Soter succeeded Pope Anicetus in 161 and was martyred ten years later under Marcus Aurelius. Caius, whose relics are kept in the sanctuary of St. Sylvester at Rome, governed the Church a century later and was put to death in 296.Like all the Sovereign Pontiffs of the first centuries they united their sacrifice to that of Christ and "in Him bore much fruit " (Epistle). "God then avenged the blood of His servants and invited them to the marriage feast of the Lamb" (Epistle), to associate them in His triumph and happiness (Gospel, Offertory, Communion).
Let us honour the blessed martyrs Soter and Caius in order that in heaven their powerful intercession may obtain for us divine protection (Collect).
Sancti tui, Domine, benedicent te: gloriam regni tui dicent, alleluia, alleluia. * Exaltabo te, Deus meus Rex: et benedicam nomini tuo in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.
Let the saints bless Thee, O Lord; they shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, alleluia, alleluia. * I will extol Thee, O God my King: and I will bless Thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
(Psalm 144:10-11,1 from the Introit of Mass)
Beatorum Martyrum pariterque Pontificum Soteris et Caii nos, quaesumus, Domine, festa tueantur: et eorum commendet oratio veneranda.
May the festival of the blessed martyrs and bishops Soter and Caius, be a safeguard unto us, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and may their venerable prayer commend us to Thee.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03144c.htm
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