The Complete Manual of Catholic Piety / Containing a Selection of Fervent Prayers, Pious Reflection, and Solid Instructions, Adapted to Every State of Life. To Which is Annexed a Supplement, Containing Excellent and Approved Devotions, With the Epistles and Gospels for All the Sundays and Festivals of the Year.

by William Gahan

When he bows down before the Altar, say,

We beseech thee, O Lord, by the merits of thy saints, whose relics are enclosed in this altar, and of all the saints, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive us all our sins. Amen.

Here at Solemn Masses, the Priest having blessed the incense with the sign of the cross, and these words, "Mayest thou be blessed by him in whose honour thou wilt be burned," fumes the altar therewith, and then turning to the book, reads the Introit, which, being different every day, may be supplied by the following prayer:

It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity! it is to honour thee, and to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august sacrifice. Permit me, then, O Lord, to unite my intention with that of thy minister now at the altar, in offering up this precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody sacrifice.

After which follows:

P. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord have mercy on us.

R. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord have mercy on us.