The Roman Martyrology (“In which are to be found the eulogies of the Saints and Blessed approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites up to 1961) is an essential part of the Roman Liturgy, specifically during the Office of Prime, when its daily readings are chanted. So important did Archbishop Lefebvre consider the Martyrology that he selected the office of Prime over Lauds to be the usual morning office that the members of the Society of St. Pius X recite in common.
Another reason the martyrology is so interesting is that the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church liturgically recognizes MANY Saints, but the VAST majority of those are only recognized in The Martyrology. There is no Mass or commemoration for 90% (roughly estimating) of these heroes of the Faith. In other words, on any given day, the calendar for the Sanctoral cycle of the Missal may have one, two or no saints commemorated. But The Martyrology has 5 to 20 Saints commemorated every day.
And even The Martyrology is by no means a complete list of every saint (on average there are 30 saints that could be commemorated every day!) , but it is the complete collection of all the saints celebrated liturgically in the Roman Rite.
An entry may range from nothing more than a few words to a paragraph relating, for example, the significant acts of the Saint and his manner of martyrdom, if applicable. Another important thing to note is that The Martyrology is not just a compilation of martyred saints, but of all the saints liturgically venerated by the Church.
Translated from the official Latin texts and adhering to the 1962 liturgical calendar, with The Roman Martyrology you can follow the annual liturgical life of the Church as she splendidly recounts the feasts of Our Lord and Lady, the martyrs and other members of the Church Triumphant.
Beneficial for all Catholics, especially Third Order members who recite the Divine Office daily. An essential part of the daily office of Prime, fascinating daily reading, and the ultimate baby name book!
