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 May 16:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

Above all things, that the Abbot may not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls entrusted to him, let him not have too great a concern about fleeting, earthly, perishable things; but let him always consider that he hath undertaken the government of souls, of which he must give an account. And that he may not perhaps complain of the want of earthly means, let him remember what is written: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt 6:33). And again: "There is no want to them that fear Him" (Ps 33[34]:10). And let him know that he who undertaketh the government of souls must prepare himself to give an account for them; and whatever the number of brethren he hath under his charge, let him be sure that on judgment day he will, without doubt, have to give an account to the Lord for all these souls, in addition to that of his own. And thus, whilst he is in constant fear of the Shepherd's future examination about the sheep entrusted to him, and is watchful of his account for others, he is made solicitous also on his own account; and whilst by his admonitions he had administered correction to others, he is freed from his own failings.

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

At Villareal in Spain, St. Paschal of the Order of Friars Minor, confessor. He was a man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance, whom Pope Leo XIII declared to be the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and of societies formed to honour the Most Blessed Sacrament.

At Noyon in France, the holy martyrs Heradius, Paul, and Aquilinus, with two others.

At Chalcedon, the holy martyrs Solochan and his companions.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Adrion, Victor, and Basilla.

Also St. Restituta, virgin and martyr, who was subjected to various kinds of tortures in Africa by the judge Proculus, in the reign of Valerian, and then put in a boat filled with pitch and oakum, to be burned to death on the sea. But the flame turned on those who kindled it, and the saint yielded her soul to God in prayer. Her body was, by Divine Providence, carried in the boat to the island of Ischia, near Naples, where it was received by the Christians with great veneration. A church was afterwards erected in her honour at Naples by Constantine the Great.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

#16
The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 17:

CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel

Whenever weighty matters are to be transacted in the monastery, let the Abbot call together the whole community, and make known the matter which is to be considered. Having heard the brethren's views, let him weigh the matter with himself and do what he thinketh best. It is for this reason, however, we said that all should be called for counsel, because the Lord often revealeth to the younger what is best. Let the brethren, however, give their advice with humble submission, and let them not presume stubbornly to defend what seemeth right to them, for it must depend rather on the Abbot's will, so that all obey him in what he considereth best. But as it becometh disciples to obey their master, so also it becometh the master to dispose all things with prudence and justice.

Martyrology-May 18th
Roman Martyrology-May 18th- on this date in various years-
For 2013 The Vigil of Pentecost.
At Camerino, the holy martyr Venantius, who, at fifteen years of age, along with ten others, ended a glorious ordeal by being beheaded under Emperor Decius and the governor Antiochus.

The birthday of St. John I, pope and martyr, who was called to Ravenna by the Arian king of Italy, Theodoric, and died there after being in prison a long time for the true faith. His feast, however, is celebrated on the 27th of May, the day on which his revered body was taken to Rome and buried in the basilica of St. Peter, prince of the apostles.

At Spoleto, St. Felix, a bishop who obtained the palm of martyrdom under Emperor Maximian.

At Heraclea in Egypt, Bishop St. Potamon, first a confessor under Maximian Galerius, and afterwards, a martyr under Emperor Constantius, and the Arian governor Philagrius. Athanasius and Epiphanius, Fathers of the Church, have sung the praises of this holy man.

In Egypt, St. Dioscorus, a lector, who was subjected by the governor to many and diverse torments, such as the tearing off of his nails and the burning of his sides with torches; but a light from heaven having prostrated the executioners, the saint's martyrdom was finally ended by having red-hot metal plates applied to his body.

At Ancyra in Galatia, the martyr St. Theodotus, and the holy virgins Thecusa, his aunt, Alexandra, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta. They were at first taken to a place of debauchery, but the power of God prevented them from evil, and they later had stones fastened to their necks and were plunged into a lake. For gathering the remains and burying them honorably, Theodotus was arrested by the governor, and after having been horribly lacerated, was put to the sword, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

At Upsal in Sweden, St. Eric, king and martyr.

At Rome, St. Felix, confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, celebrated for his evangelical simplicity and charity. He was inscribed on the roll of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XI.

