Prayer Before a Crucifix
	Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment: the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five wounds, pondering over them within me, whilst I call to mind the words David Thy prophet said of Thee, my Jesus: "They pierced my hands and my feet; they numbered all my bones." Amen Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, etc., for the intention of the Holy Father. Plenary Indulgence if recited before an image of the Crucifixion. ---- Pius IX, July 31, 1858