The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Patrons of Choirboys and Foundlings

To the male children of two years and under that were killed in Bethlehem and its environs by order of King Herod. Sts. Irenaeus, Augustine, and other early Fathers give the title of Martyrs, and as such they have been commemorated from the 1st century and honored in the Liturgy of the Church. In the Western Church, the Mass of the Holy Innocents is celebrated like those of Advent and Lent, without festal chants.

These innocent victims gave testimony to the Messiah and Redeemer, not by words but by their blood. They triumphed over the world and won their crown without having experienced the evils of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

PRAYER: God, today we recall that the Innocent Martyrs bore witness not by words but by their death. Grant that our way of life may give witness to our Faith in You, which our lips profess. Amen.