ORATIO XXXII. AD IDEM FACIENDUM.
A Guilty Priest Approaches the Altar
Anselm confesses his unworthiness as he prepares to consecrate the Eucharist, acknowledging his sinful state yet daring to approach from God's mercy alone.
Guilty conscience, anxious and fearful life, held captive by the ropes of my crimes — I beg you, Lord, my only refuge and the singular remedy of the wretched, to have mercy on me, your unworthy priest, and to forgive me, because with wicked lips and profaned hands I dare to consecrate that saving Sacrament, which is tremendous and worthy of adoration before angels and archangels and all the highest powers. Yet as I approach, I confess, Lord — I presume from you, mindful of my own evils and of your goods that have been from the age of the world.
The Sacrifice for Salvation, Not Condemnation
Anselm petitions that the holy Sacrifice serve as remedy for his sins and lasting salvation rather than as judgment against him.
Still, Lord, I presume to ask you that your most holy Sacrifice not be for my judgment or condemnation, but rather for the release of my sins and my distresses, and for the lasting salvation of my soul.
Humble and Fearful Presumption
Anselm repeats his petition with trembling humility, begging God to purify both the minister and the sacrifice itself.
The same petition, Lord God, I repeat as a suppliant — not, as you see, with proud presumption, but with humble and fearful presumption, because I, wretched and unclean, dare to consecrate the Sacrament of your holy flesh and your precious blood with unclean hands. As a suppliant I beg and implore you, Lord: look upon your ministry, have mercy on me your wretched minister, purify the one who offers sacrifice, and sanctify the sacrifice.
Prayer for Interior Wholeness
Anselm asks God to remove whatever within him opposes God, to prepare him for holy service, and to grant him worthy petitions.
God the Father, hear me. Whatever in me is against me, mercifully take away from me. Prepare me for your holy service, and make me a suitable minister for you. Grant that among these holy mysteries I may ask for what is pleasing to you, and that whatever I ask, I may receive through your most kind mercy, Lord, I pray.
Doxology and Amen
The prayer concludes with a brief doxology of honor and glory to God, sealed with Amen.
To you be honor, to you be glory for ages of ages. Amen.
Read the original Latin
Conscientia culpabilis, vita trepidus et anxius, criminum funibus captivatus, te unicum refugium et singulare remedium miserorum deprecor, Domine, ut mei indigni sacerdotis tui miserearis, mihique indulgeas quod illud sacramentum salutare, angelis et archangelis, et omnibus sublimitatibus tremendum et adorandum, sceleratis labiis consecrare, ac profanatis manibus praesumo attrectare: sed dum accedo per me, fateor, Domine, praesumo de te, memor malorum meorum, et tuorum quae a saeculo sunt bonorum. Adhuc, Domine, te rogare praesumo, ut non sit mihi sacrosanctum sacrificium tuum ad judicium, neque ad condemnationem, sed potius ad liberationem peccatorum et angustiarum mearum, et ad perennem animae meae salvationem. Idipsum, Domine Deus, supplicans repeto, non elata, ut ipse conspicis, praesumptione, sed prona et pavida praesumptione, quia miser et immundus carnis tuae sanctae et pretiosi sanguinis tui sacramentum immundis manibus consecrare audeo. Supplex exoro et obsecro, Domine, ministerium tuum respice, et misero mihi ministro miserere, sacrificatorem purifica, et sacrificium sanctifica. Deus Pater, audi me; quidquid est in me contra me, clementer aufer a me; apta me tuo sancto servitio, ac ministrum idoneum tibi me perfice, et annue ut quae tibi placita sunt, inter haec sancta mysteria postulem, et quaecunque postulo tua, Domine, benignissima, quaeso, misericordia percipiam. Tibi honor, tibi gloria in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Orationes sive Meditationes — Collection for Princess Adeliza of Normandy companion
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