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Day XXXVI. Wednesday, Week V.

"The truth will set you free" (Gospel for today - Jn 8:32).

San Marcello. Saint Marcellus was the 30th Pope. He was ordered to sacrifice to the gods. When he refused, he was condemned to work as a stable boy. Shortly thereafter, on January 16, 309, the venerable old man died from his labors. Over the stable, a church was built, one of the original 25 parishes of Rome. It was here that Pope Boniface I was consecrated in 418. Later, Pope Saint Marcellus was interred here as well as Pope Vigilius (538-555). The church was later destroyed by fire but miraculously, the cross survived and is venerated as miraculous. In fact, each year it is placed in Saint Peter's and venerated by the Holy Father during the Sacred Triduum (see photo). He also used this crucifix when he begged God's forgiveness for our many sins last year during the Jubilee Year. (March 12, 2000).

from St. Cantius

WEDNESDAY IN THE FIFTH (PASSION) WEEK OF LENT
Station—St. Marcellus

A patient sufferer, condemned by his enemies to work in a horse-stable, the good shepherd, Pope Marcellus, is our leader today to the King of Martyrs, Christ, our Good Shepherd.
Why must a human being suffer, physically, spiritually, or both? This has always been and ever will be, the great problem—indeed a problem and a riddle for the worldly individual, but not for the follower of Christ, who finds the answer at the foot of the Cross.
For the Christ-loving soul, there is no suffering for suffering sake, there is suffering only for Easter sake, with its peace and strength and never fading victory.
The mystery of the Cross is the great answer, a solution, which the carnal-minded man will never find. St. Marcellus found it, and having found it, suffered gladly as a true athlete of Christ. "I will extol Thee, O Lord, for Thou has upheld me and has not made my enemies to rejoice over me."
Let us pray: Sanctify this fast, O God, and mercifully enlightening the hearts of Thy faithful, do Thou hear favorable those to whom Thou grant the grace of devotion. Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.