Saints Mark & Marcellian
Medieval manuscript ca. 14th century.
Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Artwork by Hanna Hajjar

OCTAVE DAY OF THE

SACRED HEART OF JESUS 

SAINT EPHREM

Deacon and Doctor of the Church
SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
Ephrem the Syrian (c. 300-373) was a native of Nisibis, in Roman Mesopotamia, and was very probably the head of the catechetical school of that city until its capture by the Persians. He subsequently became a monk near Edessa and there spent most of his life writing commentaries on the Bible and composing hymns. Ephrem's hymns, written in his native Syriac, kept his people free from heresy and won for the saint the title of "Harp of the Holy Spirit." His hymns to the Virgin Mary, in particular, form an important contribution to Catholic dogma.

Mass of THE SACRED HEART except

Commemoration of SAINT EPHREM
O God, You added glory to the Church by the brilliant learning and outstanding merits of Your blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem. Defend Your Church against the dangers of sin and error, through the intercession of this saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN, MARTYRS
Brothers, and deacons of the Roman Church, these two martyrs were slain (pierced with arrows, after two days of suffering) early in the reign of Diocletian.

O Almighty God, may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian, whose heavenly birthday we celebrate today, rescue us from all the dangers that threaten to overcome us. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET COMMEMORATION
O Lord, let the blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION COMMEMORATION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed confessor and illustrious doctor Ephrem. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
O Lord, may the Banquet of salvation, of which we have partaken with joy, bring us new life by the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian. Through our Lord . . .