RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 14:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


The Abbot ought always to remember what he is, and what he is called, and to know that to whom more is committed, from him more is required; and he must consider how difficult and arduous a task he hath undertaken, of ruling souls and adapting himself to many dispositions. Let him so accommodate and suit himself to the character and intelligence of each, winning some by kindness, others by reproof, others by persuasion, that he may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to him, but may even rejoice in their virtuous increase.


Martyrology-January 15th
Roman Martyrology-January 15th-on this date in various years-


St. Paul, the first hermit, who was carried to the home of the blessed on the tenth of this month.


In the diocese of Angers, blessed Maurus, abbot and disciple of St. Benedict. Beginning his discipline in infancy, he made great progress with so able a master, for while he was still under the saint's instruction he miraculously walked upon the water, a prodigy unheard of since the days of St. Peter. Sent later to France by St. Benedict, he built a famous monastery, which he governed for forty years, and after performing striking miracles, he rested in peace.


In Judea, the holy prophets Habacuc and Michaeas, whose bodies were found by divine revelation in the days of Theodosius the Elder.


At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Ephisius, martyr, who, in the persecution of Diocletian and under the judge Flavian, having, by the assistance of God, overcome many torments, was beheaded and ascended to heaven.


At Anagni, St. Secundina, virgin and martyr, who suffered under Emperor Decius.


At Nola in Campania, St. Maximus, bishop.


In Auvergne in France, St. Bonitus, bishop and confessor.


In Egypt, St. Macarius, abbot, disciple of St. Anthony, very celebrated for his life and miracles.


At Alexandria, blessed Isidore, renowned for holiness of life, faith, and miracles.


At Constantinople, St. John Calybita. For some time living unknown to his parents in a corner of their house, and later in a hut on an island in the Tiber, he was recognized by them only at his death. Being renowned for miracles, his body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried on the Island in the Tiber, where a church was subsequently erected in his honour.


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 January 15:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


Above all let him not, overlooking or under-valuing the salvation of the souls entrusted to him, be too solicitous for fleeting, earthly, and perishable things; but let him ever bear in mind that he hath undertaken the government of souls, of which he shall have to give an account. And that he may not complain for want of worldly substance, let him remember what is written: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you." And again: "Nothing is wanting to them that fear Him."


And let him know that he who hath undertaken the government of souls, must prepare himself to render an account of them. And whatever may be the number of the brethren under his care, let him be certainly assured that on the Day of Judgment he will have to give an account to the Lord of all these souls, as well as of his own. And thus, being ever fearful of the coming inquiry which the Shepherd will make into the state of the flock committed to him, while he is careful on other men's account, he will be solicitous also on his own. And so, while correcting others by his admonitions, he will be himself cured of his own defects.




Martyrology-January 16th
Roman Martyrology-January 16th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Marcellus I, a martyr for the confession of the Catholic faith. By command of the tyrant Maxentius he was beaten with clubs, then sent to take care of animals, with a guard to watch him. In this servile office, dressed in haircloth, he departed this life.


In Morocco in Africa, the martyrdom of the five Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, Berard, Peter, and Otto who were priests, and Accursius and Adjutus who were lay brothers. For preaching the Catholic faith, and because of their hatred of the Mohammedan Law, after various torments and mockeries by the Saracen king, they were beheaded.


At Rhinocolura in Egypt, the holy bishop St. Melas, who rested in peace after suffering exile and other painful trials for the Catholic faith during the reign of Emperor Valens.


At Arles in France, St. Honoratus, bishop and confessor, whose life was renowned for learning and for miracles.


At Oderzo near Venice, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.


At Fondi in Lazio, St. Honoratus, abbot, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.


At Froheins, in the diocese of Amiens in France, St. Fursey, confessor, whose body was afterwards transferred to the monastery of Peronne.


At Rome, St. Priscilla, who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the martyrs.


