Saint Peter Julian Eymard's
Small Book of Prayers
From The Life and Letters of Saint Peter
Julian Eymard, Volume 1: The Early Years 1828-1852
translated from the original French by Sr. Catherine Marie Caron, S.S.S.
Before his First Communion at the age of twelve, Peter Julian composed a small book of prayers. Although this is not a "letter," it is the earliest handwritten document that we have of his, and is reproduced here as a fitting introduction to the voluminous correspondence which was to flow from his pen in the ensuing years.
LITTLE BOOK OF ACTS BEFORE AND
AFTER COMMUNION
Written by me, Julian Eymard
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
I believe in God the Father Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, in Jesus Christ his only Son, both God and man, who redeemed the world by his cross. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.I renounce with my whole heart the devil, his pomps, and his works. I want to live and die as a true Christian, with the help of God's grace.
Act before Communion, of Faith, of Adoration
My dear Jesus, I firmly believe that your body, your blood, your soul, your divinity are truly and substantially present in the blessed host which I am going to receive, because you told me so. I adore you with all the respect of which I am capable.Act of Hope, of Humility
My dear Jesus, I hope that when I receive you, you will increase your grace in me in this world, although I am unworthy of it.Act of Love and Desire
My dear Jesus, I love you with all my heart and above all things, I long to be one with you.Act of Petition
My dear Jesus, abide in my heart. Never leave it. Remove from it whatever displeases you and place in it whatever pleases you.Act of Thanksgiving (Petition) after Communion
My dear Jesus, I thank you for the grace which you have given me that you have come to dwell in my heart.Act of Offering
My dear Jesus, I give myself to you as you have given yourself entirely to me,
These acts are mine. My name and last name are Julian Eymard of LaMure.
My God, my all.
Deus fecit mundum de nihilo. God made the world out of nothing.
Julian P. Eymard