RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

Started by OmniaInstaurareInChristo, May 01, 2013, 08:27:53 PM

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OmniaInstaurareInChristo


The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for April 22:


CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery


It happeneth very often that by the appointment of the Prior grave scandals arise in Monasteries; since there are some who, puffed up by the evil spirit of pride, and deeming themselves to be second Abbots, take upon themselves to tyrannise over others, and so foster scandals and cause dissensions in the community: especially in those places where the Prior is appointed by the same priest, or the same Abbots as appoint the Abbot himself. How foolish this is may easily be seen; for from the moment of his appointment an incentive to pride is given to him, the thought suggesting itself that he is freed from the authority of his Abbot, since he hath been appointed by the very same persons. Hence are stirred up envy, quarrels, backbiting, dissensions, jealousy and disorders. And while the Abbot and Prior are at variance with one another, it must needs be that their own souls are endangered by reason of their disagreement; and those who are their subjects, while favouring one side or the other, run to destruction. The evil of this peril falleth on the heads of those who by their action have been the cause of such disorders.


Martyrology-April 23rd
Roman Martyrology-April 23rd-on this date in various years-


The birthday of St. George, whose illustrious martyrdom is honored by the Church of God among the triumphs of the other martyrs.


At Danzig in Prussia, the birthday of St. Adalbert, bishop of Prague, and martyr, who preached the Gospel to the Poles and the Hungarians.


At Valence in France, the holy martyrs Felix, a priest, Fortunatus and Achilleus, deacons, who were sent there to preach the word of God by blessed Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons. They converted the greater portion of that city to the faith of Christ. These martyrs were cast into prison by the commander Cornelius, were for a long time scourged, had their legs crushed, were bound to wheels in motion, and stifled with smoke while stretched on the rack, and finally died by the sword.


At Milan, St. Marolus, bishop and confessor.


At Toul in France, St. Gerard, bishop of that city.


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 23:


CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery (cont.)


We foresee, therefore, that it is expedient for the preservation of peace and charity, that the ordering of the Monastery depend upon the will of the Abbot. If possible, let all the affairs of the Monastery be attended to (as we have already arranged) by Deans, as the Abbot shall appoint; so that, the same office being shared by many, no one may become proud. But if the needs of the place require it, and the community ask for it reasonably and with humility, and the Abbot judge it expedient, let him himself appoint a Prior, whomsoever he shall choose with the counsel of brethren who fear God. Let the Prior reverently do whatever is enjoined him by his Abbot, and nothing against his will or command; for the more he is raised above the rest, so much the more carefully ought he to observe the precepts of the Rule. And if the Prior be found culpable or deceived by the haughtiness of pride, or be proved a contemner of the holy Rule, let him be admonished by words until the fourth time, and then let the correction of regular discipline be applied to him. But if even then he do not amend, let him be deposed from the office of Prior, and another, who is worthier, be substituted in his place. If afterwards he be not quiet and obedient in the community, let him be expelled from the Monastery. Nevertheless, let the Abbot bear in mind that he must give an account to God of all his judgments, lest perchance the flame of envy or jealousy be kindled in his soul.


Martyrology-April 24th
Roman Martyrology-April 24th-on this date in various years-


At Gruch in Switzerland, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was sent there to preach the Catholic faith, but was put to death by the heretics. He was numbered among the holy martyrs by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV.


At Rome, St. Sabas, a military officer, who bravely confessed Christ before the judge when he was accused of visiting the Christians kept in prison. For this he was burned with torches and thrown into a cauldron of boiling pitch, out of which he came uninjured. Seventy men were converted to Christ at the sight of this miracle, and as they all remained unshaken in the confession of the faith, they were put to the sword. Sabas, however, completed his martyrdom by being cast into the river.


At Lyons in France, during the persecution of Antoninus Verus, the birthday of St. Alexander, martyr. After being imprisoned, he was so lacerated by the cruelty of those who scourged him, that his ribs and the interior of his body were exposed to view. Then he was fastened to the gibbet of the cross, on which he yielded up his blessed soul. Thirty-four others who suffered with him are commemorated on other days.


At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus, and four others, all of whom were slain with the sword after enduring great torments.