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 January 16:


CHAPTER III
Of calling the Brethren to Council


As often as any important matters have to be transacted in the monastery, let the Abbot call together the whole community, and himself declare what is the question to be settled. And, having heard the counsel of the brethren, let him consider within himself, and then do what he shall judge most expedient. We have said that all should be called to council, because it is often to the younger that the Lord revealeth what is best. But let the brethren give their advice with all subjection and humility, and not presume stubbornly to defend their own opinion; but rather let the matter rest with the Abbot's discretion, that all may submit to whatever he shall judge to be best. Yet, even as it becometh disciples to obey their master, so doth it behove him to order all things prudently and with justice.


Martyrology-January 17th
Roman Martyrology-January 17th-on this date in various years-


In Thebais, St. Anthony, abbot and spiritual guide of many monks, who was most celebrated for his life and miracles of which St. Athanasius has written a detailed account. His holy body was found by a divine revelation during the reign of Emperor Justinian and brought to Alexandria, where it was buried in the church of St. John Baptist.


At Langres in France, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, the Saints Speusippus, Eleusippus, and Meleusippus, born at one birth, were crowned with martyrdom together with their grandmother Leonilla.


At Bourges in Aquitaine, the death of St. Sulpice, surnamed Pius, whose life and precious death were approved by glorious miracles.


At Rome, in the monastery of St. Andrew, the blessed monks Anthony, Merulus, and John, of whom Pope St. Gregory speaks in his writings.


At Edessa in Mesopotamia, in the time of Emperor Valens, St. Julian Sabas the Elder, who miraculously restored the Catholic faith at Antioch, although it was almost destroyed in that city.


At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Diodorus, priest, and Marian, deacon, and their companions. They suffered martyrdom on the 1st of December during the pontificate of Pope St. Stephen.


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 January 17:


CHAPTER III
Of calling the Brethren to Council (cont.)


Let all therefore, follow the Rule in all things as their guide, and let no man rashly depart from it. Let no one in the monastery follow the will of his own heart: nor let any one presume insolently to contend with his Abbot, either within or without the monastery. But if he should so presume, let him be subjected to the discipline appointed by the Rule. The Abbot himself, however, must do everything with the fear of God and in observance of the Rule: knowing that he will have without doubt to render to God, the most just Judge, an account of all his judgments. If it happen that less important matters have to be transacted for the good of the monastery, let him take counsel with the Seniors only, as it is written: "Do all things with counsel, and thou shalt not afterwards repent it."


Martyrology-January 18th
Roman Martyrology-January 18th-on this date in various years-


The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, who established the Holy See at Rome.


In the same place, under Emperor Claudius, the passion of St. Prisca, virgin and martyr, who, after undergoing many torments, was crowned with martyrdom.


In Pontus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Mosseus and Ammonius, soldiers, who were first condemned to work in the metal mines, then cast into the fire.


In the same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point of being martyred by fire, joyfully sang a hymn, which he left in writing to his disciples.


At Tours in France, St. Volusian, bishop, who was made captive by the Goths, and in exile gave up his soul unto God.


In the monastery of Lure in Burgundy, St. Deicola, abbot, a native of Ireland and a disciple of St. Columban.


At Tours in France, St. Leobard, anchoret, a man of wonderful abstinence and humility.


At Como, St. Liberata, virgin.


At Buda in Hungary, St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic, endued with the virtues of chastity and a burning penitence. The Supreme Pontiff, Pius XII, added her to the list of holy virgins.


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 January 18:


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works


In the first place, to love the Lord God with all one's heart, all one's soul, and all one's strength.


2. Then one's neighbour as oneself.


3. Then not to kill.


4. Not to commit adultery.


5. Not to steal.


6. Not to covet.


7. Not to bear false witness.


8. To honour all men.


9. Not to do to another what one would not have done to oneself.


10. To deny oneself, in order to follow Christ.


11. To chastise the body.


12. Not to seek after delicate living.


13. To love fasting.


14. To relieve the poor.


15. To clothe the naked.


16. To visit the sick.


17. To bury the dead.


18. To help in affliction.


19. To console the sorrowing.


20. To avoid worldly actions.


21. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.




Martyrology-January 19th
Roman Martyrology-January 19th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, on the Cornelian Road, the holy martyrs Marius and his wife Martha, with their sons Audifax and Abachum, noble Persians, who came to Rome through devotion in the time of Emperor Claudius. After they had been beaten with rods, tormented on the rack and with fire, lacerated with iron hooks, and had endured the cutting off of their hands, Martha was put to death in the place called Nympha; the others were beheaded and cast into the fire.


