St. Justin Martyr

St. Justin Martyr was a 2nd century apologist. He defended Christianity to the Roman emperor but was eventually executed. His writings describe some of the earliest traditions of the Catholic Church. His description of the Eucharistic celebration is cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1345.

His feast day is June 1.

Patron Saint of …

St. Justin Martyr is the patron saint of philosophers.

Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

• First Reading – Acts 20:28-38: “And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 68: “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.”
• Gospel – John 17:11b-19: “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.”

Video: St. Justin Martyr Describes the Early Christian Mass

In this video we see the words of St. Justin wrote to the Roman emperor in 155 AD to defend Christianity. He describes a Mass which would be familiar to us today – the reading from scripture, the homily, the petitions, the offertory, the praying over the gifts, the reception of communion.

He even describes bringing communion to those who are not present. He explains that this is called Eucharist and that we believe it is truly the body and blood of Christ.

This is a wonderful resource to show the continuity of the order of Mass throughout the ages.

We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies

St. Justin Martyr

Catechism Quote

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.

When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.

Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.
When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.

Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren.

He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.

When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: ‘Amen.’

St. Justin Martyr, First Apology