9th June, SS. Primus and Felician, Martyrs

SS. Primus and Felician, Martyrs

Primus and Felician were Romans. Brothers by blood, they became brothers still more when, having been called to bear much fruit (Offert ofory), they confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. Accused and arrested under Diocletian and Maximian, they were, in spite of their great age, cast into prison.

The Holy Ghost filled them "with His virtue and His strength " (Offertory). Giving them the breast-plate of justice and the impenetrable shield of equity (Epistle), He made them experience how sweet is the yoke of the Lord, which they had taken upon themselves, and how light is His burden (Gospel).

The constancy of Felician was first put to the test. Nailed by his hands and feet to the trunk of a tree, he remained hanging there for three days, without eating or drinking. They then tried to make his brother believe that he had sacrificed to the idols, but Primus declared that he knew Felician was happy in the midst of his sufferings and that he would remain united to him in martyrdom. "This is," as the Alleluia sings, "the true brotherhood which has triumphed over the criminal world." The praetor then ordered that molten lead should be poured into his mouth, in the presence of his brother.

They were led to the amphitheatre, but the lions who were to devour them crouched at their feet. Finally they were beheaded (286).

Their names live as centuries roll on (Introit), for they have received in heaven, from the hand of the Lord, a kingdom of glory and a crown of sparkling beauty (Epistle).

Let us join in heart, the faithful of Rome who, on this day, honour the precious remains of these two martyrs at the Church of St. Stephen on Mount Coelius.

In Paschal Time:

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)

Fac nos, quaesumus, Domine, sanctorum Martyrum tuorum Primi et Feliciani semper festa sectari: quorum suffragiis protectionis tuae dona sentiamus.
Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, ever to celebrate worthily the feast of Thy holy martyrs Primus and Felician: and by their loving intercession ever to feel Thy protection.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12427a.htm