In England, the death of St. Mellitus, bishop. He was sent there by St. Gregory, and he converted to the faith the East Saxons and their king.


At Elvira, in Spain, St. Gregory, bishop and confessor.


In Iona, an island of Scotland, St. Egbert, priest and monk, a man of admirable humility and continency.


At Rheims in France, the holy virgins Bona and Doda.


At Angers in France, St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, virgin and foundress of the Institute of the Good Shepherd Sisters, whom Pius XII, Sovereign Pontiff, enrolled among the number of the saints.


At Milan, the Conversion of St. Augustine, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, whom the bishop St. Ambrose had instructed in the truth of the Catholic faith, and baptized on this day.


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 24:


CHAPTER LXVI
Of the Porter of the Monastery


Let a wise old man be placed at the door of the monastery, one who knoweth how to take and give an answer, and whose mature age doth not permit him to stray about.


He ought to have his cell near the gate, so that they who come may always find some one at hand to give them an answer. As soon as any one shall knock, or a poor man call to him, let him answer, "Thanks be to God," or bid God bless him, and then with all mildness and the fear of God let him give reply without delay, in the fervour of charity. If the porter need help, let him have with him one of the younger brethren.

The Monastery, however, ought if possible to be so constituted that all things necessary, such as water, a mill, and a garden, and the various crafts may be contained within it; so that there may be no need for the monks to wander abroad, for this is by no means expedient for their souls. And we wish this rule to be frequently read in the community, that none of the brethren may excuse himself on the plea of ignorance.


Martyrology-April 25th
Roman Martyrology-April 25th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the Greater Litanies at St. Peter's.


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Mark the Evangelist, disciple and interpreter of the apostle St. Peter. He wrote his gospel at the request of the faithful at Rome, and taking it with him, proceeded to Egypt and founded a church at Alexandria, where he was the first to preach Christ. Afterwards, being arrested for the faith, he was bound, dragged over stones, and endured great afflictions. Finally he was confined to prison, where, being comforted by the visit of an angel, and even by an apparition of our Lord himself, he was called to the heavenly kingdom in the eighth year of the reign of Nero.


Also at Alexandria, Bishop St. Anian, disciple of blessed Mark, and his successor in the episcopate. With a great renown for virtue, he rested in the Lord.


At Antioch, St. Stephen, bishop and martyr, who suffered a great deal from the heretics opposed to the Council of Chalcedon, and was cast into the river Orontes, in the time of Emperor Zeno.


At Syracuse in Sicily, the holy martyrs Evodius, Hermogenes, and Callista.


At Lobbes in Belgium, the birthday of St. Ermin, bishop and confessor.


At Antioch, the deacons Saints Philo and Agathopodes, who were praised in the letters of blessed Ignatius, bishop and martyr.


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 25:


CHAPTER LXVII
Of Brethren who are sent on a Journey


Let the brethren who are about to be sent on a journey commend themselves to the prayers of all the brethren and of the Abbot, and at the last prayer of the Work of God let a commemoration be always made of the absent. Let the brethren that return from a journey, on the very day that they come back, lie prostrate on the floor of the Oratory at all the Canonical Hours, while the Work of God is being performed, and beg the prayers of all on account of their transgressions, in case they should perchance upon the way have seen or heard anything harmful, or fallen into idle talk. And let no one presume to relate to another what he may have seen or heard outside the Monastery; for thence arise manifold evils. If any one shall so presume, let him be subjected to the punishment prescribed by the Rule. And he shall undergo a like penalty, who dareth to leave the enclosure of the Monastery, or to go anywhere, or do anything, however trifling, without permission of the Abbot.


Martyrology-April 26th
Roman Martyrology-April 26th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the birthday of St. Cletus, the pope who governed the Church the second after the apostle St. Peter, and was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Domitian.


St. Marcellinus, pope and martyr, whose birthday is commemorated on the 25th of October.


At Amasea in Pontus, St. Basileus, bishop and martyr, whose illustrious martyrdom occurred under Emperor Licinius. His body was thrown into the sea, but was found by Elpidiphorus, through the reveleation of an angel, and was honorably buried.


At Braga in Portugal, St. Peter, martyr, the first bishop of that city.