Also St. Canute, king and martyr.


At Smyrna, under Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, the birthday of blessed Germanicus, martyr, who, in the bloom of youth, being strengthened by the grace of God, and banishing all fear, provoked the beast which, by order of the judge, was to devour him. Being ground by its teeth, he deserved to be incorporated into the true Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, for whom he died.


In Africa., the holy martyrs Paul, Gerontius, Januarius, Saturninus, Successus, Julius, Catus, Pia, and Germana.


At Spoleto, in the days of Emperor Antoninus, the passion of St. Pontian, martyr, who was barbarously scourged for Christ by the command of the judge Fabian, and then compelled to walk barefoot on burning coals. As he was uninjured by the fire, he was put on the rack, was torn with iron hooks, then thrown into a dungeon, where he was comforted by the visit of an angel. He was afterwards exposed to the lions, had melted lead poured over him, and finally died by the sword.


At Lodi in Lombardy, St. Bassian, bishop and confessor, who, in conjunction with St. Ambrose, courageously combatted the heretics.


At Worcester, England, St. Wulstan, bishop and confessor, conspicuous for merits and miracles. He was ranked among the saints by Innocent III.


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


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[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 19:


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works (cont.)


22. Not to give way to anger.


23.  Not to harbour a desire of revenge.


24. Not to foster guile in one's heart.


25. Not to make a feigned peace.


26. Not to forsake charity.


27. Not to swear, lest perchance one forswear oneself.


28. To utter truth from heart and mouth.


29. Not to render evil for evil.


30. To do no wrong to anyone yea, to bear patiently wrong done to oneself.


31. To love one's enemies.


32. Not to render cursing for cursing, but rather blessing.


33. To bear persecution for justice's sake.


34. Not to be proud.


35. Not given to wine.


36. Not a glutton.


37. Not drowsy.


38. Not slothful.


39. Not a murmurer.


40. Not a detractor.


41. To put one's hope in God.


42. To attribute any good that one sees in oneself to God, and not to oneself.


43. But to recognise and always impute to oneself the evil that one doth.




Martyrology-January 20th
Roman Martyrology-January 20th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the birthday of St. Fabian, pope, who suffered martyrdom in the time of Decius, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.


Also at Rome, in the catacombs, the martyr St. Sebastian. He was commander of the first cohort under Emperor Diocletian, and for professing Christianity he was bound to a tree in the center of a vast field, shot with arrows by the soldiers, and beaten with clubs until he expired.


At Nicea in Bithynia, St. Neophytus, martyr, who in the fifteenth year of his age, was scourged, cast into a furnace, and exposed to wild beasts. As he remained uninjured, and constantly confessed the faith of Christ, he was at last killed with the sword.


At Cesena, St. Maur, bishop, renowned for virtues and miracles.


In Palestine, in the time of Emperor Marcian, the birthday of St. Euthymius, abbot, who flourished in the Church, full of zeal for Catholic discipline, and gifted with 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 January 20:


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works (cont.)


44. To fear the Day of Judgment.


45. To be in dread of hell.


46. To desire with a special longing everlasting life.


47. To keep death daily before one's eyes.


48. To keep guard at all times over the actions of one's life.


49. To know for certain that God sees one everywhere.


50. To dash down on the (Rock) Christ one's evil thoughts, the instant that they come into the heart.


51. And to lay them open to one's spiritual father.


52. To keep one's mouth from evil and wicked words.


53. Not to love much speaking.


54. Not to speak vain words or such as move to laughter.


55. Not to love much or excessive laughter.


56. To listen willingly to holy reading.


57. To apply oneself frequently to prayer.


58. Daily to confess one's past sins with tears and sighs to God, and to amend them for the time to come.


59. Not to fulfil the desires of the flesh: to hate one's own will.


60. To obey in all things the commands of the Abbot, even though he himself (which God forbid) should act otherwise: being mindful of that precept of the Lord: "What they say, do ye; but what they do, do ye not."


