
Jesus, treasure of the faithful,
Jesus, good shepherd,
Jesus, true light,
Jesus, eternal wisdom,
Jesus, infinite goodness,
Jesus, our way and our life,
Jesus, joy of angels,
Jesus, king of the patriarchs,
Jesus, master of the apostles,
Jesus, teacher of the evangelists^
Jesus, strength of martyrs,
Jesus, light of confessors,
Jesus, purity of virgins,
Jesus, crow^n of all saints.
Be merciful unto us. Spare uSy 0 Jesus I
Be merciful unto us. Hear us^ 0 Jesus !
From all evil,
From all sin,
From thy w^rath,
From the snares of the devil,
From the spirit of uncleanness,
From eternal death.
From the neglect of thy inspiration,
By the mystery of thy incarnation,
5^
12 MORKINa PRAYERS.
By thy nativity,
By thy childhood,
By thy labors,
By thy agonj^ and passion;
By th}^ death and burial,
By thy resurrection,
By thy ascension,
By thy joys.
By thy glory,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world, Spare us, 0 Jesus ! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world, Hear us, 0 Jesus/ Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the
world, Have mercy on us, 0 Jesus I
Jesus, hear us,
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ ! who hast said, ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you; mer- cifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the gift of Thy divine charity, that w^e may ever love Thee Avith our w^hole heart, and never desist from Thy praise, Avho livest and reignest one God, Avorld without end. Amen.
MORIS^IKG PPwAYEES. 13
THE ANGELUS DOMINI. *Io he said Morning, Noon and Night.
1. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary: and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, etc.
2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord: may it be done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, etc.
3. And the word was made flesh : and dwelt among us. Hail Mary, etc.
Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, to Avhom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by bis passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance always remain with us, and may the souls of the faithful dei^arted, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May the peace and blessing of Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost de- scend upon us and remain with us forever. Amen.
1
14 MOEiS^IKG PRAYERS,
Befm^e you 'begin your work say.
O my God ! I offer Thee this work ; vouchsafe to give it Thy blessing.
During the day.
Raise yonr mind to God from time to time, especially when you hear the clock strike, saying.
Grant, O my God ! that all the actions of this hour, and those of every moment of my life, may be to Thy honor and glory.
As soon as you perceive you have fallen into any sin, ask pardon for it, saying.
O my God ! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I make a firm resolution, with the help of Thy grace, never more to fall into this sin, to confess it, to do penance for it, and avoid the occasions of it.
Before meals say.
Bless US; O Lord ! and these. Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy' bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
After meals say.
We give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
(Bticning pragers.
At night, before going to bed, kneel down and say the follow- ing prayers.
^ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
AN ACT OF xVDOEATION. O great God ! etc. (Page 5.)
ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. I be- lieve in God, etc. (Pages 7-8.)
Beg of God to make known to you yonr sins. PRAYER.
O Holy Ghost, eternal source of light ! remove my darkness, and dispel those shades that hide from me the filth and enormity of my offences. Show me, I beseech thee, the sins I have this day committed, in thought, word and action. Grant me a feeling sense of them, that I may detest them all from the bottom of my heart, and dread nothing so much as ever to commit them hereafter.
Here pause awhile and examine your conscience on the Com- mandments of God, the Commandments of the Church, the seven deadly sins and the duties of your particular state of life.
16 EVENi:N^a PKAYERS.
THE CONMTEOR. I confess to Almighty Gocl, etc.
AN ACT OF CONTRITION.
O my God ! I am most heartily sorry f oj all my sins, etc. (Page 7 .)
A firm purpose of ainendmenU
O eternal God ! against whom I have sin- ned, I wish from my heart that I had neven offended Thee ; but as I have been so unhappy,
0 ! grant me now grace never more to offendi Thee. Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner, , but rather that he be converted and live.. Convert me then and I shall be converted.. Have merey on me according to Thy great mercy, and acccording to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my iniquities.
1 renounce all sin, and firmly purpose to shun all the occasions of it, and to walk henceforth in the path of Thy commandments. This is my fixed resolution, which I hope I shall faithfully keep, relying upon Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I EVEIS^ING PRAYERS. 17
THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED YIKGIN.
Anthem,
/ We fly to thy patronage, O holy mother bf God ! despise not our prayers in our neees- ities, but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin !
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have
mercy 07i us, God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity*, one God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Holy mother of God, Holy virgin of virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother undefiled. Mother inviolate. Mother most amiable. Mother most admirable, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Redeemer,
^3
Co
18 EYE]sri]srG piiayeks.
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned.
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice.
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy.
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Vessel of singular devotion.
Mystical rose, i^
Tower of David, -|^
Tower of ivory, ^
House of gold, [■ ^
Ark of the covenant, ^
Gate of heaven, ^
Morning star, ?o
Health of the weak.
Refuge of sinners,
Comfort of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels.
Queen of patriarchs.
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles,
Queen of martyrs.
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins.
Queen of all saints,
S,
EVElS^IlS^a PRAYERS. 19
Queen of the most holy Rosary, )
Queen conceived without sin, ) ^^yf^'^-
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare iis^ 0 Lord!
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world. Have r)iercy on us, O Lord!
V. Pray for us, O holy mother of God !
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord ! Thy grace into our hearts that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. The Angelus Domini, etc. (Page 13.)
ROSAKY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
^ In the name of the Father, etc.
V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee :
R. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips.
20 EVEl^ING PRAYERS.
R. And my tongue shall announce thy, praise.
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, etc.
THE FIRST PART. The Five Joyful Mystekies.
First Mystery. — The Incarnation. Our Father^ ten Hail Marys^ Glory he to the Fatlier,
Second Mystery. — The visitation of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin St. Elizabeth. Our Father^ etc.
Third Mystery. — The birth of our Lord) Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Our Father, etc.
Fourth Mystery. — The presentation of ourt blessed Lord in the temple. Our Father^ etc.
Fifth Mystery. — The finding of the Childl Jesus in the temple.
Our Father y etc.
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, ouri life, our sweetness, and our hope ! to thee we? cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee^
EVEITIKG PRAYERS. 21
we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears; turn then, most gracious advocate, thy eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, is ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary !
V. Pray for us, O holy mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray,
O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life ! grant, we beseech thee, that, meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Kosary of the blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, throuo^h the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
>^ In the name of the Father, etc. THE SECOND PART. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries.
FiKST Mystery. — The prayer and bloody sweat of our blessed Saviour in the garden. Our Father^ etc.
Second Mystery. — The scourging of our blessed Lord at the pillar. (hir Father^ etc.
22 EVENING PRAYERS
Third Mystery. — The crowning of our bles- sed Saviour with thorns.
Our Father^ etc.
Fourth Mystery. — Our Saviour carrying his cross.
Our Fatlisr^ etc.
Fifth Mystery. — The crucifixion.
Our Father, etc., ^^ Hail, Holy Queen" etc., ^^ Pray for us,''' etc., and *'0 God,^'' etc., as in first part.
THE THIRD PART. The Five Glorious Mysteries. First Mystery. — The resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Our Father^ etc.
Second Mystery. — The ascension of Christ into heaven.
Our FatTier, etc.
Third Mystery. — The coming of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles and disciples. Our Father, etc.
Fourth Mystery. — The assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary into heaven.
Our Fatlier, etc.
Fifth Mystery. — The coronation of the the blessed Virgin Mary in heaven.
Our Father, etc., ''Hail, Holy Queen,'^ etc., '^Pray, for us;' etc., and ''0 God^' etc.
d^atfirliism*
OK THE END OF MAN.
1. W7iy did God make you ?
That I might know Him, love Him and serve Him in this world, and be hajDpy with Him forever in the next.
2. What must we do if we would Jcnoio^
love and serve God in tliis worlds and he happy loith Him in the next? 1. We must believe all that God has re- vealed; 2. We must keep the commandments which He has ordered to be kept; 3. We must use the means of grace — -the sacraments and prayer — ^ which he has ordained for our salvation.
3. Why must we^ in order to he saved^
helieve^ keep the commandments and use the means of grace f 1. We must believe, because ^'without faith it is impossible to please God." Heb. xi. 16. 2. We must keep the commandments, be- cause Christ says, " If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. xix. 17. 3. We must use the means of grace, be- cause by them we obtain the help necessary for salvation.
24 CATJ^CllISM.
4. What loill hecome of those who will
not Tcnom^ love and serve God ? He will cast them from Him forever. '* The unprofitable servant, cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weep- ing and gnashing of teeth." Matt. xxv. 30.
5. What is the most necessary thing for
us to do in this life ? The most necessary thing for us to do in this life is to know, love and serve God, in order to save our souls and gain heaven. *' What doth it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose liis own soul ? " Matt, xvi. 26. " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice." Matt vi. 33.
6. WJiat is heaven ?
Heaven is a place of eternal and perfect happiness where the just shall see, love and enjoy God forever.
7. What must we do to save our souls f We must worship God by faith, hope and
charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart.
8. IIoio shall toe know the things which
we are to believe ? From the Catholic Church of God, which He has appointed to teach all nations all those things which He has revealed.
9. WJio commanded the Church to teach
us?
CATECHISM. 2ia
Our Lord, when he said to the Apostles: " Go, teach all nations; and behold I am with you all days, even to the end of the world." Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.
10. WJiat is Faitn f
Faith is a gift of God infused into our souls, by which we believe, without doubting, all that He has taught and the Church pro- poses, because God has revealed it. Who can neither deceive nor be deceived. " Faith is the evidence of things that appear not." Heb. xi. 1.
11. WJiy must loe 'believe all tliat God has Q^evealed?
Because God is the eternal and infallible truth.
12. How did God reveal to us tliose things tchich we are to believe ?
He revealed them partly by Holy Scrip- ture and partly by Tradition.
13. What is the Holy Scripture ?
The Holy Scripture is a collection of books which were written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and acknowledged by the Church as the word of God. ^' The holy men of God spoke, inspired by the HolyGhost." 2 Pet.i.21.
14. Holo is the Holy Scripture divided ? The Holy Scripture is divided into the
books of the Old and New Testament.
26 CATECHISM.
15. WJiat revelations does the Old Testament contain f
The Old Testament contains tlie divine revelations which were made to man before the coming of Christ.
16. What revelations does the Neio Testament contain ?
The New Testament contains the revela- tions which we have received through Christ and the Apostles.
17. Is it enough to helieve that only loliich is contained in the Holy Scripture ?
ISTo; we must also believe tradition; that is, those revealed truths which the Apostles preached but did not give in writing. ^'Therefore, brethern, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have learned whether by 'iciord or by our epistles." 2 Thess. ii. 14.
18. Hoio are we to know those things ^ohich God has revealed by Holy Scripture and hy Tradition f
From the Catholic Church, which Christ has established to teach all truth.
19. But^ is not the meaning of Holy Scripture clear in itself^ and easy to he understood hy every one ?
No; for St. Peter, speaking of the epistles of St. Paul, says: '^In which are certain
CATECHISM. 27
things hard to be understood, and which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, to their own destruc- tion." 2 Pet. iii. 16.
20. Is it true that the Bible alone is the only Rule of Faith ?
No; for not the Bible alone, but the Bible and tradition, both infallibly interpreted by the Church, are the right rule of faith.
21. Is faith necessary for salvation? Faith is absolutely necessary for salvation,
for, ^' Avithout faith it is impossible to please God." Heb. xi. 6. ''He that believeth not shall be condemned." Mark xvi. 16.
22. What Mud of faith must we have? We must have faith which is 1, "Universal;
2, Firm; 3, Lively; 4, Constant.
23. When is our faith uxiyeksal % Our faith is universal when we believe not
only some^ but all^ the truths which the Catholic Church teaches. Christ says : '^ Teach them to observe all things w^hatso- ever I have commanded you." Matt, xxviii. 20. He who believes only what he pleases has not faith at all, for he does not believe God but his own judgment.
24. When is our faith firm ?
Our faith is firm Avhen we believe without the least doubt. Example of Abraham, who
28 CATECHISM.
was rewarded for his fir'm faith. Gen. xxii.
25. When is our faith lively %
Our faith is lively when we live up to it; that is, when we avoid evil and do good as our faith teaches. " As the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." James ii. 26.
26. When is our faith cois^staistt ? Our faith is constant when we are ready to
lose all, even our life, rather than fall away from it. Example of the Holy Martyrs.
27. How do we especially show that our faith is FIRM and cois'STJ^nt ?
By never denying it, even in appearance, but by professing it on every occasion in word and deed. "Every one that shall con- fess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But he hat shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heav- en." Matt. X. 32, 33.
THE apostles' CREED.
1. What are the chief things which God teaches^ and which we are obliged to Tcnow and believe? They are contained in the Apostles' Creed.
CATECHISM. 29
2. Why is it called the Apostles^ Creed ? Because it comes down from the Apostles.
Before they separated to " go into the whole w^orld and preach the gcspel to every crea- ture/' they composed this Creed, that the faithful might believe and speak the same things.
3. Say the Apostles^ Creed ?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was con- ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Al- mighty; thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the com- munion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Aeticle I.
4. Wliat is the First Article of the Apostles^ Creed? I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
30 CATECHISM.
5. What is Godf
God is a spirit; the Creator and Lord of lieaven and earth, G. WTiy do toe call God a spirit f
We call God a spirit because He has under- standing and free will, but no body. John iv. 24.
7. JVJiy is He called AlmigMy ? Because He can do all things whatsoever
He pleases, and nothing is hard or impossible to Him. ''He spoke and they were made." Ps. cxlviii,
8. Why is he called Creator of heaven
and earth f Because He made heaven and earth and all things out of nothing by His only word. ''In the beginning God created heaven and earth." Gen. i. 1.
9. Had God any beginning ?
No; He always was, and always will be. " From eternity to eternity Thou art God." Ps. Ixxxix. 2.
10. Where is God?
God is everywhere. " For in Him we live and move and are." Acts xvii. 28, and Ps. cxxxviii. 7-12.
11. Does God Jcnow and see all tilings ? Yes; He does know and see all things."
" For the eyes of the Lord are far brighter
CATECHISM. 81
than the sun, beholding round about all the ways of men." Ecclus xxiii. 28.
12. Holo Quany persons are there in God? There are three persons in God: God the
Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 19, ''And these three are one." (God.) 1 John v. 7.
13. V/Jiat special benefits Jiave you re- ceived from each person of the Blessed Trinity ?
God the Father created me; God the Son redeemed me, and God the Holy Ghost sanctified me. 14.- Who.t do you mean hy angels ?
Pure spirits created by God, to minister to Him, and to enjoy eternal happiness with Him in heaven. Their number is very great. " Thousands of thousands ministered to Him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stood before Him." Dan. vii. 10.
15. In lohat state were the angels lohen God created them ?
They were all good and happy.
16. Did they all remain good and happy f
No; many rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven and hurled into hell. " God spared not the angels that sinned, but delivered them .... to the lower hell, unto torments. 2 Pet. ii. 4
32 CATECHISM.
17. How has God rewarded the angels who remained good ?
He has rewarded them with eternal happi- ness, which consists in seeing, loving and enjoying him forever. "Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." Matt, xviii. 10.
18. Holo do the good angels feel towards
us? The good angels love us; they protect us in soul and body, pray for us and exhort us to do good." '^Ile hath given His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Ps. xc. 11.
19. Wliat do we call those angels %oho are given to man for his protection?
Guardian Angels.
20. What is our duty toioards our Guardian Angels f
We must be devout to them, thankful to them and follow their admonitions. "Be- hold I will send My angel who shall go before thee. Take notice of him and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned." Exod. xxiii. 20, 21.
21. How do the wicked angels feel towards us ?
The wicked angels, through hatred and envy, try to injure us in soul and body, and,
CATECHISM. 33
by tempting us to sin, try to draw ns into hell with themselves. *' Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Pet- v- 8.
Advice^ Beware of being like the wicked angels, by sinning or causing others to sin. Imitate the good angels; be innocent, humble, pious, devout and always ready to promote the welfare of your neighbor. Every day venerate your Guardian Angel, and recom- mend yourself to him in all dangers of soul and body. (Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.)
22. Did God create any beings to talce the place of the fallen angels ?
Yes; God created man, a being composed of soul and body, having free will, memory and understanding, only ''a little less than the angels," (Ps. viii. 6.) to fill up the place of the fallen angels in heaven.
23. Hoio did God malie the first man^ Adam ?
God formed a body of the slime of the earth and breathed an immortal soul into it, and the first man was made. Gen. ii. 7.
24. *IIoio did God create Eve^ the first woman ?
He took a lib from Adam's side while he was asleep, and out of it made the body of
34 CATECHISM.
Eve, and breathed into it an immortal soul. Gen. ii. 21.
25. WJiat is the soul ?
A spirit like to God, in being immortal, and having free will, memory and under- standing.
26. In wliat state was man created ? Man was created in the state of innocence:
was good and happy.
27. In what state was the soul of man f In tbe state of sanctifying grace- Mar
was a child of God and had a right to heaven.
28. In what state were tliepoiocrs of hit
soul ? His will was strong and inclined to good his memory was perfect, so that he would never forget anything, and liis understanding was filled with wisdom.
29. In what state teas the hody of mani It was full of strength, free from suffering
and it was immortal.
30. On iDhat condition did our firsi parents receive these gifts ?
On condition that they should keep the commandment of God, not to cat of thefruii of a certain tree. Gen. ii. 17.
31. Did Adam and Eve Iceep tJiis com- mandment ?
CATECHISM. 35
They broke the commandment of God, and cat of the forbidden fruit. Gen. iii. G. C3. What punishment came upon Adam g, and Eve?
They lost their original innocence and their right to heaven; were driven from Paradise, and became subject to temptations, suffering and death. Gen. iii.
33. Did this sin injure only our first parents ?
No; but it injured the whole human race in its origin, so that all their descendants I are born in original sin.
34. How do you know this ?
From St. Paul, who says: "By one man \ sin entered into this world, and by sin, death: I and so death passed unto all men (from Adam) in whom all have sinned." Rom, v. ,12.
35. Was anyone f reef rom original sin? Yes ; Mary, the immaculate Virgin mother
of God, was conceived wdthout original sin.
36. What would have become of man if God had not shown him mercy ?
No one could have received grace or have been saved
37. Hoio did God show mercy to man ? He promised man a Saviour who should
take away sin from him, and obtain for him grace and a right to heaven- Gen. iii. 15.
36 CATECHISM.
Advice, If at any time the image of God in the soul be destroyed by sin, restore it as soon as you can by penance and a good con- fession.
Article II.
38. What is tJie Second Article of the Apostles^ Oreed?
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
39. What does the name '' Jesus ^'' sig- nify?
The name Jesus signifies Saviour or Re- deemer. " Thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. i. 21.
40. What does the icord Christ signify? The word Christ — in Hebrew, Messias —
signifies anointed.
4i. Why is our Saviour called the Anointed f Because in the Old Law. the prophets, high priests and kings were anointed withi oil, and our Saviour is our greatest prophet,, priest and king. Acts iii. 22, Heb. iv. 14,, John xviii. 37. ''Jesus of Nazareth: how- God anointed Him with the Holy Ghost and I power." Acts x. 38. 42. WJiat do you helieve of Jesus CJtrist?
CATECHISM. 37
I believe he is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true Man.
43. Wliy is He true God f
Because He is the true and only Son of God the Father, born of Him before all ages and perfectly equal to Him.
44. Why is He true Man ?
Because He is the true Son of the blessed Virgin Mary, and has a body and soul like ours.
45. Was He always hotJi God and Man? He was always God, equal to His Father,
from all eternity. He. was not always man, but only from the time He came down from heaven for our redemption.
