From the III Lesson of Matins:
The sixteenth century, memorable for the disturbances of the error of Calvinism, provided in Holland a striking example of christian fortitude. The nineteen martyrs of Gorcum, as they are called, strove gloriously in defense of the Real Presence of Christ's body in the Eucharist and the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff. Among these was John, of the Order of Preachers, an alumnus of the house at Cologne. At the direction of his superiors, he had been administering the parish of Hoornaer in Holland. Having gone to the town of Gorcum to baptize an infant, he was taken by Calvinist followers and thrown into prison. There he shared the lot of other priests and religious already imprisoned for the faith. For several days and nights, their constancy was tried by various forms of ridicule and ill-treatment. Then, half naked, they were taken by boat to Briel, and, on the way, suffered incredible tortures at the hands of the soldiers, the sailors, and the heretical mob. Finally, they were hanged from a beam and strangled, thus receiving the palm of martyrdom on July 9 in the year 1572. Renowned for miracles, they were canonized by Pius IX.
From the Office of Lauds:
Night now is over, rising sun casts splendor
Over the triumph of those valiant soldiers
Fallen in battle on the field of Gorcum;
Great in their courage!
Joyously rising, they ascend the heavens.
God, himself, greets them in celestial mansions;
There does he crown them with his light eternal;
He is their glory.
Earth, too, applauding, tells the martyr's story,
Name of these victors flies through every nation;
Fame, then, resulting, in a praise most worthy,
Signs of their merits.
O worthy offfspring of Christ's holy martyrs,
With brows encircled by triumphal garlands!
Hear, and be mindful of your own who praise you:
By your prayer, save us.
Might, honor, power, be to God the Father;
Give worship, likewise, to the Son forever;
And to the Spirit, sing, with voice unceasing,
Hymns in his praises.
Amen.
Collect Prayer
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