Double Feast of Ss. Soter and Caius

Today the Church celebrates the feasts of Ss. Soter and Caius (also "Gaius"), both popes, and both martyrs for the Faith. Pope St. Soter reigned from 166-175, the 12th pope of the Roman Catholic Church; Pope St. Caius reigned from 283-296, the 28th pope of the Church.

Pope St. Soter is notable for having written a letter to the church at Corinth (yes, the same Corinthian church which received two epistles from St. Paul and one from Pope St. Clement), which St. Dionysius said - as quoted in the Church History of Eusebius - was read in the church during the liturgy.

The following is taken from the Roman Breviary.

*******************************

Soter was born at Fondi, in Campania. He passed a decree, forbidding virgins consecrated to God to touch the sacred vessels and palls, or to exercise the office of thurifer in the Church. He also decreed that on Maundy Thursday the Body of Christ should be received by all, excepting those who were forbidden to do so by reason of some grievous sin ... He was crowned with martyrdom under the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and was buried in the cemetery which was afterwards called the Cemetery of Callixtus.

In the month of December, according to the custom observed by his predecessors, he ordained eighteen priests, nine deacons, and eleven bishops for diverse places.

Caius was a native of Dalmatia, and a relation of the Emperor Diocletian. He decreed that the following ecclesiastical Orders or honours should precede the ordination of a bishop: door-keeper, lector, exorcist, acolyte, subdeacon, deacon, priest. He concealed himself for some time in a cave, in order to escape the cruelty exercised against the Christians by Diocletian: but after eight years, he, together with his brother Gabinus, received the crown of martyrdom.

He governed the Church twelve years ... He ordained in the month of December twenty-five priests, eight deacons, and five bishops. He was buried in the Cemetery of Callixtus, on the 10th of the Kalends of May (April 22).

Urban the Eighth revived his memory in Rome, restored his Church, which was in ruins, and honoured it with a Title, a Station, and the relics of the Saint himself.

*******************

"O holy Pontiffs! ... Baptism has numbered us among the soldiers of Christ; confirmation has given us the spirit of fortitude; we must then be ready for battle. It may be that, even in our own times, a persecution may rage against the Church; at all events, we have to fight against ourselves, the spirit of the world, and Satan; support us by your prayers. You were once the Fathers of the Christian people; you are still animated with the pastoral charity which then filled your hearts. Protect us, and make us loyal to the God whose cause was so dear to you when here on earth." (prayer taken from The Liturgical Year, vol. 8)