46. Wliy loas He made Man ? To save us from sin and hell.
Akticle III.
47. What is the Ihird Article of the Apostles^ Creed ?
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.
48. Holo toas He made Man ?
He was conceived and made Man by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of
38 CATECHISM.
the Virgin Mary, without having any man for His father.
49. Holo many natures are tliere in Christ f
There are two natures in Christ: the per- fect nature of God and perfect nature of man.
50. Are there also tico distinct wills in Christ?
Yes, in Christ there are two distinct wills: His will as God and His will as man. *' Father not My will, but Thine be done." Luke xxii. 42. 61. Are there also tico persons in Christ?
No; in Christ there is but one person, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity,
52. From whom did Christ take His nature as Man ?
From Mary, His immaculate Virgin Mother, who is, therefore, also the Motlier of God.
53. Wliy is Mary called immaculate ? Because by a special grace slie was con- ceived free from original sin, and was never defiled by any stain of sin.
54. How is Mary the mother of God since Christ tooJc only His human nature from her ?
She is the *' Mother of God " because Christ, who was born of her according to the flesh, is true God,
CATECHISM. 39
56. WTiere was our JSsiviotcr Tjorn ? In a stable at Bethlehem.
56. On what day was our Samour horn? On Christms Day.
57. How old was our Saviour wTien He hegan to preach ?
He was thirty years old when He began to preach the Gospel, and His public life con- tinued during three years till His death on the cross.
58. What lessons does our San^iour teach us in His life before He began to preach ? '
He teaches ns to have in all things the ipirit of humility, poverty and obedience.
Article IV.
59. What is the Fourth Article of the Apostles^ Creed?
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was cruci fied, dead and buried.
60. What did Christ suffer ? A bloody sweat, whipping at the pillar,
crowning with thorns and the carriage of His cross.
61. What else?
He was nailed to a cross and died upon it between two thieves.
4:0 CATECHISM.
62. Did Christ really die f
Yes; His soul was really separated fromi His body.
63. Did CUirist suffer as God or as Man? ' Christ suffered as Man; that is, according
to His human iiature.
64. Why did Christ suffer ? For our sins.
65. For what sins did Christ give satisfaction ?
For the sins ^'of the whole world," (1 John ii. 2.) namely, for original sin and all the other sins of mankind. QQ, On what day did Christ suffer ?
On Good Friday.
67. Why does the Church require us to abstain froin meat on Friday ?
Because Christ died for us on that day, in fasting and torments.
68. ^Vllere did He suffer and die ?
On Mount Calvary. Having arrived at Calvary, He was stripped of His clothes, nailed to the cross and crucified upon it between two thieves; and while He was hanging on the cross. He was mocked and blasphemed by the multitude. He lived three hours on the cross, undergoing the most painful tortures, during which time the sun was darkened.
CATECHISM. 41
THE LAST SEVEN WORDS ON THE CROSS.
1. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luke xxiii. 34.
2. Amen, I say to thee, this day thou shalt be Avith me in Paradise. Luke xxiii. 43.
3. Woman, behold thy son; behold thy mother. John xix. 26, 27.
4. My God, my God, why hast Thou for- saken me. Matt, xxvii. 46.
5. I thirst. John xix. 28.
6. It is consummated. John xix. 30.
7. Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. Luke xxiii. 46- And saying this He gave up the Ghost. Luke xxiii. 46- And His soul went into Limbo, where it remained from three o'clock on Friday afternoon till early on Sunday morning, (Easter) changing it into a Paradise of delight, and hence He said to the penitent thief: ''This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." Luke xxiii. 43.
69. Has Christ merited grace and sal- "Gationfor those only who are really saved ? No ; He has merited grace and eternal sal- vation for all men without exception, as He died also for all men without exception. 2 Cor. V. 15. "Christ Jesus who give hiniself a redemption for all." 1 Tim. ii. 6.
42 CATECHISM.
70. If Christ merited eternal salxation for all^ why then are not all saved ?
Because all will not do on their part what is necessary to obtain salvation ; because they do not all believe, keep the commandments and use the means of grace. " He became to all that obey Him the cause of eternal salva- tion." Hei). V. 9.
71. Why do ice malie the sign of cross ? To put us in mind of the Blessed Trinity,
and that the Second Person became man and died on the cross.
72. WJiatputs us in mind of the Bles- sed Trinity when we maJce the sign of the cross ?
These words: '' In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matt, xxviii. 19.
73. What puts us in mind that Christ hecame man and suffered on the cross ?
The very making of, or signing ourselves with, the sign of the cross.
Akticle y.
74. What is the Fifth Article of the Apostles^ Creed?
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He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead-
75. Whither did the soul of our Saviour go after His death ?
His soul went down into that part of hell called Limbo.
76. What do you mean hy Limbo ? I mean a place of rest where the souls of
the saints were-
77. Why were the souls of the saints detained in Limbo ?
Because heaven was closed by sin, and was first to be opened by Christ.
78. Did none go up to heaven before our Saviour?
No; they expected Him to carry them up thither.
79. What means the third day He rose again from the dead f
It means that after He was dead, He raised Himself to life again the third day. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. But He spoke of the temple of His body." John ii. 19, 21.
80. On lohat day did Christ rise again from the dead ?
On Easter day He came forth glorious and immortal from the grave, secured as it was by a heavy stone and guarded by soldiers. Matt, xxviii. 2, 6.
44 CATECHISM.
81. Did Christy after His resurrection^ retain in His glorified hod^y any^ marks of His sufferings ? He still retained in His hands, feet and side the marks of His wounds. He said to • Thomas: " Put in thy finger hither (into the ; place of the nails) and see 3Iy hands; and\ bring hither thy hand and ^ut it into My side.'*'* John jcxv. 27.
Article VL
82. What is the Sixth Article of the Apostles' Creed?
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
83. When did our Saviour go up into heaven f
Forty days after He rose from the dead— on Ascension Thursday.
84. Did Christ ascend alone into heaven ?
No; Christ took up with Him the souls of the just whom He had freed from Limbo.
85. Why is lie said to sit at the right hand of God the Father ? Has God ' the Father any hands f
No; but the meaning of these words is,
CATECHISM. 45
that Christ, as God, is equal to His Father; and as man, is in the highest place in heaven. "Raising him up from the dead, and setting him on His right hand in the heavenly places." Eph. i. 20,
Abticle yil
86. Wliat is the Seventh Article of the Apostles'^ Creed?
Thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
87. Will Christ come again ?
Yes; He will come down from heaven, at the last day, to judge all men. Acts i. 11.
88. WJiat are the things He willjndge ? All our thoughts, words, works and omis- sions.
89. How loill the last judgment he held ? Christ will come in the clouds of heaven
and gather all nations before His throne, placing the good on His right hand, and the wicked on His left. Matt. xxiv. and xxv. He will make known the good and the evil which every man has done, even his most secret thoughts; and also the graces which have been given to each one; and finally He will pronounce judgment upon all. 2 Cor. v.
46 CATECHISM.
10; Apoc. XX. 12; Luke xii. 2; Mark iv. 22: and 1 Cor. iv. 5.
90. What will He say to tJiejust? " Come ye blessed of My Father, possess
the kingdom prepared for you." Matt, xxv, 34.
91. Will not every man he judged at his death as well as at the last day?
Yes; he will, for the Scripture says: "It is easy before God in the day of death to reward every one according to his ways.' Ecclus xi. 28; Heb. ix. 27.
92. What will He say to the wicTced ?
" Depart from me, ye cursed into everlast- ing fire." Matt. xxv. 41.
93. Whither does the soul go when it is judged at death ?
The soul goes to heaven, or to hell, or to purgatory.
94. Who go to purgatory ?
Those who die in less sins, which we call I venial, and those who have not satisfied the justice of God for former sins.
95. How do you Tcnow there is a pur- gatory ?
From Scripture: " It is a holy and whole- some thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sins." 2 Mac. xii. 46. Christ speaks of sins which shall be forgiven
CATECHISM. 47
in the world to come. Matt. xii. 32 ; also see Matt. V. 26, and 1 Cor. iii. 12-15. 96. Will there still be a purgatory after the general judgment ? After the general judgment there will be only heaven and hell.
Article VIII.
97. What is the Eighth Article of the Apostles'^ Creed?
I believe in the Holy Ghost.
98. Who is the Holy Ghost f
The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
99. From whom does He proceed ? From the Father and the Son.
100. Is He equal to Them ?
Yes; He is the same Lord and God as They are.
101. WJien did the Holy Ghost come down upon the Apostles f
The Holy Ghost came down upon the Apostles on Whit Sunday, or Pentecost, m the form of fiery tongues.
102. Why did He come down upon themf To enable them to preach the gospel and
plant the Church.
48 CATECHISM.
103. Is the Holy Ghost still sent at the present time ?
He is still sent in an invisible manner as often as He enters with His sanctifying grace into our souls, in order to dwell there. "Know you not that you are the temple of: God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you." 1 Cor. iii. 16.
104. How long does the Holy Ghost re- main in the soul ?
As long as the soul is free from mortal sin.
105. Does sin drive the Holy Ghost from the soul ?
Yes; mortal sin drives away the Holy Ghost and profanes the temple of God. '^If any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which you are." 1 Cor. iii. 17.,
106. What in particular are the gifts i of the Holy Ghost ?
These seven: 1, Wisdom; 2, Undei^tand- ing; 3, Counsel; 4, Fortitude; 5, Knowledge;: 6, Piety; 7, The fear of the Lord.
Article IX.
107. What is the Ninth Article of the ? Apostles'^ Creed ?
CATECHISM. 49
The Holy Oatliolic Church, the communion of saints.
108. What is the Catholic Church f All the faithful under one head, who is
Christ Jesus our Lord.
109. Has the Church any visible head on earth ?
Yes; the Bishop of Rome, who is the suc- cessor of St. Peter, and is commonly called the Pope.
110. How do we Jcnow that Christ ap- pointed St. Peter to he the head of the Church ?
Because Christ said to St. Peter: ''Thou art Peter (a rock) and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Matt. xvi. 18, 19. Again He said to Peter: '*'Feed My lambs — feed My sheep." John xxi. 15--17.
111. Was the head of the Church on earth to continue after St. Petef s death ?
Yes; for if the Church which Christ es- tablished was to continue "all days," the rock on which it was built, and the head which He had appointed to govern it, were lalso to continue} and if a visible head was
60 CATECHISM.
necessary when the Church was small, it was still more necessary when it was spread over the whole world.
112. W7io lias been the msible head of the Church since the death of St. Peter?
The Holy Father, the Pope, wha is the legitimate successor of St. Peter in the Epis- copal See of Rome, and who has always been acknowledged as the visible head of the Church, the vicar of Christ.
113. Wlien is the Pope infallible ? When, as vicar of Christ and successor of
St. Peter, he teaches the Church in faith or morals.
114. Who are the successors of the Apostles ?
The bishops of the Catholic Church, who nre to govern the Church with and underi tlieir head, the Pope. *'Take heed to your- selves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God." Acts xx. 28.
115. Through whom do bishops govern^ particular congregations ?
Through the priests or pastors who have been sent by their lawful bishops for thati; purpose, and authorized to perform the dutieSi| of the priesthood.
CATECHISM. 51
116. Has Christ established one Churchy or more than one ?
Christ has established but one Church, for
He said; '* Upon this rock I will build my
Church," not churches. Matt. xvi. 18. "There
shall be one fold and one shepherd." John
■ X. 16.
117. Is it easy toJcnow tliis one ChnrcJi? Yes; for Christ has established a visible
Church, with certain clear marks, so that it is easy to find it; for otherwise he could not have commanded ug so strongly to hear the Church. " If he will not hear the Church let him be to thee as the heathen and publi- can." Matt, xviii. 17.
118. V/hat certain clear marJcs has the Church by v^hich any one may easily Ttnoio it f
These four: The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
119. W7iic7i Church has these four marlcs ?
The Catholic Church alone.
120. Why is the Catholic Church called Roman Catholic ?
Because the Bishop of Rome is its supreme head and universal teacher.
121. How is the Church oke ? Because all its members agree in 07ie faith,
52 CATECHISK.
are^all in one communion, and are all under one head.
122. Hoio^ is the Cf/iurch holy ?
By teaching a holy doctrine; by inviting all to a holy life, and by the eminent holiness of so many thousands of its children.
123. Hoio is the CTiurch catholic or
UNIVEKSAL % Because it subsists in all ages, teaches all nations, and maintains all truth.
124. How is the Church apostolic ? Because it comes down by a perpetual suc- cession from the Apostles of Christ, and has its doctrine, its orders and its mission from them.
125. Do the Protestant churches belong to the true Church ?
No; because they have not these four marks which distinguish the Church of Christ.
126. Why are the Protestant cliurches
NOT OIS^E ? 1. Because every Protestant claims the right of forming his own belief according to his private judgment. 2. Because Protest- ants are not under one head.
127. Why are Protestant cliurches not holy ?
Because their founders were not holy. 2. Because they believe and teach error. 3.
CATECHISM. [S3
Because they contemptuously reject the sacraments instituted by Christ as the means of grace and holiness, and in consequence have not produced a single saint.
128. WJip are Protestant churches isroT
CATHOLIC or UNIVERSAL ? Because they arose only in later years, and have split into numerous sects, none of which teaches all nations, nor do any of them main- tain all truth,
129. Why are Protestant churches i^OT
APOSTOLIC ? 1. Because neither their doctrines nor their founders can be traced to the time of the Apostles. 2. Because they have no lawful successors of the Apostles, and, therefore, neither orders nor missions from them.
130. What must we conclude since the Catholic Church alone has these
four marks ? We must conclude that the Catholic Church alone is the true Church established by Jesus Christ.
131. Can the Church err in what it teaches f
No; it cannot err in matters of faith, be- cause Christ has promised us that ^'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt, xvi. 18. That the spirit of truth shall abide
54 CATECHISM.
with it forever. John xiv. 16, 17. And that He will be with it ail days, even to the end of the world. Matt, xxviii. 20.
132. W7iat does St. Paul call the Church f
St. Paul calls the Churdi *^ the pillar and ground of the truth." 1 Tim. iii. 15.
133. What gift did Christ bestow on the Church to keep it from error ?
The gift of infallibility, so that it cannot err in matters of faith or morals.
134. What words of Christ prove tlie infallibility of the Church ?
He says in St. John : " I will ask the Father and He shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you forever, the spirit of truth." John xiv. 16, 17.
135. Since the Catholic Church is the only true Churchy what is every one obliged to do ?
Every one is obliged to be a member of the Catholic Church, to believe its doctrines, to use its means of grace, and to submit to its authority.
136. Who teaches us this obligation ? Christ Himself, in these words: "If he
will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican." Matt, xviii. 17. And, "He that believeth not shall be condemned." Mark xvi. lt>.
CATECHISM. 55
137. Will every Catholic be saved f No, indeed; but only those will be saved
who keep the commandments of God and do what the Church teaches as necessary for salvation. ^' For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead." James ii. 26.
138. WTiat then do we profess to believe by these words of the Creed ^ " Ibe lieve in the Holy Catholic ChurchV '
We profess to believe that Christ has es- tablished a visible Church, infallible in its doctrine, which shall last unto the end of the world, and which we must believe and obey, without reserve, if we would obtain eternal salvation; and that this is no other than the Roman Catholic Church.
139. What is meant by the Communion of Saints ?
That in the Church of God there is a com- munion of all holy persons in all holy things.
140. Who belong to the communion of Saints ?
1. All the members of the Catholic Church upon earth; 2. All the blessed in heaven; 3. All the souls in purgatory.
141. Have we any communion with the saints in heaven ?
Yes; we communicate with them as our
56 CATECHISM.
fellow-members under the same head, Christ ; Jesus^ and we are helped by their prayers.
142. Are the souls in purgatory helped' hy our prayers f
Yes; they are helped by our prayers, and also by good works, and especially by the sacrifice of the Mass. 2 Mach. xii. 43-46.
143. WJiat do you mean by purgatory ? A middle state of souls suffering for a time
on account of their sins.
144. In what cases do souls go to pur- gatory ?
When they die in less sins, which we call venial; and when they have not satisfied the justice of God for former sins.
145. How do you prove that there is a purgatory ?
Because the Scripture often teaches that " God will render to every man according to his works;" and that ^'nothing defiled can enter heaven;" and that some Christians "shall be saved, yet so as by fire." 1 Cor. iii. 15.
Article X.
146. What is the Tenth Article of the Apostles' Creed? The forgiveness of sins.
CATECHISM. 57
147. To whom lias Christ given power to forgive sins ?
To the Apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests of the Church; for it was to them only that Christ said: '^ Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them." John XX. 23.
148. By what Sacraments are sins for- given f
By Baptism and Penance.
149. Wiat is sin ?
Any thought, word, deed or omission against the law of God.
150. What is original sin ?
It is the sin in Avhich we were born.
151. How came we to he horn in sin ? By Adam's sin, when he eat the forbidden
fruit.
152. Wliat is actual sin ?
It is the sin which we commit ourselves.
153. What is mortal sin f
That which kills the soul and deserves hell.
154. Holo does mortal sin hill the soul ? By destroying the life of the soul, which
is the grace of God.
155. What is venial sin ?
That which does not kill the soul, yet dis- pleases God.
156. Must we fear mortal sin only ?
68 CATECHISM.
No; we must fear and detest all sins,, whether mortal or venial.
Article XI.
157. W7iat is the Eleventh Article of the Apostles' Creed ? The resurrection of the body. 158. What means the resurrection of
tJiehody? That we shall rise again with the same bodies at the day of judgment.
Aritcle XII.
159. What is the Twelfth Article of the Apostles' Creed?
Life everlasting.
160. What means life everlasting ? That the good shall live forever happy in
heaven. "The just (shall go) into life ever- lasting." Matt. XXV. 46.
161. What is the happiness of heaven ? To see, love and enjoy God forever.
162. Will all be equally happy in heaven ?
No; for " Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." 1 Cor.iii.8
CATECHISM. 59
163. And sliall not the wicked live for- ever ?
Yes; they shall be punished forever in the flames of hell.
164. What is hell^ in the words of Christ ?
Hell is a ^' place of torments." Luke xvi. 28. An "everlasting punishment." Matt. XXV. 46. An "unquenchable fire." Mark ix. 44. " The exterior darkness, there shall be weep- ing and gnashing of teeth." Matt. viii. 12.
165. Who shall he condemned to the torments of hell ?
Every one who dies an enemy of God, that is, in mortal sin. " He that committeth sin is of the devil." 1 John iii. 8.
166. How do we know that the torments of hell are eternal ?
From the clear testimony of Christ and the Apostles: "Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire . . . and these shall go into everlasting punishment*" Matt. xxv. 41, 46. " And the smoke of their torments shall ascend \\^ forever and ever. Apoc. xiv. 11.
167. With what word do we conclude the Apostles'* Creed ?
With the word " Amen,'' which means "so it is "or "so be it."
60 CATECHISlVr.
168. Why do we conclude tTie ApostlesV Creed with these words f In order to declare that we firmly believe all that is contained in the Twelve Articles of the Creed, and that we are determined to live according to this belief, and to die in it.
THE CHIEF COMMAlSrDMElSrTS.
1. Will we he saved if we merely he-
lieve all that God has revealed f Ko; we mnst also keep His command- ments. " If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. xix. 17. "He that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. vii. 21.
2. What are the chief commandments which include all the others ?
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. This is the great- est and first commandment. And the second /, is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Matt. xxii. 37-40; Mark xii. 30, 31; Luke x. 27.
3. How do we Tcnow when we love God ? When we keep all His commandments:
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" He tliat hath My commandments and keep- eth them, he it is that loveth Me." John xiv. 21. <*This is the charity of God, that we keep His commandments." 1 John v. 3.
