In the Martyrology attributed to S. Jerome, in those of Ado, Notker,
Rabanus Maurus, and many others, on this day is marked, "In Jerusalem,
our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified," or words to this effect. This
being by many supposed to be the day of the month on which Christ died.
In an ancient Roman Martyrology, published by Rosweydus, on March 25th
is inserted, "Annuntiatio Dominica et Crucifixio." Some ancient lines
on this day, which occur in some Martyrologies, deserve quotation: "In
hac die multa, mirabilia facta sunt, quæ notantur in his versibus":--
"Salve festa dies, quæ vulnera nostra coerces;
Angelus est missus, est Christus in cruce passus.
Est Adam factus, et eodem tempore lapsus.
Ob meritum decimæ cadit Abel fratris ab ense,
Offert Melchisedech, Isaac supponitur aris,
Est decollatus Christi Baptista Joannes.
Est Petrus ereptus, Jacobus sub Herode peremptus.
Corpora Sanctorum cum Christe multa resurgunt.
Latro dulce tamen per Christum sucipit. Amen."
Molanus, in his additions to Usuardus, adds to the two mysteries of the
Annunciation and the Crucifixion, "On the same day the genesis of the
world; also the victory of Michael, the archangel, over the dragon."
This victory is commemorated on this day in many old martyrologies.
An old Brussels MS. Martyrology adds, "On the same day the formation
of Adam and his ejection from Paradise." Many insert the death of
Abel; in that of Canisius, "Abel the just, the proto-martyr of the Old
Testament, at once virgin, priest, and martyr, and the first of mankind
to die." Also the sacrifice of Melchisedek, and the sacrifice of Isaac,
are inserted on this day in many martyrologies. In some likewise,
"On this day Israel crossed the Red Sea"; in some, "S. Veronica, who
wiped the face of Christ"; in some also the decollation of S. John the
Baptist, the passion of S. James, and the liberation of S. Peter.
[Illustration: THE ANNUNCIATION. After a painting in the Museum at
Madrid. March 25.]
But in the Greek Menæa, March 23rd is marked as that of the
"Crucifixion and memorial of the Penitent Thief": on March 22nd is
commemorated the Last Supper; on March 24th the Repose in the Tomb; and
on March 25th, the Resurrection.