SAINT JANUARIUS AND
HIS COMPANIONS
Martyrs

EMBER SATURDAY IN AUTUMN

DOUBLE / RED
In the year 304 Januarius, bishop of Benevento, three deacons, a lector, and two laymen were beheaded at Pozzuoli, Italy, under Emperor Diocletian. The courage of Bishop Januarius in facing death brought about the conversion of many pagan onlookers. His body was eventually taken to Naples, of which city he has become the patron saint. According to reliable records, some of his blood preserved in a phial has miraculously liquefied at regular intervals during the past four hundred years.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT
We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy martyrs Januarius and his companions. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through our Lord . . .


O God, who protected the three young men from the flames of fire, grant that the flames of sin may not consume us, Your servants. Through our Lord . . .

GOSPEL Matt. 24:3-13
At that time, as Jesus was sitting on mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: "Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the consummation of the world?" And Jesus answering, said to them: "Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in my name saying, I am Christ. And they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass: but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in places. Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved."


SECRET
O Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions. Through our Lord . . .


Grant that the gifts we offer to Your majesty, O almighty God, may obtain for us the grace of sincere devotion and the reward of a blessed eternity. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your Saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .


O Lord, let this Sacrament accomplish in us all that it signifies, so that we may truly obtain that which its outward sign implies. Through our Lord . . .