Saint Matthias, by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). From Wikimedia.
¶ Because this is a leap year, the Feast of Saint Matthias ought to be transferred to February 25th. It was the Roman tradition to insert the leap day following February 24th, and to repeat that day’s number, rather than adding a 29th day at the end of the month. Ancient church practice was to commemorate Saint Matthias on the repeated day—the “bissextile” day.
O Almighty God, who into the place of the traitor Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve Apostles: Grant that thy Church, being alway preserved from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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