Double Feast of Saints John and Paul, Martyrs

RED Vestments

    Saints John and Paul were Roman soldiers who were Christians as well. They were martyred at Rome on 26 June. The year of their martyrdom is uncertain according to their Acts, it occurred under Julian the Apostate (361-3).

    In the second half of the fourth century, Byzantius, the Roman senator, and Pammachius, his son, fashioned their house on the Cælian Hill into a Christian basilica.

    In the fifth century the presbyteri tituli Byzantii (priests of the church of Byzantius) are mentioned in an inscription and among the signatures of the Roman Council of 499. The church was also called the titulus Pammachii after Byzantius's son, the pious friend of St. Jerome. In the ancient apartments on the ground-floor of the house of Byzantius, which were still retained under the basilica, the tomb of two Roman martyrs, John and Paul, was the object of veneration as early as the fifth century.

    The Sacramentarium Leonianum already indicates in the preface to the feast of the saints, that they rested within the city walls ("Sacr. Leon.", ed. Feltoe, Cambridge, 1896, 34), while, in one of the early itineraries to the tombs of the Roman martyrs, their grave is assigned to the church on the Cælian (De rossi, "Roma sotterrania", I, 138, 175). The titulus Byzantii or Pammachii was consequently known at a very early date by the names of the two martyrs (titulus SS. Joannis et Pauli).

    That the two saints are martyrs of the Roman Church, is historically certain; as to how and when their bodies found a resting-place in the house of Pammachius under the basilica, we only know that it certainly occurred in the fourth century. The year and circumstances of their martyrdom are likewise unknown. According to their Acts, which are of a purely legendary character and without historical foundation, the martyrs were eunuchs of Constantina, daughter of Constantine the Great, and became acquainted with a certain Gallicanus, who built a church in Ostia.

    At the command of Julian the Apostate, they were beheaded secretly by Terentianus in their house on the Cælian, where their church was subsequently erected, and where they themselves were buried. The rooms on the ground-floor of the above-mentioned house of Pammachius were rediscovered under the Basilica of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Rome. They are decorated with important and interesting frescoes, while the original tomb (confessio) of Sts. John and Paul is covered with paintings of which the martyrs are the subject. The rooms and the tomb form one of the most important early Christian memorials in Rome. Since the erection of the basilica, the two saints have been greatly venerated, and their names have been inserted in the Canon of the Mass. Their feast is kept on this day. Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911

   There is also a commemoration within the Octave of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

    Resources: We are grateful to Friends of Our Lady of Fatima for providing the Propers for the faithful. Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945


Missa "Multæ tribulatiónes"

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INTROIT:   
      Multæ tribulatiónes justórum, et de his ómnibus liberávit eos Dóminus: Dóminus custódit óssa eórum: unum ex his non conterétur. (Ps. 33, 2) Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore: semper laus ejus in ore meo. V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
      Repeat Multæ tribulatiónes...
      Many were the afflictions of the just, and out of all these the Lord delivered them: the Lord keepeth all their bones, not one of them shall be broken. (Ps. 33: 2, 1) will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be ever in my mouth. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
      RepeatMany were the afflictions...
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      COLLECT
      Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

      Oremus. Quæsumus omnípotens Deus: ut nos gemináta lætítia hodiérnæ festivitátis excípiat, quæ de beatórum Joánnis et Pauli glorificatióne procédit; quos eádern fides et pássio vere fecit esse germános. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.

      Collect Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      Deus, qui præséntem diem honorábilem nobis in beáti Joánnis nativitáte fecísti: da pópulis tuis spirituálium grátiam gaudiórum; et ómnium fidélium mentes dírige in viam salútis ætérnæ. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.
      The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

      Let us pray. We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the double joy of this day's festival, which proceedeth from the glory of blesssed John and Paul, kindred through the one faith and the one martyrdom, may take possession of us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
      Forever and ever.
      R.Amen.

      Collect Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      O God, Who hast made this day honorable to us on account of the birth of blessed John, grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
      Forever and ever.
      R.Amen.

      EPISTLE:   Ecclus. 44: 10-15
      Léctio libri Sapiéntiæ. Hi viri misericórdiæ sunt, quorum pietátes non defuérunt: cum sémine eórum pérmanent bona, hæréditas sancta nepótes eórum, et in testaméntis stetit semen eórum, et fílii eórum propter illos usque in ætérnum manent: semen eórum et glória eórum non derelinquétur Córpora ipsórum in pace sepúlta sunt, et nomen eórum vivit in generatiónem et generatiónem. Sapiéntiam ipsórum narrent pópuli, et laudem eórum núntiet Ecclésia.
      Deo Gratias.
      Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. These are men of mercy whose godly deeds have not failed. Good things continue with their seed; their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants; and their children for their sakes remain forever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken. Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. Let the people show forth their wisdom, and the Church declare Her praise.
      Thanks be to God.