4. Wh€7i is our love of God peefect ? Our love of God is perfect when we love
Him above all things, because He is infinitely good in Himself and infinitely good to us. '' Let us therefore love God because God first hath loved us." 1 John iv. 19. Example of Mary Magdalen. Luke vii. §7-48.
5. When is our love impeefect ?
Our love"t>f God is imperfect when we love Him chiefly because we expect good things from Hii^^. Example of the Prodigal Son. Luke XV. 17, 18.
6. How do we Tcnow when we love our
neig7tbor as ourselves ? We love our neighbor as ourselves when we observe the command of Christ: "All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them." Matt. vii. 12; 1 John iv. 20; Tob. iv. 16.
7. Who is our neigJibor ?
Every human being without exception, even those who injure us. Luke x. 29-37.
8. Must we love our enemies ?
Yes: "Love your enemies; do good to
62 CATECHISM.
them that hate you; and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you." Matt. v. 44. Example of our Saviour on the cross: *' Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke xxiii. 34. In the Lord's Prayer w^e say, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.
9. Will God for give us if we do not for-
give others f No; *^ But if you will not forgive, neither will your Father that is in heaven forgive you your sins." Mark xi. 26. "Judgment' without mercy to him that haih not done mercy." St. James ii. 13.
10. What must we do when\ioe have offended some one ?
We must go and be reconciled to him. Matt. V. 23, 24.
11. What must we do when some one lias offended us ?
We must forgive him from our heart, oifer to make peace with him, and suffer injustice rather than return " evil for evil." Romans xii. 17-19; Matt, v. 39-41.
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OlSr THE TEN COMMAIS^DMEI^TS.
12. Where is our duty of loving God and our neighbor more fully con- tained ?
In the Ten Commandments which God gave in the Old Law, and Christ confirmed in the New.
13. Say the Ten Com:nand7nents ?
I. I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven thing, nor the likene^i of anything that is in heaven above,|or in the earth beneath, or in the waterslunder the earth : Thou shalt not adore them npr serve them. Ex. xx. 2.
IL Thou shalt not take the n^^ne of the Lord thy God in vain.
IIL Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day.
IV. Honor thy father and thy mother.
V. Thou shalt not kill.
VI. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VII. Thou shalt not steal.
VIII. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
64 CATECHISM.
IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's | goods. I
14. What is tJie First Commandment? I am the Lord thy God . . . Thou
shalt not have strange gods before Me. Thou shalt not naake to thyself any graven thing , . . Thou shalt not adore them nor serve them. Ex. xx. 2.
15. Wliat are we commanded hy the first commandment f
To believe, hope in, love and serve one true and living God, and no more.
16. How do we fulfill these duties ? By Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity.
17. Should we often maTae these Acts f Yes; the saints and holy persons s.'rongly
recommend every one to make Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity every day, and often dur- ing the day, and always to say morning and evening prayers.
18. What is forbidden hy the first commandment f
To worship false Gods or idols, or to give anything else whatsoever the honor which belongs to God.
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19. What else is forbidden hy the first commandment f
All false religions, all dealings with the devil, and enquiring after things to come or secret things, by fortune-tellers or supersti- tious practices. Deut. xviii. 10-12.
20. What else does the first command- ment forbid f
All charms, spells, believing in omens, dreams and such like fooleries.
21. .Does the first commandment forbid
the making of images ? It forbids making them so as to adore and serve them; that is, it forbids making them our gods. Exod. xx. 23.
22. Dqes the first commandment forbid
aAveneration of saints and angels? No; Ive are to honor them as God's special friends and servants, but not with the honor which belongs to God. Gen. xviii. 2.
23. Is it allowable to honor relics^ cru- cifixes and holy ^pictures f
Yes; with an inferior and relative honor, as they relate to Christ and His saints, and are memorials of them.
24. May we then pray to relics and images ?
No; by no means, for they have no life or sense to hear or help us.
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25. What is the Second Commandment?^ Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 1
thy God in vain. Exod. xx. 7.
26. What are we commanded hy the second commandment ?
To speak with reverence of God and all holy things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.
27. What is swearing or talking an oath ?
Swearing or taking an oath is to call God ' to witness that we speak the truth, or that we will keep our promise. t^
28. WJiat is a tow ? J
A vow is a voluntary promise made to God with the intention of binding oneself, under sin, to do something that is pleasing to Him.
29. Must we keep our vows ?
Yes: " If thou hast vowed anything to God, defer not to pay it. It is mucl better not to vow, than after a vow not to |)erform the things promised." Eccles. v. 3, 4.
30. What are we forbidden by the second commandment?
All false, rash, unjust and unnecessary oaths; also cursing, blaspheming and profane words. Eph. iv. 29.
31. Hoio do we sin by swearing ?
We sin by gwearing when we swear falsely
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or in doubt, or without necessity, or to do something evil, or to omit something good, which is commanded, or when we do not keep our lawful oath. " Thou shalt swear in truth, and in judgment and injustice." Jer. iv. 2. " A man that sweareth much shall be filled with iniquity, and a scourge shall not depart from his house." Ecclus. xxiii. 12.
32. What is a false oath called ? A false oath is called perjury.
33. Is perjury a great sin f
It is cue of the greatest sins of which one can be guilty, for w^e thereby mock God and destroy the last means of preserving truth and faith among men, and call down the vengeance of God upon us. "This (flying volume) is the curse, . . . and it shall come to the house of him that sweareth falsely by My name, ... and shall consume it, with the timber thereof and the stones there- of." Zach. V. 3, 4; Ezech. xvii.
34. What is cursing ? , Cursing is to call down any evil on our- selves, or on our neighbors, or on any of God's creatures.
35. What is blaspheming ? Blaspheming is to speak scornfully of God
or His saints or holy things. *'He that blas- phemeth the name of God dying let him die." Lev. xxiv. 16.
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36. WJiat is the Third Commandment 9 Remember that thou keej) holy the Sab- bath-day. Exod. XX. 8-10.
37. What are we commanded hy the thirds commandment ?
To spend the Sunday in prayer and other religious duties.
38. What do yon mean hy religious duties ?
I mean such as hearing Mass, receiving the sacraments, reading good books, etc.
39. Should we also hear instructions and sermons ? i"^
Yes; for our Lord says: ^'HeUiat is of God heareth the words of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God." John viii. 47. " Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep.it." Luke xi. 28. ; ;
40. What are we forbidden hy ^e third commandment? ■
All unnecessary servile works and sinful profanation of the Lord's day.
41. Which was the Lord^ s day in the Old Law f
In the Old Law it was the Sabbath, or Saturday, because God rested on that day and commanded it to be kept holy. " In six days the Lord made heaven and earth and
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the sea and all things that are in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and sanctified it." Exod. XX, 11 ; Gen. ii. 2, 3.
42. Which is the Lord's day in the Neio Law ?
In the NeTV Law it is the first day of the week, or Sunday, because the Church, in the time of the Apostles, transferred the obliga- tion from the seventh to the first day of the week, in honor of Christ, for it was on the first day, or Sunday, that He rose from the dead, that He commissioned His Apostles to teach all nations, that He empowered them to forgive sins, that He sent down the Holy Ghost, and it was on this day that the Apostles began to preach the doctrine of Christ.
43. What is the Fourth Commandment? Honor thy father and thy mother.
44. What is commanded hy the fourth commandment f
To love, honor and obey our parents in all that is not sin. *^ Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord." Col. iii. 20.
45. W%at is promised to those who observe the fourth commandment f
70 GATECHISM.
God's blessing and protection in this life and happiness hereafter. " Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long lived upon earth." Eph. vi. 2, 3; Ecclus. iii. 5-11.
46. When do cliildren sin against the love they owe to their parents ?
When they wish or do them evil, give them trouble, put them in a passion, do not assist them in their need or old age, do not pray for them living or dead. "He that striketh his father or mother shalL be put to death." "He that curseth his father or mother shall die the death." Exod. xxi. 15, 17. '^Son support the old age of thy father and grieve him not in his life." Ecclus. iii. 14.
47. When do children sin against the honor they oioe their parents ?
When they despise them, speak ill of them, are ashamed of them, treat them harshly. " The eye that mocketh at his father . • . let the ravens of the brooks pick it out, and: the young eagles eat it." Pro v. xxx. 17.
48. When do children sin against the obedience due to their parents ?
When they obey them badly or not at all, do not listen to their admonitions, offer re- sistance to their corrections. " If a man have a stu u born or unruly son . . . the peoplet
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of the city shall stone him and he shall die." Deut. xxi. 18-21.
49. What may tJiey expect who do not fulfil their duties to their parents ? The curse of God in this life and eternal misery hereafter. " Cursed be he that hon- oreth not his father and mother." Deut, xxvii. 16; Ecclus xxiii. 18, 19. 60. What is forbidden hy the fourth commandment ? All contempt, stubbornness and disobct dience to our lawful superiors. 51. Are we^ommanded to obey only our father and mother ? Not only them, but also our bishops, pastors, magistrates and masters. " With all your heart fear the Lord and reverence His priests." Ecclus. vii. 31. "Obey your prelates and be subject to them." Heb. xiii. 17. "Let every soul be subject to higher powers, for there is no power but from God, and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resist- eth the ordinance of God. And they that resist j^urchase to themselves damnation." Rom. xiii. 1-7. " Servants obey in all things your masters," etc. Col. iii. 22-24. 62. When are parents and other su- periors not to he obeyed ?
'r^ CATEciiisiyi.
When they command anything sinful! " We ought to obey God rather than mem Act V. 29.
63. What are the duties of parents towards their children.
To bring up their children for God; there- fore they should instruct them themselves and get them instructed in the Catholic religion, train them up to a pious and vir-' tuous life, set them good example, guard them against evil, correct their faults with Christian charity. "And you fathers, bring (your children) up in the discipling^ and correc- tion of the Lord." Ephes. vi. 4; Pro v. xxix. 15, and xxiii, 13-14.
54. WJiat are the duties of masters to their servants f
They should treat them kindly, give them just wages and enough food, urge them to fulfil their religious duties and to do all that is right, and keep them from evil and all occasion of sin. "Masters do to your ser- vants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven." Cols. iv. 1; also Ecclus. xxxiii. 31; 1 Tim. v. 8; Ecclus. iv. 35.
55. What are the duties of temporal superiors to their inferiors ?
Temporal superiors are ordained by God
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for tlie good of subjects; therefore they should promote their welfare as much as they are able, perform the duties of their office with wisdom and justice, punish evil, and be to all a pattern of a Christian life. *' For he is God's minister to thee for good." Rom. xiii. 4; 2 Paral. xix. 6, 7.
56. W/iat is the Fiftli Commandment f Thou shalt not kill.
57. W7iat is commanded hy the fiftli commandment ?
To live in peace and un4on with our neigh- bors, to promote his welfare, and to take care of our own life and health.
58. What isforMdden iy the fifth com- mandment ?
All wilful murder, hatred and revenge. "Whosoever shall shed man's blood, his blood shall be shed, for man was made to the image of God." Gen. ix. 6.
59. Is it ever lawful to destroy human life?
Yes; it is lawful for the superior authority to do so in the execution of criminals. Rom. xiii. 4. And for others in the defence of their country, or when necessary in protect- ing human life from unjust attack.
74 CATECHISM.
60. Does the fifth commandment forhid
striking f Yes; and also anger, quarrelling and in- jurious words. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." 1 John iii. 15. ^'But I say to you that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judg- ment." Matt. V. 22; Gal. v. 19-21.
61. What else does the fifth command- ment forhid f
Giving scandal and bad example. ^'He that shall scandalize one of the»e little ones that believe in me, it w^ere better for hiu] that a mill-stone should be hanged about hi^ neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the World because of scandals. Woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh." Matt, xviii. 6, 7,
62. What is tlie Bixth Commandment \ Thou shalt not commit adultery,
63. What is commanded iy the sixtJt commandment f
To be decent and modest in all oui thoughts, looks, words and actions. 1 Cor iii. 16, 17.
64. Wliat is forbidden hy the sixtl\ commandment ?
CATECHISM. 75
All kinds of sins with another's wife or husband.
65. What else is forbidden hy the sixth commandment?
All other kinds of immodesties, by kisses, touches, looks, words or actions. Gal. v. 19-21.
j66. Is every sin of impurity a mortal sin?
Yes; every sin of impurity which one de- liberately commits with himself or with others, or even in thought, is a mortal sin. Ephes. V. 5.
67. What is the Seventh Commandment? Thou shalt not steal.
68. What are we commanded hy the seventh commandment?
We are commanded to give to every one his own, and to be charitable to our neighbor.
69. What is forbidden iy the seventh commandment ?
All unjust taking away or keeping what belongs to others.
70. What else is forbidden by the seventh commandment?
All manner of cheating in buying or sell- ing, or any other way of wronging our neighbors. 1 Cor. vi. 8-10; 1 Thes. iv. 3, 6.
7Q CATECHISM.
71. Musi we return ill-gotten goods ? Yes; if we are able, or else the sin will not
be forgiven; we must also pay our debts. " What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul ? " Matt, xvi. 26.
72. What must we do wlien we have ill-gotten goods^ or have unjustly injured our neighbor ?
We must restore the ill-gotten goods and repair the injury done as far as we are able; without which we cannot obtain pardon of God.
Restitution must he made not only of tlie things stolen^ or if they he gone^ of their value^ hut also of the profits < ichich they have made, and of all the losses which the owner has suffered.
73. When and to whom must restitu- tion be made?
As soon as possible, and to the owner or his heirs^ or if this be impossible, to the poor or to charitable purposes.
74. May children or servants give alms
of the property of their parents or masters ? No ; unless their parents or masters know it and approve of it.
CATECHISM. 77
75. Wliat is the EigTitli Commandment? Thou shalt not bear false witness against
thy neighbor.
76. What are we comma]s^ded hy the eighth comm^andment ?
To speak the truth in all things, to guard the honor and reputation of every one, and to bridle our tongue. *' He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul." Prov. xiii. 3.
77. What is forbidden hy the eighth commandment ?
All false testimonies, rash judgments and lies.
78. What is a false testimony ?
It is to swear to some falsehood or to con- ceal the truth when required by lawful authority to take an oath.
79. When do we sin hy rash judgmeistt ? When, without sufficient reason, we believe
some evil against our neighbor. "Judge not that you may not be judged." Matt. vii. 1.
80. What is meant hy a lie ?
To say knowingly and deliberately what is not true. "A lie is a foul blot in a man." Ecclus. XX. 26. " Lying lips are an abomina- tion to the Lord." Prov. xii. 22. "All liars shall have their portion in the pool burning with fire and brimstone." Apoc. xxi. 8.
78 CATECHISM.
81. What else is forhidden hy the. eighth commandment?
All backbiting and detraction in words andl speeches by "which our neighbor's honor andl reputation are in any way hurt.
82. When do we sin hy detraction ? We sin by detraction when we make known
without necessity the faults of others. '' De- tractors are hateful to God." Rom. i. 30.
83. WJien do we sin hy calumny or slander ?
We sin by calumny or slander when we accuse our neighbors of faults of which they are not guilty. " Thou shalt not calumniate thy neighbor." Lev. xix. 13.
84. When do we sin hy hacTchiting ? We sin by backbiting when we speak un- charitably of our neighbor in his absence. "If a serpent bite in silence, he is nothing better that backbiteth secretly." Eccles. x. 11.
85. When do we sin hy tale-hearing or whispering ?
We sin by tale-bearing or N^nispering when, without necessity, we tell to a person what others have said against him. "The whisperer and the double-tongued is ac- *cursed." Ecclus. xxviii. 15; xxi. 31.
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86. What is Tie hound to do who has injured his neighbor hy speaJcing ill of him ? ^
He must make him satisfaction and restore his good name as far as he is able." ''A good name is better than great riches." Prov. Ixxii. 1.
87. Must we he careful of our own good name ?
We must, for our Lord feays: "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt. v. 16.
88. What is the Ninth Commandment f Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
89. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment ?
All lustful thoughts and desires and taking pleasure in any immodest feelings. " Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord." Prov. XV. 26.
90. Are impure fhoughts and tempta- tions always sins ?
Ifo; they are not sins when we do not wish to have them and when we try to banish them. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he hath been proved he shall receive the crown of life." James i. 12.
80 CATECHISM.
91. W7ie7i do tee sin iy impure fhouglitsf When Ave wilfully take pleasure in think- ing about any immodest object or actions.
92. When do we sin hy impure desires ? When we wilfully wish to see, hear or do
something that is contrary to chastity or purity.
93. What is the Tenth Commandment ? Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
94. WJiat are we commanded hy the tenth commandment ?
We are commanded to be content with
w^hat is our own, and not to envy others their
gifts of mind or fortune.
96. Wliy does God forhid not only all
evil actions hut also all evil
thoughts and desires ?
Because evil thoughts and desires defile the heart and lead to evil actions. "From the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testi- monies, blasphemies — these are the things that defile a man." Matt. xv. 19, 20.
Advice, Whenever you are preparing for confession, examine yourself carefully on the Ten Commandments, for they are the law and the rule of life by which on the last day God will judge you.
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THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH.
1. Are we hound to obey the Command-
ments of the Church? Yes; because Christ has said to the pastors of His Church: " He that heareth you hear- eth Me, and he that despiseth you despiseth Me." Luke x. 16.
2. How do the Commandments of the
Church hind us f They bind us strictly; that is, under pain of mortal sin. " If he will not hear the Church let him be to thee as the heathen and publican." Matt, xviii. 17.
3. Which are the chief Commandments
of the Church?
These six:
1st. To hear Mass and to rest from servile works on Sundays and holydays of obligation.
2d. To keep fast in Lent, the ember-days, Fridays in Advent and eves of certain festi- vals, to abstain from flesh on Fridays and other appointed days of abstinence.
3d. To confess our sins to our pastors or other priests duly authorized at least once a year.
4th. To receive the Blessed Sacrament at Easter or thereabout.
5th. To pay tithes to our pastors.
82 CATECHISM.
6tli. Not to marry within certain degrees of kindred, nor privately, without witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at certain pro- hibited times.
THE FIKST COMMANDMENT OF THE CHURCH.
4. Why did the Church institute holy-
days ? In honor of God and His saints, that we might meditate on the mysteries of our re- demption and thank God for His graces, audi that we might call to mind the examples and' virtues of the saints on earth and their eter- nal happiness in heaven, and resolve to imi-- t ate them and to implore their intercession! with God.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT OF THE CHURCH.
5. Why does the Church command us\
to fast f That by fasting we may satisfy God fort our sins. Joel ii. 12.
6. How much are we allowed to eat on\
fast-days ? We are allowed only one full meal each) day, which must be taken before noon, andl a collation which must not exceed eight!
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ounces ; but in this country, custom author- izes us to take also something in the morning, which must not exceed two ounces.
7. WTio is obliged to fast in this manner? Every Christian who is twenty-one years
old and is not excused by any just cause.
8. Can toe also eat meat when we are
dispensed from the obligation of
fasting ?
No; even if we should be excused by a
just cause from the fast, we are not allowed
to eat meat on fast-days unless we also have
a special dispensation.
THE THIRD AND FOURTH COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH.
9. At loliat age do persons hegin to he
obliged to go to Confession ? When they come to the use of reason, so as to be capable of mortal sin, which is generally supposed to be about the age of seven years.
10. At what age do they begin to be obliged to Communion ?
When they are sufficiently capable of knowing these sacred mysteries and of dis- cerning the body of the Lord.
