“IN the persecution at Rome under Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, there were seven brethren, sons of the holy woman Felicity, whom the Prefect Publius first essayed to cajole by kindness, and then to shake by fear, to deny Christ and worship the gods but, by their own bravery and the exhortation of their mother, they remained firm in their confession, and were all put to death in diverse ways. Januarius was lashed to death with whips loaded with lead Felix and Philip were beaten to death with cudgels Silvanus was thrown over a precipice Alexander, Vitalis, and Martial were beheaded. Their mother gained the same palm of martyrdom four months afterwards. The seven Brethren gave up their souls to God upon the 10th day of July.”
Hymn (Proper of the Saints)
The martyrs’ triumphs let us sing,
Their blood poured forth for Christ the King,
And while due hymns of praise we pay,
Our thankful hearts cast grief away.
The world its terrors urged in vain;
They recked not of the body’s pain;
One step, and holy death made sure
The life that ever shall endure.
To flames the martyr saints are hailed;
By teeth of savage beasts assailed;
Against them, armed with ruthless brand
And hooks of steel, their torturers stand.
The mangled frame is tortured sore,
The holy life-drops freshly pour;
They stand unmoved amidst the strife,
By grace of everlasting life.
Redeemer, hear us of thy love,
That, with the martyr host above,
Hereafter, of thine endless grace,
thy servants also may have place.
Amen.
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