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 18:
CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel (cont.)
Therefore, let all follow the Rule as their guide in everything, and let no one rashly depart from it.
Let no one in the monastery follow the bent of his own heart, and let no one dare to dispute insolently with his Abbot, either inside or outside the monastery. If any one dare to do so, let him be placed under the correction of the Rule. Let the Abbot himself, however, do everything in the fear of the Lord and out of reverence for the Rule, knowing that, beyond a doubt, he will have to give an account to God, the most just Judge, for all his rulings. If, however, matters of less importance, having to do with the welfare of the monastery, are to be treated of, let him use the counsel of the Seniors only, as it is written: "Do all things with counsel, and thou shalt not repent when thou hast done" (Sir 32:24).
Martyrology-May 19th
Roman Martyrology-May 19th- on this date in various years-
For 2013  The day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came down upon the disciples at Jerusalem in the form of fiery tongues.
The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord.

At Rome, the saintly virgin Pudentiana, who, after numberless tribulations, after burying with respect many martyrs, and distributing all her goods to the poor for Christ's sake, departed from this world to go to heaven.

In the same city, St. Pudens, senator, father of the virgins Pudentiana and Praxedes. He was clothed with Christ in baptism by the apostles, and preserved the robe of innocence unspotted until he received the crown of life.

Also at Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of the Saints Calocerus and Parthenius, eunuchs. The former was chamberlain of the wife of Emperor Decius, and the latter chief officer in another department. Because they refused to offer sacrifice to idols they were tortured in many cruel ways, and finally when their necks were broken with cudgels, they gave up their souls to God.

At Nicomedia, the martyr St. Philoterus, son of the proconsul Pacian, who after suffering much under Emperor Diocletian, received the crown of martyrdom.

In the same city, six holy virgins and martyrs. The principal one, named Cyriaca, having boldly reproved Maximian for his impiety, was severely scourged and lacerated, and then consumed by fire.

At Canterbury in England, St. Dunstan, bishop.

In Brittany, St. Ivo, priest and confessor, who for the love of Christ, defended the interests of orphans, widows and the poor.

At Fucecchio in Etruria, St. Theophilus of Curte, confessor and priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who was canonized by Pope Pius XI.

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 19:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works

(1) In the first place to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength...
(2) Then, one's neighbor as one's self (cf Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27).
(3) Then, not to kill...
(4) Not to commit adultery...
(5) Not to steal...
(6) Not to covet (cf Rom 13:9).
(7) Not to bear false witness (cf Mt 19:18; Mk 10:19; Lk 18:20).
8 To honor all men (cf 1 Pt 2:17).
(9) And what one would not have done to himself, not to do to another (cf Tob 4:16; Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31).
(10) To deny one's self in order to follow Christ (cf Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23).
(11) To chastise the body (cf 1 Cor 9:27).
(12) Not to seek after pleasures.
(13) To love fasting.
(14) To relieve the poor.
(15) To clothe the naked...
(16) To visit the sick (cf Mt 25:36).
(17) To bury the dead.
(18) To help in trouble.
(19) To console the sorrowing.
(20) To hold one's self aloof from worldly ways.
(21) To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

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

At Aquila in Abruzzi, St. Bernardin of Siena, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who added to the glory of Italy by his preaching and his example.

At Rome, St. Plautilla, wife of a consul, sister of the consul Flavius Clemens, and mother of the holy virgin Flavia Domitilla, both martyrs. She was baptized by the apostle St. Peter, and after giving an example of all the virtues, she rested in peace.

Also at Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of St. Basilla, virgin, who was of a royal family and betrothed to a nobleman. When she refused to marry him, he accused her of being a Christian. Emperor Gallienus gave orders that she should accept the person to whom she had been engaged, or die by the sword. Being informed of this, and answering that she had for her spouse the King of kings, she was pierced with a sword.

At Nimes in France, St. Baudelius, martyr. Being arrested, but refusing to sacrifice to idols, and remaining immovable in the faith of Christ, despite blows and tortures, he gained the palm of martyrdom by his praiseworthy death.

At Edessa near Aegea in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Thalaleus, Asterius, Alexander, and their companions, who suffered under Emperor Numerian.

In Thebais, St. Aquila, martyr to the faith, whose body was torn with iron combs.

At Bourges in France, St. Austregisil, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. Theodore, bishop.