61. Not to wish to be called holy before one is so: but first to be holy, that one may be truly so called.




Martyrology-January 21st
Roman Martyrology-January 21st-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the passion of St. Agnes, virgin, who under Symphronius, governor of the city, was thrown into the fire, but after it was extinguished by her prayers, she was slain with the sword. Of her, St. Jerome writes: "Agnes is praised in the writings and by the tongues of all nations, especially in the churches. She overcame the weakness of her age, conquered the cruelty of the tyrant, and consecrated her chastity by martyrdom."


At Athens, the birthday of St. Publius, bishop, who, as successor of St. Denis the Areopagite, nobly governed the Church of Athens. No less celebrated for the lustre of his virtues than for the brilliancy of his learning, he was gloriously crowned for having borne testimony to Christ.


At Terragona in Spain, during the reign of Gallienus, the holy martyrs Fructuosus, a bishop, Augurius and Eulogius, deacons. They were taken from prison, cast into the fire, where, their bonds being burnt, they extended their arms in the form of a cross, and thus in prayer they died. On their anniversary, St. Augustine preached a sermon to his people.


In the monastery of Einsiedeln in Switzerland, St. Meinrad, priest and monk, who was slain by robbers after having lived as a hermit in this place where the monastery was later built. The body of this holy man was first buried in the monastery of Reichenau in Germany, and from there it was transferred to the monastery of Einsiedeln.


At Troyes in France, St. Patroclus, martyr, who won the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Aurelian.


At Pavia, St. Epiphanius, 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 January 21:


CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)


62. Daily to fulfil by one's deeds the commandments of God.


63. To love chastity.


64. To hate no man.


65. Not to give way to jealousy and envy.


66. Not to love strife.


67. To fly from vainglory.


68. To reverence the Seniors.


69. To love the juniors.


70. To pray for one's enemies in the love of Christ.


71. To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.


72. And never to despair of God's mercy.


Behold, these are the tools of the spiritual craft, which, if they be constantly employed day and night, and duly given back on the day of judgment, will gain for us from the Lord that reward which He Himself hath promised - "which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive what God hath prepared for them that love Him." And the workshop where we are to labour at all these things is the cloister of the monastery, and stability in the community.




Martyrology-January 22nd
Roman Martyrology-January 22nd-on this date in various years-


At Valencia in Spain, while the wicked Dacian was governor, St. Vincent, deacon and martyr, who, after suffering imprisonment, hunger, the rack, and the disjointing of his limbs, was burned with plates of heated metal and on the gridiron, and tormented in other ways, then took his flight to heaven, there to receive the reward of martyrdom. His noble triumph over his sufferings has been skillfully set forth in verse by Prudentius, and also was eulogized by St. Augustine and Pope St. Leo.


At Bethsaloen in Assyria, St. Anastasius, a Persian monk, who after suffering much at Caesarea in Palestine from imprisonment, stripes, and fetters, had to bear many afflictions from Chosroes, king of Persia, who caused him to be beheaded. He had sent before him to martyrdom seventy of his companions, who were drowned in a river. His head was brought to Rome, at Aquae Salviae, together with his revered image, by the sight of which demons are expelled, and diseases cured, as is attested by the Acts of the second Council of Nicea.


At Embrun in France, the holy martyrs Vincent, Orontius, and Victor who were crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Novara, St. Gaudentius, bishop and confessor.


At Sora, the abbot St. Dominic, renowned for 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 January 22:


CHAPTER V
Of Obedience


The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who hold nothing dearer to them than Christ, and who on account of the holy servitude which they have taken upon them, either for fear of hell or for the glory of life everlasting, as soon as anything is ordered by the superior, suffer no more delay in doing it than if it had been commanded by God Himself. It is of these that the Lord saith: "At the hearing of the ear he hath obeyed Me." And again, to teachers He saith: "He that heareth you heareth Me."


Such as these, therefore, leaving immediately their own occupations and forsaking their own will, with their hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were about, with the speedy step of obedience follow by their deeds the voice of him who commands; and so as it were at the same instant the bidding of the master and the perfect fulfilment of the disciple are joined together in the swiftness of the fear of God by those who are moved with the desire of attaining eternal life. These, therefore, choose the narrow way, of which the Lord saith: "Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life"; so that living not by their own will, nor obeying their own desires and pleasures, but walking according to the judgment and command of another, and dwelling in community, they desire to have an Abbot over them. Such as these without doubt fulfil that saying of the Lord: "I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me."




