For forty hours, raised on high, above the Tabernacle closed,

In gilded ostensorium, the consecrated Host reposed.

 

All day and night the holy watch was kept before the altar throne,

And faithful people hastened there lest Jesus should be left alone.

 

And well they knew the Savior's word was full of promise - "Ask, believe,

and whatsoever be your prayer in faith and hope you shall receive."

 

So all the day and all the night, til forty hours had passed away,

Adoring hearts were waiting there to hear what Jesus had to say.

 

Among the silent worshipers, a little lad had knelt and prayed;

though others often came and went, dear little Freddy stayed and stayed.

 

And now 'twas Benediction hour, ere leaving them would Christ bestow

One blessing more, and - marvel great - to one a sweetest favor show.

 

The aged priest and altar boys with Freddy in their midst now knelt

Upon the altar steps - when lo! - the Sacred Presence near they felt.

 

With gaze enraptured, arms outstretched, and drawn as if in close embrace,

Dear Freddy's lips the secret told - he saw his Savior face to face.

 

Oft had he begged the Infant God to come into his longing breast;

And Jesus promised him that night He'd come quite soon to be his Guest.

 

"A splendid altar boy you've been; come now and get a fine reward,"

Thus spake the priest but Freddy said, "I only want my dearest Lord."

 

"Why six years old is very young," amazed the holy priest replied.

"Not when you want Him," said the child, who closed his eyes and deeply sighed.

 

"Come, then, tomorrow morn, my boy, no longer shall you be denied;

The Savior wants you too, I know," with tearful eye the priest replied.

 

The morrow would his birthday be, and First Communion his reward,

Oh! happy, favored child to have as Birthday Gift our Blessed Lord!