Thursday of the Third Week of Lent at Ss Cosmas and Damien

Sitting discreetly to the side of the Roman Forum, the small basilica of Ss. Cosmas and Damian can boast of not only a longer history of use than that ancient center of government, but also of that use continuing to the present day.  In fact, parts of this basilica date back to the time of the ancient forum, these structures being converted into a church in honor of these two saints some time later.  Ss. Cosmas and Damian were two brothers in the medical profession, who used their skills to heal people without seeking payment.  Although there are different traditions concerning their martyrdom, it seems likely that they suffered during the Diocletian persecutions in the early fourth century in the city of Aegea, then in Roman Syria.  Brought before the tribunal, they were tortured before being killed by decapitation, likely in 303.  Some years later their relics were brought to the city of Cyr, before being brought to Rome during the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great.

Collect

We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, 

that, as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, 

so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards 

the worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery. 

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.