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 20:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

(22) Not to give way to anger.
(23) Not to foster a desire for revenge.
(24) Not to entertain deceit in the heart.
(25) Not to make a false peace.
(26) Not to forsake charity.
(27) Not to swear, lest perchance one swear falsely.
(28) To speak the truth with heart and tongue.
(29) Not to return evil for evil (cf 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pt 3:9).
(30) To do no injury, yea, even patiently to bear the injury done us.
(31) To love one's enemies (cf Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27).
(32) Not to curse them that curse us, but rather to bless them.
(33) To bear persecution for justice sake (cf Mt 5:10).
(34) Not to be proud...
(35) Not to be given to wine (cf Ti 1:7; 1 Tm 3:3).
(36) Not to be a great eater.
(37) Not to be drowsy.
(38) Not to be slothful (cf Rom 12:11).
(39) Not to be a murmurer.
(40) Not to be a detractor.
(41) To put one's trust in God.
(42) To refer what good one sees in himself, not to self, but to God.
(43) But as to any evil in himself, let him be convinced that it is his own and charge it to himself.

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

St. Valens, bishop, who was put to death along with three children.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Secundus, a priest, and others, whom the Arian bishop George ordered to be barbarously slain during the holy days of Pentecost, under Emperor Constantius.

In Morocco, the birthday of the holy martyrs Timothy, Polius, and Eutychius, deacons, who merited to be crowned together for spreading the word of God in that region.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Polyeuctus, Victorinus, and Donatus.

At Cordova, the martyr St. Secundinus.

The same day, the holy martyrs Synesius and Theopompus.

At Caesarea Philippi, the holy martyrs Nicostrátus and Antiochus, tribunes, with other soldiers.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the saintly bishops and priests, who were banished by the Arians, and merited to be numbered among the holy confessors.

At Nice in France, St. Hospitius, confessor, distinguished by the virtue of abstinence and the spirit of prophecy.

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 21:
CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)
(44) To fear the day of judgment.
(45) To be in dread of hell.
(46) To desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.
(47) To keep death before one's eyes daily.
(48) To keep a constant watch over the actions of our life.
(49) To hold as certain that God sees us everywhere.
(50) To dash at once against Christ the evil thoughts which rise in one's heart.
(51) And to disclose them to our spiritual father.
(52) To guard one's tongue against bad and wicked speech.
(53) Not to love much speaking.
(54) Not to speak useless words and such as provoke laughter.
(55) Not to love much or boisterous laughter.
(56) To listen willingly to holy reading.
(57) To apply one's self often to prayer.
(58) To confess one's past sins to God daily in prayer with sighs and tears, and to amend them for the future.
(59) Not to fulfil the desires of the flesh (cf Gal 5:16).
(60) To hate one's own will.
(61) To obey the commands of the Abbot in all things, even though he himself (which Heaven forbid) act otherwise, mindful of that precept of the Lord: "What they say, do ye; what they do, do ye not" (Mt 23:3).
Martyrology-May 22nd
Roman Martyrology-May 22nd- on this date in various years-
At Rome, the holy martyrs Faustinus, Timothy, and Venustus.
In Africa, the holy martyrs Castus and Aemilius, who met their martyrdom by fire, St. Cyprian says that there were overcome by the first trial, but that in the second God made them victorious, so that those who had first weakened in the face of the fire were made mightier than the flames.
At Comana in Pontus, under Emperor Maximian and the governor Agrippa, the holy martyr Basiliscus, who was forced to wear iron shoes pierced with heated nails, and who endured many other trials. He was finally beheaded and thrown into the river, which gained for him the crown of martyrdom.
In Corsica, St. Julia, virgin, who won her crown by being crucified.
In Spain, St. Quiteria, virgin and martyr.
At Ravenna, St. Marcian, bishop and confessor.
At Pistoia in Tuscany, the bishop, blessed Attho, of the Order of Vallombrosa.
In the diocese of Auxerre, Abbot St. Romanus, who ministered to St. Benedict in his cave. Going later to France, he built a monastery there, and leaving many disciples and imitators of his sanctity, went to rest in the Lord.
At Aquino, St. Fulk, confessor.
At Auxerre, St. Helen, virgin.
At Cassia in Umbria, St. Rita, a widow and nun of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who, after being disengaged from her earthly marriage, loved only her eternal spouse Christ.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

