Oratio

The Collect's structure follows classical Roman form: address ('Deus'), relative clause of divine action ('qui nos beati N. Apostoli tui commemoratione laetificas'), petition ('praesta, quaesumus'), specific request ('ut cuius natalitia colimus, de eiusdem etiam protectione gaudeamus'), and conclusion ('Per Dominum'). The word 'natalitia' refers not to earthly birthday but to the 'heavenly birthday' - the saint's death-day when he was born into eternal life. The prayer asks that liturgical commemoration ('colimus') produce ongoing protection ('protectione'), linking the Church's worship to the saints' intercessory power.