SAINTS PRIMUS AND FELICIAN

Martyrs

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / RED
The aged Primus and Felician were Roman citizens and blood brothers who suffered martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian. By their death they entered into a more perfect union than that of human kinship, becoming for all eternity glorified members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
INTROIT Eccli. 44:15. 14Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and let the Church declare their praise; and their names shall live for all generations.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
May we always be worthy to celebrate the feast of Your holy martyrs, Primus and Felician, O Lord, so that through their intercession we may be sheltered under Your gracious protection. Through our Lord . . .


LESSON Wisdom 5:16-20
But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them. And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies.
He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet: He will take equity for an invincible shield.

GRADUAL Ps. 88:6, 2
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints.V. The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever through all generations.

Alleluia, alleluia!V. Here was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 11:25-30
At that time, Jesus answered and said: "I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father: for so hath it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God! Alleluia!

SECRET
We consecrate this Sacrifice to You, O Lord, in memory of Your glorious martyrs. May our offering make amends for our sins, that we may be forgiven and that the prayers of Your servants may be pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

POSTCOMMUNION
We ask, Almighty God, that the celebration of this heavenly Sacrifice on the feast of Your martyrs Primus and Felician, may bring us Your merciful pardon. Through our Lord . . .