RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 26:

CHAPTER LXVIII
If a Brother be commanded to do Impossibilities

If on any brother there be laid commands that are hard and impossible, let him receive the orders of him who biddeth him with all mildness and obedience. But if he seeth the weight of the burden altogether to exceed his strength, let him seasonably and with patience lay before his Superior the reasons of his incapacity to obey, with out shewing pride, resistance, or contradiction. If, however, after this the Superior still persist in his command, let the younger know that it is expedient for him; and let him obey for the love of God, trusting in His assistance.

Martyrology-August 27th
Roman Martyrology-August 27th- on this date in various years-

St. Joseph Calasanctius, priest and confessor, who founded the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Christian Schools. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 25th of August.

At Potenza in Lucania, the passion of Saints Arontius, Honoratus, Fortunatus, and Sabinian. They were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, and were condemned to death by the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian. Their feast, together with that of the other twelve holy brethren, is celebrated on the first of September.

At Bergamo, St. Narnus, who was baptized by blessed Barnabas and consecrated by him first bishop of that city.

At Capua, the birthday of St. Rufus, bishop and martyr, a patrician, who was baptized with all his family by blessed Apollinaris, disciple of St. Peter.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Rufus and Carpophorus, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian.

At Tomis in Pontus, the holy martyrs Marcellinus, a tribune, and Mannea, his wife, and his sons John, Serapion, and Peter.

At Lentini in Sicily, St. Euthalia, virgin. Because she was a Christian she was put to the sword by her brother Sermilian, and went to her Spouse.

The same day, the martyrdom of St. Anthusa the Younger, who was made a martyr by being cast into a well for the faith of Christ.

At Arles in France, the holy bishop Caesarius, a man of great sanctity and piety.

At Autun, St. Syagrius, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. John, bishop.

At Lerida in Spain, St. Licerius, bishop.

In Thebais, St. Poemen, abbot.

At San Severino, in Piceno, St. Margaret, widow.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 27:

CHAPTER LXIX
That no one presume to defend another in the Monastery

Care must be taken that on no occasion one monk presume to defend another in the Monastery, or to take his part, even although they be connected by some near tie of kinship. Let not the monks dare to do this in any way whatsoever; because therefrom may arise the most grievous occasion of scandals. If any one transgress this rule, let him be very severely punished.

Martyrology-August 28th
Roman Martyrology-August 28th- on this date in various years-

At Hippo in Africa, the birthday of St. Augustine, bishop and famous doctor of the Church. Converted and baptized by the blessed bishop Ambrose, he defended the Catholic faith with the greatest zeal against the Manicheans and other heretics, and after having sustained many other labours for the Church of God, he went to his reward in heaven. His relics, owing to the invasion of barbarians, were first brought from his own city into Sardinia, and afterwards taken by Luitprand, king of the Lombards, to Pavia, where they were deposited with due honours.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Hermes, an illustrious man, who, as we read in the Acts of blessed Pope Alexander, was first confined in prison, and afterwards fulfilled his martyrdom by the sword, at the time of the judge Aurelian.

At Venosa in Apulia, the passion of Saints Septiminus, Januarius, and Felix. During the reign of Emperor Maximian, the judge Valerian ordered these sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla to be beheaded. Their feast, however, is observed with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren on the first of September.

At Prinde in Auvergne, St. Julian, martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. He was the companion of the blessed tribune Ferreol, and under a military garb he secretly served Christ until arrested by the soldiers, and killed in a barbarous manner by having his throat cut.

At Constance, in Germany, St. Pelagius, martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Numerian and the judge Evilasius.

At Salerno, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Caius, and Anthes, beheaded under Emperor Diocletian and the proconsul Leontius.

At Constantinople, the holy bishop Alexander, an aged and celebrated man, through whose efficacious prayers Arius, by the judgement of God, burst asunder and his bowels were poured out.

At Saintes, St. Vivian, bishop and confessor.

