Rorate Caeli

Our Patron Saints: the Franciscan Protomartyrs



Marrochii, in Africa, passio sanctorum quinque Protomartyrum Ordinis Minorum, scilicet Berardi, Petri atque Othonis Sacerdotum, Accursii et Adiuti Laicorum; qui, ob Christianæ fidei prædicationem ac Mahumeticæ reprobationem legis, post varia tormenta et ludibria, a Saracenorum Rege, scissis gladio capitibus, enecati sunt.

(from the Roman Martyrology, Jan. 16: "[A.D. 1220:] In Morocco, in Africa, the martyrdom of the five Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, Berard, Peter, and Otho, priests, and Accursius and Adjutus, lay brothers; who, for preaching the Catholic Faith and for their condemnation of the Mohammedan Law, after various torments and mockeries by the Saracen king, and with their heads opened by the scimitar, were executed.")
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Propers for the Mass of the Feast of the Franciscan Protomartyrs.

Common of several martyrs, except for the following.


Collect

Deus, qui sanctorum Martyrum tuorum Berardi, Petri, Accursii, Adiuti atque Othonis glorioso certamine ordinis Minorum initia consecrasti: concede nobis famulis tuis; ut quorum lætamur triumphis, eorum virtutes imitemur. Per Dominum... (God, who has consecrated the beginnings of the Order of Friars Minor with the glorious struggle of your holy Martyrs Berard, Peter, Accursius, Adjutus, and Otho; make us, your servants, imitate the virtues of those in whose triumph we rejoice. Through Our Lord...)



Secret

Pro pretiosa, Domine, tuorum morte Sanctorum sacrificium istud offerimus: quo opem tuam nostris temporibus clementer impendas, et gratiam nobis veræ devotionis exhibeas. Per Dominum... (We offer this Sacrifice, o Lord, for the precious death of your Saints: that you may mercifully give your aid to our time, and that you may show us the grace of true devotion. Through Our Lord...)



Postcommunion

Cælestia, Domine, dona quæ sumpsimus, vitam nobis tribuant sempiternam; quam cum beatorum Martyrum tuorum Berardi, Petri, Accursii, Adiuti atque Othonis gloriosis meritis imploramus. Per Dominum... (Lord, may the heavenly gifts which we have consumed bring us everlasting life; this we implore by the glorious merits of your blessed Martyrs Berard, Peter, Accursius, Adjutus, and Otho. Through Our Lord...)

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Holy Franciscan Protomartyrs,
Pray for us!