#21
The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 22:
CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)
(63) To fulfill daily the commandments of God by works.
(64) To love chastity.
(65) To hate no one.
(66) Not to be jealous; not to entertain envy.
(67) Not to love strife.
(68) Not to love pride.
(69) To honor the aged.
(70) To love the younger.
(71) To pray for one's enemies in the love of Christ.
(72) To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.
(73) And never to despair of God's mercy.
Behold, these are the instruments of the spiritual art, which, if they have been applied without ceasing day and night and approved on judgment day, will merit for us from the Lord that reward which He hath promised: "The eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). But the workshop in which we perform all these works with diligence is the enclosure of the monastery, and stability in the community

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

At Langres in France, the martyrdom of the holy bishop Desiderius, who visited the king to offer entreaties in behalf of his people who were mistreated by the Vandal army. He was immediately condemned to beheading, and willingly presenting his head to receive the blow of the sword, he died for the sheep committed to his charge and departed for heaven. With him suffered many of his flock, who are buried in the same city.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Epitacius, a bishop, and Basileus.

In the territory of Lyons, St. Desiderius, bishop of Vienne, who was crowned with martyrdom by being stonedd at the order of King Theodoric.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Quintian, Lucius, and Julian, who merited eternal crowns by their sufferings, during the persecution of the Vandals.

In Cappadocia, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who died by having their legs crushed, in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. Also in Mesopotamia, those martyrs who, at the same time, were suspended in the air with their heads downward, suffocated with smoke, and consumed by a slow fire, thus fulfilling their martyrdom.

At Synnada in Phrygia, St. Michael, bishop.

The same day, St. Mercurialis, bishop.

At Naples in Campania, St. Euphebius, bishop.

At Rome, St. John Baptist de Rossi, priest and confessor, a man illustrious for his patience and his zeal in preaching the Gospel to the poor.

At Norcia, Saints Eutychius and Florentius, monks, mentioned by the blessed Pope 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 May 23:

CHAPTER V
Of Obedience

The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who, on account of the holy subjection which they have promised, or of the fear of hell, or the glory of life everlasting, hold nothing dearer than Christ. As soon as anything hath been commanded by the Superior they permit no delay in the execution, as if the matter had been commanded by God Himself. Of these the Lord saith: "At the hearing of the ear he hath obeyed Me" (Ps 17[18]:45). And again He saith to the teachers: "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Lk 10:16).

Such as these, therefore, instantly quitting their own work and giving up their own will, with hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were doing, follow up, with the ready step of obedience, the work of command with deeds; and thus, as if in the same moment, both matters -- the master's command and the disciple's finished work -- are, in the swiftness of the fear of God, speedily finished together, whereunto the desire of advancing to eternal life urgeth them. They, therefore, seize upon the narrow way whereof the Lord saith: "Narrow is the way which leadeth to life" (Mt 7:14), so that, not living according to their own desires and pleasures but walking according to the judgment and will of another, they live in monasteries, and desire an Abbot to be over them. Such as these truly live up to the maxim of the Lord in which He saith: "I came not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jn 6:38).

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

At Antioch, the birthday of St. Manahen, foster-brother of Herod the Tetrach. He was a doctor and prophet under the grace of the New Testament, and his remains now lie in the city of Antioch.

Also, blessed Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, mentioned by the evangelist St. Luke.

At Porto, the birthday of St. Vincent, martyr.

At Nantes in Brittany, in the time of Emperor Diocletian, the blessed martyrs Donatian and Rogatian, brothers, who, because of their constancy in the faith, were sent to prison, stretched on the rack, and lacerated. Finally, they were pierced through with a soldier's lance, and then beheaded.

In Istria, the holy martyrs Zoellus, Servilius, Felix, Silvanus, and Diocles.

Also, the holy martyrs Meletius, who was a military officer, and two hundred and fifty-two of his companions, who achieved their martyrdom by various kinds of deaths.

Also, the holy martyrs Susanna, Marciana, and Palladia, wives of the soldiers just mentioned, who were put to death with their young children.

At Milan, St. Robustian, marytr.

At Brescia, St. Afra, martyr, who suffered under Emperor Hadrian.

In the monastery of Lerins, St. Vincent, a priest eminent for learning and sanctity.

At Morocco in Africa, the passion of blessed John of Prado, priest and martyr of the Order of Friars Minor. While preaching the Gospel, he was bound, imprisoned, and scourged; and after enduring with fortitude many other torments for Christ, fulfilled his martyrdom by fire.