At Vienne in France, St. Clarence, bishop and confessor.


At Verona, St. Lucidius, bishop.


In the monastery of Centula in France, St. Richarius, priest and confessor.


At Troyes in France, St. Exuperantia, 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 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-April 27th
Roman Martyrology-April 27th-on this date in various years-


St. Peter Canisius, priest of the Society of Jesus, confessor and doctor of the Church, who departed to the Lord on the 21st of December.


At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of St. Anthimus, bishop and martyr, who obtained the glory of martyrdom by being beheaded for the faith. Nearly all his numerous flock followed him. The judge ordered some to be beheaded, others to be burned alive, others to be put in boats and sunk in the sea.


At Tarsus in Cilicia, the Saints Castor and Stephen, martyrs.


At Bologna, St. Tertullian, bishop and confessor.


At Brescia, St. Theophilus, bishop.


In Egypt, St. Theodore, abbot, who was a disciple of St. Pachomius.


At Constantinople, the abbot St. John, who valiantly defended the veneration of sacred images, under Leo the Isaurian.


At Tarragona in Spain, the blessed Peter Armengaudius, of the Order of Blessed Mary of Mercy for the Redemption of Captives. He endured many tribulations in Africa in ransoming the faithful, and finally closed his career peacefully in the convent of St. Mary of the Meadows.


At Lucca in Tuscany, blessed Zita, a virgin renowned 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 April 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-April 28th
Roman Martyrology-April 28th-on this date in various years-


St. Paul of the Cross, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He went to his repose in the Lord on the 18th of October.


At Ravenna, the birthday of St. Vitalis, martyr, father of the Saints Gervase and Protase. When he had taken up and reverently buried the body of blessed Ursicinus, he was arrested by the governor Paulinus, and after being racked and thrown into a deep pit, was covered with earth and stones, and by this kind of martyrdom went to Christ.


At Atino in Campania, St. Mark, who was made bishop by the blessed apostle Peter. He was the first to preach the Gospel to the Equicoli, and received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Domitian, under the governor Maximus.


At Broussa in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Patrick, a bishop, Acatius, Menander, and Polyaenus.


On the same day, the holy martyrs Aphrodisius, Caralippus, Agapius, and Eusebius.


In Hungary, St. Pollio, martyr, under the Emperor Diocletian.


At Milan, the martyr St. Valeria, who was the wife of St. Vitalis and the mother of Saints Gervase and Protase.


At Alexandria, the martyrdom of the virgin St. Theodora. For refusing to sacrifice to idols, she was sent to a place of debauchery; but one of the brethren, named Didymus, through the admirable providence of God, delivered her
by quickly exchanging garments with her. He was afterwards beheaded and crowned with her in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Eustratius.


At Tarrazona in Spain, St. Prudentius, bishop and confessor.


At Corfinio in Peligno, St. Pamphilus, bishop of Valva, illustrious for his charity towards the poor and the gift of miracles. His body was buried at Solmona.


At St. Laurent sur Sevres, in the diocese of Lucon, St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, confessor and founder of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary and the Sisters of Wisdom, a form of apostolic life. He was renowned for his preaching and devotion to the Blessed Mother, and was added to the number of the saints by Pope Pius XII.


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


St. Peter, a martyr of the Order of Preachers, who was slain for the Catholic faith on the 6th day of April.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic, renowned for her holy life and her miracles. She was inscribed among the canonized virgins by Pope Pius II. Her feast, however, is celebrated on the following day.


At Paphos in Cyprus, St. Tychicus, a disciple of the blessed Apostle Paul, who called him in his Epistles, "most dear brother," "faithful minister," and "fellow-servant in the Lord".


At Pisa in Tuscany, the martyr St. Torpes, who filled a high office in the court of Nero, and was one of those of whom the apostle wrote from Rome to the Philippians: "All the saints salute you, especially those that are of the house of Caesar." For the faith of Christ, he was, by order of Satellicus, beaten, cruelly scourged, and delivered to the beasts to be devoured, but remained uninjured. He completed his martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Cirta in Numidia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Apapius and Secundinus, bishops, who, after a long exile in that city, added to the glory of their priesthood the crown of martyrdom. They suffered in the persecution of Valerian, during which the enraged Gentiles made every effort to shake the faith of the just. In their company suffered Aemilian, a soldier, Tertulla and Antonia, consecrated virgins, and a woman with her twin children.