84 CATECHISK.
11. Is it a mortal sin to omit Easter Communion?
Yes; it is a mortal sin to omit Eastei Communion without a just cause; and the longer people neglect it the more guilty they become.
Advice. Make it a rule to go to confession and Communion often, at least once a monthj
THE FIFTH COMMA]SDME3SJT OF THE CHURCH.
12. Are we oMiged to pay tithes to our pastors in the law of grace in the same onanner as the Jews did under
■' the law of Moses ? No; the sense of this commandment iSj that the faithful are bound to maintain theii pastors. 1 Cor. ix. 1-16.
13. Why are we hound to maintain our pastors ? .
' Because it is a sacred duty imposed on us by the divine, ecclesiastical and natural law. ^' The Lord ordained that they who i^reach the Gospel should live by the Gospel," etc. 1 Cor. ix. 14.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT OF THE CHURCH.
14. W7ien is it forbidden to solemnize' marriage ?
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It is forbidden to solemnize marriage from the First Sunday in Advent to Epiphany, and from Ash Wednesday to Low Sunday, hiclicsively.
15. Within what degrees of Mndred is onarriage forbidden ?
The Church forbids marriage between re- lations to the fourth degree of kindred. Brothers and sisters are in the first degree; their children, who are first cousins, are in the second degree; and so on to third cousins, who are in the fourth degree.
16. Are those forbidden to marry who are related by marriage or affinity ?
Tes; a relationship of affinity is contracted by marriage, and prevents marriage between a man and the relatives of his deceased wife, and also between a woman and the relatives of her deceased husband, to the fourth degree included.
17. Does spiritual relationship or af- finity prevent marriage ?
Yes; any one who baptizes, as well as the godfather and godmother, contract spiritual relationship or affinity with the person bap- tized, and also with the parents of that person, which, without a dispensation, prevents mar- riage between those so related, and this also applies to sponsors in Confirmation.
bt) CATECHISM.
SEYE:^r DEADLY SII^S.
1. Which are the seven deadly sinsf 1, Pride; 2, Covetousness; 3, Lust; 4,
Anger; 5, Gluttony; 6, Envy; 7, Sloth.
2. Are these sins always mortal ? They are mortal sins as often as a grave
duty to God, to our neighbor or to ourselves,^
is violated by them.
8. WJien do we sin hy pride ?
We sin by pride when we think too much of ourselves, do not give God the honor due Him, or despise our neighbor. *' Pride is hateful before God and men." It "is the beginning of all sin." Ecclus. x. 7-15.
4. ^V}len do we sin hy covetousness f We sin by covetousness when we inordi- nately seek and love money or other worldly goods, and are hard-hearted to those who are in distress. ''There is not a more wicked thing than to love money, for such a one setteth even his own soul to sale*" Ecclus. X. 10.
5. How do we sin hy lust ?
We sin by lust when we indulge in im- modest or impure thoughts and desires, looks, words or actions. " No fornicator or unclean or covetous person hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Ephes. v. 5.
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6. When do we sin hy anger ?
We sin by anger when we fly into a great passion and hate that which displeases us so much that we have a strong desire of revenge. '* Let all bitterness and anger and indigna- tion and clamor and blasphemy be put away from you with all malice." Ephes, iv. 31.
7. When do we sin hy gluttony ?
We sin by gluttony when we eat or drink too much, or have an inordinate desire of eating or drinking. ''Take heed to your- selves lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and that day (of judgment) come upon you suddenly." Luke xxi. 34.
8. When do we sin hy envy ?
We sin by envy when we repine at our neighbor's good, and are sad when he has temporal or spiritual blessings, but rejoice when he loses them. *'By the envy of the devil, death came into the world; and they follow him that are of his side." Wis. ii. 24, 25.
9. When do we sin hy sloth ?
We sin by sloth when we are so careless and lazy that we neglect our temporal or spiritual duties." " Idleness hath taught much evil." Ecclus. xxxiii. 29.
88 CATEGHISH.
PRAYEK.
1. W7iat is prayer f
It is the raising up of our minds and hearts to God, whereby we beg for good things, and to be freed from evil.
2. Is prayer necessary f
Yes; prayer is necessary for all who have the use of reason, because God has com- manded it, saying: ^'Ask and you shall receive." John xvi. 24. And unless we pray, we do not receive God's grace, and cannot be saved, for St. James says; "You have not, because you ask not." James iv. 2.
3. Horn should loe pray ?
We should pray: 1, With devotion; 2, With humility; 3, With confidence; 4, With resignation to the will of God; and 5, With perseverance.
4. How do we pray wiTJL DEvoTioisr ? When our prayer comes from the heart,
and we avoid all distracting thoughts as much as possible. " This people honoreth Me with their lips, bu:;- :ieir heart is far from Me." Matt. xv. 8.
5. Are all distractions in prayer sinful? They are sinful when we wilfully entertain
them; but when we try to banish them they increase our merit.
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6. When do we pray with humility ? When we sincerely acknowledge that our
sins make us unworthy to be heard. *' God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." James iv. 6.
7. W./ien do wepray with cois^fidei^ce ? When we firmly hope that God will hear
our prayers, if it be for His honor and our salvation. " All things whatsoever you ask when you pray, believe that you shall re- ceive, and they shall come unto you." Mark xi. 24.
8. WTien do wepray with resigjstatio]^
TO the will of god? When we leave it entirely to him to hear us when and how He thinks proper." «*' Father, not My will but Thine be done." Luke xxii. 42.
9. When do we pray with persever-
A]S^CE ? When we continue to pray even if our prayers seem not to be heard. Example of the woman of Canaan, Matt. xv. Parable of the friend who asks for three loaves, Luke xi. 5-10.
10. How do we Jcnow fhat our prayers loill he heard ?
Because Christ says: "Amen, amen I say to you; if you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it you." John xvi. 23.
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11. How many Mnds of prayer are there f
Two: mental and vocal.
12. What is mental prayer ?
Mental prayer is that in which we use: 1, Our memory, calling to mind some truth i of religion; 2, Our understanding, thinking upon that truth; and 3, Our will, forming; holy resolutions and determining by God's grace to keep them.
13. What is vocal prayer ? It is prayer expressed in words.
14. WItat prayers are most recom- mended to us?
The Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, the Confiteor, the Acts of Faith, Hope, Charity and Contrition.
15. When should we pray ?
Christ Himself says that "we ought always to pray." Luke xviii. 1.
16. How call tee pray always ?
By keeping ourselves in a state of grace, and by offering to God all our thoughts, words and actions.
17. Ought iDe not at certain times to pray in a special manner ?
Yes; on Sundays and holydays, every morning and evening, before and« after eachi meal, and in all dangers, temptations andl afflictions.
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THE lord's prayer.
18. Which is the best of all prayers ? The Lord's Prayer.
19. Why is the our father called the
LORD'e PRAYER ? Because Christ our Lord has taught it to us, and commanded us to say it. Matt. vi. 9-13.
20. Say the Lord^s Prayer? Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed
be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them who tres- pass against us; and lead us not into temp- tation ; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
21. Wltat does the Lord) s Prayer con- taint
It contains a short 'preface and seven peti' tions.
22. What mean the words ^ Our Father^ who art in heaven ?
They are a short preface which help to raise our thoughts to God and make us think of heaven, the home of the blessed, where we hope to see, love and enjoy God forever. 1 Cor. xiii. 12.
23. Wliy do we call God our Father ?
93 catechism:.
Because He made us and takes care of us,' and we are His children by baptism.
24. WJiaf do you pray for in the riRST PETITION, '' Hallowed he T7iy name?''
That God may be honored and served by, all His creatures.
25. JVhat mea7is tJie sis.coi^jy petitioi^,, " Thy kingdom come f
That God would come and reign in all our- hearts, and bring us hereafter to his heaven- ly kino^dom.
26. What means the third petition, '' Thy will he done on earthy as it in heaven f
That God would enable us by His grace to do His will in all things, as the blessed do it. in heaven.
27. What Orleans the eoukth petition,^^. ' ' Give us this day our daily ^ bread ?''
We beg all necessaries for soul and body.
28. WJiat means the eifth petitioist, "Forgive us our trespasses^ as we
forgive them who trespass against us'r' We beg that God will forgive us our sins, , as we forgive others their injuries against us.
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29. What means the sixth petitioin", ' ' Lead us not into temptation ? ' '
That God would give us grace not to yield to temptation.
30. What means the seyekth petitioit,
' ' Deliver us from evil .^ " We beg that God would free us from all evil of soul and body.
31. Will God/or give us our sins if we do not for give others f
- No; for Christ has said: " If you will not forgive, neither will your Father that is in heaven forgive you your sins." Mark xi. 26,
the hail MARY.
32. What prayer do Catholics usually say after the Our Father ?
The Hail Mary, which is said in honor of the mother of God.
33. Say the Hail Mary ?
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
34. How many parts in the Hail Mary? There are three parts in the Hail Mary,
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35. WTio made the first two parts f The Angel Gabriel made the first, and St
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Ghost, mad<i
the second part.
86. Who made tTie third part ?
The Church of God, against those whc
denied the Virgin Mary to be the mother o;
God.
37. WJiy say you the Hail Mary S( often ?
To put us in mind of the Son of God bein^ made man for us; and to honor the Blessec Virgin, mother of God, and to beg hei prayers for us.
38. Why should we pray to the Blessea
Virgin ?
Because, being the mother of God, sh( occupies next to Him the highest place ir heaven, and will obtain for us whatever we ask with earnest prayer, Avhen it is for oui good,
39. What devotions are most pleasing to the Blessed Virgin ?
The Rosary, the Angelus, the w^earing oi the Scapulars and the devotion of the Monthi of Mary.
40. What is the JRosary ?
The Rosary is a very useful and easy form of prayer, mental as well as vocal, which St.
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Dominic, inspired by the Blessed Virgin, composed and gave to the faithful in the thirteenth century, and which the Church then approved, and has ever since recom- mended and practised.
41. Of what is the Rosary composed f Of prayers and meditations.
42. What are the prayers ? Fifteen Our Fathers and one hundred and
fifty Hail Marys.
43. Upon what subjects are the medi- tations ?
Upon the fifteen principal mysteries of the life, suffering, death and triumph of our Lord; and of the joys and glories of His blessed mother.
44. Hoici many parts are there in the Rosary ?
Three parts, each containing five mysteries, and each mystery consisting of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, one Glory be to the Father and a meditation proper to the mys- tery. 45.' WJiat are these three parts called ?
The first part is called the five joyful mysteries; the second part is called the five sorrowful mysteries; the third part is called the five glorious mysteries. 46. What are the Jive joyful Quysteries f
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1st. The incarnation; 2d. the visitatioi of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin St. Eliza beth; 3d. The birth of our Lord Jesus Chris" in Bethlehem; 4th. The presentation of ou: blessed Lord in the temple; 5th. the finding of the child Jesus in the temple.
47. What are the five sorrowful mys' teries ?
1st. The prayer and bloody sweat of on: blessed Saviour in the garden; 2d, Tho scourging of our blessed Lord at the pillar 3d. The crowning of our blessed Saviour wit] thorns; 4th. Our Saviour carrying His cross 5th. The crucifixion.
48. WJiat are the fi^ve glorious mys teries ?
1st. The resurrection of Christ from th dead; 2d. The ascension of Christ int« heaven; 3d. The coming of the Holy Ghos upon the apostles and disciples; 4th. The as sumption of the Blessed Virgin into heaven 5tli. The coronation of the Blessed Virgin i heaven.
49. IIoio should each of these parts h said f
Take a pair of beads, which should b blessed, mention the first mystery of the pai you intend to say for meditation, say oe ^' Our Father " on the middle large bead an
I
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one " Hail Mary " for each of the ten small ' beads, and one '' Glory be to the Father." Then mention the second mystery, and say the same prayers. When you have said the five mysteries in this manner, conclude with the " Hail Holy Queen " and the prayer " O God, whose only begotten Son," etc.
50. May we desire saints and angels to pray for us ?
Yes; Ave may.
51. Hoio do you prove that saints and angels hear us ?
Because "there shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing pen- ance." Luke XV. 10.
FAITH, GOOD WOEKS A]>^D GRACE.
1. What is faith?
Faith is a gift of God infused into our souls by which we believe without doubting all that He has taught and the Church pro- poses, because God has revealed it, Who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
2. Is faith necessary ?
Yes: "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Heb. xi. 6.
3. Will faith alone save us ?
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No: *^ Faith without works is dead." James ii. 26. 4. Are good worJcs necessary ?
Yes; for " Every tree tlierefore that doth not yield good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire." Matt. iii. 10. 6. Do good worTcs merit eternal life ?
Yes; good works merit eternal life when done to please God by a Christian in the state of grace.
6. Can we do anything without God's
grace to merit eternal life f We can do nothing without God's grace to merit eternal life. Christ says : " Without Me you can do nothing." John xv. 5.
7. Is the good done in mortal sin use-
less? No; it is very useful to obtain God's grace. "Redeem thou thy sins with alms, and thy iniquities with works of mercy to the poor." Dan. iv. 24.
8. What is grace f
It is a supernatural interior gift which God gives to us on account of the merits of Christ for our salvation.
9. How is supernatural grace divided ? Into actual grace and sanctifying grace.
10. In what does actual grace consist f It consists in this, that it enlightens our
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understanding and inclines us to avoid evil, and both to will and to do good. " Give me understanding . . . incline my heart un- to thy testimonies." Ps. cxviii. 34-36.
11. Does God give His grace to all men ? Yes ; God gives sufficient grace to enable
us to keep His commandments, as we are bound to do, and to save our souls. God "will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. ii. 4.
12. What is sanctifying grace ? Sanctifying grace is a free supernatural
gift which the Holy Ghost gives to our souls, and by which from sinners we are made just, children of God, and heirs of heaven.
13. How long does sanctifying grace remain in our souls ?
As long as we do not commit mortal sin.
14. How can we oMain God^s grace? By prayer, good works and the sacraments.
SACEAMENTS.
1. What is a sacrament?
An outward sign of inward grace, insti- tuted by Christ, by which grace is conveyed to our souls.
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2. How many tilings are necessary to
a sacrament ? Three things: 1st. An outward sign; 2d. Inward grace; 3d. Institution of Christ.
3. Who instituted the sacraments ? Christ our Lord.
4. Do all sacraments give grace ? Yes; if we are duly prepared.
5. Whence have the sacraments the power of giving grace f
From Christ's precious blood. G. Is it a great happiness to receive the sacraments ivorthily ?
Yes; it is the greatest happiness in this world.
7. What sin does lie commit who re-
ceives a sacrament nnwortliily ? He commits a sacrilege, Avhich is a very grievous mortal sin.
8. How many sacraments are there ? Seven: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eu- charist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
9. How are the sacraments divided ? They are divided into sacraments of the
living and sacraments of the dead — sacra- ments which can be received but oncej and those which can be received more than once.
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10. WhicJi are the sacraments of the
LIVIJNTG ? Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony; and are so-called because, in order to receive them worthily, our souls must be free from sin and living in the state of grace.
11. Which are the sacraments of the
DEAD ? Baptism and Penance; and are so-called because they can be received when our souls have been killed by mortal sin and are dead in the sight of God.
12. Which sacraments can he received
hut OI^CE ? Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.
13. Why can they he received hid once f Because they imprint on the soul of him
who receives them an indelible mark which shall remain forever, and add either to his happiness in heaven or his misery iu bell.
BAPTISM.
14. What is Baptism ?
It is a sacrament by which we are made Christians, children of God and heirs of heaven; and are cleansed from original sin, and also from actual sin, if we be guilty of any.
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16. Is Ba^otism necessary ?
Yes; without it no one can "be saved. '^ Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John iii. 5.
16. When did Christ give the commandl to baptize f
Before His ascension, when he said to the ' apostles: " Going therefore teach ye alll nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matt, xxviii. 19.
17. How is Baptism given ?
By pouring water on the person to be baptized, and at the same time saying; ''II baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
18. Who can validly 'baptize ? Priests who have care of souls; and in case
of necessity, any one, even one not a Catholic.
19. What kind of water should be used f: Baptismal water, or water blessed for that
purpose, should be used; but when this can- not be obtained, any natural water will do.
20. What intention must he have who baptizes f
He must have the intention of doing what the Church does when giving the sacrament; of Baptism.
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21. What promises do we make in Baptism f
To renounce the devil with all his works and pomps.
22. What are the duties of godfathers and godmothers ?
1st. They must be themselves good Cath- olics; 2d. They must instruct the child in the Catholic religion if the parents should not fulfil this duty.
23. ^hat persons contract spiritual relationship hy Baptism ?
The person who baptizes and the sponsors become spiritually related to the person bap- tized and to his parents, so that, unless by dispensation, marriage between persons so related is null and void.
24. Can the Baptism of water ever he I- supplied ?
When it is impossible to receive the Bap- tism of water, it may be supplied by the Baptism of desire, or by the Baptism of blood. 25 What is Baptism of desire f
An earnest wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our sal- vation, joined with a perfect contrition or a perfect love of God.
26. What is the Baptism of hlood ? . Martyrdom for the sake of Christ. "He
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that shall lose his life for Me shall find it." Matt. X. 39.
COKFIRMATIO]^'.
27. What is Confirmation ?
It is a sacrament in which, by the impo- sition of the bishop's hands, we receive the Holy Ghost, in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
28. Is Confirmation necessary to sal- vation ?
Confirmation is not absolutely necessary for salvation; yet it would be a sin not to receive it through neglect or indifference.
29. How does the Bisliop administer Confirmation ?
He extends his hands over those to be confirmed and prays that the Holy Ghost may come down upon them with His seven- fold gifts; 2d. He anoints the forehead of each one with Holy Chrism; 3d. He gives each a slight blow on the cheek.
30. What are the words which the Bishop says lohile he anoints with the Holy Chrism ?
These w^ords: ^* I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the
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Chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
31. Why does the Bishop malte the sign of the cross on the forehead and give a slight Mow on the cheeic?
To remind us that we should not be ashamed of the cross, and that we should suffer with patience, and even die if necessary for Christ.
32. Hoio do yon prove that the apostles administered Confirmation ?
From the Acts of the Aj)ostles, (chap. viii. 14-17), where we read that St. Peter and St. John went to Samaria to confirm those who were only baptized; "then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Acts. viii. 17.
33. WJio can receive Confirmation iDorthily ?
Every one v>^ho is baptized, free from mortal sin, in the state of sanctifying grace, and well instructed in the Catholic religion.
34. How is a person to prepare himself
to receive the sacrament of Confir-
QTiation ?
He must cleanse his conscience at least
from all mortal sins, must be well instructed
in this sacrament, and must heartily desire
106 CATECHISM.
and pray for the grace te receive the Holy Ghost.
35. Is it a great sin to receive Confir- motion unworthily ?
Yes; because it is a profanation of one of the holy sacraments instituted by Christ for our salvation.
36. WJiat are tlie effects of Confirma- tion ?
Confirmation increases sanctifying grace, gives the Holy Ghost with His sevenfold gifts, and marks us as soldiers of Christ.
37. How many gifts of the Holy Ghost are there f
Seven: 1. Wisdom; 2. Understanding; 3. Counsel; 4. Fortitude; 5. Knowledge; G. Piety; and 7. Fear of the Lord. Isais xi. 2, 3.
38. How many are the fruits of the Holy Ghost ?
There are twelve: 1. Charity; 2. Joy; 3. Peace; 4. Patience; 5. Benignity; 6. Good- ness; 7. Longanimity; 8. Mildness; 9. Faith; 10. Modesty; 11. Contineucy; 12. Chastity.
HOLY EUCHAKIST.
39. What is the Holy Eucharist ?
It is the true body and blood of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine.
