June 12, 2021: SS. BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR AND NAZARIUS
June 12, 2021: COMMEMORATION OF SS. BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR AND NAZARIUS, MARTYRS
For to them belongs the kingdom of heaven, who despising the life of this world, have obtained the rewards of the kingdom, and washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb.
Prayer (Collect).
We beseech thee, O Lord, that the festival of thy holy Martyrs, Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius, may be a comfort to us: and that our devotion may bring forth that happy fruit, which hath made them blessed for ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in unity of the Holy Ghost, God, World without end. Amen.
Beside John of Sahagun, the Apostle of peace, are grouped four warriors of our Lord's army. Thus peace and war this day, go hand in hand, yea, form but one in the kingdom of the Son of God. The three-fold peace, preached by Christ, namely, man's peace with his God, with himself, and with his brethren, all fellow citizens in the Holy City,—is to be won only at the cost of combat with Satan, the flesh, and the world, which is the “accursed city.” Together with the Church, let us blend in one united homage, our praises of the glorious Confessor of these later ages, and of the stern veterans of persecuting times.
Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius were Roman soldiers of illustrious birth and valour. Having embraced the Christian religion, and being found publishing that Christ is the Son of God, they were arrested by Aurelius, Prefect of Rome, under Diocletian. As they despised his orders to sacrifice to the gods, they were committed to prison. While they were at prayer there, a brilliant light broke forth before the eyes of all present and shone in all the prison. Marcellinus, the gaoler and many others, were moved by this heavenly glory to believe in the Lord Christ. Having gone forth from the prison, they were afterwards thrown in again, by the Emperor Maximian, who caused them, first of all, to be beaten with scorpions, for having, despite his orders, continued to have ever in their mouth that there is but one Christ, one God, one Lord, and so they were laden with chains. Thence, on the seventh day, they were brought out, and set before the Emperor, and there still persisting in mocking at the foolish idols, and declaring Jesus Christ to be God, they were accordingly condemned to death, and beheaded. Their bodies were given to wild beasts to be devoured, but as they refused to touch them, the Christians took and buried them honourably.
Taken from: The Liturgical Year – Time After Pentecost, Vol. III, Dublin, Edition 1890; and
The Divine Office for the use of the Laity, Volume II, 1806.
June 12, 2021: St. John of San Facundo, Confessor.
Ss. Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius, pray for us.