Saturday of the Third Week of Lent at St Susana

Although this church existed for over fourteen centuries before the creation of the United States, Americans can in some sense claim it as our own, as it has been the home of our national parish in Rome since 1922.  The importance of this site to Christians can be traced to the late third century, during the reign of Diocletian.  This emperor, whose name is well known for the persecutions under him, desired to marry his relative, Susanna, to one of his co-emperors in a political marriage.  Susanna did not wish to be part of this, not only because of her Faith but also because she had taken a private vow of virginity.  When Diocletian found out about this, he ordered the punishment not only of her but also of her father, Gabinus, and three Christian uncles, one of whom was Pope Gaius.  Susanna received the crown of martyrdom immediately, with her father dying in prison and her uncles and some other relatives being executed outside the city.  Pope Gaius escaped these persecutions, returning to continue leading the Church in the city (From Procedamus in Pace PNAC).

Collect

Rejoicing in this annual celebration of 

our Lenten observance, we pray, O Lord, that, 

with our hearts set on the paschal mysteries, 

we may be gladdened by their full effects. 

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.