The Mansions and Praeconia were first printed separately, at Giovanni Muscat Press of Valletta (Malta), towards the end of the Thirties. Both books, were written for the private use of the Members of the SDC. Eventually, both books were published as a single book and made available for public use.
This is a book for those who love praying the Gospel but who do not have much time for it. Its style is marked by brevity and an economy of words — two qualities which enhance the depth of the reflections offered for meditation.
The method is simple and can be applied to other Gospel episodes not included in the seventy-three meditated here by Saint George Preca.
The idea of The Mansions is classical in Christian literature. The Interior Castle of St. Theresa of Avila is an example of this idea. It brings to mind the necessity of a short space of time when to pause, reflect, and pray.
Praeconia, litanic in style, is quite original. It praises our Lord and it reveals a soul much immersed in biblical study and meditation. However, it has to be recited slowly in order to savour fully its strong theological and biblical contents.
These reflections of Saint George help the prayer to grow in the devotion for the sacred heart of Jesus and also in gradually putting on Christ’s spirit.
The following is an example from The Mansions and another one from Praeconia:
Mansion 13
Christ at the Wedding Feast at Cana (Jn 2)
Let us pause to reflect and see Our Lord invited with his mother and his disciples for the wedding feast at Cana.
Wine ran short and He changed water into wine on the insistence of his mother,
even though He had already told her that his hour had not yet come.
In this mansion, meditate on the heart of Jesus full of great reverence for his mother Mary. (Pause)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, make my heart like unto yours.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Offering:
God the Father, I offer you the Divine Heart of your Son Jesus Christ,
with all its merits, so that you will give me the grace to honour truly the Blessed Virgin.
Amen.
Praise be to God. Let us thank God.
Praeconia A
Let us look upon Jesus Christ, and sing his praises.
Jesus Our God, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Lord, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Brother, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Advocate, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Doctor, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Teacher, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Saviour, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Friend, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Mediator, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Priest , we give you glory.
Jesus Our Leader, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Shepherd, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Legislator, we give you glory.
Jesus Our Redeemer, we give you glory.
Jesus Our King, we give you glory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, this is eternal life, that we may know you, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (Jn 17,3).
Enlighten our minds, so that through your grace we may come to know you
and Jesus Christ himself, and hence we can enjoy eternal life.
Amen.
