WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF 

THE SACRED HEART

SAINT SILVERIUS
Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
This brave shepherd of Christ's sheepfold was only a subdeacon when he was elevated to the Roman See. He incurred the unrelenting hatred of the forceful Empress Theodora by refusing to restore to the see of Constantinople the heretical Bishop Anthimos. Pope Silverius was aware that his courageous decision would cost him his life. The Empress had him condemned to banishment on a false charge of high treason. He died in A.D. 537 on an islet off Naples, either of privation or by actual murder.

Mass of a POPE, with commemoration of preceding Sunday

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Silverius shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this martyr and supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through our Lord . . .


SECRET
We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church, so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, govern the Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through our Lord . . .