To visit the little church of Ss. Marcellinus and Peter,
sitting at the corner of two busy Roman streets, is to encounter a long
tradition of devotion at this site. The saints after whom this church is
named present a contrast in personalities, brought together in the service of
the Gospel. Peter was an exorcist who, because of his outspoken defense
of the Faith during the Diocletian persecutions, was imprisoned. There,
the peace he exhibited despite his impending death attracted the interest of
his jailer, with the martyr’s witness eventually bringing about the conversion
of the jailer and his family. Following this, many conversions followed,
for which Peter sought the assistance of the priest Marcellinus to administer
Baptism. This priest, although of a quieter nature than the exorcist,
nevertheless did not hesitate in coming out to celebrate the sacrament.
Although the persecution briefly waned after this, upon its renewal both
Marcellinus and Peter were arrested and judged guilty. After a few days
of further rough treatment both were brought to a deserted place outside the
city called the silva nigra, “black forest,” on account of its
remote location. There they were to be beheaded, where nobody would find
their remains to venerate them. However, after their martyrdom a bright
light was seen to shine in the place, so that the area was now called the silva
candida, “white forest.” After appearing to two Christian women, the
bodies of the saints were brought to the catacombs, where they lay for several
centuries.
Collect
O God, who have taught us
to chasten our bodies for the
healing of our souls,
enable us, we pray, to abstain from all sins,
and
strengthen our hearts to carry out your loving commands.
Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
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