About the Saints
SS Cosmas and Damian
Born in Cilicia (now known as Arabia) in the third century, Cosmas and Damian were the first children born in a family of seven boys. The twins studied medicine and are credited for being the first to attempt a limb transplant on a human being. They devoted themselves to the rich and poor alike, accepting no payment for their medical services, thus earning their title, "The Silverless Ones". These miraculous patrons of medicine were accused of being Christians by two fellow doctors and arrested by Lisia, the governor of the city of Aega. They were tried in a court of Ceasar's and sentenced to death by torture.
The first torture was being cast into the sea with both hands and feet bound. A miracle occurred as they became free, enabling them to swim ashore. Their second torture was burning at the stake. A second miracle occurred as the flames failed to burn them. The third torture was flogging. A third miracle occurred as the whips would not hit their marks.
After a final demand that they renounce their Christian faith was refused, Saints Cosmas and Damian were decapitated on September 27 in the year 287.
Saints Cosmas and Damian are the patrons of the city of Gaeta, Italy. It is believed that through their intercession the city's population was spared during an 18th century plague.
Hymn to SS Cosmas & Damian
The hymn we sing to Saints Cosmas and Damian is unique to our Society and Gaeta, Italy, in particular. It is another tradition that was brought to this country by our founding members. The hymn is played by the band repeatedly whenever the Statues are stopped and greeted by devotees along the Procession route. It is played hundreds of times throughout the weekend of the Feast and is referred to as "L'Inno". Below are the lyrics.
Versi Del Canonico D. Paolo Pimpinella
Inno Ai Santi Fratelli Martiri
Negli Estremi confini d'Egea
Dell'Arabia nell'arse contrade
Come Gigli in amena vallea
Vostra vita a la luce spunto;
E quai stelle la diva pietade
In quell'ora ai mortal vi dono.
Non per voi ma per l'alma viveste
Dei fratelli, da Cristo redenti:
Or gli spiriti alla fede traeste,
Or dei corpi leniste il dolor;
Non periglio vi tenne:era ardente
E perenne la fiamma d'amor.
Molto amaste: e d'amore si grande
La divina, Peletta fragranza
Quinci e quindi leggiera si spande.
Si che il fiero demone freme,
E con nera infernale baldanza
Nuovi assalti oso dervi alla fe.
A chi tenti la fede di Dio
Torre in petto, o crudele tiranno?
Cessa omai da consiglio si rio,
A che aggiungi flagello a flagelli?
Che di Cosma e Damiano saranno
Scudo invitto gli aiuti del ciel.
Tutto e vanno: i supplizi, le pene
Sono gioie per alme si forti;
Iddio regge i lor cuori, e la sperme
D'un supremo ed eterno regnar:
Speri invano che restino assorti
Dalle fiamme voraci o dal mar.
O fratelli di sangue, di fede
Di martirio, di gloria immortale?
D'un aiuto quest'alma vi chiede,
O celesti Patroni, e l'avra:
Edi fede liberata sull'ale
Su nel cielo a godere verra.
Prayer to SS Cosmas & Damian
Oh glorious martyrs of Christ, Saints Cosmas and Damian, you gave your lives for the love of God, benefiting your fellow man, and crowning your martyrdom with an open and loyal profession of your faith. You taught us to love God above all things, and to love our fellow man as ourselves, professing always, and without fear, the religion of Jesus.
Augmenting amongst the faithful populace many miracles, you are glorious indeed. Through your intercession, which brings about deliverance of these miracles, we pray to you for your aid in all things. May your patronage never be far from us in the illness of our body and soul.
Oh great protectors, Saints Cosmas and Damian, assist us with your love and free us from all evils.
Amen
O Divini Dottori che offriste il Vostro martirio per la Santa causa del cristianesimo; Comprotettori del lontano nostro suolo natio, anche qui, in lontane sponde, noi vi veneriamo con lo stesso ardore e devozione. De' benedicete e proteggete L'Associazione che porta tanto devotamente i Vostri Nomi Gloriosi; riguardate le nostre famiglie e l'intera cristiana umanita' e sopratutto, vi chiediamo do proteggere i nostri figli, allontanandoli dai vizi di questa turlupinata e pericolosa Era. Infondete loro il Vostro Santo martirio e la nostra Santa Christiana Fede, per indi, meritarci tutti, la gloria del Santo Paradiso. Cosi Sia
Nostri grande protettori, Santi Cosma e Damiano, assisteticci con amore e liberarticci d'ogni male.
Amen