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


St. Raymond of Pennafort, of the Order of Preachers, whose birthday is the sixth of this month.


At Rome, the holy virgin and martyr, St. Emerentiana. Being yet a catechumen, she was stoned to death by the heathens while praying at the tomb of St. Agnes, her foster sister.


At Philippi in Macedonia, St. Parmenas, one of the first seven deacons, who by the grace of God faithfully discharged the office of preaching committed to him, and obtained the glory of martyrdom in the time of Trajan.


At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Clement, bishop. After enduring frequent torments, he finally completed his martyrdom under Diocletian.


In the same place, and on the same day, St. Agathangelus who suffered under the governor Lucius.


At Caesarea in Morocco, the holy martyrs Severian and his wife Aquila, who were consumed by fire.


At Antinoum, a city of Egypt, St. Ascla, martyr, who, after various torments, was thrown into a river and gave up his precious soul unto God.


At Alexandria, St. John the Almoner, bishop of that city, celebrated for his charity towards the poor.


At Toledo, St. Ildefonse, bishop, renowned for sanctity. On account of his great purity of life, and his defence of the virginity of the Mother of God, against the heretics who denied it, he received from her a brilliant white vestment, and was called to heaven.


In the province of Valeria, St. Martyrius, monk, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.


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 January 23:


CHAPTER V
Of Obedience (cont.)


But this very obedience will then only be acceptable to God and sweet to men, if what is commanded be done not fearfully, tardily, nor coldly, nor with murmuring, nor with an answer shewing unwillingness; for the obedience which is given to superiors is given to God, since He Himself hath said: "He that heareth you, heareth Me." And it ought to be given by disciples with a good will, because "God loveth a cheerful giver." For if the disciple obey with ill-will, and murmur not only with his lips but even in his heart, although he fulfil the command, yet it will not be accepted by God, Who regardeth the heart of the murmurer. And for such an action he shall gain no reward; nay, rather, he shall incur the punishment due to murmurers, unless he amend and make satisfaction.


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


At Ephesus, St. Timothy, disciple of the apostle St. Paul, who ordained him bishop of that city. After many labours for Christ, he was stoned for rebuking those who offered sacrifices to Diana, and shortly after went peacefully to his rest in the Lord.


At Antioch, in the persecution of Decius, Bishop St. Babylas, who frequently glorified God by his sufferings and torments, ended his life in chains, with which he ordered his body to be buried. Three boys, whom he had instructed in the faith of Christ, Urbanus, Prilidian, and Epolonius, are said to have suffered with him.


At Foligno in Umbria, St. Felician, consecrated bishop of that city by Pope St. Victor I. After many labours, in extreme old age, he was crowned with martyrdom in the time of Decius.


At Neocaesarea, the holy martyrs Mardonius, Musonius, Eugenius, and Metellus, who were all burned to death, and their remains thrown into the river.


Also, the holy martyrs Thyrsus and Projectus.


At Cingoli in Piceno, St. Exuperantius, confessor and bishop of that city, who attained great fame by his miracles.


At Bologna, St. Zamas, the first bishop of that city, who was consecrated by Pope St. Denis, and there did wonders in spreading the Christian faith.


Also, blessed Suranus, abbot, who lived in the time of the Lombards.


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 January 24:


CHAPTER VI
Of the Practice of Silence


Let us do as saith the prophet: "I said,  I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue, I have placed a watch over my mouth; I became dumb and was silent, and held my peace even from good things." Here the prophet sheweth that if we ought at times to refrain even from good words for the sake of silence, how much more ought we to abstain from evil words, on account of the punishment due to sin.