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40. When did Christ institute this sacrament ?
At the Last Supper, the evening before Hi« passion.
41. How did Christ institute it ?
He took bread, blessed and broke, and gave to His disciples, saying: "Take ye and eat; this is My body." Then He took the chalice, with wine in it, blessed and gave to His disciples, saying: '^ Drink ye all of this; for this is My blood." Matt. xxvi. 26-28.
42. Did Christ give the apostles power to change bread and wine into His 'body and blood ?
Yes; He gave that power in these words: " Do this for a commemoration of Me." Luke xxii. 19.
43. To whom did this power pass from the apostles ?
It passed from the apostles to the bishops and priests.
44. When do the bishops and priests exercise this power f
At Mass, when they pronounce over the bread and wine these words: ^' This is My body; this is My blood."
45. \Yhat happens at the consecration when these words are said ?
The bread is changed into the body of Christ, and the wine into His blood.
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46. How are the hread and wine changed
into the body and hlood of CJirist ? By the power of God, to whom nothing is hard or impossible; and by the words of Christ spoken by the priest in the Mass.
47. Hoio do we Jcnow that Christ gate His true body and His true hlood lolien He said ' ' This is My body ; this is My blood ?^'
Because Christ long before promised to His disciples that He would give them His real flesh to eat and His real blood to drink. John vi. 52, &c. And because He after- wards, at the Last Supper, expressly declared that that w^hich He then gave them as food and drink was really His body and His blood. Matt. xxvi. 26, &c. And also because the apostles and the Catholic Church have at all times believed and taught this doctrine. 1 Cor. X. 10, and xi. 23-29.
48. Why has Christ given Himself to us in this sacrament of tJie Holy Eucharist ?
To feed and nourish our souls, and to enable us to perform all Christian duties.
49. Does anything remain of the bread
and wine after consecration ? Is'othing remains of them but the forms aud appearances.
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50. W7iai do you Quean by forms and appearances ?
I mean that which appears to our senses, a« the figure, the color and the taste.
51. Is there anything under the form of bread but the bod.y of Christ ?
There is also there His blood, His soul, His divinity; in short, the whole person of Christ.
52. And under the form of wine? Christ is also wholly there.
53. When the priest breaks the sacred Host^ does he also break the body of Christ?
No; Christ is under the forms in such a manner that He cannot be divided.
54. When the Host is divided^ under which part is Jesus Christ ?
He is whole under each part.
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.
55. Wliat is a sacrifice f
It is an offering of some external sensible thing, made to God by a lawful minister, to acknowledge by its destruction or change God's absolute dominion over us and our entire dependence on Him, and thereby to pay Him the supreme homage of adoration.
56. Have tliere been sacrifices at all
times ? '
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Yes; even in the beginning of the world Cain and Abel offered sacrifice. God com- manded them under the Old Law, and Christ in the New Law instituted the Mass as a perpetual sacrifice. Heb, ix. 14; Gen. xiv. 18; Mai. i. 10, 11.
57. What is the Mass?
'^ It is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ," offered on our altars under the appearance of bread and wine, to represent and continue the sacrifice of the cross.
58. When and why did Christ insti- tute this holy sacrifice ?
Christ at His Last Supper instituted the holy sacrifice of the Mass to fulfil all the ancient sacrifices find to leave in His Church an offering worthy of God, and commanded the apostles and their successors to continue it during all time till He would come. Luke xxii.
59. Is the sacrifice of the Mass the same
as the sacrifice of the cross ? Yes; it is the same, except in the manner of offering, because in both it is the same who offers and who is offered, namely, Christ our Lord.
60. What are the ends for which loe are to offer the Mass ?
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1st. For God's honor and glory; 2d. In thanksgiving for all His benefits and to re- mind us of the passion and death of His Son ; 3d. To obtain pardon of our sins; and 4th. To obtain all graces and blessings through Jesus Christ.
61. Are we hound to hear Mass ?
Yes; all who have the use of reason and have no lawful excuse, are bound under mortal sin to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation.
62. Why is the Mass said in Latin f 1. Because this language comes from Rome,
whence w^e receive our faith; 2. Because being a dead language it does not change in the course of time like living languages; 3. Because thereby the unity of the Church, even in her public service, is represented and preserved over the whole world.
63. HoiD should loe hear Mass ?
With great attention and devotion, read- ing the prayer-book, or saying the beads, or meditating on the sujffering and passion of Christ, represented in the different parts of the Mass.
HOLY GOMMUKIOlSr.
64. What is Holy Communion ?
It is the receiving of the sacrament of the Eucharist. John vi. 57, and 1 Cor. x. 16.
112 CATECHISM.
60. Is it God or the Church only that
has commanded us to receive Holy
Communion f
God also has commanded it to us; for
Christ our Lord says: ''Amen, amen I say
unto you: except you eat the flesh of the Son
of man and drink His blood you shall not
have life in you." John vi. 54.
66. Must we also drinJc of the chalice in order to receive the Mood of Christ ?
No; for under the appearance of bread we receive also His blood, since we receive Him whole and entire. John vi. 52-59.
67. Why then did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist in ioth kinds ?
Because He instituted it not only as a sacrament but also as a sacrifice, for which both kinds are required.
68. Why does the Church give Holy Communion only under the ap- pearance of hread?
1. To prevent the sacred blood from being profaned, since under the appearance of wine it might be spilt; 2. To make it easy for all to receive the Blessed Sacrament; 3. To declare against heretics that Christ is present whole and entire under each kind. Luke xxiv. 30; Acts ii. 42.
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69. What graces does Holy Communion bring to our souls f
1. It unites us closely to Christ by receiv- ing Him into our hearts.
2. It increases and preserves sanctifying grace.
&. It weakens our evil desires and gives us strength to be virtuous.
4. It cleanses us from venial and preserves us from mortal sin
5. It is a pledge of our future resurrection and everlasting happiness. John vi. bo,
70. Does every one receive in Holy Com- munion the grace it is intended to give ?
No; he who receives unworthily, that is, in the state of mortal sin, commits a sacri- lege like Judas, and draws upon himself the curse of God; for the apostles says: "He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself." 1 Cor. xi. 27-29.
71. What are frequently the conse- quences of an unworthy Commun- ion in this life ?
Blindness and hardness of heart, and some- times also sudden death and other temporal punishments.
Example, The miserable end of Judas, who
114 CATECHISM.
made the first unworthy Communion, off whom our Saviour says: " It were better fon him if that man had not been born." Matt, xxvi. 24. And St. Paul also says of themi who receive unworthily: "' Therefore area there many infirm and Aveak among you andl many sleep." (the sleep of death.) 1 Cor. xi. 30.
72. How must we %)repare ourselves toi receive the Blessed Sacrament ?
We must be in the slate of grace and be ■ fasting from midnight.
73. What must we do lohen we have committed a grievous sin ?
We must make a good confession before ' we receive. "Let a man prove himself audi' so let him eat of that bread and drink of the- chalice." 1 Cor. xi. 28.
74. Does venial sin onaTce our Com- munions unworthy?
Venial gin does not make them unworthy or sacriligious, but it lessens the graces;' which they otherwise would give.
PEINTANCE.
75. What is the sacrament of Penance ? *
It is a sacrament in which the sins are for- given which we have committed after Bap- tism.
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'6. Hoio are sins forgiven in the sac- rament of Penance ? By the priest's absolution, joined with ;ontrition, confession and satisfaction.
7. How do yoiv prove that the priest has jpoioer to absolve sinners if they he truly penitent ?
From the words of Christ: *^ Whose sins oil shall forgive they are forgiven them, ind whose sins you shall retain they are re- ained." John xx. 23; also Matt, xviii. 18.
8. Was the power of forgiving sins to pass from the apostles to the priests?
Yes; because Christ instituted His means f salvation for all times and for all men who tand in need of them. '9. Is^ then^ the sacrament of Penance
necessary for salvation to all who
have sinned ? It is necessary for salvation to all those vho have committed mortal sin after Bap- ism. !0. How many things are required on
our part in order to receive the
sacrament of Penance icorthily ? These five: 1. Examination of Conscience; J. Contrition; 3. Resolution of amendment; k Confession; and 5. Satisfaction.
116 CATECHISM.
OT^ EXAMIISrATIOJSr OF COIS'SCIENCE.
81. How are we to begin the examina tion of conscience f
By imploring the assistance of God \\ know our sins, to be sorry for them, and tt confess them.
82. In what manner should we examini
our conscience ? 1, We should call to mind when we lag? made a good confession, and whether w' said the penance then given us; 2. W should go through the ten commandmenti of God, the six commandments of the Church! the seven desuily sins and the obligation 0| our state of life, and we should ask ourselve how we have offended God in each of these by thoughts, words, actions or omissions We must also find out the number of eacl kind of gins we committed.
OX COISTTRITIO]^.
83. What is contrition ? Contrition is a hearty sorrow for our sins
by which we have offended so good a God^ with a firm purpose of amendment.
84. Is contrition necessary ? 1 Yes; contrition is so necessary that ouu
sins will not be forgiven without it. Joel ii. 12:
CATECHISM. 117
}5. What qualities must contrition Jiaxe that our sins may ~be for given ?
These three: Contrition must be 1. In- erior; 2. Universal; 3. Supernatural. J6. Hoio must contrition be interior ?
We must not merely say we are sorry for ur sins, but we must detest them in our leart and sincerely wish we had notcommit- ed them. " Rend your hearts and not your arments," &c. Joel ii. 13.
7. Holo nnust contrition he universal ? We must be sorry for all the sins we have
ommitted — at least for all mortal sins. " Be onverted and do penance for all your ini- uities." Ezech. xviii. 30.
8. How must contrition he super- natural ?
We must be sorry for our sins not because (lereby we have lost our good name, health, roperty, or for other natural reasons, but )r supernatural reasons, namely, because we ave offended God, lost His grace, deserved ell. Examples of supernatural sorrow: [ing David and Mary Magdalen, Luke vii. 7-50. Of natural sorrow: Esau, Gen. xxvii. 8; Saul, 1 Kings xv. 23-30; Antiochus, 1 lac. vi. 8-16.
9. Hoio onany hinds of supernatural contrition are there ?
118 CATECHISM.
Two : Perfect contrition and imperfect con- trition^ commonly called attrition.
90. Wlien is contrition perfect? Contrition is perfect when simply because
we love God we are sorry for having offended Him. Luke vii. 37-50.
91. When is contrition imperfect? Contrition is imperfect when not simply
because we lore God, but for some other supernatural reasons, such as the loss of heaven or the fear of hell, we are sorry fo|ri having^ offended Him. "\
OlSr THE KESOLUTIOlSr OF AMENDMENT.
92. WJiat is a resolution of amend- ment ?
A resolution of amendment is a sincere! determination to amend our life and to sin nc more. Example of St. Paul, Rom. viii. 35 38, 39.
93. What must lie he determined to dc loho has a firm and sincere resolw tion of amendment ?
He must be determined :
1. To avoid, at least, all mortal sin.
2. To shun the danger and the proiimat( occasion of sin.
3. To use the necessary means of amend ment.
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4, To make due satisfaction for his sins.
5. To repair the injury he may have done o his neighbor.
•4. What is meant hy the proxionate occasion of sin ?
By the proximate occasion of sin is meant , person, a company, an amusement, or any- hing else Avhich usually has lead, and, if not ivoided, very likely will lead, a person into in.
>5. Is it a strict duty to sJiun the prox- imate occasion of sin ?
Yes, whenever it is possible; for he who nil not avoid the occasion of sin has not a incere determination to avoid the sin itself.
He that loveth danger shall perish in it." Jcclus. iii. 27; see Matt. v. 29, 30. )6. Will he he forgiven who will not avoid the occasion of sin f
No; the priest's absolution will do him no ood, but only increase his guilt.
OK COISTFESSION.
)7. What is confession f
It is to accuse ourselves of all our sins to I priest.
)8. What are the necessary qualities of confession f
120 CATECHISM.
Confession must be: 1. Humble; 2. Entire; 3. Sincere; 4. Clear.
99. When is confession TiUTuble ? Confession is humble when we confess our
sins with a feeling of shame and regret for having offended God.
100. When is confession entire ? Confession is entire when we confess all
our sins — at least all mortal sins — together with their number and necessary circum- stances.
101. What must we do if we cannot remember the exact number ?
We must tell them as well as we are able, and say: I have committed this sin about times a day, week or month.
102. Wheii is confession sincere ? Confession is sincere when we accuse our- selves just as we find ourselves guilty before God, without concealing anything or trying to excuse ourselves.
103. Wlien is confession clear ? Confession is clear wh.en we tell our sins
so that the confessor can understand every- thing clearly.
104. Would your confession he clear if you told your sins in a general way : If you should say I hate missed my prayers; I have cursed;
f
• CATECHISM. 121
/ Tiave missed Mass; I have Tiad evil thoughts^ and so on f No; by no means, but I must tell the num- ber of times I missed my prayers; the number of times I cursed; the number of times I missed Mass, and so with all the others. The number of the different sins must be told.
105. What if one wilfully conceals a mortal sin in confession f
He commits a great sin by telling a lie to the Holy Ghost, .and makes his confession nothing worth. Example of Ananias and Saphira, Acts v. 1 -10.
106. How many things^ tJien^ have we to do hy way of preparation for confession ?
Four things: 1. We must heartily pray to God for His grace to help us; 2. We must carefully examine our consciences; 3. We must beg pardon of God and be very sorry from our hearts for having offended Him; and 4. We must resolve to renounce our sins and be^in a new life for the future.
107. How should you maJce your con- fession ?
Having prepared myself properly and ar- rived at the confessional, I kneel down, ask the priest's blessing, saying, '^ Bless me, Father, for I have sinned," and make the
123 CATECHISM. .
sign of the cross, and say the confiteor as far as " through my fault." Then I say how long it is since my last confession, whether I received absolution and communion and said my penance. If I have forgotten any sins; in my last confession I tell them first and I say I forgot them. Then I confess all the sins I have committed since my last confes- sion, beginning with the first commandment. If I have committed any sins against this commandment I tell them and the number of times I committed each sin. Then I tell in the same way all the sins and their num- ber against the second commandment. Then in the same way all the sins and their num- ber against each of the ten commandments in their regular order. I then in the same way and order tell the sins against the com- mandments of the Church, if I have commit- ted any. Next in order are the seven deadly sins and those against the particular duties of my state of life. When I have told all my sins I say, "For these and all my other sins which I cannot call to mind I am heartily sorry, and ask pardon of God, and penance and absolution of you, my ghostly father." 108. Wliat should we do after this f
We should listen with attention to the in- struction which the priest gives, and be care-
CATECHISM. 123
ful to understand the penance given ns, and ^vhile receiving absolution we should make an Act of Contrition and a firm resolution of amendment.
109. W7iat are we to do if we should not receive absolution ?
We should humbly submit to the decision of the confessor, and by true amendment render ourselves worthy of it in the next confession.
110. What are we to think of those who soon after confession commit the same mortal sins f
, We have reason to think that their con- 'ession, or contrition, or resolution, has not been as good as it should have been.
111. Can all sins be forgiven by the sacrament of Penance f
Yes; all the sins we have committed after Baptism can be forgiven with the necessary disposition of repentance. " If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins," &c. 1 John i. 9.
112. ^Vhy onust we confess our sins ? Because Christ orc'^ined it go, when He
instituted the sacram • of Penance.
113. How do youpds^e tliat Christ lias ordained confe ion ?
124 CATi:c:iis:i
Wc prove it : 1. By His own words : ** Whose sins you shall forgive," &c. For, unless we declare our sins to the priest, he cannot know whether he is to forgive or to retain them.
2. By the testimony of the holy fathers oft the Church,
3. By the constant practice of the Church at all times and among all nations.
*'Many of them that believed came con- fessing and declaring their deeds." Acts xix. 18; see also 1 John i. 8, 9. Confession of sins was commanded in the Old Law. Kumb. v. 6, T; Prov. xxviii. 13; Ecclus iv. 31. The people confessed their sins. Matt. iii. 1-6; Mark i. 4, 5. ^' Whosoever is ashamed to declare his sins to man, and will not confess them, he shall be confounded in the day of judgment in the face of the whole Avorld. ISt. John Chrysostom. 114. Wotdd our sins 'beforgmen if we confessed them to God alone ?
Xo; for then the power which Christ gave to the priests Avould be vain and useless. "Confess your sins one to another . . ., (not then to God alone) that you maybe saved." James v. 16*> vu wit 3ri
CATECHISM, 125
OK SATISTACTIOJSr.
116. What is satisfaction ?
It is doing the penance given by the priest.
116. Must the penance be performed f Yes; because it is a part of the sacrament
of Penance, and required by divine precept; it would be a sin to neglect it wilfully.
117. Wliy is penance given ? That we may make some atonement to
God for the sins we have committed, and by performing it undergo in some manner the temporal punishment due to our sins, which: we must suffer here on earth or in j^urgatory., See 3 Kings xxi. 27-29; also Jonas iii. "
118. Wliat is an indulgence ?
It is a releasing of temporal punishment which often remains due to sin after the guilt has been remitted by the sacrament of Penance, The power to grant indulgences is proven from the words of Christ. Matt, xvi. 19, and xviii. 18.
119. WJiat must we do to gain an in-, dulgence ?
We must be in a state of grace and per- form all the good works prescribed by the Church.
120. How many Tcinds of indulgences are there ?
126 CATECHISM.
Two: a plenary indulgence^ which is an entire remission of the temporal punishment; and a partial indulgence, which is a remis- sion of a part of it only.
121. Wltat is a Jubilee f A jubilee is a plenary indulgence whict
the pope grants every twenty-five years, o> on extraordinary occasions, to all those whc comply with the conditions.
EXTREME U:N^CTI0I^.
122. WTiat is Extreme Unction ? Extreme Unction is a sacrament whicl
gives grace to die well, or, if it be GodV will, grace to be restored to health.
123. Wlten is tliis sacrament given f When we are in danger of death by sick
ness.
124. WJiat scripture have you for tMt sacrament ?
" Is any man sick among you ? Let hin: bring in the priests of the Church, and lei them pray over him, anointing him with or in the name of the Lord; and the prayer ol faith shall save the sick man^ and the Lore shall raise him uj); and if he be in sins, thej shall be forgiven him." St. James v. 14, 15j see Mark vi. 13.
I.
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HOLY ORDEES.
125. What is the sacrament of Holy Orders ?
It is the sacrament by which bishops, priests, etc., are ordained and receive grace and power to perform the duties belonging to their charge.
126. What are the principal powers which the sacrament of Holy Orders gives ?
1st. The power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, which was given to the apostles at the Last Supper, when Christ said to them, " Do this for a commemoration of Me." Luke xxii. 19. 2d. The power to forgive sins, which Christ gave to the apostles after His resurrection, when he breathed on them, saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain they are retained." John xx. 22, 23.
Christ came upon earth to redeem mankind and give them the means of salvation.
He founded His Church and established in it an order of priests to whom He gave power to offer sacrifice, to administer the sacraments, to instruct and guide the people and to govern the Church. The apostles
128 CATECHISM.
were the first to whom He gave order and mission and grace to perform their importani duties. And as His Church was to continue to the end of the world, for He says: *'Be hold I am with you all days, even to tht consummation of the world." Matt, xxviii. 20 He gave them moreover the power to com municate the same to their successors. *' Ai the Father hath sent Me I also send you.' John XX. 21. That is, in other words, as th* Father hath sent Me His first priest, witi power to ordain and send others, so I send yoi also as priests, with power to do the same and your successors having the same powe as I have given you, can in like manner sent others, and so on to the end of the world Accordingly the apostles did ordain succes sors and instructed them to ordain other after them.
