Saint Martin of Tours

Christ and Saint Mennas. 6th-century icon from Bawit, Egypt, now in the Louvre

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS
Bishop and Confessor

SAINT MENNAS
Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITESon of an officer in the Roman army, martin of Tours (c. 316-397) was already a catechumen when he was conscripted into the imperial horse-guards at the age of 15. The famous incident in which Martin cut his cloak in two with his sword to clothe a beggar, took place while he was on garrison duty at Amiens. Soon after this, he was baptized, left the army, and went to serve Bishop Hilary of Poitiers as a cleric in minor orders. Later he founded a famous monastery at Liguge. When St. Hilary died, the people of Tours made Martin his successor, virtually by force. During his long episcopate, Martin not only organized parish life in his diocese, but journeyed throughout Gaul, evangelizing the French countryside, and earning the title, "Apostle of France."
INTROIT (Eccli. 45:30) 
The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and made him a prince, that the dignity of priesthood should be his forever. Ps. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT 
O God, You see that we cannot depend upon our own strength. Mercifully preserve us from all harm through the intercesion of Your blessed confessor bishop Martin. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MENNASMennas was an Egyptian, martyred about 295 under Diocletian. He was one of the most popular saints in the early Eastern Church.
O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed Martyr Mennas, may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON (Eccli. 44:16-27; 45:3-20)
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was none found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings; he preserved for him his mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood; and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in his name, and to offer him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:16, 20)
Behold a great priest, who pleased God in his life. V. There was none found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
That blessed man, Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, has entered into his rest. The Angels and Archangels, Thrones, Dominations and Powers have welcomed him.Alleluia!

GOSPEL (St. Luke 11:33-36)
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "No man lighteth a candle and putteth it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel: but upon a candlestick, that they that come in may see the light. The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body will be lightsome: but if it be evil, thy body also will be darksome. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If then thy whole body be lightsome, having no part of darkness: the whole shall be lightsome and, as a bright lamp, shall enlighten thee."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 88:25)
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My Name shall his power be exalted. 

SECRET 
O Lord God, sanctify these gifts we offer on the feast of Your holy bishop Martin, and grant that they may guide our lives in prosperity as well as in adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MENNAS
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Matt. 24:46-47)
Blessed is that servant whom the master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods. 

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord our God, grant that this sacrifice which we offer on the feast of Your saints may aid our salvation through their intercession. Through Our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of SAINT MENNAS
O Lord our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your saints on earth rejoice one day with them in heaven. Through Our Lord . . .