by St. Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori
Mary, sweet refuge of miserable sinners, when my soul is on the point of leaving this world, O, my most sweet Mother, by that sorrow which thou didst endure when assisting at the death of thy Son on the Cross, assist me with thy mercy. Drive the infernal enemy far from me, and do thou come and take my soul to thyself, and present it to the eternal Judge.
My Queen, abandon me not. Thou, after Jesus, hast to be my comfort in that terrible moment. Entreat thy beloved Son, in His goodness, to grant me the grace to die clinging to thy feet, and to breathe forth my soul in His wounds, saying, “Jesus and Mary, I give you my heart and my soul.”
Amen.
Consecrating the Two Last Hours of Our Lives to the Most Holy Virgin (by Father Ildefonso M. Izaguirre, O.P.)
Prostrated at thy feet and humiliated by my sins, but full of confidence in thee, O Mary, I beg thee to accept the petition my heart is going to make. It is for my last moments.
Dear Mother, I wish to request thy protection and maternal love so that in the decisive instant thou wilt do all thy love can suggest in my behalf.
To thee, O Mother of my soul, I consecrate the last two hours of my life. Come to my side to receive my last breath and when death has cut the thread of my days, tell Jesus—presenting to Him my soul—”I love it.” These words alone will be enough to procure for me the benediction of my God and the happiness of seeing thee for all eternity.
I put my trust in thee, my Mother, and hope it will not be in vain.
O Mary! Pray for thy child and lead me to Jesus! Amen.