From the Breviary according to the use of the Roman Curia, 1529, the continuation of the sermon for the sixth day in the Octave of All Saints.
Now let us extol with our praises the most constant witnesses of Christ, because they could not be torn away from the confession of His faith and name by any promise or threat, deeming it a better thing to die for Christ, than to not confess Him as the Son of God by either silence or flight. And therefore, in the midst of torments, they merited to be strengthened and take their trophies from the enemy, being crowned amid the armies of heaven. Clothed in purple robes, they follow where Christ, the head of the martyrs, led, singing with perpetual praise. “We have passed through fire and water, and thou hast brought us out into refreshment.” (Psalm 65, 12)
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| The Martyrdom of St Maurice and Companions, (the Theban Legion), by El Greco, 1580-81; from the chapter-house of the Monastery of St Lawrence in the Escorial. |