Therefore, on account of the importance of silence, let leave to speak be seldom granted even to perfect disciples,* although their conversation be good and holy and tending to edification; because it is written: "In much speaking thou shalt not avoid sin"; and elsewhere: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." For it becometh the master to speak and to teach, but it beseemeth the disciple to be silent and to listen. And therefore, if anything has to be asked of the Superior, let it be done with all humility and subjection of reverence. But as for buffoonery or idle words, such as move to laughter, we utterly condemn them in every place, nor do we allow the disciple to open his mouth in such discourse.




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


The conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, which occurred in the second year after the Ascension of our Lord.


At Damascus, the birthday of St. Ananias, who was a disciple of our Lord, and baptized the apostle Paul. After he had preached the Gospel at Damascus, Eleutheropolis, and elsewhere, he was scourged under the judge Licinius, had his flesh torn, and lastly being overwhelmed with stones, ended his martyrdom.


In the Auvergne in France, the Saints Praejectus, bishop, and Amarinus, abbot of Doroang, who were murdered by the leading men of that city.


At Antioch, in the time of Julian the Apostate, the holy martyrs Juvenius and Maximus, who were crowned with martyrdom. On their birthday, St. John Chrysostom preached a sermon to his people.


Also, the holy martyrs Donatus, Sabinus, and Agape.


At Tomis in Scythia, St. Bretannio, bishop, who worked in the Church shewing great sanctity and zeal for the Catholic faith, and was at the same time bravely opposed to the Arian emperor Valens.


At Marchiennes in France, St. Poppo, priest and abbot, renowned for his 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 January 25:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility


The Holy Scripture crieth out to us, brethren, saying: "Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted." In saying this, it teacheth us that all exaltation is a kind of pride, against which the prophet sheweth himself to be on his guard when he saith: "Lord, my heart is not exalted nor mine eyes lifted up; nor have I walked in great things, nor in wonders above me." For why? "If I did not think humbly, but exalted my soul: like a child that is weaned from his mother, so wilt Thou requite my soul." Whence, brethren, if we wish to arrive at the highest point of humility, and speedily to reach that heavenly exaltation to which we can only ascend by the humility of this present life, we must by our ever-ascending actions erect such a ladder * as that which Jacob beheld in his dream, by which the angels appeared to him descending and ascending. This descent and ascent signifieth nothing else than that we descend by self-exaltation and ascend by humility. And the ladder thus erected is our life in the world, which, if the heart be humbled, is lifted up by the Lord to heaven. The sides of the same ladder we understand to be our body and soul, in which our divine vocation hath placed various degrees of humility or discipline, which we must ascend.


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


St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and martyr, who gained the crown of martyrdom on the 23rd of February.


At Hippo in Africa, the holy bishop Theogenes and thirty-six others, who, despising temporal death, obtained the crown of eternal life in the persecution of Valerian.


At Bethlehem of Judea, the death of St. Paula, widow, mother of St. Eustochium, a virgin of Christ, who abandoned her worldly prospects, though she was descended from a noble line of senators, distributed her goods to the poor, and retired to our Lord's manger, where, endowed with many virtues, and crowned with a long martyrdom, she departed for the kingdom of heaven. Her admirable life was written by St. Jerome.


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 January 26:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The first degree of humility, then, is that a man, always keeping the fear of God before his eyes, avoid all forgetfulness; and that he be ever mindful of all that God hath commanded, bethinking himself that those who despise God will be consumed in hell for their sins, and that life everlasting is prepared for them that fear Him. And keeping himself at all times from sin and vice, whether of the thoughts, the tongue, the hands, the feet, or his own will, let him thus hasten to cut off the desires of the flesh.


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


St. John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, confessor and doctor of the Church, and the heavenly patron of preachers, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 14th of September. His holy body was brought to Constantinople on this day in the reign of Theodosius the younger; it was afterwards taken to Rome and placed in the basilica of the Prince of the Apostles.


At Brescia, the birthday of St. Angela Merici, virgin, who belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis, and who founded the Order of the Nuns of St. Ursula, whose principal aim is to direct young girls in the ways of the Lord. By a decree of Pope Pius IX her feast is celebrated on the 31st of May.


At Le Mans in France, the death of St. Julian, the first bishop of that city, who was sent there by St. Peter to preach the Gospel.


At Sora, St. Julian, martyr, who, being arrested in the persecution of Antoninus, was beheaded because a pagan temple had fallen to the ground while he was being tortured.


