Prayer to be Recited by Young Women
Composed by Pope Pius XII

With hearts bubbling over with the fondest aspirations, we, "the flower of youth" prostrate ourselves at Thy feet, O Lord Jesus, "Who givest joy to our youth." By this act of homage we desire to offer to Thee the beatings of our hearts as one who with a trembling hand places a flower upon Thy altar, in order to know Thee better-----the Infinite Truth, Who alone can quench our thirst for the ideal; to love Thee ever more and more-----the Ineffable Good, Who art the ultimate object of our highest aspirations; and to follow Thee closely-----the Supreme Norm of all perfection.

   May Thy presence, like a soft gentle breeze accompany us on our journey through this violent and restless world. May Thy spotless purity, like the Heavenly dawn, never disappear from our view when confronted by an arrogant materialism whose vileness is so harmful and seeks to engulf us in darkness. May Thy strength, all-powerful and meek, be a sure support sustaining us in our frailty and helping us in our weakness when face to face with those wiles and allurements whose glamor is designed to ensnare us.

  Like a ray of light we would like to clearly illustrate and set forth an example of a life of living faith animated with love. In the intimacy of our homes we will strive to keep our union and affection always on a supernatural plane through grace. In our social relations we will endeavor to adhere always to the high standard of justice and love, as a visible sign of a Christian program of life. In our studies and work we will seek to breathe forth and inspire peace and joy like one sowing a garden with the most precious seeds. In the choice of our state in life we will entrust ourselves with the most loving confidence to Thy Divine will. We will make every effort to live always a life of prayer and Sacramental grace, in union with Thee and in submission to Thy will, exhibiting that filial sentiment which should adorn all our actions with a beautiful aroma, thus sealing them as holy and meritorious.

  And do thou, O Mary, our most loving Mother, Immaculate Lily, give heed to the earnest prayers of these thy daughters, who like lowly flowers of the field, are all but lost in the meadows of this world, yet raise aloft their stems in sacrifice before the altar of the Lord. Present then our offering, O mighty advocate, and help us to spend all the days of our life in the most faithful imitation of Thy virtues, for the greater glory of Thy most beloved Son, Who together with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

March 7, 1958

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