Also, St. Moses the Ethiopian, who gave up a life of robbery and became a renowned anchoret. He converted many robbers, and led them to a monastery.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 28:

CHAPTER LXX
That no one presume to strike another

Let every occasion of presumption be banished from the Monastery. We ordain, therefore, that no one be allowed to excommunicate or strike any of his brethren, unless authority to do so shall have been given him by the Abbot. Let such as offend herein be rebuked in the presence of all, that the rest may be struck with fear. With regard to the children, however, let them be kept by all under diligent and watchful discipline, until their fifteenth year: yet this, too, with measure and discretion. For if any one presume, without leave of the Abbot, to chastise such as are above that age, or shew undue severity even to the children, he shall be subjected to the discipline of the Rule, because it is written: "What thou wouldest not have done to thyself, do not thou to another."


Martyrology-August 29th
Roman Martyrology-August 29th- on this date in various years-

The beheading of St. John Baptist, who was put to death by Herod about the feast of Easter. However, his solemn commemoration takes place today, when his venerable head was found for the second time. It was afterwards solemnly carried to Rome, where it is kept in the church of St. Sylvester, near the Campus Martius, and honoured by the people with the greatest devotion.

At Rome, on Mount Aventine, the birthday of St. Sabina, martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, she was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Valiniano in Apulia, the passion of Saints Vitalis, Sator, and Repositus. They were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, and were condemned to death by the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian. Their feast along with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren is observed on the first of September.

At Rome, St. Candida, virgin and martyr, whose body was transferred to the Church of St. Praxedes by Pope Paschal I.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Hypatius, an Asiatic bishop, and Andrew, a priest, who for the veneration of holy images, under Leo the Isaurian had their beards besmirched with pitch and set on fire, the skin of the heads torn off, and were beheaded.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Nicaeas and Paul.

At Metz in France, St. Adelphus, bishop and confessor.

At Paris, the death of St. Merry, priest.

At Perugia, St. Euthymius, a Roman, who fled from the persecution of Diocletian with this wife and his son Crescentius, and there rested in the Lord.

In England, St. Sebbe, king.

At Smyrna, the birthday of St. Basilla, virgin.

In the vicinity of Troyes, St. Sabina, a virgin, celebrated for virtues and miracles.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 29:

CHAPTER LXXI
That the Brethren be obedient one to the other

Not only is the excellence of obedience to be shewn by all to the Abbot, but the brethren must also obey one another, knowing that by this path of obedience they shall come unto God. The commands, then, of the Abbot or the Superiors appointed by him (to which we allow no private orders to be preferred) having the first place, let all the younger brethren obey their elders with all charity and vigilance. And should any one be found refractory, let him be corrected. But if a brother be rebuked by the Abbot, or any of his Superiors, for the slightest cause, or if he perceive that the mind of any Superior is even slightly angered or moved against him, however little, let him at once, without delay, cast himself on the ground at his feet, and there remain doing penance until that feeling be appeased, and he giveth him the blessing. If any one should disdain to do this, let him either be subjected to corporal chastisement, or, if he remain obdurate, let him be expelled from the Monastery.

Martyrology-August 30th
Roman Martyrology-August 30th- on this date in various years-

The feast of St. Rose of St. Mary, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic, whose birthday is recalled on the 24th of August.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the martyrdom of the blessed priest Felix, under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. After being racked he was sentenced to death, and as they led him to execution, he met a man who spontaneously declared himself a Christian, and was forthwith beheaded with him. The Christians, not knowing his name, called him Adauctus, because he was added to St. Felix and shared his crown.

Also at Rome, St. Gaudentia, virgin and martyr, with three others.

At Colonia Suffetulana in Africa, sixty blessed martyrs, who were murdered by the furious heathen.

At Bologna, St. Bononius, abbot.

At Rome, St Pammachius, priest, who was noteworthy for learning and sanctity.

At Adrumetum, also in Africa, the Saints Boniface and Thecla, who were the parents of twelve blessed sons, all martyrs.

At Thessalonica, St. Fantinus, confessor, who suffered much from the Saracens, and was driven from his monastery, in which he had lived in great abstinence. After having brought many to the way of salvation, he rested at last at an advanced age.

In the diocese of Meaux, St. Fiacre, confessor.

