Jesus, our Lenten fast of Thee We duteous learn to keep, A healing time, by Thy decree, For all Thy wounded sheep. A time in which towards paradise, Once lost by carnal sense, The souls redeemed by Thee may rise Through chastening abstinence. Now with Thy Church be present, Lord, In all Thy saving grace, And hear us as with one accord Mourning, we seek Thy face. Most Merciful, forgive the past, The sins which we deplore; Thy sheltering arms around us cast, That we may sin no more. To Thee our sacrifice we bring Of Lenten fast and prayer, Till, cleansed by Thee, our God and King, Thy Paschal joy we share. Grant this, O Father, through Thy Son, And through the Spirit blest, Who art with Them forever One, Eternally confessed.