S. Gabriel the Archangel.
S. Alexander, M.B. of Jerusalem, A.D. 250.
SS. Ten Thousand Martyrs, at Nicomedia, 4th cent.
SS. Trophimus and Eucarpus, MM. at Nicomedia, circ. A.D. 300.
SS. Narcissus, B.M., and Felix, D.M. at Gerona, beginning of 4th cent.
S. Cyril, Patr. of Jerusalem, A.D. 389.
S. Frigidian or Finnian, B. of Lucca, A.D. 589.
S. Tetricus, B. of Langres, A.D. 572.
S. Edward, K.M. in England, A.D. 978.
S. Anselm, B. of Lucca, A.D. 1086.
S. GABRIEL, ARCHANGEL.
On this day is commemorated Gabriel the Archangel, who was sent to announce to the Blessed Mary that she was to become the Mother of God. He is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology, and in those of the Camaldoli, the Trinitarians, the Franciscans, the Carmelites, the Augustinians, the Discalceate Carmelites, and the Servites.
S. ALEXANDER, M. B. OF JERUSALEM.
(A.D. 250.)
[Usuardus, Ado, Notker, some editions of the Martyrology of Bede; Roman Martyrology. By the Greeks on December 12th. In the Breviary of the Knights of S. John of Jerusalem, this festival is observed with nine lections. His life is gathered from the ecclesiastical Hist. of Eusebius.]
Alexander, a Cappadocian bishop, having come to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, was elected by revelation of God to take the see of Jerusalem in place of Narcissus, who, on account of his extreme old age, was unable to execute the functions of his office. In the persecution of Decius, when Alexander was advanced in years, with white hair, he was conducted to Cæsarea, where he was imprisoned, and died in his dungeon.
S. NARCISSUS, M. B. OF GERONA.
(BEGINNING OF 4TH CENT.)