DEDICATION OF
THE ARCHBASILICA OF ST. SAVIOUR (ST. JOHN LATERAN)
In the fourth century of our era, the
cessation of persecution seemed to give the world a foretaste of its future
entrance into eternal peace. “Glory to the Almighty! Glory to the Redeemer of
our souls!” wrote Eusebius at the opening of the tenth and last book of his
History. Himself a witness of the triumph, he describes the admirable spectacle
everywhere displayed by the dedication of the new sanctuaries. In city after
city the bishops assembled, and crowds flocked together. From nation to nation
the goodwill of mutual charity, of common faith, and of recollected joy, so
harmonized all hearts that the unity of Christ’s Body was clearly manifested in
these multitudes animated by the same inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It was the
fulfillment of the ancient prophecies: the living city of the living God, where
all, whatever their age or sex, praise together the Author of all good things.
How solemn were then the rites of the Church! The complete perfection therein
displayed by the pontiffs, the enthusiasm of the psalmody, the inspired
readings, the celebration of the ineffable mysteries, formed a divine
pageantry.
Constantine had placed the imperial
treasure at the disposal of the bishops; and he himself stimulated their zeal
for what he called in his edicts the work of the churches. Rome, the place of
his victory by the cross, the capital of the now Christian world, was the first
to benefit by the prince’s munificence. In a series of dedications, to the
glory of the holy apostles and martyrs, Sylvester, the pontiff of peace, took
possession of the eternal city in the name of the true God.
Today is the birthday of the mother and
mistress of churches, called “of our Saviour, Aula Dei (God’s palace), the
golden basilica”; it is a new Sinai, whence the apostolic oracles and so many
Councils have made know to the world the law of salvation. No wonder this feast
is celebrated by the whole world.
Although the Popes for centuries have ceased
to dwell in the Lateran palace, the Basilica still holds the first rank. It is
as true now, as it was in the time of St. Peter Damian, to say that "as
our Saviour " is the Head of the elect, so the church which bears " his
name is the head of all churches ; those of St. " Peter and St. Paul, on
its right and left, are the " two arms with which this sovereign and
universal " Church embraces the whole earth, saving all those who desire
salvation, cherishing and protecting " them in its maternal bosom." And
St. Peter Damian applied conjointly to our Saviour and his Basilica the words
of the prophet Zacharias: Behold a Man, the Orient is his name: and under him
shall he spring up, and shall build a temple to the Lord. Yea, he shall build a
temple to the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit, and rule upon
his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne. It is still at the
Lateran Basilica that the Roman Pontiffs take official possession of their See.
There each year, in the name of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, the episcopal
functions are performed, viz: the blessing of the Holy Oils on Maundy Thursday,
and on Holy Saturday the blessing of the Font, solemn Baptism and Confirmation,
and the general Ordination. Could the great poet of the age of triumph,
Prudentius, return to life in these our days, he might still say: "The
Roman people hasten in” eager crowds to the Lateran, whence they return "
marked with the sacred sign, with the royal chrism.” And are we yet to doubt
that Rome is consecrated "to thee, O Christ!”
The Liturgical Year – Dom Guéranger
St. Theodore
Tyro, (“the Recruit”) Martyr
Theodore was born of a noble family
in the East, and enrolled while still a youth in the imperial army. Early in
306 the emperor put forth an edict requiring all Christians to offer sacrifice,
and Theodore had just joined the legion and marched with them into Pontus, when
he had to choose between apostasy and death. He declared before his commander
that he was ready to be cut in pieces and offer up every limb to his Creator,
Who had died for him. Wishing to conquer him by gentleness, the commander left
him in peace for a while, that he might think over his resolution; but Theodore
used his freedom to set on fire the great temple of Isis, and made no secret of
this act. Still his judge entreated him to renounce his faith and save his
life; but Theodore made the sign of the cross, and answered: “As long as I have
breath, I will confess the name of Christ.” After cruel torture, the judge bade
him think of the shame to which Christ had brought him. “This shame,” Theodore
answered, “I and all who invoke His name take with joy.” He was condemned to be
burnt. As the flame rose, a Christian saw his soul rise like a flash of light
to heaven.
ST. THEODORE, SOLDIER AND MARTYR
St. Theodore was born a heathen. When grown up, he
went into the army, and though still young in years, gave many signal proofs of
his valor. By associating with Christian soldiers, he came to the knowledge of
the true faith, and no sooner was he convinced of its life-giving truth, than
he embraced it, but without making his conversion known, following in this the
example of many others at that period. When his heathen comrades used to
sacrifice to their gods, he stole away to the Christian assemblies and assisted
at them with great devotion, but had not the courage to confess Christ openly.
When, however, the cruel command came from the Imperial Court, that all
Christians should either leave Christ, or prepare themselves for the most
terrible martyrdom. Theodore neither could nor would any longer hide his
Christianity, but cried publicly and fearlessly: "I am a Christian, and
ready to shed the last drop of my blood in defence of the Christian
faith." Some heathens, hearing this confession, seized him and brought him
before the judge, who had pity on him as he was young and of fine appearance.
He gave him a few days to consider whether he would renounce Christianity and
thus make himself a partaker of the imperial grace, or end his life in the most
horrid torments. Theodore desired no time for considering, but said: "It
is not necessary that I consider long. I have long since determined rather to
bear all possible pain, than to forsake the true faith." But he received
the time offered him, to prepare himself better for the approaching trial. At
the expiration of the appointed time, he desired to show by works what his
determination was; hence he went during the night to a celebrated idolatrous
temple and setting fire to it, burned it to the ground. At break of day, the
people, filled with rage, sought everywhere for the perpetrator of the deed.
Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself, saying: "What need is there for
this seeking? I am he, who set fire to that temple of abominations, in which
sacrifice was offered to Satan, and not to the true God." The heathens,
wild with rage, dragged the fearless youth before the judge, who asked him
whether it was true that he had burned the temple, and whether he repented of
this sacrilege and would forsake the Christian faith. "As far as the first
part of your question is concerned," said Theodore firmly, "I confess
freely that I did, but I cannot add that I repent of it; on the contrary, I am
ready to do the same at any moment. In regard to the Christian faith, I am so
far from forsaking it, that I would rather die a thousand deaths." The
judge foaming with wrath, commanded him to be cruelly beaten, and then cast
into a dungeon, the air of which was damp and foul, with the threat that he
should there die of hunger, if he changed not his mind. The Christian hero,
however, was not terrified, but, turning to his God, called on Him for aid. In
the middle of the night, Christ appeared to him in his sleep, and said: "Be
of good courage; for I am with thee: fear not!" Theodore awoke, and began
cheerfully to sing psalms, and to give thanks to the Lord for so gracious a
promise. After the expiration of some days, he was again brought before the
judge, who, seeing him as firm as before, ordered him to be tied to a column,
and torn with iron combs and burnt with torches. This torture was more than
cruel; for the executioners did not cease until the ribs were almost bare. But
the greater the cruelty of these barbarians, the more Theodore rejoiced, repeating
the words of the Psalmist: "I will praise and exalt the Lord at all times.
His praise shall be ever on my lips." As the tyrant saw that he effected
nothing by this in human torment, he ordered Theodore to be burnt at the stake,
as an enemy of the gods. On the way to the place of execution, Theodore saw one
of his friends, who, pitying him most sincerely, shed bitter tears. Cleonicus,
cried Theodore; "follow me soon, I shall wait for thee!” As soon as the
Christian hero had arrived at the stake, he crossed himself, approached it
cheerfully, and with a beaming countenance began to sing the praises of God,
which he continued to do until he expired in the flames and smoke. This
glorious martyrdom happened in 304. St Gregory preached a magnificent sermon in
honor of this holy martyr, in which he extolled his heroic constancy, and asked
for his intercession as a glorious Saint reigning with Christ in heaven.
****
TWENTY FOURTH WEEK AFTER PENTECOST
WITH A
COMMEMORATION OF ST. THEODORE, MARTYR
INTROIT Genesis 28: 17
Terribilis est locus iste: hic domus
Dei est et porta cœli: et vocabitur aula Dei.
Ps: 83: 2, 3. Quam
dilecta tabernacula tua, Domine, virtutum! concupiscit, et deficit anima mea in
atria Domini. Gloria Patri.
Terrible is this place: it is the House of
God, and the gate of Heaven; and it shall be called the Court of God.
Ps. How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of
Hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the Courts of the Lord.
Glory be to the Father.
COLLECT
O God, Who year by year dost renew for us
the day of consecration of this, Thy holy temple, and dost ever bring us again
in safety to these holy Mysteries: hear the prayers of Thy people and grant:
that whosoever enters this Temple to ask blessings of Thee, may rejoice in the
obtaining of all his petitions. Through our Lord.
Collect of St. Theodore
O God, who hast set about us the protection
of the glorious confession of thy blessed Martyr Theodore: grant that we may
ever profit by the following of his ensample; and be sustained by the succour
of his intercession. Through Jesus
Christ, thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
St John Lateran ceiling – Detail
EPISTLE Apocalypse 21: 2-5
In those days I saw the holy city, the New
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for
her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne, saying: Behold the
tabernacle of God with men, and He will dwell with them. And they shall be His
people, and God Himself with them shall be their God: and God shall wipe away
all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor
crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away.
And He that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new.
GRADUAL: Psalm 44: 17-18
This place was made by God, a priceless
mystery, it is without reproof. O God, before Whom stands the choir of Angels,
give ear to the prayers of Thy servants.
ALLELUIA: Matthew 16: 18
Alleluia, alleluia. I will worship towards
Thy holy temple: and I will give glory to Thy Name. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Luke 19: 1-10
At that time: Jesus entering in, walked
through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief
of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who He was: and
he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature. And running before,
he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see Him: for He was to pass
that way. And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up, He saw him, and
said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I must abide in
thy house. And he made haste and came down, and received Him with joy. And when
all saw it, they murmured, saying, that He was gone to be a guest with a man
that was a sinner. But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the
half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of anything,
I restore him fourfold. Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this
house: because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man is come to seek
and to save that which was lost.
OFFERTORY 1 Paralipomenon (1 Chron.) 29. 17-18
O Lord God, in the simplicity of my heart I
have joyfully offered all these things; and I have seen with great joy Thy
people which are here present: O God of Isræl, keep this will.
SECRET
Give heed, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our
prayers: that while we set before Thee these present gifts, we may be found worthy,
by Thy help, to come to everlasting rewards. Through our Lord.
Secret Prayer of St. Theodore
O God, who hast set about us the protection
of the glorious confession of thy blessed Martyr Theodore: grant that we may
ever profit by the following of his ensample; and be sustained by the succour
of his intercession. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God…
COMMON PREFACE
SANCTUS
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus
Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria Tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus
qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.
COMMUNION Matthew 21: 13
My house shall be called a house of prayer,
saith the Lord: in it every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh,
findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
POSTCOMMUNION
O God, Who, out of living and chosen stones
dost prepare an eternal dwelling- place for Thy Majesty: help Thy suppliant
people: that as Thy Church profits by material expansion, so may it also grow
by spiritual increase. Through our Lord.
Holy Door at the Lateran Papal Basilica
- Detail
Postcommunion of St. Theodore
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, through the
intercession of thy blessed Martyr Theodore, that what we take with the mouth,
we may receive with a clean heart.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with
thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
No comments:
Post a Comment