Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas (To Preserve Holy Purity)
"O holy, innocent Master, thou leader of the most pure of soul, I now
begin to understand what gained for thee the title, 'Angel of the
Schools.' The eye of an angel must indeed be able to contemplate that
which constitutes an angel's blessedness. Well didst thou understand
that saying of the Holy Spirit: 'Wisdom will not enter into a malicious
soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sin.' Thou hast told me that the
heart that gives itself up to sensuality, must be weak, bad, and subject
to low instincts. I believe thee, and I will follow thy counsels. Never
will I have aught to do with what might endanger the lovely, the
precious purity of my soul. When the tempter suddenly appears, may I
like thee in the hour of thy fiery and memorable victory, seize the
flaming brand of holy love with which to put my enemy to flight. I
solemnly promise thee, my holy Leader, to flee from every shadow of
danger, to be watchful in the choice of my books, my friends, my
conversations, my recreations, yes, even in my food and drink as far as
in me lies.
But do thou, O heavenly Protector, obtain for me the
divine assistance in those encounters from which so few come forth
victorious. I will conquer, I must conquer! Protect me from whatever
could wound purity in the least degree and keep me in the love of this
beautiful virtue till the end, that I may belong to those who in heaven
thank thee for thy guard over them and contribute to thy glory, O thou
triumphant Leader and renowned Hero of virginity! Amen."
