St Anicetus invested with full sacerdotal power (Introit) succeeded St. Pius as Pope. He governed the Church from 150 to 161 and took such a part in the sufferings of Christ (Epistle) that although he did not shed his blood for the faith he was given the title of martyr.
He preserved his flock from the heresies of Valentinus and Marcion and "filled with the consolations of Jesus, he was enabled in turn to console those who suffered" (Epistle). The great St. Polycarp came to him at Rome to confer especially about the date of the celebration of Easter, for by the coincidence of this feast with that of the Jews it was right to claim that the mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus had realized and taken the place of the immolation of the paschal Lamb.
"Let us rejoice for the annual solemnity of blessed Anicetus" (Collect). This feast reminds us of the date when, after having died with Christ on earth, this holy martyr went to share the glory of His resurrection in heaven.
Protexisti me, Deus, a conventu malignantium, alleluja: a multitudine operantium iniquitatem, alleluja, alleluja. * Exaudi, Deus, orationem meam cum deprecor: a timore inimici eripe animam meam.
Thou hast protected me, O God, from the assembly of the malignant, alleluia: from the multitude of the workers of iniquity, alleluia, alleluia. * Hear, O God, my prayer, when I make supplication to Thee: free my soul from the fear of the enemy.
(Psalm 63:3,2 from the Introit of Mass)
Deus, qui nos beati Aniceti Martyris tui atque Pontificis annua solemnitate laetificas: concede propitius ; ut, cujus natalitia colimus, de ejusdem etiam protectione gaudeamus.
O God, who dost gladden us by the annual solemnity of blessed Anicetus, Thy martyr and bishop, mercifully grant that we who celebrate his heavenly birthday may ever rejoice in his protection.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01514a.htm
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