To an Altar Boy

by St. John Berchmans

 

To be Christ’s page at the altar,

To serve Him freely there.

Where even the Angels falter,

Bowed low in reverent prayer.

To touch the throne most holy,

To hand the gifts for the feast,

To see Him meekly, lowly,

Descend at the word of the priest.

To hear man’s poor petition,

To sound the silver bell,

When He in sweet submission,

Comes down with us to dwell.

No grander mission surely

Could Saints or men enjoy;

No heart should love more purely,

Than yours my altar boy.

God bless you, lad, forever,

And keep you in His care,

And Guard you that you never

Belie the robes you wear.

For white bespeaks untainted

A heart both tried and true;

And red tolls love the sainted

The holy martyrs knew.

Throughout life, then, endeavor

God’s graces to employ;

And be in heart forever

A holy altar boy.