THE HOLY FOUR CROWNED MARTYRS

This is the name given to four fourth-century martyred brothers -- Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorinus. A tradition holds that they were stonemasons, and as such they were held in high honor by medieval masonry guilds.

The Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS may be said.

PRAYER
O Almighty God, we pay honor to the bravery of Your glorious martyrs in bearing witness to You. Grant that we may feel the power of their intercession with You. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Heb. 11:33-39)
Brethren: The saints by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners. Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockeries and stripes: moreover also of bands and prisons. They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted: Of whom the world was not worthy: wandering in deserts, in mountains and in dens and in caves of the earth. And all these, being approved by the testimony of faith, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GOSPEL (Matt. 5:1-12)
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
"Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

SECRET PRAYER
May the prayers of Your holy martyrs bring us Your bountiful blessings, O Lord, so that our gifts may be pleasing to you and be a means of grace for our redemption. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
You have comforted us by Your Sacraments, O Lord, and filled us with the joy of Heaven. May Your saints defend us, even as we glory in their own victory. Through Our Lord . . .