For the apostles ordained Matthias in th place of Judas. Acts i. 24-26. St. Paul wa converted and filled with the Holy Ghosi Acts ix. 5-18. St. Paul and Barnaba ordained other priests. Acts. xiv. 22. S Paul ordained Timothy and Titus and ir structed them to appoint others. 2 Tim. i. i 2 Tim. ii. 2; Tit. i. 5. This sncces.sion c the priesthood has continued ever since t be regularly handed down in the Churcl and will so continue to the end of time, fc
CATECHISM. 129
Christ says: ''Going therefore teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and behold I am Avith you all days, even to the consummation of the world. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.
MATRIMOIS^Y.
126. WJiat is Matrimony ? Matrimony is a sacrament which unites
and gives grace to the married couple to live together, to love one another in a Christian manner, and to bring up their children in the fear and love of God. See Eph. v. 25-32.
127. What are the principal duties of the married couple f
1. To assist each other in their temporal and spiritual necessities; 2. To live in love and harmony; 3. To bring up their children for God.
128. Ga7i the married parties ever he divorced ?
Yes; by the authority of the Church, if it is better for them not to live together; but neither of them can marry again during the lifetime of the other. Luke xvi. 18; Mark X. 6-12.
130 CATECHISM.
THE THEOLOaiCAL YIETUES.
1. WTiaf is meant hy tJie theological
mrtices ? Virtues which come directly from God, and relate immediately to Him.
2. How many aretlie theological virtitesf Three: Faith^ Hope and Charity.
3. WJiaf is Faith ?
Faith is a gift of God infused into our souls by which we believe, without doubting, all that He has taught, and the Church pro- poses, because God has revealed it. Who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
4. What is Hope?
Hope is a gift of God by which, relying on His promises and power to fulfill them, we hope for eternal salvation and all things necessary for obtaining it.
5. WJiatis Charity f
Charity is a gift of God by which we love Him above all things, because He is infinitely good; and we love our neighbor as ourselves, for God's sake.
6. WJiich are the two precepts of
Charity f 1. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength.'^ 2. '^ Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
CATECHISM, 131
THE MOEAL VIRTUES.
7. WJiat is meant hy the Trior al mrtues f Virtues which refer immediately to our
morals.
8. How are they divided ?
Into the four cardinal virtues, the seven virtues contrary to the seven deadly sins, and the virtues of Christian zeal, or the eight beatitudes.
9. How many are the cardinal virtues ? Four: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and
Temperance.
10. What is PRUDEisrcE ?
Prudence is a virtue which enlightens our mind and causes us to use the means neces- sary to save our souls. *'My son, do thou nothing without counsel, and thou shalt not i-epent when thou hast done." Ecclus. xxxii. 24.
11. What is JUSTICE ?
Justice is a virtue by which we give to every one his due. *•' Render therefore to all men their dues.'* Rom. xiii. 7.
12. Tf7^a/ M' FORTITUDE ?
Fortitude is a virtue which enables us to suffer any hardship or persecution rather than abandon our duty. Example. 2 Mac. vii. 12.
13. What is temperajn^ce ?
133 CATECHISM,
Temperance is a virtue which restrains our desires and feelings that they may not lead us into sin. " Refrain yourselves from car- nal desires, which war against the soul.'* 1 Pet. ii. 11.
14. WMcTi are the seven mrtues con- trary to the seven deadly sins ?
1. Humility; 2. Liberality; 3. Chastity; 4. Meekness; 5. Temperance in eating and drinking; 6. Brotherly Love; 7. Diligence.
15. What is humility ?
Humility is a virtue which teaches us to acknowledge that we are sinful and that all good comes from God. "Unless you be- come as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt, xviii 3.
16. What is liberality \
Liberality is a virtue which causes us to be charitable and to think it " a more blessed thing to give rather than to receive." Acts XX. 35.
17. WJiat is chastity ?
Chastity is a virtue which subdues all impure desires or feelings by which modesty is violated. " Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God." Matt. v. 8.
18. Wliat is MEEKIS^ESS ?
Meekness is a virtue which subdues anger and all desire of revenge. "Learn of me,
CATECHISM. 133
because I am meek and humble of Heart." Matt. xi. 29.
19. WTiai is temperaistce in eating and drinking f
Temperance is a virtue which regulates our appetite in eating and drinking. " Let us walk honestly, not in rioting and drunken- ness." Rom. xiii. 13.
20. WJiat is BROTHEKLY LOYE ? Brotherly Love is a virtue which causes us
to wish well to every one, and makes us '^ rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Rom. xii.lo.
21. What is biligeis^ce ?
Diligence is a virtue which causes us to serve God faithfully, to perform all our duties and to do all the good we can. "In carefulness (be) not slothful; in spirit, fer- vent; serving the Lord." Rom. xii. 11.
22. What are the eight beatitudes ?
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; 2. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land; 3. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted; 4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be filled; 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy; 6. Blessed are the clean ^of heart, for they shall see God; 7. Blessed
134 CATECHISM.
are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God; 8. Blessed are they that suffer persecutiou for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
23. WAo tatight these eigJif beatitudes f Christ our Lord, in His sermon upon the
Mount. Matt. V.
24. Say the seven corporal worTxs of mercy ?
1. To feed the hungry; 2. To give drink to the thirsty; 3. To clothe the naked; 4. To visit and ransom the captives; 5. To harbor the harborless; 6. To visit the sick; 7. To bury the dead.
25. Say the seven spirituaJ works of mercy ?
1. To admonish the sinner; 2. To instruct the ignorant; 3. To counsel the doubtful; 4. To comfort the sorrowful; 5. To bear wrongs patiently; 6. To forgive all injuries; 7. To pray for the living and the dead.
26. How many are the gifts of the Holy
Ghost? Seven: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowdedge, Piety and the Fear of the Lord.
27. How many are the fruits of the Holy Ghost?
Twelve: 1. Charity; 2. Joy; 3. Peace;
CATECHISM. 135
4. Patience; 5. Benignity; 6. Goodness; 1, Longanimity; 8. Mildness; 9. Faith; 10. Modesty; 11. Continency; 12. Chastity.
28. Say the seven
deadly sins ? Pride,
Covetousness, Lust, Wrath, Ghittony, Envy, Sloth.
29. Say the seven contrary virtues f Humility, Liberality, Chastity, Meekness, Temperance, Brotherly Love, Diligence.
30. Say the six sins against the Holy Ghost? ^
1. Presumption of God's mercy; 2. Despair; 3. Impugning the known truth; 4. Envy at another's spiritual good; 5. Obstinacy in sin; 6. Final impenitence.
31. Why are they called sins against the Holy Ghost?
Because by them we resist in a special manner the Holy Ghost, since we knowingly and willingly despise, reject or abuse His grace. " You stiff-necked and uncircumcized in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do you also." Acts vii. 51.
32. Say the four sins crying to heaven for vengeance ?
136 GATECHis:\r.
1. Willful murder; 2. Sodomy; 3. Oppres- sion of the poor; 4. Defrauding laborers of their wages.
33. Why are tliey called sins crying to lieavenfor ^eng^ance ?
Because on account of their great malice they cry, as it were, for vengeance, and call on God to punish those who committed them. 1. Gen. iv. 10; 2. xviii. 20, and xix. 13; 3. Ecclus. XXXV. 18. 19; 4. James v. 4.
34. Say the nine ways of heing acces- sory to another person^ s sins ?
1. By Counsel; 2. By Command; 3. By Consent; 4. By Provocation; 5. By Praise or Flattery; 6. By Concealment; 7. By Partak- ing; 8. By Silence; 9. By Defense of ill done.
35. Why are we ansicerahle for the sins which another commits ?
Because in any of the above ways we are the cause of another's sin, and are therefore as guilty before God as* if we had committed it ourselves. "Kot only they that do them (are worthy of death,) but they also that consent to them that do them." Kom. i. 32.
36. Say the three eminent good works ? 1. Alms Deeds; 2. Prayer; 3. Fasting.
37. Why are these three loorJcs called eminent ?
Because they are in a special manner
CATECHISM. 137
pleasing to God; and because by them we devote to God all that we are and all that we have. " Prayer is good with fasting and alms more than to lay up treasures of gold." Tobias xii. 8.
38. Say the three evangelical counsels ? 1. Voluntary Poverty; 2. Perpetual Chas- tity; 3. Entire Obedience.* 1. Matt. xix. 21; 2. 1. Cor. vii. 28-38; 3. Matt. xvi. 24.
39. Say the four last tilings to he re- onemhered ?
1. Death; 2. Judgment; 3. Heaven; 4. Hell. " In all thy works remember thy last end and thou shalt never sin." Ecclus. vii. 40.
^ §iev0ut W^tiUA tat IxtMxm P^^^*
Making the sign of the Cross with the Priest, say:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Grhost. Amen.
I will draw near to thy altar, 0 my God ! there to gain new strength and vigor to my soul. Separate me from those unbelievers who have no trust in thee. Thy grace com- forts me when the remembrance of my sins afflicts and casts me down ; it lets me know there is an everlasting refuge in thy good- ness, and that thou art ready to forgive even our greatest sins upon a sincere re- pentance.
When the Priest says the Confiteor, say it with him, I confess to Almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, to the blessed Michael the Archangel^ to blessed John the Baptist,
PRATEES AT MASS; 139
Co the holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have very much sinned in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to our Lord God for me.
As the psalm f Judica Me^ the Gloria in ExcelsiSj and Creed are omitted in Masses for the Dead^ etc., you also may pass over them.
After the Covfiteor, say :
0 my God, who hast commanded us to pray for one another, and in thy holy Church hast given, even to sinners, the power of ab- solving from sin ! receive with equal bounty the prayers of thy people for the priest, and those of the priest for thy people.
We beseech thee, 0 Lord ! by the merits of those saints whose relics are here, and of all the saints, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to for- give us all our sins. Amen.
When the Priest goes first to the Booh :
Grant, 0 Lord ! we may be truly prepared for the offering of this great sacrifice to thee
140
PRATERS AT MASS.
tills day; and because our sins alone can render us displeasing to thee, therefore we call aloud to thee for mercy.
After the Introit is alternately sunj or said,
P. Kjrie eleison {three Lord have mercy upon us, times).
A. Christeeleison Christ have mercy uj^on us, {three times).
P. Kyrie eleison {three Lord have mercy upon us. times).
Afterwards, standing at the middle of the Altar, extend- ing, and then joining his hands, the Priest says the Gloria in Excelsis.*
GLORIA in excelsis Deo ; et in terra pax hominibus bonas volunta- tis. Laudamus te ; bene- dicimus te ; adoramus te ; glorificanius te. Gratias agimus tibi propter mag- nam gloriam tuam, Do- niine Deus, Rex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fill unigenite Jesu Christe ; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui toll is peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui lollis peccata mundi, sus-
GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise thee ; we bless thee ; we adore thee ; Ave glorify thee. We give thee thanks for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty ! O Lord Jesus Christ, the only be- gotten Son ! O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who takest aw^ay the sins of the world, have mercy on us! Thou
* The Gloria is omitted during" Lent and Advent, and in Masses for the Dead.
PRATERS AT MASS. 141
cipe depreciationem nos- who takest awav the
tram; qui sedes ad dex- sins of the world, re-
terain Patris, miserere ceive our prayers ! Thoa
nobis. Quoniam tu solus who sittest at the right
sanctus : tu solus Domi- hand of the Father, have
nus : tu solus altissimus, mercy on us! For thou
Jesu Christe, cum Sancto only art holy, thou only
Spiritu in gloria Dei Pa- art the Lord ; thou only,
tris. Amen. O Jesus Christ, with the
Holy Ghost, art most high
in the glory of God the
Father. Amen.
Tlie Priest "kisses the Altar, and turning to the people^ says :
V. Dominus vohiscum. V. The Lord be with
you. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.
Whiht he reads the Collects, the following may he
We humbly beseech thee, 0 almighty and eternal God ! mercifully to give ear to the [)rayers of thy servant, which he offers to thee in the name of tliy Church, and in behalf of us thy people : accept them to the honor of thy name, and the good of our souls ; and grant us all those blessings which may any- ways contribute to our salvation Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
142 ]PBATEIIS AT MASS,
At the Epistle y say :
Be thou, O Lord! eternally praised and "blessed for having commnni^ated to the holy prophets and apostles thy spirit, disclosing to themadmu'able secrets, redounding to thy glory and our great good. We firmly believe theii word, because it is thine. Give us, we be- seech thee, the happiness to understand from the Church, by their instructions, what is profitable, and grace to practise the same all our lives.
When lie reads the Gradual j say :
How wonderful, O Lord, is thy name through the whole earth ! I will bless oui Lord at all times: his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Be thou my God and my pro- tector : in thee alone will I put my trust, let me not be confounded forever.
A^t the Gospel, tvhen the people rise up, say :
TVIayest thou be ever adored and praised, O Lord ! who, not content to instruct and in- form us by thy prophets and apostles, hast even vouchsafed to speak to us by thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, commanding us by a voice from heaven to hear him ; grant BS, O merciful God ! the grace to profit by his
PPvATERS AT MASS.
143
divine and heavenly doctrine. All tliat is written of thee, dread Jesus, in thy gospel, is truth itself: nothing but wisdom in thy ac- tions j power and goodness in thy miracles; light and instruction in thy words. With thee, sacred Redeemer, are the words of eternal life : to whom shall we go but to thee, eternal Fountain of Truth ? Give me, 0 God ! grace to practise what thou commandest, and command what thou pleasest.
A. Laus tibi, Cliriste. A. Praise be to theC; O
Christ ! V. Per evangelica dicta V. By the words of the tleleantur nostra delicta. Gospel may our sins be
blotted out.
(Here the Sermon is usually 'prcaclied.) NiCENE Creed.
CREDO in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et in- visibilium,
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo; Lumen de Lumine ; Deum verum de Deo vero ; genitum non factum ; con- substantialem Patri, per quern omnia facta sunt.
T BELIEVE in one God X the Father Almighty^ Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Fa- ther before all ages. God ot God; Light of Light;* true God of true God ; be- gotten not made ; consub- stantial with the Father, by whom all things wer made. Who for us me
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rHAYERS AT MASS.
Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostrara salu- tem, descendit de coens, et iiicarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria Virgine ;
ET HOMO FACTUS EST. [ Hie genvflectitur. ] Cra- cifixiis etiam pro nobis: sub Pontio Pilato passus et sepultus est. Et resur- rexit tertia die secundum Scripturas ; et ascendit in coelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris : et iterum venturus est cum gloria judicare vivos et mortuos : cujus regni nou erit finis.
Et in Spiritum Sanctum Dominum et vivificautem/ qui ex Patre Filioque pro- cedit : qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et coniilorificatnr: qui locu- tus est per prophetas. Et unam sanctam Catbolicam et Apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccato- rum. Et expecto resur- rectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi sseculi. Amen.
and for our sal vat ion, came . down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Gbost of the Virgin Mary : AND WAS MADE MAX. {^Kneel in reverence of Chrisfs incarnation.'] Ho was crucified also fur us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. The third day he rose again, according' to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father : and he shall come again with glory to judg3 both the living and tbe dead : of whose kingdom there shall be no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Loid and Lifegiver, who pro- ceedetli from the Father and the Son ; who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified : wdio spake by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resur- rpction of the dead, and tbe life of the world to come. Amen.
PRATEES AT MASS. 145
V. Dominus Tobiscum. V. The Lord be witli you. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. E. And wirh thy sph-it.
When, at the Offertory, he uncovers tJu Chalice, say :
Accept, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God ! this unspotted liost^ which I, thy unworthy servant, ofier thee, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offen- ces, and negligences, and for all here present, and for all faithful Christians, living and dead, that it may avail me and them to life everlasting. Amen.
At the Offering of the Chalice, say :
We offer thee, 0 Lord ! the chalice of sal vation, beseeching thy clemency that it may ascend before thy divine Majesty as a sweet perfume, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world.
IVJien he washes his Fingers at the Coimcr of the Altar, say:
Thou, Lord, who once vouchsafedst to wash thy disciples' feet before their invitation to Ihy holy table, wash us also, we beseech thee, 0 Lord ! and wash us again ; not only our feet and our hands, but our hearts, our desires, our souls, that we may bo wholly innocent and pure.
240 PRATERS AT MASS.
Go on, and pray.
Receive, 0 holy Trinity ! this oblation we make tliee, in memory of the passion, resm-rec- tion and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the ever-blessed Mary ever Virgin ; of blessed John the Baptist ; of the holy apostles Peter and Paul ; of these, and of all the saints ; that it may be available to their honor and our salvation. And may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen,
At the Orate Fr aires, scfy :
May our Lord receive this sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the benefit of his whole Church.
Or, whilst he reads the secret Prayers proper for the Day, in a loio voice, say :
Mercifully hear our prayers, 0 Lord ! aod graciously accept this oblation which v/e, thy servants, are making to thee ; that, as we ofler it to the honor of thy name, so it may be to us a means of obtaining thy grac-o here^ and, in the next life, everlasting happiness. Amen.
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147
When the Priest aays in a loud voice :
V. Per omnia saecula BaBCulorum. A. Amen. Y. Dominus vobiscitm.
A. Et cum spiritu tuo.
V. Sursum corda.
A. Habemus ad Do- minum.
V. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
A. Dignum et justum est.
V. World without end,
A. Amen.
V. The Lord he with 7011.
A. And with thj spir- it.
V; Raise up your hearts.
A. We have rnised them up unto the L()rd.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
A. It is meet ami just.
On Festivals and other days that have no proper Preface, and in Masses for the Dead.
VERE dignum et jus- tum est, sequum et sal- utare, nos tibi semper et ubique gratias agere, Domine sancte, Pater om- nipotens, aeterne Deus. Per Christum Dominura nostrum : per quem Ma- jestatem tuam laudant angel i, adorant dominatio- nes, tremunt potestates, coeli ccelorumque virtutes, ac beata seraphim, socia exultatione concele- brant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti
1 T is trul J meet and just, X right and salutary, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God! Through Christ our Lord : through whom the angels praise thy Majesty, the domi- nations adore, the powers do hold in awe, the heavens and the vir- tues of the heavens, and the blessed seraphim do celebrate with united joy.
X4S PEATERS AT MASS.
jubeas deprecamur, sup- In union with whom we plici confessione dicentes : beseech thee that thou Sanctus ! Sanctus I Sane- w^ouldst command our tus ! Dominus Deus Saba- voices also to be admitted oth. Pleni sunt coeli et "with suppliant confession, terrae gloria tua. Hosanna saying : Holy, Holy, in excelsis. Benedictusqui Holy, Lord God of Sab- venit in nomine Domini, aoth, heaven and earth Hosanna in excelsis. are filled w^ith thy glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he that cometh
in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
What follows IS called the Canon of the Mass. Say then :
Most merciful Father, who hast given us tliy only Son to be our daily sacrifice ! incline thine ears to our prayers, and favor onr desires ; protect, unite, and govern thy whole Church throughout the world ; pour forth thy blessing on his present Holiness, that Prelate who has a particular charge over us, and all* tme professors of the Catholic faith.
Whilst he maJces his Memento, or Commemoration oj the Livinr/, make yours also, praying in particular for yourself and friends, etc.