At Trevi in Lazio, St. Peter, confessor, who was distinguished for many virtues and miracles. He is honoured in that place from which he departed for heaven.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 30:

CHAPTER LXXII
Of the Virtuous Zeal Which the Monks Ought to Have

As there is an evil zeal of bitterness, which separateth from God, and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal, which keepeth us from vice, and leadeth to God and to life everlasting. Let monks, therefore, exert this zeal with most fervent love; that is, "in honour preferring one another." Let them most patiently endure one another's infirmities, whether of body or of mind. Let them vie with one another in obedience. Let no one follow what he thinketh good for himself, but rather what seemeth good for another. Let them cherish fraternal charity with chaste love, fear God, love their Abbot with sincere and humble affection, and prefer nothing whatever to Christ. And may He bring us all alike to life everlasting.

Martyrology-August 31st
Roman Martyrology-August 31st- on this date in various years-

St. Raymund Nonnatus, cardinal and confessor, of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives. His birthday is commemorated on the 26th of August.

In Tuscany, on Mount Senario, the birthday of St. Bonajuncta, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave up his soul into the hands of the Lord while he was preaching to his brethren on the Passion of our Saviour. his feast is kept with that of his companions on the 12th of February.

At Treves, the birthday of St. Paulinus, a bishop, who was exiled for the Catholic faith by the Arian emperor Constantius, in the time of the Arian persecution. By having to change the place of his exile, which was beyond the limits of Christendom, he became wearied unto death, and finally, dying in Phrygia, received a crown from the Lord for his blessed martyrdom.

At Transaco, in the Marches near Lake Fucino, the birthday of the holy martyrs Caesidius, priest, and his companions, who were crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Maximinus.

Also, the holy martyrs Robustian and Mark.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Theodotus, Rufina, and Ammia. The first two were the parents of the martyr St. Mamas, who was born in prison, and whom Ammia brought up.

At Auxerre, St. Optatus, bishop and confessor.

In England, St. Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne. When St. Cuthbert, then a shepherd, saw his soul going up to heaven, he left his sheep and became a monk. Mention is made of St. Cuthbert on the 20th of March.

At Nosco, St. Amatus, bishop.

At Athens, St. Aristides, most celebrated for his faith and wisdom, who presented to Emperor Hadrian a treatise on the Christian religion, containing the exposition of our doctrine. In the presence of the emperor, he also delivered a discourse in which he clearly demonstrated the Jesus Christ is the only God.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 31:

CHAPTER LXXIII
That the whole observance of Perfection is not set down in this Rule

We have written this Rule, in order that, by observing it in Monasteries, we may shew ourselves to have some degree of goodness of life, and a beginning of holiness. But for him who would hasten to the perfection of religion, there are the teachings of the holy Fathers, the following whereof bringeth a man to the height of perfection. For what page or what word is there in the divinely inspired books of the Old and New Testaments, that is not a most unerring rule for human life? Or what book of the holy Catholic Fathers doth not loudly proclaim how we may by a straight course reach our Creator? Moreover, the Conferences of the Fathers, their Institutes and their Lives, and the Rule of our holy Father Basil - what are these but the instruments whereby well-living and obedient monks attain to virtue? But to us, who are slothful and negligent and of evil lives, they are cause for shame and confusion. Whoever, therefore, thou art that hasteneth to thy heavenly country, fulfil by the help of Christ this least of Rules which we have written for beginners; and then at length thou shalt arrive, under God's protection, at the lofty summits of doctrine and virtue of which we have spoken above.

Martyrology-September 1st
Roman Martyrology-September 1st- on this date in various years-

In the province of Narbonne, St. Giles, abbot and confessor. A town which later arose in the place where he had built his monastery and where he died was named after him.

At Sentiano, in the district of Apulia, the passion of Saints Donatus and a second Felix who were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla. After they had endured various torments under the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian, they were condemned to be beheaded on this day. Today also is kept the festival of the others of the Twelve Holy Brethren, whose birthdays are noted in their proper place. The bodies of these Twelve Holy Brethren were later translated to Benevento where they are honourably enshrined.

In Palestine, the Saints Joshua and Gideon.

At Jerusalem, blessed Anna, prophetess, whose sanctity is revealed in the Gospel.