In Africa, St. Avitus, martyr.


In the same country, the holy martyrs Datius, Reatrus, and their companions, who suffered in the persecution of the Vandals.


Also, the holy martyrs Dativus, Julian, Vincent, and twenty-seven others.


At Rome, St. Vitalian, pope.


In the monastery of Bobbio in France, St. Maur, 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 January 27:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


Let him consider that he is always beheld from heaven by God, and that his actions are everywhere seen by the eye of the Divine Majesty, and are every hour reported to Him by His angels. This the prophet telleth us, when he sheweth how God is ever present in our thoughts, saying: "God searcheth the heart and the reins." And again "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men." And he also saith: "Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off"; and "The thought of man shall confess to Thee." In order, therefore, that he may be on his guard against evil thoughts, let the humble brother say ever in his heart: "Then shall I be unspotted before Him, if I shall have kept me from mine iniquity."


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


St. Peter Nolasco, confessor, who founded the Order of Our Lady of Ransom for the redemption of captives, and who fell asleep in the Lord on the 25th of December.


At Rome, the second feast of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr.


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Cyril, bishop of that city, a most celebrated defender of the Catholic faith, who died in peace, with a great reputation for learning and sanctity. His feast, however, is kept on the ninth of February.


At Rome, St. Flavian, martyr, who suffered under Diocletian.


At Alexandria, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who, while they were at Mass in the church on this day, were put to death in different ways by the followers of Syrianus, an Arian general.


At Appollonia, the holy martyrs Thrysus, Leucius, and Callinicus, who were made to undergo various torments in the time of Emperor Decius. Thyrsus and Callinicus were beheaded; Leucius, called by a heavenly voice, yielded his soul unto God.


In Thebais, the holy martyrs Leonides and his companions, who obtained the palm of martyrdom in the time of Diocletian.


At Saragossa in Spain, St. Valerius, bishop.


At Cuenca in Spain, the birthday of St. Julian, bishop, who, after bestowing the goods of the Church on the poor, like the apostles, supported himself by the work of his hands, and went to his God famous for his miracles.


In the monastery of Rheims in France, the death of the holy priest John, a devout man of God.


In Palestine, St. James, hermit, who hid himself a long time in a sepulchre in order to do penance for a fault he had committed, and, being celebrated for miracles, 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 January 28:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


We are, indeed, forbidden to do our own will by Scripture, which saith to us: turn away from thine own will. And so too we beg of God in prayer that His will may be done in us. Rightly therefore are we taught not to do our own will, if we take heed to the warning of Scripture: "There are ways which to men seem right, but the ends thereof lead to the depths of hell"; or, again, when we tremble at what is said of the careless: "They are corrupt and have become abominable in their pleasures." And in regard to the desires of the flesh, we must believe that God is always present to us, as the prophet saith to the Lord: "O Lord, all my desire is before Thee."


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


St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva, confessor and doctor of the Church, special patron before God of all Catholic writers in explaining, promoting, or defending Christian doctrine either by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular. He departed to heaven on the 28th of December, but because of the transfer of his body on this day, his feast is now celebrated.


At Treves, the death of the blessed bishop Valerius, disciple of the apostle St. Peter.


At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of the holy martyrs Papias and Maur, soldiers under Emperor Diocletian. At their first confession of Christ they had their mouths bruised with stones and were thrown into prison by order of Laodicius, prefect of the city. Afterwards they were beaten with rods and with leaded whips until they expired.


At Perugia, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, St. Constantius, bishop and martyr, who, together with his companions, received the crown of martyrdom for the defence of the faith.


At Milan, St. Aquilinus, priest, who was crowned with martyrdom by having his throat pierced with a sword by the Arians.


At Edessa in Syria, the holy martyrs Sabellus and his sister Barbea, who were baptized by the blessed bishop Barsimaeus, and crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Trajan, under the governor Lysias.


In the territory of Troyes, St. Sabinian, martyr, who was beheaded for the faith of Christ by command of the emperor Aurelian.


At Bourges, St. Sulpice Severus, bishop, distinguished by his virtues and learning.




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