In the island of Codyra, the seven holy thieves who were converted to Christ by St. Jason, and gained eternal life by martyrdom.


At Naples in Campania, Bishop St. Severus, who, among other prodigies, raised for a short time a dead man from the grave in order to convict of falsehood the lying creditor of a widow and her children.


At Brescia, St. Paulinus, bishop and confessor.


In the monastery of Cluny in France, St. Hugh Abbot.


In the monastery of Molesmes in France, St. Robert, the first abbot of the Cistercians.


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


St. Catherine of Siena, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic, who on the previous day went to her heavenly Spouse.


At Saintes in France, blessed Eutropius, bishop and martyr, who was consecrated bishop and sent to France by St. Clement. After preaching for many years, he had his skull crushed for bearing testimony to Christ, and thus gained victory by his death.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Amator, a priest, Peter, a monk, and Louis.


At Novara, the martyrdom of the holy priest Laurence, and some boys whom he was teaching.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Aphrodisius, a priest, and thirty martyrs.


At Lambesa in Numidia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Marian, a lector, and James, a deacon. The former, after having successfully endured many trials for the confession of Christ in the persecution of Decius, was again arrested with his noble companions, and both were subjected to severe and cruel torments, during which they were twice miraculously comforted by heaven, but finally fell by the sword along with many others.


At Ephesus, the martyr St. Maximus, who received his crown during the persecution of Decius.


At Ferno in Piceno, St. Sophia, virgin and martyr.


At Evorea in Epirus, St. Donatus, a bishop, who was eminent for sanctity in the time of Emperor Theodosius.


At Naples in Campania, St. Pomponius, bishop.


At London in England, St. Erkenwald, a bishop celebrated for many miracles.


At Chieri, near Turin, St. Joseph Cottolengo, confessor, founder of the Little House of Divine Providence, full of trust in God and remarkable for his charity toward the poor, whom Pope Pius XI enrolled among 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 30:


CHAPTER LXXII
Of the good zeal which 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-May 1st
Roman Martyrology-May 1st- on this date in various years-


The birthday of the blessed apostles Philip and James. Philip, after having converted nearly all of Scythia to the faith of Christ, went to Hieropolis, a city in Asia, where he was fastened to a cross and stoned, and thus ended his life gloriously. James, who is also called the brother of our Lord, was the first bishop of Jerusalem. Being hurled down from a pinnacle of the temple, his legs were broken, and being struck on the head with a dyer's staff, he expired and was buried near the temple.


At Rome, Pope St. Pius V of the Order of Preachers, who labored zealously and successfully for the re-establishment of church discipline, the stamping out of heresies, and the destruction of the enemies of the Christian name. He governed the Catholic Church by holy laws, and the example of a saintly life. His feast is observed on the fifth day of May.


In Egypt, St. Jeremias, prophet, who was stoned to death by the people at Taphnas, where he was buried. St. Epiphanius tells that the faithful were accustomed to pray at his grave, and to take away from it dust to heal those who were stung by serpents.


In France, in the Province of Vivarias, blessed Andeol, subdeacon, who was sent from the East into Gaul with others by St. Polycarp to preach the word of God. Under Emperor Severus he was scourged with thorny sticks, and having his head split with a wooden sword into four parts, in the shape of a cross, he completed his martyrdom.


At Huesca in Spain, the holy martyrs Orentius and Patience.


In the town of Columna, in the province of Orleans in France, the martyrdom of St. Sigismund, king of Burgundy. He met death by being drowned in a well, and was afterwards famous for his miracles. His venerable body was later recovered and taken to the monastery of Agaune in the diocese of Sitten where it was honorably entombed.


At Auxerre, St. Amator, bishop and confessor.


At Auch in France, Bishop St. Orientius.