At Capua, on the Via Aquaria, St. Priscus, martyr, who was formerly one of the disciples of Christ.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Terentian, bishop and martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, by order of the proconsul Laetian, he was racked, scourged with whips set with metal, and finally having had his tongue cut out, he ended his martyrdom by undergoing capital punishment.

At Heraclea, under the tyrant Licinius, St. Ammon, deacon, and forty holy virgins whom he instructed in the faith and led with him to the glory of martyrdom.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Vincent and Laetus.

At Piombino in Tuscany, St. Regulus, martyr, who went thither from Africa, and consummated his martyrdom under Totila.

At Capua, St. Priscus, bishop. He was one of those priests who were subjected to various trials for the Catholic faith during the persecution of the Vandals. Being put in an old ship on the coast of Africa, they reached the shores of Campania, and separating, they were placed at the head of various churches, and thus greatly extended the Christian religion. The companions of Priscus were Castrensis, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of February, Tammarius, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Mark, Augustus, Elpidius, Canion, and Vindonius.

At Sens, St. Lupus, bishop and confessor, of whom it is related that on a certain day, while he stood at the holy altar in the presence of the clergy, a gem fell from heaven into the consecrated chalice which he was using.

At Rheims in France, St. Sixtus, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who consecrated him the first bishop of that city. He received the crown of martyrdom under Nero.

At Le Mans in France, St. Victorinus, bishop.

At Aquino, St. Constantius, a bishop renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.

In Baden, in the province of Constance, St. Verena, virgin.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 1:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE

Hearken, O my son, to the precepts of thy Master, and incline the ear of thine heart; willingly receive and faithfully fulfil the admonition of thy loving Father, that thou mayest return by the labour of obedience to Him from Whom thou hadst departed through the sloth of disobedience. To thee, therefore, my words are now addressed, whoever thou art that, renouncing thine own will, dost take up the strong and bright weapons of obedience, in order to fight for the Lord Christ, our true king. In the first place, whatever good work thou beginnest to do, beg of Him with most earnest prayer to perfect; that He Who hath now vouchsafed to count us in the number of His children may not at any time be grieved by our evil deeds. For we must always so serve Him with the good things He hath given us, that not only may He never, as an angry father, disinherit his children, but may never, as a dreadful Lord, incensed by our sins, deliver us to everlasting punishment, as most wicked servants who would not follow Him to glory.


Martyrology-September 2nd
Roman Martyrology-September 2nd- on this date in various years-

St. Stephen, king of Hungary and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August.

At Rome, the holy martyr Maxima, who confessed Christ with St. Ansanus in the persecution of Diocletian, and yielded up her soul while being beaten with rods.

At Pamiers in France, St. Antoninus, martyr, whose relics are kept with great veneration in the church of Palencia, in Spain.

Also, the holy martyrs, Diomedes, Julian, Philip, Eutychian, Hesychius, Leonides, Philadelphus, Menalippus, and Pantagapas. Their martyrdoms were completed, some by fire, some water, others by the sword or by the cross.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Zeno, and his sons Concordius and Theodore.

At Lyons in France, St. Elpidius, bishop and confessor.

In Piceno, another St. Elpidius, an abbot. A town bearing his name glories in the possession of his holy body.

On Mount Soracte, Abbot St. Nonnosus, who by his prayers moved a rock of huge proportions, and was renowned for other miracles.

On the same day, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Evodius and Hermogenes, brothres, and Callista, their sister. Mention is made of them that they died on the 25th of April in the city of Syracuse in Italy.

At Lyons in France, the translation of St. Justus, bishop and confessor, and Viator, his servant, whose birthdays occur on the 14th of October and the 21st of October.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 2:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)

Let us then at length arise, since the Scripture stirreth us up, saying: It is time now for us to rise from sleep." And our eyes being open to the deifying light, let us hear with wondering ears what the Divine Voice admonisheth us, daily crying out: "To-day if ye shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts." And again, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches." And what saith He? "Come, my children, hearken to Me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Run while ye have the light of life, lest the darkness of death seize hold of you."

Martyrology-September 3rd
Roman Martyrology-September 3rd- on this date in various years-

Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August.