I offer thee, 0 eternal Father ! wdth this thy minister at the altar, this oblation of the body and blood of thy only Son, to thy honor and glory : in remembrance of my Sav ionic's pasr
PRAYEES AT MASS. 149
sion, ill thanksgiving for all thy benefits, in satisfaction for all my sins, and for tlie obtain- ing of thy grace, whereby I may be enabled to live virtuously and die happily. I desire thee likewise to accept it, 0 God ! for my parents, [if alive] relatives, friends, and benefactors : gi'ant them all blessings, spiritual and temporal. I offer it up also [name the particular intention you offer it up for : as for obtaining this virtue, overcoming that vice; for blessings, such as health, etc.]. Likewise for all that are in misery ; for those I have any way injured in word or deed ; for all my enemies ; for the conversion of sinners, and enlightening all that sit in darkness. Pour forth thy blessings on all, according to their different necessities, through the merits of thy only Son our Lord.
Proceed and say :
Give ear, w^e beseech thee, to the prayers of thy servant, who is here appointed to make this oblation in our behalf, and grant it may be effectual for the obtaining of all those bless- ings which he asked for us.
Behold, 0 Lord ! we all here present to thee in this bread and wine the symbols of our perfect union. Grant, 0 Lord ! that they may be made for us the true body and blood oi
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thy clear Son; that, being consecrated to thee "by this holy Victim, we may live in thy service, and depart this life in thy grace.
At the Elevatiouy or lifting up of the Sacred Host ir. Memory of Christ being lifted up on the Cross, say .
Most adorable body, I adore thee with al3 the powers of my soul. Lord, who hast givei: thyself entire to us, grant we may become entirely thine. I believe^ O Lord ! help my unbelief. |
Most merciful Saviour, be thou my pro-> lector ; strengthen and defend me by thy heavenly grace, now, and especially at the hour of my death, sweet Jesus. Amen.
At the Elevation of the Chalice j say : Most adorable blood, that washest away all our sins, I adore thee. Happy we, could we return our life and blood for thine, 0 blessed Victim !
0 Jesus! do thou cleanse, sanctify, and: preserve our souls to eternal life. Live, Jesus, in us, and may we live in thee. Amen.
After the Elevation, say. It is now, 0 Lord ! with grateful hearts we: call to mind the sacred mysteries of thy passion: and death, of thy resurrection and ascension.
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Here is thy body that was broken ,• here is thy blood that was shed for us, of which these exterior signs are but the figures, and yet in reality contain the substance. It is now we truly ofier thee, 0 Lord ! that pure and holy victim which thou hast been pleased to give us ; of which all the other sacrifices were but so many types and figures.
Whilst he make his Memento, in silence, for the Deady make yours also, thus :
I offer thee again, 0 Lord! this holy sacrifice of the body and blood of thy only Son, in behalf of the faithful departed, and in particular for the souls of \Jiere name whom you chiefly propose to pray for] my parents [if dead ] , relatives, benefactors, neighbors, etc. Likewise of such as I have any ways injured, or been the occasion of their sins ; of such as have injured me, and been my enemies; of such as die in war, or have none to pray for them, etc. To these, 0 Lord ! and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace : through tbe same Christ our Lord. Amen.
JFhen he strikes his Breast and says aloud, Nobis quoque peccatoribus, say :
Vouchsafe to grant the same to us, poor and miserable sinners } judge us not according
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to our demerits 5 but tlirougli the infinite mul-l titude of thy mercies, in which we hope, liberf ally extend to us thy grace and pardon.
We ask it of thee, iii the name of thy deai Son, who liveth and reigneth eternally with thee, and in that form of prayer which hei himself hath tau^-ht us.
V. Per omnia Siecula saeculorum. K. Amen.
At the Pater 2{oster,
V. For ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Oremus.
PR^CEPTIS salutari- bus moniti, divina in- stitutione formati^ aude- mus dicere :
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, sanctiiicetur nomen tuum: adveniat regnum tuum ; fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidia- num da nobis hodie : et dimitte nobis debita nostra eicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.. Et oe nos inducas in tenta- tionem.
A. Sed libera uos a male.
Let us Pray
TNSTRUCTED by thy _L saving precepts, and following thy divine in- stitution; we presume to say :
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into, temptation.
A. But deliver us fromj «yil.
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Deliver us from those evils, wliich we labor under at present; from past evils, which can be nothing but our manifold sins ; and from all the evTls to come, which will be the just chastisement of our offences, if our prayers, and those more powerful ones of thy saints who intercede for us, intercept not thy justice. or excite not thy bounty.
At his hreaking and putting a Particle of the Host into the Chalice^ say :
Thy body was broken, and thy blood shed for us : grant that the commemoration of this holy mystery may obtain for us peace; and that those who receive it may find everlasting rest.
At the Agnus Dei, say with the Priest :
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of tlie world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of tbe world, grant us peace.
At the Prayer before Communion, say : In saying to thy apostles, my peace I leave you, my peace I give you, thou hast promised, O Lord ! to all thy Church that peace which the world cannot give: peace with thee, and neace with ourselves.
154 PRATERS AT MASS.
Let notliing, 0 Lord ! ever interrupt this holy peace ; let nothing separate us from thec( to whom we heartily desire to be united] through the blessed sacrament of peace anc^ reconciliation. Let this food of angels strengthen us in every Christian duty, so aa' never more to yield under temptations, or fall into our common weaknesses.
At the Domine non sum dignus, striking your Breask thrice, with Humility and Contrition, say :
Lord, I am not worthy thou shouldst enteri under my roof; say only the word, and my soul shall be healed.
If not prepared to communicate sacramentally, com- municate spiritually f by saying :
Most loving Jesus, I adore thee with a lively faith, who aii; present in this sacrament by virtue of thy infinite power, wisdom, audi goodness. But, conscious of my infirmities and sins, I dare not now receive thee sacra- mentally. All my hope is in thee ! I lovo thee, 0 Lord ! with all my heart, who hast so loved me ; and therefore I desire to receive thee now spiritually. Come therefore, 0 L«rd J to me in spu'it, and heal my sinful soul.. Feed me fori am hungry 3 strengthen me,^
PRATERS AT MASS. 155
for I am weak ; enliven and sanctify me with thy sacred body and blood ; deliver me from all sin, and make me always obedient to thy commands ; and let me never be separated from thee, my Saviour ! who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest ^nd reignest one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
During the Ablution and Wiping of the Chalice^ say :
Give us, 0 Lord! a part in the fruits of thy death and passion ; the sacred memory of which we have commemorated in our pre- sent sacrifice and communion. Happy those who sit at thy table to partake of the bread of life. 0 Jesus! my soul sighs after thee. I long with thy apostle to be dissolved, and to be with thee. My heart and my whole bodv, with transports of joy, seek the living God.
My soul languishes with the ardent desire of entering into the house of our Lord. I love thee, O my God ! with all my heart. 0, that I could always enjoy the presence of thy adorable body, which is the pledge of our eternal happiness ! I adore thy goodness, and return thee infinite thanks, 0 gracious Lord ! for thy inestimable favor and mercy in ad- mitting me to be present this day at the dread
]^56 PRAYEES AT MASS.
sacrifice where thou art both Priest and Vic: tim. Make me, 0 God ! always sensible oii this great blessing, and let not my unworthii niess put a stop to the effect of thy mercy anc< goodness.
Whilst he reads the Communion y say :
Let it be now, 0 Lord ! the effect of thy^ mercy, that we, w^ho have been present at this holy mystery, may find the benefit of it in our souls.
At the Post-Communion, say :
We give thee thanks, 0 God! for thy mercy, in admitting us to have a part in offer- ing this sacrifice to thy holy name : accept it now to thy glory, and be ever mindful of our weakness.
Proceed as follows :
Most gracious God, Father of mercy I grant, I beseech thee, that this adorable sac- rifice of the blessed body and blood of tby Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, may obtain for us at thy hands mercy and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
TTIicn he turns to the People and gives them his Blessing , say:
The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for ever, Amen.
PRATERS AT MASS. 157
Whilsi he concludes with the last Gospel, say : 0 eternal Word ! speak to my soul, which adores thee m profound silence ; thou art the great Creator of all things ; abandon not, I beseech thee, thy own creature ] be thou my life, my light, and my all.
0 Light eternal ! enlighten me in this pre- sent life, and in the life to come.
Reign in me as in thine own inheritance : for thou, 0 Lord ! hast made me ; thou hast redeemed me. May I be ever thine.
1 have sinned too much against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Thou God incarnate, have pity on my frail and mortal flesh, and grant it may one day see what it here adores below. Amen.
I render thee all possible praise and thanks^ O Sovereign Creator! for the favor I have this day received from thy bounty, and of which many better-deserving Christians are deprived. Receive, O Lord ! my unworthy prayers, supply all my defects, pardon all xny distractions and indevotions, and grant that^ by the strength and virtue of these divine mysteries, I may go on cheerfully in the path of thy commandments, love, and service^ amidst all the temptations, troubles, and dangers of my life'^ pilgrimage^ till I shall
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one day happily arrive at thy heavenly king doni, where with the blessed angels and saints I shall more clearly contemplate thee, more perfectly enjoy thee, and more adequately celebrate thy infinite goodness and mercy, ^vith uninterrupted canticles of eternal praise, admiration, and gratitude.
Happy are they who dwell in thy house, O Lord ! for ever and ever they will praise thee.
Thou aii: worthy, O Lord, to receive honor, glory, and power.
Praise the Lord, for he is good, for his merc}^ is everlasting.
Who shall relate the wonders of the Lord ? who shall publish his praises ?
Return home modestly and recollectedlj as if you iiad been present at our Lord's crucifixion on Mount Calvary.
Igmits.
THE SMILE OF JESUS.
1 Sweet is the face of nature,
When flowers deck the vales, "When air is filled with fragTauc3
Wafted by vernal gales ; Yet zephyrs vainly fan me,
And flow'rs to groves invito, Withoat the smile of Jesus
They give me no delight.
2 Sweet are the shady l)owers.
The sileut, still retreat; The sunsnine after showers,
And morning air, are sweet ; But vain are nature's beauties.
And lost her sweets to me ; Dear Jesus ! naught can charm m9,
Without a smile from thee.
3 Tho' crystal streams meander,
And fertilize the plain, Tho' gentle zephy s wander,
And waft each pleasing strain ; Tho' valleys, groves, and fountains
Unite to charm my sight, Without the smile of Jesus
They cannot give delight,
4 Jesus ! thy smile of mercy
Can make my spirit whole, And drive the shades of darkness
From my afflicted soul. Oh ! pardon my transgressions^
And purify my heart ; Speak all my sins forgiven,
And bid my fears depart.
160 HTMXS.
SING, MY TOXGUE, THE SAVIOUR'S GLORV.^
1 Sing", my tongfue, the Saviour's glory,
Oi his flesh the mystery sing : Of the blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our immortal King, Destined for the world's redemption,
From a noble womb to spring.
2 Of a pure and spotless Virgin
Born for us ou earth below, He, as Man with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; Then he closed with solemn order
Wondrously his life of woe.
3 On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with his chosen band, He, the paschal victim eating,
First fulfils the law's command; Then us food to all his brethren
Gives himself with his own hand.
4 "Word made flesh, the bread of nature
By his word to flesh he turns ; "Wine into his blood he changres : —
What, though sense no change discerns 1 Only be the lieart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.
JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD.
1 Jesus, my Lord, my God, myall ! How can I love thee as I ought? And how revere this wondrous gift, So far surpassing hope or thought? Cfiorus. — Sweet Sacrament ! we thee adore,
O make us love thee more and more, O make us love thee more and more I
nYMXs. 161
3 Had I but Mary's sinless heart
To love thee with, my dearest King, O with what bursts of fervent praise Thj' goodness, Jesus, would I sin^ I
Chorui.
ASPIRATIONS AFTER COMMUNION
What happiness can equal mine ?
I've found the object of my love : My Jesus dear, my King divine
Is come to me from heav'n above. He chose my heart for his abode.
He there becomes my daily bread , There on me flows his healing blood,
There, with his flesh, my soul is fed.
I am my love's, and he is mine ;
In me he dwells, in him I live; What greater treasure could I find.
And could ye, heav'ns, a greater give t O sacred banquet, heavenly feast !
O overflowing source of grace ! Where God the food, and man the guest,
Meet and unite in sweet embrace !
Ye angels, lend your heavenly tongues :
Come, and with me in praises join ; Come, and unite in thankful songs,
Your sweet immortal voice to mine. O, that I had your burning hearts
To love my God, my spouse most dear I O that he would with flaming darts,
Raise in my heart a heavenly fire I
162 HYMXS.
' BEFORE OR AFTER HOLY COMMXmiOJi
My God, my life, my love,
To thee, to thee I call ; O come to me from heaven above,
And be my God, my all.
My faith beholds thee, Lord, ConceaVd in human food ;
My senses fail, but in thy word I trust, and find my God.
O, when wilt thou be mine, Sweet lover of my soul !
My Jesus dear, my King divine; Come o'er my heart to rule.
O come I and fix thy throne, In the midst of my heart ;
O make it bum for thee alone, And from thence ne'er depart.
Begone ye, from my mind Vain, childish earthly toys ;
Id my Jesus alone 1 find True pleasures, solid joys.
GRACES FROM MY JESUS FT.OWlNa.
Graces from my Jesus flowing Set the faithful breast on fire ;
Make the soul with raptures glowing. Naught but heav'nly bliss desire.
Chorus. — ^Vain she thinks all transient joys. For eternal peace she sighs ; Nought can then disturb her rest, "With her God supremely blest.
HYM2:S
Here she may from care retiring*, Find a sweet and healing balm ;
All celestial love inspiring-, Shed around a heavenly calm.
Chorus,
Here with purest love remaining-,
Jesus answers ev'ry pray'r ; With his help the soul sustaining,
Makes her ev'ry blessing share.
CTunnis,
O JESUS, JESUS, DEAREST LORD !
1 O Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord,
Forgive me if I say, For very love, thy sacred name,
A thousand times a day ! I love thee so, I know not how
My transports to control : Thy love is like a burning fire.
Within my very soul.
2 O wonderful ! that thou shouldst let
So vile a heart as mine, Love thee with such a love as this,
And make so free with thine. The craft of this wide world of ours
Poor wisdom seems to me : Ah ! dearest Jesus, I have grown
Childish with love of thee.
3 For thou to me art all in all.
My honor and my wealth. My heart's desire, my body's strength,
My soul's eterntl health. Bum, burn, O love ! within my hearty
Burn fiercely night and day, Till all the dross of earthly love
Is burned and burned away.
164 HTMXS.
4 O ligbt in darkness, joy in grief f
O Heav'n begun on eartia ! Jesus, my love, my treasure I who
Can tell what thou art worth ! O Jesus, Jesus, sweetest Lord I
What art thou not to me ? Each hour brings joys before unknown.
Each day new liberty.
5 "What limit is there to thee, love ?
Thy flight where wilt thou stay ? On, on ! our Lord is sweeter far
To-day than yesterday. O love of Jesus, blessed love !
So will it ever be : Time cannot hold thy wondrous growth,
No, nor eternity.
O! SING A JOYOUS CAROL.
O ! sing a joyous carol
Unto the holy Child, And praise with gladsome voices
His JFother undefiled. Our youthful voices, greeting,
Shall hail our infant King : And our sweet Lady listens
When children's voices sing.
Who is there meekly lying
In yonder stable poor? Dear children, it is Jesus ;
He bids you now adore. Who is there kneeling- hy him
In virgin beauty fair? It is our Mother Mary :
She bids yon all draw near.
HYMNS. 165
Who is there near the manger
That guards the holy Child! It is the great St. Joseph,
Chaste spouse of Mary mild. Dear children, O ! how joyful ,
With them in heaven to be ! God grant that none be missing
From that festivity.
O BLEST FOR ETER THE MOTHER.
1 O blest for e'er the Mother,
And Virgin full of grace. Who bore our God, our Brother, The Saviour of our race !
Chorus. — Sweet Jesus, low before thee, We bend in fear and love, O grant we may adore thee In thy bright realms above !
2 Pure as the light of heaven.
In meekness nearest thee, 'Tis thou hast Mary given Our guide, our Iriend to be.
Chorut, — Sweet Mother, tears are falling
From hearts that love thy Son : Then hear thy children calling On thee, and bless thy own.
166 HYMNS.
AVE SANCTISSIMA.
. Ave Sanctissima !
We lift our souls to thee, Ora pro nobis f
'Tis nightfall on the sea. "Watch us while shadows lie,
Far o'er the water spread : Hear the heart's lonely sigh,
Thine too hath bled. Thou that hast looked on death,
Aid us when death is nigh ; Whisper of heav'n to faith.
Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, hear!
Ora pro nobis, The wave must rock our sleep,
Ora, Mater, ora, Star of the sea.
S Ave Sanctissiraa !
List to thy children's pray'r. Audi Maria !
And take us to thy care. O thou whose virtues shine
With brightest purity, Come and each thought refine,
Till pure like thine I Oh save our souls from ill ;
Guard thou our lives from fear ; Our heart with pleasure fill.
Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, hear!
Ora pro nobis, The wave must rock our sleep, '^ Ora, Mater, ora, Star of the se«»
HYMNS. 167
AS THE DEWY SHADES OF EVEN.
1 As the dewy shades of even
Gather o'er the balmy air Listen, srentle Queen of heaven.
Listen to my vesper prayer ! CJwrus. — Holy Mother, near me hover,
Free my thoughts from aught defiled , With thy wings of mercy cover
Safe from harm thy helpless child !
2 Thine own sinless heart was broken,
Sorrow's sword had pierced its core ; Holy Mothe r, by that token,
Now thy pity I implore. Chorus, — Queen of Heaven, guard and guide me,
Save my soul from dark despair ; In thy tender bosom hide me :
Take me, Mother, to thy care.
3 Mother of my Infant Saviour,
Spouse of God, my plaint, O hear I Purest Virgin, gracious Matron, O relieve me by thy prayer ! Chorus. — From thy happy seat in Zion,
Light me thro' this dark abode, Smile, O I gently smile upon me I Tell my sorrows to my God.
JESUS CRUCIFIED.
Oh ! come and mourn with me awhile :
See, Mary calls us to her side ; Oh ! come and let us mourn with her :
Jesus, oar love, is crucified ! Have we no tears to shed for him,
While soldiers scoff and Jews deride? Ah ! look how patiently he hangs :
Jesus, our love, is crucified I
168 HYMNS.
How fast liis hands and feet are nail'd I
His blessed tongue with thirst is tied. His failing eyes are blind with blood :
Jesus, our love, is erucifie<l ! His Mother cannot reach his face ;
She stands in helplessness beside, Her heart is martyr'd with her Son's :
Jesus, our love, is crucified !
Seven times he spoke, seven words of love,
And all three hours his silence cried For merc}'^ on the souls of men :
Jesus, our love, is crucified ! "What was thy crime, my dearest Lord ?
By earth, by heaven, thou hast been tried And guilty found of too much love :
Jesus, our love, is crucified I
Found guilty of excess of love,
It was thine own sweet will that tied Thee tighter far than helpless nails ;
Jesus, our love, is crucified ! Death came and Jesus meekly bow'd ;
His failing eyes he strove to guide TVith mindful love to Mary's face :
Jesus, our Love, is crucified !
Oh break, oh break, hard heart of mine I
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride His Pilate and his Judas were :
Jesus, our love, is crucified ! Come, take thy stand beneath the cross,-
And let the blood from out that side Frfll gently on thee drop by drop :
Jesus, our love, is crucified !
A broken hear*, a fount of tears,
Ask. and they will not be denied; A broken heart love's cradle is :
Jesus, our love is crucified I O love of God I O sin of man !
In this dread act your strength is tried; And victory remains with love,
For he, our love, is crucified !
HYMirs. 169
ON THIS DAY, O BEAUTIFUL MOTHER!
Month of May.
Chorus. — ^On this day, O beautifal Mother f
On this day we give thee our love.