At Llanelwy in Wales, Bishop St. Asaph, in whose memory the cathedral city was later named


At Forli, St. Peregrinus of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


At Bergamo, St. Grata, 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 May 1:


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


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Athanasius, bishop of that city, confessor and doctor of the Church, most celebrated for sanctity and learning. Although almost all of the world had formed a conspiracy to persecute him, he courageously defended the Catholic faith, from the reign of Constantine to that of Valens, against emperors, governors, and a multitude of Arian bishops, whose underhanded attacks forced him to wander as an exile over the whole earth without finding a place of security. At length, however, he was restored to his church, and after overcoming many trials, and winning many crowns by his patience, he departed for heaven in the forty-sixth year of his priesthood, in the time of the emperors Valentinian and Valens.


At Florence, Bishop St. Antoninus of the Order of Preachers, renowned for sanctity and learning. His feast is kept on the 10th of this month.


At Rome, the holy marytrs Saturninus, Neopolus, Germanus, and Celestine, who after much suffering were thrown into prison, where they found rest in the Lord.


The same day, St. Vindemial, bishop and martyr, who with the holy bishops Eugene and Longinus, combated the Arians by his teaching and miracles, and was beheaded by order of Hunneric, king of the Vandals.


At Seville in Spain, St. Felix, deacon and martyr.


At Attalia in Pamphylia, the holy martyrs Exuperius and Zoe, his wife, with their sons, Cyriacus and Theodulus. They were the slaves of a man named Paganus. During the reign of Emperor Hadrian, because of their outspoken profession of the Christian faith, their master ordered them to be scourged and severely tortured. They were finally cast into an oven, and in this way gave up their souls to 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 May 2:


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


At Jerusalem, in the time of Emperor Constantine, the finding of the holy Cross of our Lord.


At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the holy martyrs Pope Alexander and the priests Eventius and Theodulus. Alexander was bound, imprisoned, racked, lacerated with hooks, burned, and had all his limbs pierced with pointed instruments, and finally met death, under Emperor Hadrian and the judge Aurelian. Eventius and Theodulus after a long imprisonment were exposed to flames and then beheaded.


At Narni, St. Juvenal, bishop and confessor.


On Mount Senario in Etruria, Saints Sosteneo and Ugoccio, confessors, of the seven founders of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Responding to a voice from heaven, they departed this life on the same day and at the same hour, while reciting the angelical salutation. Their feast is observed with the rest of their companions on the 12th day of February.


At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Alexander, soldier, and Antonina, virgin. In the persecution of Maximian, under the governor Festus, Antonina, having been condemned to remain in a place of debauchery, was delivered by Alexander, who secretly exchanged garments with her, and took her place. They were tortured together, both had their hands cut off, were cast into the fire, and received their crowns at the end of their heroic combat for the faith.


In Thebais, the holy martyrs Timothy and his wife Maura. The Arian prefect caused them to be tortured, and then fastened to a cross, on which they remained alive for nine days, encouraging each other to persevere in the faith, until they completed their martyrdom.


At Aphrodisia in Caria, the holy martyrs Diodorus and Rodopian, who were stoned to death by their fellow citizens, in the persecution of Diocletian.


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 May 3:


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


At Ostia, the birthday of St. Monica, mother of blessed Augustine. He has left us in the ninth book of his Confessions a beautiful sketch of her life.


At the metal mines of Phennes in Palestine, the birthday of blessed Silvanus, bishop of Gaza, who was crowned with martyrdom with many of his clerics by the command of Caesar Galerius Maximian, in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Jerusalem, in the reign of Julian the Apostate, St. Cyriacus, bishop, who was murdered while visiting the holy places.


At Camerinum, St. Porphyry, priest and martyr. Because he converted many to the faith (among them Venantius), he was beheaded during the reign of Emperor Decius and the governor Antiochus.


Also in the mines of Phennes, thirty-nine holy martyrs, who were condemned to work there, to be branded with hot irons, to undergo other torments, and finally all to be beheaded at the same time.


At Lorch in Austria, under Emperor Diocletian and the governor Aquilinus, the martyr St. Florian, who was thrown into the River Enns, with a stone tied about his neck.


At Cologne, the martyr St. Paulinus.


At Tarsus, St. Pelagia, virgin, who endured martyrdom under Diocletian by being shut up inside an ox made of brass that had been heated to redness.