At Corinth the birthday of St. Phoebe, mentioned by the blessed apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.

At Capua, the holy martyrs Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy.

Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Aigulphus, abbot of Lerins, and the monks, his companions, who, after their tongues were cut off and their eyes plucked out, were killed with the sword.

Also, the holy martyrs Zeno and Chariton. The one was cast into a cauldron of melted lead, the other into a burning furnace.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Sandal the martyr.

At Aquileia, the holy virgins and martyrs Euphemia, Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma. Under Nero, after enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword and buried by St. Hermagoras.

At Nicomedia, the passion of St. Basilissa, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Alexander. At the age of nine years, after having, through the power of God, overcome scourging, fire, and the beasts - "by which she converted the governor to the faith of Christ - she at length gave up her soul to God while at prayer outside the city.

At Toul in France, St. Mansuetus, bishop and confessor.

At Milan, the death of St. Auxanus, bishop.

The same day, St. Simon Stylites the Younger.

At Rome, the translation of St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, who suffered on the 29th of July.

Also at Rome, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great. This incomparable man, being forced to take that burden upon himself, sent forth from the exalted throne brighter rays of sanctity upon the world.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 3:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE(cont.)

And the Lord, seeking His own workman in the multitude of the people to whom He thus crieth out, saith again: "Who is the man that will have life, and desireth to see good days. And if thou, hearing Him, answer, "I am he," God saith to thee: "If thou wilt have true and everlasting life, keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips that they speak no guile. Turn from evil, and do good: seek peace and pursue it. And when you have done these things, My eyes will be upon you, and My ears will be open to your prayers; and before you call upon Me, I will say unto you, "Behold, I am here." What can be sweeter to us, dearest brethren, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold in His loving-kindness the Lord sheweth unto us the way of life.

Martyrology-September 4th
Roman Martyrology-September 4th- on this date in various years-

On Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the holy lawgiver and prophet Moses.

At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Candida, who was the first to meet St. Peter when he came to that city, and being baptized by him afterwards ended her holy life in peace.

At Treves, St. Marcellus, bishop and martyr.

At Ancyra in Galatia, the birthday of three saintly boys, Rufinus, Silvanus, and Vitalicus, martyrs.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Magnus, Castus and Maximus.

At Chalons in France, under Emperor Antoninus, St. Marcellus, martyr. Being invited to a profane banquet by the governor Priscus, he scorned to partake of the meats that were served, and reproved with great freedom all persons present for worshipping idols. For this, with unheard-of cruelty, the same governor had him buried alive up to the waist. After persevering for three days in praising God, he yielded up his undefiled spirit.

On the same day, St. Thamel, previously a pagan priest, and his companions, martyrs under Emperor Hadrian.

Also, the holy martyrs Theodore, Oceanus, Ammian, and Julian, who had their feet cut off, and completed their martyrdom by being thrown into the fire, in the time of Emperor Maximian.

At Rome, St. Boniface I, pope and confessor.

At Rimini, St. Marinus, deacon.

At Palermo, the birthday of St. Rosalia, virgin, a native of that city, born of the royal blood of Charlemagne. For the love of Christ, she forsook the princely court of her father, and led a saintly life alone in mountains and caverns.

At Viterbo, the translation of St. Rose the Virgin, of the Third Order of St. Francis, during the pontificate of Pope Alexander IV.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 4:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE(cont.)

Having our loins, therefore, girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him Who hath called us to His kingdom. And if we wish to dwell in the tabernacle of His kingdom, we shall by no means reach it unless we run thither by our good deeds. But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet, saying to Him: "Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle, or who shall rest upon Thy holy hill?" After this question, brethren, let us hear the Lord answering, and shewing to us the way to His tabernacle, and saying: "He that walketh without stain and worketh justice: he that speaketh truth in his heart, that hath not done guile with his tongue: he that hath done no evil to his neighbour, and hath not taken up a reproach against his neighbour:" he that hath brought the malignant evil one to naught, casting him out of his heart with all his suggestions, and hath taken his bad thoughts, while they were yet young, and dashed them down upon the (Rock) Christ. These are they, who fearing the Lord, are not puffed up with their own good works, but knowing that the good which is in them cometh not from themselves but from the Lord, magnify the Lord Who worketh in them, saying with the Prophet: "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give the glory." So the Apostle Paul imputed nothing of his preaching to himself, but said: "By the grace of God I am what I am." And again he saith:  "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Martyrology-September 5th
Roman Martyrology-September 5th- on this date in various years-

Saint Lawrence Justinian, first patriarch of Venice and confessor, who on this day unwillingly ascended the episcopal throne. His birthday is the 8th of January.

In the suburbs of Rome, blessed Victorinus, bishop and martyr, in the time of Nerva Trajan. Being renowned for sanctity and miracles, he was elected bishop of Amiterno by the whole populace, but afterwards he was banished, with other servants of God, to Contigliano, where fetid sulphurous waters spring forth, and was suspended with his head downward by order of the judge Aurelian. Having for the name of Christ endured this torment for three days, he was gloriously crowned and went victoriously to our Lord. His body was taken away by the Christians and buried with due honours at Amiterno.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Urbanus, Theodore, Menedemus, and their companions of ecclesiastical rank, seventy-seven in number, who were put in a ship by the command of Emperor Valens, and burned on the sea for the Catholic faith.

At Porto, the birthday of St. Herculanus, martyr, who was scourged and beheaded in the reign of Emperor Gallus because of the Christian faith.

At Capua, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Arcontius, and Donatus.

On the same day, St. Romulus, prefect of Trajan's court. For reproving the cruelty of the emperor towards Christians, he was scourged with rods and beheaded.

At Melitine in Armenia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the martyrdom of the holy soldiers Eudoxius, Zeno, Macarius, and their companions to the number of eleven hundred and four, who threw away their military belts and were put to death for the confession of Christ.

In the neighbourhood of Terouanne, in the monastery of Sithiu, in France, St. Bertinus, abbot.

At Toledo in Spain, St. Obdulia, virgin.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 5:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)

Hence also the Lord saith in the Gospel: "He that heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock: the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, because it was founded upon a rock." And the Lord in fulfilment of these His words is waiting daily for us to respond by our deeds to His holy admonitions. Therefore are the days of our life lengthened for the amendment of our evil ways, as saith the Apostle: "Knowest thou not that the patience of God is leading thee to repentance?" For the merciful Lord saith: "I will not the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and live."

Martyrology-September 6th
Roman Martyrology-September 6th- on this date in various years-

In Palestine, the prophet Zachary, who returned in his old age from Chaldea to his own country, and lies buried near the prophet Aggeus.

In the Hellespont, St. Onesiphorus, disciple of the apostles, of whom St. Paul speaks in his Letter to Timothy. He was severely scourged with St. Porphyry, by order of the proconsul Adrian, and being dragged by wild horses, gave up his soul unto God.

In Africa, in the persecution of the Vandals, the holy bishops Donatian, præsidius, Mansuetus, Germanus, and Fusculus, who were most cruelly scourged and sent into exile by order of the Arian king Hunneric, because they proclaimed the Catholic truth. Among them was one named lætus, also a bishop, a courageous and very learned man, who was burned alive after a long imprisonment in a loathsome dungeon.

At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Valerius, the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Macarius, and ten companions, who received the martyr's crown by being beheaded for the name of Christ.

In Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Cottidus, deacon, Eugene, and their companions.

At Verona, St. Peronius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, the holy abbot Eleutherius, a servant of God, who, according to the testimony of Pope St. Gregory, raised a dead man to life by his prayers and tears.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 6:

PROLOGUE (cont.)

Since then, brethren, we have asked of the Lord who is to inhabit His temple, we have heard His commands to those who are to dwell there and if we fulfil those duties, we shall be heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Our hearts, therefore, and our bodies must be made ready to fight under the holy obedience of His commands; and let us ask God to supply by the help of His grace what by nature is not possible to us. And if we would arrive at eternal life, escaping the pains of hell, then - while there is yet time, while we are still in the flesh, and are able to fulfil all these things by the light which is given us - we must hasten to do now what will profit us for all eternity.

Martyrology-September 7th
Roman Martyrology-September 7th- on this date in various years-

At Troyes, St. Nemorius, deacon, and his companions, all martyrs, who were slain by Attila, king of the Huns.

At Nicomedia, the birthday of the blessed martyr John, who upon seeing the cruel edicts against Christians, posted in the public square, and being inflamed with an ardent faith, reached out his hand, took them away and tore them up. This was related to Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, then residing in the city, who gave orders that he should be subjected to many kinds of torments. The noble champion bore them with such cheerfulness of spirit as not to shew on his countenance the least trace of pain or grief.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, in the time of Emperor Adrian, St. Eupsychius, martyr, who was accused of professing Christianity and who was cast into prison. Having been released shortly after, he immediately sold his inheritance, and distributed the price of it partly to his accusers, whom he regarded as his benefactors. But being again arrested, under the judge Sapritius, he was tortured, pierced through with a sword, and thus completed his martyrdom.

At Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, in the time of Emperor Maximian, St. Sozon, a martyr who was thrown into the fire and yielded up his spirit.

At Aquileia, St. Anastasius, martyr.

In the diocese of Autun, under the proconsul Olybrius, St. Regina, virgin and martyr. After having suffered imprisonment, the rack, and burning with torches, she was finally condemned to capital punishment, and so went to her spouse.

At Orleans in France, the departure from this life of the holy bishop Evortius, who was first a subdeacon of the Roman Church, and afterwards, through a divine favour, was designated by a dove as bishop of that city.

In France, St. Augustalis, bishop and confessor.

At Capua, St. Pamphilus, bishop.

In the territory of Paris, St. Cloud, priest and confessor.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 7:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)

We have, therefore, to establish a school of the Lord's service, in the setting forth of which we hope to order nothing that is harsh or rigorous. But if anything be somewhat strictly laid down, according to the dictates of sound reason, for the amendment of vices or the preservation of charity, do not therefore fly in dismay from the way of salvation, whose beginning cannot but be strait and difficult. But as we go forward in our life and in faith, we shall with hearts enlarged and unspeakable sweetness of love run in the way of God's commandments; so that never departing from His guidance, but persevering in His teaching in the monastery until death, we may by patience share in the sufferings of Christ, that we may deserve to be partakers of His kingdom. Amen.

Martyrology-September 8th
Roman Martyrology-September 8th- on this date in various years-

The Nativity of the most Blessed and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

St. Hadrian, martyr, whose birthday is on the 4th of March. His feast, however, is observed today, the day on which his holy body was translated to Rome.

At Valencia in Spain, the birthday of St. Thomas of Villanova, bishop and confessor, of the order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, distinguished by his ardent love for the poor. He was inscribed among the saints by Pope Alexander VII, and his festival is observed on the 22nd of this month.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius, and twenty-two others.

At Antioch, the Saints Timothy and Faustus, martyrs.

At Gaza in Palestine, in the time of Julian the Apostate, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Nestabus, and Zeno, brothers, who were torn to pieces by a multitude of pagans that rushed upon them.

In the same place, and under the same Julian, St. Nestor, martyr, who breathed his last after being most cruelly tortured by the same furious heathen.

At Rome, St. Sergius I, pope and confessor.

At Freisingen, St. Corbinian, first bishop of that city. Being consecrated by Pope Gregory II and sent to preach the Gospel, he reaped abundant fruits in France and Germany, and finally rested in peace, renowned for virtues and miracles.

In New Carthage in South America, St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He devoted more than forty years with wonderful mortification and exceeding charity to the service of the Negroes who had been enslaved, and with his own hand baptized in Christ almost three hundred thousand of them. Pope Leo XIII added him to the list of the saints, and then declared him to be the special heavenly patron of all missions for the Negroes.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 8:

CHAPTER I
Of the several kinds of Monks and their way of life

It is well known that there are four kinds of monks. The first are the cenobites: that is those in monasteries, who live under a rule or an Abbot. The second are the Anchorites or Hermits: that is those who, not in the first fervour of religious life, but after long probation in the monastery, have learned by the help and experience of many to fight against the devil; and going forth well armed from the ranks of their brethren to the single-handed combat of the desert, are able, without the support of others, to fight by the strength of their own arm, God helping them, against the vices of the flesh and their evil thoughts. A third and most baneful kind of monks are the Sarabites, who have been tried by no rule nor by the experience of a master, as gold in the furnace; but being as soft as lead, and still serving the world in their works, are by their tonsure to lie to God. These in twos or threes, or even singly, without a shepherd, shut up, not in the Lord?s sheepfolds, but in their own, make a law to themselves in the pleasure of their own desires: whatever they think fit or choose to do, that they call holy; and what they like not, that they consider unlawful.

The fourth kind of monks are those called ?Girovagi,? who spend all their lives-long wandering about divers provinces, staying in different cells for three or four days at a time, ever roaming, with no stability, given up to their own pleasures and to the snares of gluttony, and worse in all things than the Sarabites. Of the most wretched life of these it is better to say nothing than to speak. Leaving them alone therefore, let us set to work, by the help of God, to lay down a rule for the Cenobites, that is, the strongest * kind of monks.

Martyrology-September 9th
Roman Martyrology-September 9th- on this date in various years-

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Dorothy and Gorgonius. The greatest honours had been conferred on them by Emperor Diocletian, but as they detested the cruelty which he exercised against the Christians, they were by his order hung up in his presence and lacerated with whips. Then, having the skin torn off from their bodies and vinegar and salt poured over them, they were burned on a gridiron, and finally strangled. After some time the body of blessed Gorgonius was brought to Rome and deposited on the Latin Way. From there it was transferred to the basilica of St. Peter.

Among the Sabines, thirty miles from Rome, the holy martyrs Hyacinth, Alexander, and Tiburtius.

At Sebaste in Armenia, St. Severian, a soldier of Emperor Licinius. For frequently visiting the Forty Martyrs in prison, he was suspended in the air with a stone tied to his feet by order of the governor Lysias, and being scourged and torn with whips, yielded up his soul in the midst of his torments.

On the same day, St. Strato, who ended his martyrdom for Christ by being tied to two trees and torn asunder.

Also, the holy martyrs Rufinus and Rufinian, brothers.

In the territory of Terouanne, St. Omer, bishop.

In the monastery of Clonmacnoise in Ireland, St. Kiaran, priest and abbot.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 9:


CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be


An Abbot who is worthy to rule over the monastery ought always to remember what he is called, and correspond to his name of superior by his deeds. For he is believed to hold the place of Christ in the monastery, since he is called by His name, as the Apostle saith: "Ye have received the spirit of the adoption of children, in which we cry Abba, Father." And, therefore, the Abbot ought not (God forbid) to teach, or ordain, or command anything contrary to the law of the Lord; but let his bidding and his doctrine be infused into the minds of his disciples like the leaven of divine justice.


Martyrology-September 10th
Roman Martyrology-September 10th- on this date in various years-


At Tolentino in Piceno, the departure from this life of St. Nicholas, confessor, of the order of the Hermits of St. Augustine.


In Africa, the birthday of the holy bishops Nemesian, Felix, Lucius, another Felix, Litteus, Polyanus, Victor, Jader, Dativus, and others. Because a violent persecution was breaking out under Valerian and Gallienus, they were at their first courageous confession of Christ beaten with rods, placed in irons, and sent to dig in the metal mines where they completed their combat with a glorious confession.


At Liege in Belgium, St. Theodard, bishop and martyr, who laid down his life for his flock, and after his death was renowned for the gift of miracles.


At Chalcedon, in the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Sosthenes and Victor. Under Priscus, proconsul of Asia, they were loaded with fetters and exposed to the beasts, after which they were condemned to be burned. But while they were saluting each other with a holy kiss and praying, they expired.


Also the holy martyrs Apellius, Luke, and Clement.


In Bithynia, the holy virgins Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, sisters. Under Emperor Maximian and the governor Fronto, they were crowned with martyrdom, and went to eternal glory.


At Compostella, St. Peter, bishop, who was celebrated for his many virtues and miracles.


In the city of Albi, St. Salvius, bishop and confessor.


At Novara, St. Agapius, bishop.


At Constantinople, St. Pulcheria, empress and virgin, distinguished by her piety and zeal for religion.


At Naples in Campania, St. Candida the Younger, famed for miracles.


And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.