Near thee, Madonna, fondly we hover,
Trusting thy gentle care to prove.
Solo. — On this day we ask to share,
Dearest Mother, thy sweet care ; Aid us ere our feet astray Wander from tny guiding way.
CJiorus,
Queen of angels, deign to hear
Lisping children's humble prayer ; ,
Young hearts gain, O Virgin pure !
Sweetly to thyself allure.
Rose of Sharon, lovely flow'r, Beauteous bud of Eden's bow'r. Cherished lily of the vale, Virgin, Mother, Queen, we hail !
Chorus*
Chorus,
In vain the flow rs of love we bring, In vain sweet music's note we sing. If contrite heart and lowly prayer Guide not our gifts to thy bright sphere.
Chorus,
Fast our days of life we mn, Soon the night of death will come ; Tower of strength, in that dread hour, Come with all thy gentle power I
Chorus,
170 HYMKS;
O SANCTISSBIA.
1 O sanctissima, O piisima,
Dulcis Virgo Maria ; Mater amata, intemerata, Ora, ora pro nobis.
2 Tota pulchra es, O Maria,
Et macula non est in te : Mater amata, intemerata, Ora, ora pro nobis.
3 Sicut lilium inter spinas,
Sic Maria inter filias : Mater amata, intemerata, Ora, ora pro nobis.
4 In miseria, in angustia,
Ora Virgo pro nobis. Pro nobis ora in mortis hora ; • Ora, ora pro nobis
FOR THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
Knoum Air.
Fading, still fading, the last beam is shining, Ave Maria ! day is declining : Safety and innocence fly with the light. Temptation and danger walk forth in the night : From the fall of the shade till the matin shall chimd, Shield uri frga daPg»^r ftn<i gave us from crime.
^ye M^a I audi nos.
HYMNS. 171
Ave Maria ! O hear when we call ; Mother of Him who is Saviour of all ! Feeble and fearing, we trust in thy might, In doubting and darkness thy love be our light : Let us sleep on thy breast while the night taper bumi, And wake in thine arms when the morning returns. Ave Maria 1 audi nos.
ST. CASIMIR'S HYMN.
Daily, daily sing to Mary,
Sing, my soul, her praises due :
All her feasts, her actions worship With the heart's devotion true.
€fhorus, — Lost in wond'ring contemplation, Be her majesty confest : Call her Mother, call her Virgin, Happy Mother, Virgin blest I
She is mighty to deliver ;
Call her, trust her lovingly: "When the tempest rages 'round thee,
She will calm the troubled sea.
Chorur^
All my senses, heart, affections. Strive to sound her glory forth :
Spread abroad the sweet memorials Of the Virgin's priceless worth.
Chorut^
All our joys do flow from Mary, All then join her praise to sing ;
Trembling sing the Virgin Mother, Mother of our Lord and King.
Chorut,
Yi2 HYMNS.
Holy Mary we implore thee^
By thy pnrity divine, Help us bending here before thee,
Help us truly to be thine.
Teach, O teach us, holy Mother \
How to conquer every sin ; How to love and help each other,
How the prize of life to win.
By the hope thy name inspires, By our doom reversed through thee,
Help us. Queen of angel choirs f Now and through eternity.
Ckonu,
HAIL, HEAVNLY QUEEN,
Hail, heav'nly Queen ! hail, foamy ocean's star f O be our guide, diffuse thy beams afar. Hail, Mother of God ! above all virgins blest ; Hail, happy gate of heav'ns eternal rest. Chorus. — Hail, foamy ocean's star I hail, heav'nly queen ! O be our guide to endless joys unseen !
"Hail, full of grace," with Gabriel we refeat — Thee, Queen of heav'n, from him we learn to greet , Then give us peace, which heaven alone can give, And, dead through Eve, through Mary let us live.
Chorus,
O break our chains, our captive souls release I O give us light, and let our blindness cease ! Let every ill that presses on our heart Fly at thy yoice, and ev'ry good impart.
Chorus^
HTMXS.
Thy children save ! O gracious Mother, hear ! From moistened eyes, O deign to wipe the tear I Thy pray rs for us to God thy Son present, Whose life and blood to save mankind were spent.
Chorus, O Virgin meek, unmatched among mankind, In whom no stain, no blemish God did find ! From Satan's chains our c ptive souls set free. Make us like thee, meek, chaste and sinless be.
Chorut^ Our lives unstained, in purity preserve. Nor e'er permit our ways from truth to swerve, That, when our time has roll'd its rapid round, "We may, with Christ, in heavenly bhss be crown'd.
ChOTTUS,
Eternal praise to God the Father be. Eternal ptaise to Christ's dread majesty; And equal prtiise to God the Holy Ghost, Here, as above, amongst the heav'nly host.
CJwnis*
THE NAME OF MARY.
Chorus, — It is the name of Mary
Which we to-day proclaim. Come, all ye Mary's children,
To sing that lovely name. Come sing that name, dear children,
It is your Mof her's own ; Unite your hearts and praises, And watt them to her throne.
ChoriLS.
A name of power and sweetness, Her name to us so dear, —
A name of awe and grandeur, But grandeur free trom fear. ^_ Chorus.
174 HrMNS.
Sweet name all strong yet tender,
That name we love so well, — The joy of earth and heaven,
The fear and dread of hell.
Chorus, O name by which we triumph
O'er hell's embattled foes, The victor's mead of glory
And solace in his woes.
Chorus,
HAIL, VIRGIN, DEAREST IMARY,
Solo. — Hail, Virgin, dearest Mary! Our lovely Queen of May I O spotless blessed Lady, Our lovely Queea of May ! Clio. — Thy children humbly bending Around thy shrine so dear, With heart and voice asoendinar. Sweet Mary, hear our prayer I Hail; Virgiu, &c.
2 Behold earth's blossoms springing
la beauteous form and hue ; All nature gladly bringing Her sweetest charms to you. Hail, Virgin, &c.
3 We'll gather fresh, bright flowers
To bind our fair Queen's brow : From gay and verdant bowers, We haste to crown thee now. Hail, Virgin, &c.
A And now, our blessed M;>ther, Smile on our festal day ; Accept our wreath of flowers. And be our Queen of May i Hail, Virgin, &c.
HYMNS. 175
DEAR ANGEL, EVER AT MY SIDE.
1 Dear angel, ever at my side,
How lovelj'^ must thon be, To leave thy home in heaven, to guide A little child like me.
2 Thy beautiful and shining face
I see not, though so near ; The sweetness of thy soft low voice I am too deaf to hear.
3 I cannot feel thee touch my hand,
With pressure light and mild, To check me as my mother did, When I was but a child.
4 But I have felt thee in my thoughts.
Fighting with sin for me ; And when my heart loves God I know The sweetness is from thee.
5 And when, dear spirit, I kneel down,
Morning and night to prayer. Something there is within my heart, Which tells me thou art there.
5 Yes ! when I pray thou prayest too : Thy prayer is all fcr me : But when I sleep, thou sleepest not, But watchest patiently.
T Then love me, love me, angel dear I And I will love thee more ; And help me when my soul is cast Upon th' eternal shore.
176 HYMNS.
THE GUAEDIAN ANGELAS LAMENT.
1 Thou hast sorrowed the spirit that loved thee,
And watch 'd o'er thy footsteps for years ; Thoa hast made me at last to sigh o'er thee,
In secret, in silence, and tears. For my Father in heaven I loved thee,
For his sake I have g-uarded thy ways : Return, oh! return, I implore tliee,
To love him, to serve, and to praise.
2 O'er thy pathway through life still I hozer,
Thee to comfort, to solace, to cheer, "With the love of a fond, saving brother,
Through this desert of trial and fear. O when shall I clasp thee — how fondly !
And bear thee, all dangers now past, To the arms of the God who died for thee,
To our home in the heavens at last.
PATRONAGE OF ST. THOMAS.
ChortLS.
Holy Patron ! thee saluting, Here we meet with hearts sincere.
Blest St. Thomas I all uniting Call on thee to hear our prayer.
Happy Saint, in bliss adoring
Jesus, Saviour of mankind. Hear thy children thee imploring I
May we thy protection find,
"Worldly dangers for them fearing, Youthful hearts to thee we bring ;
Grant, in virtue persevering, Vice may ne'er their bosom sting.
ChQru8,
HYMNS. 177
May our fervent prayers ascending, Move thee for our souls to plead ;
May thy smile of peace descending Benedictions on us shed.
Chorus.
MY HAPPY HOME.
Jerusalem, my happy home,
How do I sigh for thee ! When shall my exile have an end ? Thj" joys when shall I see ? Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, my happy home How do I sigh for thee I
No sun or moon, in borrowed light,
Revolve thine hours away ; The Lamb on Calvary's mountain slain
Is thy eternal day. Jerusalem, etc.
From every eye he wipes the tear : All sighs and sorrows cease ;
No more alternate hope and fear But everlasting peace. Jerusalem, etc.
The thought of thee to us is given,
Our sorrows to beguile ; To anticipate the bliss of heaven,
In his eternal smile. Jerusalem, etc.
HYMN TO ST. THOMAS OP AaUIN.
Solo.
1. Hail, ho - ly Pa - tron, 2:uide of youth I Thy
2. Thou know'st, dear Father, that we are weak, In
3. Then, glo-rious Pa - tron, meek and mild, From
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HYMNS. 179
AVE MARIS STELLA.
Aye maris stella I Dei mater alma, Atque semper virgo Felix cneli porta.
Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace. Mutans nomen Evae.
Solve vincla reis. Profer lumen csecis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona euncta posce.
Monstra te esse matrem, Sumat per te preceSj Qui pro nobis natus Tulit esse tuus.
Virgo singnlaris. Inter omnes mitis, Nos culpis solutos, Mitis fac et castos.
Vitam prsesta puram Iter para tutum, TJt videntes Jesum, Semper collaetemur.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus. Amen.
180 HYMNS.
APPROACH NOT THE ALTAR.
Approach not the Altar with gloom on thy soul, Nor let thy feet falter from terror's control; God loves not the sadness of fear and distrust, O ! serve Him. with gladness, the Gentle, the Just.
His bounty is tender, His being is love,
His smile fills with splendor the blue arch above;
Believing, confiding, O ! enter always
His courts with thanksgiving. His portals with praise.
Bring meekly before Him the faith of a child. Bow down and adore Him with heart undefiled; And by the still waters and through the green shades, With Mary, glad daughter, thy path shall be made.
GENTLE STAR OF OCEAN.
Gentle Star of Ocean, Portal of the sky. Ever Virgin Mother of the Lord most High; Oh ! by Gabriel's Ave, uttered long ago, Eva's name reversing, 'etablish'd peace below.
Break the captive's fetters, light on blindness pour; All our ills expelling, ev'ry bliss implore; Show thyself a Mother, offer Him our sighs. Who for us Incarnate, did not thee despise.
Virgin of all virgins, to thy shelter take us; Gentlest of the gentle, chaste and gentle make us. Thro' the highest heavens, to the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, one same glory be.
HYMNS. 181
COME, HOLY GHOST, CREATOR BLEST.
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, And in our hearts take up Thy rest; Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O Comforter, to thee we cry; Thou heavenly gift of God most high; Thou fount of life and fire of love, And sweet anointing from above.
O Holy Ghost, through Thee alone Know we the Father and the Son; Be this our never changing creed, That Thou dost from Them both proceed.
Praise we the Father and the Son, And Holy Spirit with Them One; And may the Son on us bestow The gifts that from the Spirit flow.
COME, HOLY GHOST.
Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams Which sweetly flow in silent streams.
From Thy bright throne above. Come, Thou the Father of the poor. Thou bounteous source of all our store I
Come, fill our hearts with love.
182 HYMIS^S.
Come, Thou, of comforters the best, Come, Thou, the soul's delightful guest,
The pilgrim's sweet relief. Thou art our rest in toil and sweat, Refreshment in excessive heat,
And solace in our grief.
O sacred light, shoot home thy darts, O pierce the centre of these hearts !
Whose faith aspires to Thee. Without Thy God-head nothing can Have any price or worth in man.
Nothing can harmless be.
I MET THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
I met the Good Shepherd but now on the plain, As homeward He carried His lost one again: I marveled how gently His burden He bore; And as He passed by me 1 knelt to adore.
O Shepherd, Good Shepherd, Thy wounds they are deep; The wolves have sore hurt Thee in helping Thy sheep; Thy raiment all over with crimson is dyed; And what is this rent they have made in Thy side ?
Ah, me ! how the thorns have entangled Thy hair; And cruelly riven that forehead so tair 1 How feebly Thou drawest Thy faltering breath I And lo ! on Thy face is the shadow of death !
O Shepherd, Good Shepherd, and is it for me This grievous affliction has fallen on Thee ? Ah, then, let me strive for the love Thou hast borne To give Thee no longer occasion to mourn.
HYMIS^S. 183
ADESTE FIDELES.
Adeste fideles
Laeti triumphantes,
Venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte
Regem Angelorum,
Venite, adoremus
Venite, adoremus Dominum.
Deum de Deo, Lumen de lumine, Gestant puellae viscera: Deum verum Genitum non factum,
Venite, &c.
Cantet nunc lo !
Chorus angelorum;
Cantet nunc aula coelestium*
Gloria gloria
In excelsis Deo.
Venite, &c,
Ergo, qui natus Die hodierna Jesu 1 tibi sit gloria, Patris aeterni Verbum caro factum.
Venite, &c.
184 HYMNS.
FAIREST OF MORTALS.
Fairest of mortals, vase of all blissful grace; Mary, our Mother, Protectress of this place. Oh ! watch thou o'er our infancy, And guard our infant purity.
Chorus.— Mother, O hear thy children's fervent pray'r ! Mother, O hear and take us to thy care.
Fountain o'erflowing, source of immortal life, Well-ppring of favors, with hope and solace rife. Oh ! be our strength, our hope and stay, And save us from this fearful day.
Chorus,
From early childhood our hearts to God belong. Time but increases and makes the ties more strong. Be Thou always beside us. To lead, to rule and guide us.
Chcyfus,
Kind benefactress of childhood's helpless years, O, sweet protectress in all its risks and fears. When life's last throes betide us. Come down and stand beside us.
Chot^s.
HYMNS. ;135
O PUREST OF CEEATURES.
O purest of creatures ! sweet Mottier ! sweet Maid I The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid ! Dark night hath come down on us, Mother ! and we Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea !
Deep night hath come down on this rough spoken world, And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled; And the tempest-tost Church— all her eyes are on thee, They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea !
O shine on us brighter than ever, then, shine !
For the primest of honor, dear Mother, is thine;
*' Conceived without sin " thy new title shall be.
Clear light from thy birth-spring, sweet Star of the Sea I
Deep night hath come down on us. Mother, deep night, And we need more than ever the guide of thy light; For the darker the night is the brighter should be Thy beautiful, shining, sweet Star of the Sea !
HEART OF MARY.
O heart of Mary ! pure and fair, There is no stain in thee;
In Adam's fall thou hast no share; From sin's control thou'rt free.
Vhxynts.—O heart of Mary ! pure and fair,
No beauty can with thine compare; From ev'ry stain of sin thou'rt free; O make us pure in heart like thee !
186 IIYMT^S.
As some fair lily midst the thorns. Thou 'mongst Eve's daughters art;
Celestial purity adorns Thy crystal depth's chaste heart.
O chaste abode of fairest love,
In thee the King reposed; Thou art the spouse, the mystic dove,
The fount, the garden closed.
Chorus,
O mystic olive of the field
Which dost sweet balm impart; Thy shades from heats of passion shield,
And glads the weary heart.
Chorus.
As children to their mother flee.
When cloud-storms darkly lower, So loving hearts will haste to thee
In sad affliction's hour.
Chorus.
As doves all innocent and pure Repose within their nest.
So we from every ill secure In Mary's heart shall rest.
Chorus.
Sweet heart, within thy depths so chaste, We'll dwell and ne'er depart.
Till thou our souls hast deeply placed In Jesus' Sacred H eart.
Chorus.
And when from the loved heart we*ll go
To that of thy dear Son, O shall we leave thee then— ah, no.
His Heart and thine are one.
Chorus.
HYMJS^S. 187
O SALUTARIS.
O Salutaris Hostia, Quae coeli pandis ostinm Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.
Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria Qui vitam sine t ermine Nobis donet in patrla.
TANTUM ERGO,
Tantum ergo Sacramentum, Veneremur cernui;
Et antiquum documentum, Novo cedat ritui*,
Praestet fides supplementum, Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque,
Laris et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque,
Sitetbenedictio: Procedenti ab utroque,
Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
188 HYMKS.
TO-DAY HE^S RISEN.
To-day He's risen, death no more
Shall bind Him to the grave; Ko more can hell or sin's fell pow'r
O'er Him dominion have. He, likened to our sinful form,
Once doomed Himself to die. That He by death might death overcome.
Its deadly sting destroy. Alleluia.
O death ! where' s now thy mortal sting ?
Where's now thy victory ? To-day His glorious praise we sing,
Who triumphed over thee. Not triumphed for Himself alone,
But by His mighty power, Taught us to triumph in our turn,
Nor dread thy terrors more. Alleluia.
I know that my Redeemer lives.
And reigns above the skies ; He will revive my dust again,
And bid my body rise. Then clothed in my own glorious flesh,
I shall behold His face. That sweet hope in my bosom glows,
And cheers my ling'ring days. Alleluia.
HYMNS. 189
ORA PRO ME.
Ave Maria ! bright and pure,
Hear, O hear me when I pray; Pains and pleasures try the pilgrim
On his long and dreary way. Fears and perils are around me,
Ave Maria, bright and pure, Ora pro me, Ora pro me.
Ave Maria, Queen of heav'n. Teach, O teach me to obey; Lead me on thro' fierce temptations;
Stand and meet me in the way. When I fail and faint, my Mother, Ave Maria, bright and pure, Ora pro me, Ora pro me.
Then shall I, if thou, O Mary,
Art my strong support and stay, Fear nor feel the three-fold danger
Standing forth in dread array. Now anc ever shield and guard me, Ave Maria, bright and pure, Ora pro me, Ora pro me.
When my eyes are slowly closing.
And I fade from earth away. And when death, the stem destroyer,
Claims my body as his prey. Claims my soul, and then, sweet Mary, Ave Maria, bright and pure, Ora pro me, Ora pro me.
190 HYMI^S.
LITANY OF THE BLESSED YIRGIlSr.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudinos.
Pater de coells Deus, miserere nobis.
Fill Redemptor mundi Deus, miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Maria,
Sancta Dei genetrix,
Sancta virgo virginum,
Mater Christi,
Mater divinae gratia?,
Mater purissima.
Mater castissima.
Mater inviolata.
Mater intemerata.
Mater amabilis.
Mater admirabili^.
Mater Creatoris,
Mater Salvatoris, ,
Virgo prudentissima,
Virgo veneranda,
Virgo praedicanda,
Virgo potens,
Nirgo Clemens,
Virgo fidelis,
Speculum justitiae,
Sedes sapientiae.
Causa nostras laetitias,
Vas spirituale,
Vas honorabile,
Vas insigne derotionis,
Rosa mystica,
Turris Davidica,
Turris eburnea,
Domus aurea,
Foederis area,
Janua cceli,
HYMNS. 191
Stella matn ina,
Salus infirraorum,
Ref ugium peccatorum,
[^onsolatrix afflictorum,
^uxilium Christianorum,
Regina angelorum,
Regina patriarcharum,
Regina prophetarum,
Regina apostolorum,
Regina martyrum,
Regina confessorum,
Regina virginum,
Regina sanctorum omninm,
Regina, sine lal3e originali concepta, J
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,parce nobis Bomine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancti Dei genetrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christe.
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