At Nicomedia, the birthday of St. Antonia, martyr, who was cruelly tortured, subjected to various torments, suspended by one arm for three days, kept two years in prison, and finally delivered to the flames for the confession of Christ by the governor Priscillian.


At Milan, St. Venerius, a bishop whose virtues are attested to by St. John Chrysostom in the epistle which he had written to him.


In the province of Perigord, St. Sacerdos, bishop of Limoges.


At Hildesheim in Saxony, St. Gothard, bishop and confessor, who was ranked among the saints by Innocent II.


At Auxerre, St. Curcodomus, deacon.


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 May 4:


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


Pope St. Pius V, confessor of the Order of Preachers, who went to sleep in the Lord on the 1st of May.


At Rome, the martyr St. Silvanus.


Also at Rome, St. Crescentia, martyr.


At Leocata in Sicily, St. Angelus, priest of the Order of Carmelites, who was murdered by the heretics because of his defence of the Catholic faith.


At Alexandria, St. Euthymius, deacon, who died in prison for the sake of Christ.


At Auxerre, the martyrdom of St. Jovinian, lector.


At Thessalonica, the birthday of the holy martyrs Irenæus, Peregrinus, and Irene, who were burned alive.


At Jerusalem, St. Maximus, bishop, whom Maximian Galerius Caesar condemned to the mines, after having plucked out one of his eyes and branded him on the foot with a hot iron. He was afterwards freed, and allowed to rule the church at Jerusalem, where he died in peace, renowned for the glory of his confession.


At Edessa in Syria, St. Eulogius, bishop and confessor.


At Arles in France, the bishop St. Hilary, noted for his learning and sanctity.


At Vienne in France, the bishop St. Nicetus, a man venerable for his piety.


At Bologna, St. Theodore, a bishop who was eminent for merits.


At Milan, the bishop St. Geruntius.


On the same day, St. Sacerdos, bishop of Saguntum.


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 May 5:


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


At Rome, the Apostle and Evangelist St. John before the Latin Gate. He was bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, and the Senate condemned him to be taken to that gate and placed in a cauldron of boiling oil, from which he came forth more healthy and vigorous than before.


At Damascus, the birthday of St. John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church, renowned for sanctity and learning. By means of his writing and preaching, he courageously resisted Leo the Isaurian, in defending the veneration paid to sacred images. By order of this emperor his right hand was cut off, but commending himself before an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which he had defended, his hand was immediately restored to him, entire and sound. His feast day is the 27th of March.


At Cyrene in Africa, Bishop St. Lucius, who is mentioned by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles.


At Antioch, St. Evodius, who, as the blessed Ignatius wrote to the people of Antioch, was consecrated first bishop of that city by the apostle St. Peter, and ended his life by a glorious martyrdom.


In Africa, the holy martyrs Heliodorus and Venustus and seventy-five others.


In Cyprus, St. Theodotus, bishop of Cyrinia, who having undergone grievous afflictions under Emperor Licinius, at length yielded his soul to God when peace was restored to the Church.


At Carrhae in Mesopotamia, St. Protogenes, bishop and confessor.


In England, St. Eadbert, bishop of Lindisfarne, famed for his teachings and his piety.


At Rome, the virgin St. Benedicta.


At Salerno, the translation of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist. His revered body, previously transferred from Ethiopia to various countries, was finally taken to Salerno, and with great pomp was there placed in a church dedicated to his name.


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 May 6:


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


St. Stanislas, bishop of Cracow and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom on the day following this.


At Terracina in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, virgin and martyr, and niece of the holy martyr, the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St. Clement, and in the persecution of Domitian was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where endured a long martyrdom for Christ. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teachings and miracles. The judge ordered the room in which she was with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire, and she thus completed her glorious martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy martyrs Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras, on the 12th day of this month.


On the same day, St. Juvenal, martyr.


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Flavius, Augustus and Augustine, all brothers.


In the same city, St. Quadratus, martyr, who was frequently tortured in the persecution of Decius, and at last beheaded.


At York in England, St. John, bishop, renowned for a saintly life and miracles.


At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Stephen protomartyr, which was brought from Constantinople to Rome by Pope Pelagius I, and laid in the sepulchre of the martyr St. Lawrence in the Agro Verano, where it is honoured with great devotion by the pious faithful.


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