Saint Denys and Companions, Martyrs

St. Denys with his companions founded the Church at Paris, and gave his blood for what he had founded. Saint Gregory of Tours wrote of this Denys that he was born in Italy, and that about the year 250 he was sent into Gaul as a missionary bishop. And that, with one Rusticus a priest, and Eleutherius a deacon, he penetrated amongst the heathen as far as Paris, where he remained to preach Christ. For whose sake he was more than once tortured, even with fire, and when he persisted, he and his priest and deacon were beheaded. He is venerated as the saint protector of France, and as such was invoked in the hour of battle. He is also counted as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, that is, Saints that are quick to pray for us in time of need. Of old time he was invoked by those who suffered pain in the heads, from the miracle of when he, after his head was cut off, he took it in his hands, and walked four miles toward Paris, carrying it all the while.

Antiphon on the Benedictus

Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered; * fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Collect:

O God, who as on this day didst endow thy blessed Martyr and Bishop Saint Denys with strength to suffer steadfastly for thy sake, and didst join unto him Rusticus and Eleutherius for the preaching of thy glory to the Gentiles, grant us , we beseech thee, so to follow their good example, that for the love of thee we may despise all worldly prosperity, and be afraid of no manner of worldly adversity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.