From the Breviary according to the use of the Roman Curia, 1529, the continuation of the sermon for the seventh day in the Octave of All Saints.
After (the Patriarchs and Prophets) follows the venerable choir of the Apostles, who adorn with a crown of twelve stars our holy mother the Church, who is clothed in the warmth of the true Sun, and shines forth with charity. Those who shine with their light, and are warmed by their ardor will never fall into the darkness of error, or languish with faithless cold in the night of sin. In this world, their tongues are become the keys of heaven, and therefore, as princes of the nations they are exceedingly exalted as gods; and in the next, in the dignity of their power to judge, they will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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| An icon of the Twelve Apostles painted in Constantinople towards the end of the 14th century. Public domain image from Wikimedia Commons. |
