SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA (303 A.D.) Martyrs

 

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED

Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

INTROIT Ps. 33:20-21

Many were the troubles of the just men, but out of them all the Lord delivered them. The Lord watches over all their bones; not one of them shall be broken.

Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . . 

LESSON Wisdom 3:1-8

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.

In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:

And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

 

GRADUAL Ps. 149:5, 1

The Saints shall rejoice in glory; they shall shout for joy on their couches.

V. Sing a new song to the Lord; let His praise resound in the assembly of the Saints.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:10-11

Let Your Saints bless You, O Lord, let them tell of the glory of Your kingdom. Alleluia!

 

GOSPEL Luke 10:16-20

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "He that heareth you heareth me: and he that despiseth you despiseth me: and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: "Lord, the devils also are subject to us in thy name." And he said to them: "I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven. Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you. But yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you: but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven." 

 

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!

 

SECRET

As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .

 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Sap. 3:1-2, 3

The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to perish, but they are in peace.

 

POSTCOMMUNION

We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .