RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour  (cont.)

From the first of October to the beginning of Lent let them apply to reading until the end of the second hour. Let Tierce be then said, and until the ninth hour let all labour at the work that is enjoined them. When the first signal for None is given, let every one break off from his work, and be ready as soon as the second signal is sounded. After their meal, let them occupy themselves in their reading, or in learning the Psalms. During Lent, let them apply themselves to reading from morning until the end of the third hour, and then, until the end of the tenth, labour at whatever is enjoined them. And in these days of Lent let each one receive a book from the library, and read it all through in order. These books are to be given out at the beginning of Lent. Above all, let one or two seniors be appointed to go round the Monastery, at the hours when the brethren are engaged in reading, and see that there be no slothful brother giving himself to idleness or to foolish talk, and not applying himself to his reading, so that he is thus not only useless to himself, but a distraction to others. If such a one be found (which God forbid) let him be corrected once and a second time; and if he do not amend, let him be subjected to the chastisement of the Rule, so that the rest may be afraid. And let not one brother associate with another at unseasonable hours.

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

At Rome, on the Appian Way, the martyrdom of the tribune blessed Quirinus, who had been baptized with all his household by Pope St. Alexander when he was imprisoned in their house. Under Emperor Adrian, he was delivered to the judge Aurelian, and because he persevered in the confession of faith, his tongue was torn out, he was stretched on the rack, his hands and feet were cut off, and the sword completed his course of martyrdom.

At Thessalonica, the birthday of the holy martyrs Domninus, Victor, and their companions.

At Constantinople, in the time of Constantius, the commemoration of many holy martyrs of the Catholic communion, whom the heresiarch Macedonius put to death by unheard-of kinds of torments. Among other tortures, they were burned with red-hot irons, and the breasts of Christian women were cut away between the lids of coffers.

At Senlis in France, the death of St. Regulus, bishop of Arles.

At Orleans in France, Bishop St. Pastor.

At Syracuse, St. Zosimus, bishop and confessor.

On Mount Sinai, Abbot St. John Climacus.

At Aquileria in Spain, the confessor St. Peter Regulátus, priest of the Order of Friars Minor. He was born in Valladolid, and restored the regular discipline in the Spanish monasteries. Pope Benedict XIV placed him on the roll of saints.

At Aquino, St. Clinius 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 March 30:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour (cont.)

On Sunday, let all occupy themselves in reading, except those who have been appointed to the various offices. But if any one should be so negligent and slothful, as to be either unwilling or unable to study or to read, let some task be given him to do, that he be not idle. To brethren who are weak or delicate, let there be given such work or occupation as to prevent them either from being idle, or from being so oppressed by excessive labour as to be driven away. Their weakness must be taken into account by the Abbot.

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

At Thecua in Palestine, the holy prophet Amos, whom the priest Amasias frequently had scourged. Ozias, that priest's son, pierced his head at the temples with an iron spike. Being carried half dead to his own country, he died there, and was buried with his family.

In Persia, during the reign of King Isdegerdes, the deacon St. Benjamin. Because he would not stop preaching the word of God, he had a sharp reed forced under his nails, a thorny stake driven through his body, and thus completed his martyrdom.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Anesius, Felix, Cornelia, and their companions.

At Rome, the virgin St. Balbina, daughter of the blessed martyr Quirinus. She was baptized by Pope Alexander, and she chose Christ as her spouse in her virginity. After overcoming the world, she was buried at her father's side on the Appian Way.

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 March 31:

CHAPTER XLIX
Of the Observance of Lent

Although the life of a monk ought at all times to have about it a Lenten character, yet since few have strength enough for this, we exhort all, at least during the days of Lent, to keep themselves in all purity of life, and to wash away, during that holy season, the negligences of other times. This we shall worthily do, if we refrain from all sin, and give ourselves to prayer with tears, to holy reading, compunction of heart and abstinence. In these days, then, let us add some thing to our wonted service; as private prayers, and abstinence from food and drink, so that every one of his own will may offer to God, with joy of the Holy Spirit, something beyond the measure appointed him: withholding from his body somewhat of his food, drink and sleep, refraining from talking and mirth, and awaiting Holy Easter with the joy of spiritual longing. Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth, and let it be done with his blessing and permission: because what is done without leave of the spiritual father shall be imputed to presumption and vain-glory, and merit no reward. Everything, therefore, is to be done with the approval of the Abbot.

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

At Rome, the passion of St. Theodora, sister of the illustrious martyr Hermes. She underwent martyrdom in the time of Emperor Adrian, under the judge Aurelian, and was buried at the side of her brother, on the Salarian Way, a short distance from the city.

The same day, St. Venantius, bishop and martyr.

In Egypt, the holy martyrs Victor and Stephen.

In Armenia, the holy martyrs Quinctian and Irenæus.

At Constantinople, under Emperor Leo, St. Macarius, confessor, who ended his life in exile for defending the veneration of sacred images.

At Ard-Patrick in Munster, a province of Ireland, Bishop St. Celsus, who preceded blessed Malachy in that bishopric.

At Grenoble in France, Bishop St. Hugh, who spent many years of his life in solitude, and departed for heaven with a great reputation for miracles.

At Amiens in France, Abbot St. Valery, whose tomb is well known for its frequent 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 April 1:

CHAPTER L
Of Brethren Who Work a Long Distance from the Oratory or Are on a Journey

The brethren who are at work too far away, and cannot come to the oratory at the appointed time, and the Abbot hath assured himself that such is the case -- let them perform the Work of God in the fear of God and on bended knees where they are working. In like manner let those who are sent on a journey not permit the appointed hours to pass by; but let them say the office by themselves as best they can, and not neglect to fulfil the obligation of divine service.

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

At Tours in France, St. Francis of Paula, founder of the Order of Minims. Because he was renowned for virtues and miracles, he was inscribed among the saints by Pope Leo X.

At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Galerius Maximian, the birthday of the martyr St. Amphian. He reproved the governor Urban for sacrifícing to idols, so his body was cruelly cut in shreds, his feet wrapped in oil-soaked cloths, and set on fire. After these painful torments, he was cast into the sea. Thus through fire and water, he reached his everlasting repose.

In the same city, the passion of St. Theodosia, a virgin of Tyre. In the same persecution, she publicly spoke to the holy confessors as they stood before the tribunal, and begged of them to remember her when they should be with God. She was arrested and led to the governor Urban, at whose order her sides and breasts were deeply lacerated, and she was thrown into the sea.

At Langres in France, Bishop St. Urban.

At Como, St. Abundius, bishop and confessor.

At Capua, Bishop St. Victor, well known for his sanctity and learning.

At Lyons in France, St. Nicetus, bishop of that city, renowned for his life and miracles.

In Palestine, the death of St. Mary of Egypt, called the Sinner.

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 April 2:

CHAPTER LI
Of the Brethren who go not very far off

Let not the brother who is sent out on any business, and hopeth to return that same day to the Monastery, presume to eat while abroad, even although pressed by any one to do so, unless perchance he have been bidden by his Abbot. If he do otherwise, let him be excommunicated.

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

At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to gain Christ for himself.

At Taormina in Sicily, Bishop St. Pancras, who sealed with a martyr's blood the Gospel of Christ that the apostle St. Peter had sent him there to preach.

At Tomis in Scythia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Evagrius and Benignus.

At Tyre, the martyr St. Vulpian, who was sewn up in a sack with a serpent and a dog and drowned in the sea, during the persecution of Maximian Galerius.

At Thessalonica, the martyrdom of the holy virgins Agape and Chionia, under Emperor Diocletian. Because they would not deny Christ, they were first detained in prison, then cast into the fire where, untouched by the flames, they gave up their souls to their Creator while praying. Their sister Irene had been imprisoned with them, but was to die later.

In the monastery of Medicion in Bithynia, Abbot St. Nicetas, who suffered a great deal for the veneration of sacred images in the time of Leo the Armenian, and then died in peace as a confessor near Constantinople.

In England, St. Richard, bishop of Chichester, celebrated for his sanctity and glorious miracles.

At Faremoutiers, in the district of Meaux, St. Burgundofara, also known as St. Fara, abbess and 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 April 3:

CHAPTER LII
Of the Oratory of the Monastery

Let the Oratory be what it is called, a place of prayer: and let nothing else be done, or kept there.* When the Work of God is ended, let all go out with the utmost silence, paying due reverence to God, so that a brother, who perchance wishes to pray by himself, may not be hindered by another's misconduct. If any one desire to pray in private, let him go in quietly and pray, not with a loud voice, but with tears and fervour of heart. And let it not be permitted, as we have said, to remain in the Oratory when the Work of God is finished, except it be for a like purpose, lest hindrance be caused to others.


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

At Seville in Spain, St. Isidore, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church. He was conspicuous for sanctity and learning, and had brightened all Spain by his zeal for the Catholic faith and his observance of Church discipline.

At Milan, the death of St. Ambrose, bishop and confessor, doctor of the Church. By his zeal, besides other monuments to his learning and miracles, almost all Italy returned to the Catholic faith at the time of the Arian heresy. His feast is properly kept on the seventh of December, on which day he became Bishop of Milan.

At Thessalonica, in the time of Emperor Maximian and the govenor Faustinus, the holy martyrs Agathopodes, a deacon, and Theodulus, a lector, who, for the confession of the Catholic faith, had stones tied to their necks and were drowned in the sea.

At Constantinople, the monk St. Plato. For many years he combated with dauntless courage the heretics bent on destroying sacred images.

In Palestine, the anchoret St. Zosimus, who took care of the funeral of St. Mary of Egypt.

At Palermo, St. Benedict of St. Philadelphus, called the Black because of the darkness of his body, a confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. After becoming outstanding for signs and virtues, he went to rest in the Lord, and was enrolled among the saints by Pope Pius VII.

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 April 4:

CHAPTER LIII
Of receiving Guests

Let all guests that come be received like Christ Himself, for He will say: "I was a stranger and ye took Me in." And let fitting honour be shewn to all, especially to such as are of the household of the faith, and to strangers. When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior or the brethren, with all due charity. Let them first pray together, and thus associate with one another in peace; but the kiss of peace must not be offered until after prayer, on account of the delusions of the devil. In this salutation let all humility be shewn. At the arrival or departure of all guests, let Christ - who indeed is received in their persons - be adored in them, by bowing the head or even prostrating on the ground.

When the guests have been received, let them be led to prayer, and then let the Superior, or any one he may appoint, sit with them. The law of God is to be read before the guest for his edification; and afterwards let all kindness be shewn him. The Superior may break his fast for the sake of the guest, unless it happen to be a principal fast-day, which may not be broken. The brethren, however, shall observe their accustomed fasting. Let the Abbot pour water on the hands of the guests; and himself, as well as the whole community, wash their feet after which let them say this verse: "We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy Temple." Let special care be taken in the reception of the poor and of strangers, because in them Christ is more truly welcomed. For the very fear men have of the rich procures them honour.


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

At Vannes in Brittany, St. Vincent Ferrer, of the Order of Preachers, and confessor. He was mighty in word and deed, and converted many thousands of infidels to Christ.

In Africa, during the persecution of the Arian king Genseric, the holy martyrs who were murdered in the church on Easter day. The lector, while singing "Alleluia" at the lectern, was pierced through the throat by an arrow.

The same day, the martyr St. Zeno, who was covered with pitch, cast into the fire, and wounded by the thrust of a spear, thus gaining the crown of martyrdom.

On the island of Lesbos, the martyrdom of five holy virgins, who were slain by the sword.

At Thessalonica, the virgin St. Irene, who was imprisoned for hiding the sacred books, contrary to the order of Diocletian. She was pierced with an arrow, then burned to death by order of the governor Dulcetius, under whom her sisters Agape and Chionia had previously suffered.

In the monastery at Palma, in the diocese of Majorca, the birthday of St. Catherine Thomas, Canoness Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, whom Pope Pius XI, in the fiftieth year of his priesthood, placed among the number of virgin saints.

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 April 5:

CHAPTER LIII
Of receiving Guests

Let the kitchen for the Abbot and guests be apart by itself; so that strangers, who are never wanting in a monastery, may not disturb the brethren by coming at unlooked-for hours. Let two brothers, who are well able to fulfil the duty, be placed in this kitchen for a year; and let help be afforded them as they require it, so that they may serve without murmuring. When they have not much to occupy them there, let them go forth to other work, wherever they may be bidden. And not only with regard to them, but in all the offices of the Monastery, let there be such consideration shewn, that when there is need of help it may be given them; and that when they are without work, they do whatever they are commanded. Let the care of the guest-house, also, be entrusted to a brother whose soul is possessed with the fear of God: let there be sufficient beds prepared there and let the house of God be wisely governed by prudent men. Let no one, except he be bidden, on any account associate or converse with the guests. But if he chance to meet or to see them, after humbly saluting them, as we have said, and asking their blessing,* let him pass on, saying that he is not permitted to talk with a guest.

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

For 2014 The Sunday of the Passion.

At Milan, the passion of St. Peter, a martyr belonging to the Order of Preachers, who was slain by the heretics for his Catholic faith. His feast, however, is kept on the 29th of April.

In Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and confessor. Together with his brother, the bishop St. Cyril, whose birthday was the 14th of February, he converted many of the Slav races and their rulers to the faith of Christ. Their feast is celebrated on the 7th day of July.

In Macedonia, the holy martyrs Timothy and Diogenes.

In Persia, one hundred and twenty holy martyrs.

At Ascalon in Palestine, the passion of St. Platonides and two other martyrs.

At Carthage, St. Marcellin, who was slain by the heretics for defending the Catholic faith.

In Denmark, St. William, an abbot renowned for his saintly life 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 April 6:

CHAPTER LIV
Whether a Monk ought to receive letters, or tokens

By no means let a monk be allowed to receive, either from his parents or any one else, or from his brethren, letters, tokens, or any gifts whatsoever, or to give them to others, without permission of the Abbot. And if anything be sent to him, even by his parents, let him not presume to receive it until it hath been made known to the Abbot. But even if the Abbot order it to be received, it shall be in his power to bid it be given to whom he pleaseth; and let not the brother to whom it may have been sent be grieved, lest occasion be given to the devil. Should any one, however, presume to act otherwise, let him be subjected to the discipline of the Rule.

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

At Rouen, the birthday of St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor. He was prominent in the education of youth, especially those who were poor, for which he was acclaimed both by religious and civil society. He was the founder of the Society of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Pius XII, Supreme Pontiff, declared him patron of all those who teach children and young people. His feast is celebrated on the 15th of May.

In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Epiphanius bishop, Donatus, Rufinus and thirteen others.


At Alexandria, St. Peleusius, priest and martyr.

At Sinope, in Pontus, two hundred holy martyrs.

In Cilicia, under the prefect Maximus, St. Calliopius, martyr. After undergoing other torments, he was fastened to a cross with his head downward, and thus gained the noble crown of martyrdom.


At Nicomedia, St. Cyriacus and ten other martyrs.


At Verona, St. Saturninus, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, St. Hegesippus, who lived close to the time of the apostles. He came to Rome while Anicetus was pope, and remained until the time of Eleutherius. He wrote a history of the Church, from the Passion of our Lord to his own time, in a simple style, to make clear the character of those whose life he imitated.

In Syria, in the time of Valens, St. Aphraates, an anchoret, who defended the Catholic faith against the Arians by the power of 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 April 7:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothes and Shoes of the Brethren

Let clothing be given to the brethren suitable to the nature and the climate of the place where they live; for in cold countries more is required, in warm countries less. This must therefore be considered by the Abbot. We think, however, that in temperate climates a cowl and a tunic should suffice for each monk: the cowl to be of thick stuff in winter, but in summer something worn or thin: likewise a scapular for work, and shoes and stockings to cover their feet. And let not the monks complain of the colour or coarseness of these things, but let them be such as can be got in the country where they live, or can be bought most cheaply.

Let the Abbot be careful about the size of the garments, that they be not too short for those who wear them, but of the proper length. When they receive new clothes let them always give up the old ones at once, to be put by in the wardrobe for the poor. For it is sufficient for a monk to have two tunics and two cowls for wearing at night, and also for washing: whatever is over and above this is superfluous, and ought to be cut off. In the same way, let them give up their shoes, and whatever else is worn out, when they receive new ones. Let those who are sent on a journey receive drawers from the wardrobe, and on their return restore them washed. Their cowls and tunics also, which are to be a little better than those they ordinarily wear, let them receive from the wardrobe when setting out on their journey, and give them back on their return.


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

The commemoration of Saints Herodian, Asyncritus, and Phlegon who are mentioned by blessed Paul the Apostle in his Letter to the Romans.

At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Maximian Galerius, the martyr St. Aedesius, brother of the blessed Apphian. Because he publicly reproved the wicked judge who delivered to corruptors virgins consecrated to God, he was arrested by the soldiers, exposed to the most severe torments, and thrown into the sea for the sake of Christ our Lord.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Januarius, Maxima, and Macaria.

At Carthage, the martyr St. Concessa.

At Corinth, Bishop St. Denis, who instructed not only the people of his own city and province by the learning and charm with which he preached the word of God, but also the bishops of other cities and provinces by the letters he wrote to them. His devotion to the Roman Pontiffs was such that he was accustomed to read their letters publicly in the church on Sundays. He lived in the time of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus.

At Tours in France, the holy bishop Perpetuus, a man of great sanctity.

At Ferentino in Campania, Bishop St. Redemptus, who was mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.

At Como, St. Amantius, bishop 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 April 8:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothes and Shoes of the Brethren (cont.)

For their bedding let a straw mattress, blanket, coverlet and pillow suffice. These beds must be frequently inspected by the Abbot, to see if any private property be discovered therein. And if any one should be found to have anything which he hath not received from the Abbot, let him be subjected to the most severe discipline. In order that this vice of private ownership may be rooted out entirely, let the Abbot supply them with all necessaries: that is, a cowl, tunic, shoes, stockings, girdle, knife, pen, needle, handkerchief, and tablets; so that all plea of wanting anything may be taken away. Yet let the Abbot always be mindful of those words of the Acts of the Apostles: "Distribution was made to everyone, according as he had need." Let him, therefore, consider the infirmities of such as are in want, and not the ill-will of the envious. Nevertheless, in all his judgments, let him think of the retribution of God.


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

In Judea, St. Mary Cleophas, whom St. John the Evangelist calls the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and says that she stood at her side beneath the Cross of Jesus.

At Antioch, St. Prochorus who was one of the first seven deacons. Renowned for faith and miracles, he received the crown of martyrdom.

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs Demetrius, Concessus, Hilary, and their companions.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Eupsychius, martyr, who was persecuted under Julian the Apostate for having overthrown the temple of Fortune.

In Africa the holy Massylitan Martyrs, on whose birthday was written a tract by St. Augustine.

At Sirmio, seven holy virgins and martyrs, who purchased eternal life together at the price of their own blood.

At Amida in Mesopotamia, St. Acatius, bishop, who even melted down and sold the sacred vessels in order to ransom captives.

At Rouen, St. Hugh, bishop and confessor.

In the city of Die, in France, St. Marcellus, bishop, celebrated for miracles.

At Mons in Hainaut, blessed Waltrude, renowned for holiness and miracles.

At Rome, the transferring of the body of St. Monica, mother of the bishop St. Augustine. It was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and buried with due honours in the church of St. Augustine.

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 April 9:

CHAPTER LVI
Of the Abbot's Table

Let the table of the Abbot be always with the guests and strangers. But as often as there are few guests, it shall be in his power to invite any of the brethren. Let him take care, however, always to leave one or two seniors with the brethren for the sake of discipline.

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

At Babylon, the prophet Ezechiel, who was put to death by a judge of the people of Israel because he reproved him for worshipping idols. He was buried in the sepulchre of Sem and Arphaxad, ancestors of Abraham. Many people were in the habit of going to his tomb to pray.

At Rome, the birthday of many holy martyrs, whom Pope St. Alexander baptized while he was in prison. The prefect Aurelian had them all put in an old ship, taken to the deep sea, and drowned with stones tied to their necks.

At Alexandria, during the persecution of Maximian, the holy martyrs Apollonius, a priest, and five others who were drowned in the sea.

In Africa, under Emperor Decius and the prefect Fortunian, the holy martyrs Terence, Africanus, Pompey, and their companions, who were scourged, racked and subjected to other torments. Their martyrdom ended by beheading.

At Ghent in Flanders, St. Macarius, bishop of Antioch, celebrated for virtues and miracles.

At Valladolid in Spain, St. Michael of the Saints, confessor, of the Order of Discalced Trinitarians for the Redemption of Captives, a man known for his upright life, his peni­tential spirit, and his great love of God. He was placed on the roll of the saints by Pope Pius IX.

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 April 10:

CHAPTER LVII
Of the Artificers of the Monastery

Should there be artificers in the Monastery, let them work at their crafts in all humility, if the Abbot give permission. But if any of them be puffed up by reason of his knowledge of his craft, in that he seemeth to confer some benefit on the Monastery, let such a one be taken from it, and not exercise it again, unless, perchance, when he hath humbled himself, the Abbot bid him work at it anew. And if any of the work of the artificers is to be sold, let those by whom the business is done see that they defraud not the Monastery. Let them ever be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest perchance, they, and all who deal fraudulently with the goods of the Monastery, should suffer in their souls the death which these incurred in the body. But with regard to the prices of such things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let them always be sold a little cheaper than by men in the world, that God may be glorified in all things.

Martyrology-April 11th
Roman Martyrology-April 11th-on this date in various years-

For 2014 The Festival of the Seven Sorrows of the most blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Leo the First, pope and confessor, who was surnamed the Great. His birthday falls on the 10th of November.

At Pergamum in Asia, the faithful witness, St. Antipas, who was mentioned by St. John in the Apocalypse. Under Emperor Domitian, he was enclosed in an ox made of brass that had been heated to redness, and thus completed his martyrdom.

At Salona in Dalmatia, the holy martyrs Domnio, bishop, and eight soldiers.

At Gortina in Crete, during the reign of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, St. Philip, bishop, well known for his life and his teaching. He had defended the Church entrusted to his care against the fury of the heathen and the snares of the heretics.

At Nicomedia, the priest St. Eustorgius.

At Spoleto, St. Isaac, monk and confessor, whose virtues are recorded by Pope St. Gregory.

At Gaza in Palestine, in the time of Emperor Justinian, St. Barsanuphius, an anchoret.

At Luca in Etruria, St. Gemma Galgani, virgin, renowned for her contemplation of the Passion of our Lord, and for a life of holiness, and whom Pope Pius XII joined to the number of the Saints.

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 April 11:

CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Discipline of receiving Brethren into Religion

To him that newly cometh to change his life, let not an easy entrance be granted, but, as the Apostle saith, "Try the spirits if they be of God." If, therefore, he that cometh persevere in knocking, and after four or five days seem patiently to endure the wrongs done to him and the difficulty made about his coming in, and to persist in his petition, let entrance be granted him, and let him be in the guest-house for a few days. Afterwards let him go into the Novitiate, where he is to meditate and study, to take his meals and to sleep. Let a senior, one who is skilled in gaining souls, be appointed over him to watch him with the utmost care, and to see whether he is truly seeking God, and is fervent in the Work of God, in obedience and in humiliations. Let all the hard and rugged paths by which we walk towards God be set before him. And if he promise steadfastly to persevere, after the lapse of two months let this Rule be read through to him, with these words: "Behold the law, under which thou desirest to fight. If thou canst observe it, enter in; if thou canst not, freely depart." If he still stand firm, let him be taken back to the aforesaid cell of the Novices, and again tried with all patience. And, after a space of six months, let the Rule be again read to him, that he may know unto what he cometh. Should he still persevere, after four months let the same Rule be read to him once more. And if, having well considered within himself, he promise to keep it in all things, and to observe everything that is commanded him, then let him be received into the community, knowing that he is now bound by the law of the Rule, so that from that day forward he cannot depart from the Monastery, nor shake from off his neck the yoke of the Rule, which after such prolonged deliberation he was free either to refuse or to accept.

Martyrology-April 12th
Roman Martyrology-April 12th-on this date in various years-

At Verona, the passion of Bishop St. Zeno, who governed that Church with great fortitude amid the storms of persecution, and was crowned with martyrdom in the time of Gallienus.

In Cappadocia, in the reign of Emperor Valens, during the persecution raised against the Christians by Atanaric, king of the Goths, St. Sabas, himself a Goth, who was cast into a river after undergoing cruel torments. Many orthodox Goths, as St. Augustine relates, received at that time the crown of martyrdom.

At Braga in Portugal, the martyr St. Victor. Although only a catechumen, he refused to adore an idol, and confessed Jesus Christ with great constancy. After suffering many tortures, he was beheaded, and thus merited to be baptized in his own blood.

At Fermo, in Piceno, St. Vissia, virgin and martyr.

At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Julius, who vigorously defended the Catholic faith against the Arians. After a life of brilliant accomplishments, he rested in peace, famed for his sanctity.

At the town of Gap in France, St. Constantine, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, Bishop St. Damian.

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 April 12:

CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Discipline of receiving Brethren into Religion (cont.)

Let him who is to be received make before all, in the Oratory, a promise of STABILITY, CONVERSION OF LIFE, and OBEDIENCE, in the presence of God and of His saints, so that, if he should ever act otherwise, he may know that he will be condemned by Him Whom he mocketh. Let him draw up this promise in writing, in the name of the saints whose relics are in the altar, and of the Abbot there present. And let him write it with his own hand; or at least, if he knoweth not how, let another write it at his request, and let the Novice put his mark to it, and place it with his own hand upon the altar. When he hath done this, let the Novice himself immediately begin this verse: "Uphold me, O Lord, according to Thy Word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation." And this verse let the whole community thrice repeat, adding thereto Gloria Patri. Then let the newly-received brother cast himself at the feet of all, that they may pray for him, and from that day let him be counted as one of the community. Whatever property he hath let him first bestow upon the poor, or by a solemn deed of gift make over to the Monastery, keeping nothing of it all for himself, as knowing that from that day forward he will have no power even over his own body. Forthwith, therefore, in the Oratory, let him be stripped of his own garments, wherewith he is clad, and be clothed in those of the Monastery. And let the garments that are taken from him be laid by and kept in the wardrobe; so that if ever, by the persuasion of the devil, he consent (which God forbid) to leave the Monastery, he may be stripped of the monastic habit and cast forth. But the form of his profession, which the Abbot took from the altar, shall not be given back to him, but be kept in the Monastery.


Martyrology-April 13th
Roman Martyrology-April 13th-on this date in various years-

For 2014 Palm Sunday, when our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the prophecy of Zacharias, entered into Jerusalem, seated upon the foal of an ass, and was met by the multitude bearing palms.

At Seville in Spain, St. Hermenegild, son of Leovigild, Arian king of the Visigoths, who was imprisoned for the confession of the Catholic faith. By order of his wicked father he was beheaded because he had refused to receive communion from an Arian bishop on the feast of Easter. Thus exchanging an earthly for a heavenly kingdom, he entered the abode of the saints, both as a king and as a martyr.

At Rome, in the persecution of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, St. Justin, philosopher and martyr. He had addressed to the emperors his second Apology in defence of our religion, and upheld it by strong arguments. By the intrigue of Crescens the Cynic, whose conduct and immorality he had reproved, he was accused of professing Christianity, and thus he obtained the reward of martyrdom in payment for his faithful confession. His feast is kept on the following day.

At Pergamum in Asia, during the same persecution, the birthday of the holy martyrs Carpus, bishop of Thyatira, the deacon Papylus, and his sister Agathonica, an excellent woman, Agathadorus, their servant, and many others. After many torments they received their crowns of martyrdom for their worthy confessions.

At Silistria in Bulgaria, the passion of Saints Maximus, Quinctilian, and Dadas, during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Ravenna, St. Ursus, bishop and confessor.

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