SS. Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes and Martyrs, A.D. 89 and 304
by VP
Posted on Friday April 26, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Saint Cletus was the third bishop of Rome, and succeeded St. Linus, which shews his eminent virtue among the first disciples of St. Peter. He suffered martyrdom under the Emperor Domitian. St. Marcellinus succeeded St. Caius in the bishopric of Rome in the year 296. He acquired great glory in those stormy times of persecution, and is always styled a martyr, though he did not actually shed his blood in the cause of religion,
Pray for the present bishop who fills that holy see, that he may be assisted from heaven for the just discharge of his duty, and be preserved from all the criminal effects of human weakness. Pray for all who suffer on account of their faith, that they may hazard all extremities, and forsake all rather than Christ and His truth. Tremble at the thoughts of human weakness; and seek the best security in a most profound humility, and an entire dependence on God. How far are you from the disposition of the martyrs,
when you can bear nothing with patience, are so easily disturbed, and
so often put into a passsion! How far are you from this, who are so
little prepared to suffer any thing for God's sake: who cannot bear the trouble of an uneasy humour; who shrink from the labour of mortifying your own passions, and too often choose rather to transgress the divine law, than hazard the inconvenience of being faithful to your duty. You must confess, that there is nothing in this of the disposition of a martyr. This is all weakness, and nothing but the conduct of nature.
It is nothing but what a heathen would do, who has neither faith to
direct him better, nor any promises to encourage him, nor God's
judgments to be an awe upon him. How unbecoming must this be in you, who
have so many helps, and blessings, mercies, commands, and threats, to
oblige you to another method. Confess your extreme misery, and beseech
God to let the power of his grace overcome all your weakness." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
