Friday, January 16, 2009



SAINT MARCELLUS
Pope and Martyr


SIMPLE / RED
Marcellus was elected pope in the year 308, when the early Church was combating the effects of the devastating persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Pope Marcellus received back into the Church those apostates who gave indications of repentance for having denied the Christian Faith during the reign of terror. A group revolted against the Papal penances imposed upon them and used their influence with Emperor Maxentius to have the Pope exiled from Rome. Pope Marcellus died during the first year of his banishment, safeguarding the integrity of Church discipline even at the sacrifice of his own freedom and life.

Mass of a POPE, except

COLLECT
O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people. may the merits of the martyred pope Marcellus help us, just as his sufferings have given us cause for spiritual joy. Through Our Lord . . .

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