Thesis: progress report #4

It's been a while since my last progress report.

Word count is now 4600.
I sent my first chapter over to Prof to check. Nick had some suggestions for improvement too.

I think I'm behind schedule. And the hardest parts are still to come.

Many thanks for the prayers and words of encouragement!

Here's something I've written about Spain:

In the year 1919, at the Cerro de los Angeles, a hilltop just outside Madrid, and the geographic heart of Spain, King Alfonso XIII consecrated Spain to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The monument unveiled at this consecration depicted the Spanish nation prostrate before Christ’s Sacred Heart. King Alfonso led his government in an act of reparation, lamenting those who “cast you aside, scorning your commandments.” The prayer of consecration, said by Catholics around the world, implores God to ensure that praises to the Sacred Heart would resound throughout the world, “from pole to pole.” A new statue was enthroned at the Cerro with the words “You will reign in Spain” engraved at its base.”

This is the monument at the Cerro de los Angeles. It's a restored version: the original was destroyed and desecrated by the Republicans during the Civil War.



And here's the prayer that is mentioned above. It's actually a favourite of mine:

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thee. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them all to Thy most Sacred Heart.

Be Thou King, 0 Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; Give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: "Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation: to it be glory and honor forever."

Amen.