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Etching by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo -- 1749
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V: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee.
R: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world
But for a short three days, for a day and
a half--Mary then must give Him up. He is not yet risen. His friends and
servants take Him from thee, and place Him in an honourable tomb. They
close it safely, till the hour comes for His resurrection.
Lie down and sleep in peace in the calm
grave for a little while, dear Lord, and then wake up for an everlasting
reign. We, like the faithful women, will watch around Thee, for all our
treasure, all our life, is lodged with Thee. And, when our turn comes to
die, grant, sweet Lord, that we may sleep calmly too, the sleep of the
just. Let us sleep peacefully for the brief interval between death and
the general resurrection. Guard us from the enemy, save us from the pit.
Let our friends remember us and pray for us, O dear Lord. Let Masses be
said for us, so that the pains of Purgatory, so much deserved by us, and
therefore so truly welcomed by us, may be over with little delay. Give
us seasons of refreshment there; wrap us round with holy dreams and soothing
contemplations, while we gather strength to ascend the heavens. And then
let our faithful guardian Angels help us up the glorious ladder, reaching
from earth to heaven, which Jacob saw in vision. And when we reach the
everlasting gates, let them open upon us with the music of Angels; and
let St. Peter receive us, and our Lady, the glorious Queen of Saints, embrace
us, and bring us to Thee, and to Thy Eternal Father, and to Thy Co-equal
Spirit, Three Persons, One God, to reign with Them for ever and ever.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...
V: Jesus Christ Crucified.
R: Have mercy on Us.
V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of
God rest in peace.
R: Amen
Let Us Pray.
God, Who by the Precious Blood of thy only-begotten Son didst sanctify
the Standard of the Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who rejoice
in the glory of the same Holy Cross may at all times and places rejoice
in Thy protection, through the same Christ, our Lord.
End with one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, for
the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...
The Stations of the Cross, John Henry Cardinal Newman
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