      GRADUAL:  Ps. 132: 1,2
      Ecce quam bonum, et quam júcundum, habitáre fratres, in unum. V. Sicut unguéntum in cápite, quod descéndit in barbam, barbam Aaron. Allelúja, alIelúja. V. Hæc est vera fratérnitas quæ vicit mundi crímina: Christum secúta est, ínclyta tenens regna cæléstia. Allelúja.
      Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. V. It is like the Precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron. Alleluia, alleluia. V. This is the true brotherhood which overcame the wickedness of the world: it followed Christ, attaining the noble kingdom of heaven. Alleluia.

      GOSPEL:    Luke 12: 1-8
      Dominus vobiscum.
      R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
      Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam.
      R.Gloria tibi, Domine

      In illo témpore: Dixit Jesus discípulis suis: "Atténdite a ferménto pharisæórum, quod est hypócrisis. Nihil autem opértam est, quod non revelétur: neque abscónditum, quod non sciátur. Quóniam, quæ in ténebris dixístis in lúmine dicéntur: et quod in aurem locúti estis in cubículis, prædicábitur in tectis. Dico autem vobis amícis meis: Ne terrámini ab his, qui occídunt corpus, et post hæc non habent ámplius quid fáciant. Osténdam autem vobis quem timeátis: timéte eum qui, postquam occíderet, habet potestátem míttere in gehénnam. Ita dico vobis: hunc timéte. Nonne quinque pásseres véneunt dipóndio, et unus ex illis non est in oblivióne coram Deo? Sed et capílli cápitis vestri omnes numeráti sunt. Nolíte ergo timére: multis passéribus pluris estis vos. Dico autem vobis: Omnis quicúmque conféssus fúerit me coram homínibus, et Fílius hóminis confitébitur illum coram Angelis Dei."
      Laus tibi Christe.

      The Lord be with you.
      R. And with thy spirit.
      The continuation of the holy Gospel according to Luke. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord

      At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; nor hidden, that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear, in the chambers, shall be preached on the house-tops. And I say to you, My friends, be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom ye shall fear: fear ye him who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you, whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God."
      Praise be to Christ


      OFFERTORY:    Ps 5: 12,13
      Dominus vobiscum.
      R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

      Gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum, quóniam tu, Dómine, benedíces justo: Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ coronásti nos.
      The Lord be with you.
      R. And with thy spirit.

      All they that love Thy name shall glory in Thee, for Thou, O Lord, wilt bless the just: O Lord, Thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of Thy good will.
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      SECRET
      Hóstias tibi, Dómine, sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Joánnis et Pauli dicátas méritis, benígnus assúme: et ad perpétuum nobis tríbue proveníre subsídium. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.

      Secret Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      Tua, Dómine, munéribus altária cumulámus: illíus nativitátem honóre débito celebrántes qui Salvatórem mundi et cécinit adfutúrum, et adésse monstrávit. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.
      Graciously receive, O Lord, the sacrifices consecrated to Thee for the merits of Thy saints, John and Paul, and grant that they may profit for our everlasting help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
      Forever and ever.
      R.Amen.

      Secret Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      We heap Thine altars with gifts, O Lord, celebrating with fitting honor the nativity of him who heralded the coming of the Saviour, and pointed Him out when He had come,Our Lord Jesus Christ, and reignest, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.
      R.Amen.

      PREFACE   Common Preface
      Dominus vobiscum.
      R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
      Sursum corda.
      R.Habemus ad Dominum.
      Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
      R. Dignum et justum est.

      Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos Tibi simper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem Tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates, Coeli, Coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim socia exultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti, jubeas, supplici confessione dicentes:
      SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS...
      The Lord be with you.
      R. And with thy spirit.
      Lift up your hearts.
      R.We have lifted them up to the Lord.
      Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
      R. It is meet and just.

      It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:
      HOLY, HOLY, HOLY...

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      COMMUNION:   Wisdom 3: 4-6
      Et si coram homínibus torménta passi sunt, Deus tentávit eos: tamquam aurum in fornáce probávit eos, et quasi holocáusta accépit eos.
      Though in the sight of men they suffered torments. God hath tried them: as gold in the furnace He hath proved them, and as a holocaust He hath received them.

      POSTCOMMUNION
      Dominus vobiscum.
      R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
      Oremus.
      Súmpsimus, Dómine, sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Joánnis et Pauli solémnia celebrántes, sacraménta coeléstia: præsta, quæsumus; ut, quod temporáliter gérimus, ætérnis gáudiis consequámur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.

      Postcommunion Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      Sumat Ecclésia tua, Deus, beáti Joánnis Baptístæ generatióne lætitiam: per quem suæ regeneratiónis cognóvit auctórem. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fiiium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spíritus Sancti, Deus.
      Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
      R. Amen.
      The Lord be with you.
      R. And with thy spirit.
      Let us pray.
      We have partaken of Thy heavenly sacrament, O Lord, celebrating the feast of Thy holy martyrs John and Paul; grant, we beseech Thee, that what we do in this life may have its consequences in everlasting joys. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
      For ever and ever.
      R. Amen.

      Postcommunion Within the Octave of St. John the Baptist
      May Thy Church, O God, be joyful at the birth of blessed John the Baptist, through whom she knew the Author of her regeneration, our Lord Jesus Christ,Thy Son. Who with Thee livest and reignest, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
      Forever and ever.
      R. Amen.
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