At Bologna, the translation of St. Dominic, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory 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 May 24:

CHAPTER V
Of Obedience (cont.)

This obedience, however, will be acceptable to God and agreeable to men then only, if what is commanded is done without hesitation, delay, lukewarmness, grumbling or complaint, because the obedience which is rendered to Superiors is rendered to God. For He Himself hath said: "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Lk 10:16). And it must be rendered by the disciples with a good will, "for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). " For if the disciple obeyeth with an ill will, and murmureth, not only with lips but also in his heart, even though he fulfil the command, yet it will not be acceptable to God, who regardeth the heart of the murmurer. And for such an action he acquireth no reward; rather he incurreth the penalty of murmurers, unless he maketh satisfactory amendment.

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

At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty.

At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Urban, pope and martyr, by whose exhortation and teaching many persons, among whom were Tiburtius and Valerian, received the faith of Christ and suffered martyrdom for it. He himself endured many afflictions for the Church of God, and was crowned with martyrdom by being beheaded in the perscucution of Alexander Severus.

At Jarrow in England, the death of St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor and doctor of the Church, well known for his sanctity and scholarship. His feast, however, is celebrated on the 27th day of May.

At Florence, the birthday of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, a virgin of the Order of the Carmelites, who is famed for her holy life. Her feast is observed on the 29th of May.

At Silistria in Bulgaria, the birthday of the holy martyrs Pasicrates, Valentio, and two others crowned with them.

At Milan, Bishop St. Denis, who for the Catholic faith was exiled into Cappadocia by the Arian emperor Constantius, where he yielded his soul to God in a manner almost like that of the martyrs. His revered body was sent to blessed Bishop Ambrose at Milan, by Bishop Aurelius, with the help, it is said, of St. Basil the Great.

At Florence, the birthday of St. Zenobius, bishop of that city, renowned for the sanctity of his life and his glorious miracles.

In England, St. Aldhelm, bishop of Sherburn.

In the territory of Troyes, St. Leo, confessor.

At Paris, St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education of girls. She was added to the list of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.

At Veroli in Campania, the translation of St. Mary, the mother of James, whose revered body is noted for many miracles.

At Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory 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 May 25:
CHAPTER VI
Of Silence
Let us do what the Prophet saith: "I said, I will take heed of my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I have set a guard to my mouth, I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence even from good things" (Ps 38[39]:2-3). Here the prophet showeth that, if at times we ought to refrain from useful speech for the sake of silence, how much more ought we to abstain from evil words on account of the punishment due to sin.
Therefore, because of the importance of silence, let permission to speak be seldom given to perfect disciples even for good and holy and edifying discourse, for it is written: "In much talk thou shalt not escape sin" (Prov 10:19). And elsewhere: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov 18:21). For it belongeth to the master to speak and to teach; it becometh the disciple to be silent and to listen. If, therefore, anything must be asked of the Superior, let it be asked with all humility and respectful submission. But coarse jests, and idle words or speech provoking laughter, we condemn everywhere to eternal exclusion; and for such speech we do not permit the disciple to open his lips.
Martyrology-May 26th
Roman Martyrology-May 26th- on this date in various years-
For 2013  The Feast of the most holy and undivided Trinity, and the Octave of Pentecost.
At Rome, St. Philip Neri, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, celebrated for his virginal purity, the gift of prophecy, and miracles.
Also at Rome, St. Eleutherius, pope and martyr, who converted to the Christian faith many noble Romans. He sent Saints Damian and Fugatius to England, and they baptized King Lucius, his wife, and almost all his people.
At Canterbury in England, St. Augustine, bishop, who was sent there with others by blessed Pope Gregory, and who preached the Gospel of Christ to the English nation. Celebrated for virtues and miracles, he went peacefully to his rest in the Lord. The 28th of May is observed as his feast.
At Athens, during the persecution of Hadrian, the birthday of blessed Quadratus, a disciple of the apostles, who collected by his zealous work the faithful who had dispersed through terror, and presented to the emperor a book which was an excellent apology of the Christian religion, worthy of an apostle.
At Rome, the holy martyrs Simitrius, priest, and twenty-two others who suffered under Antoninus Pius.
At Vienne, St. Zacharas, bishop and martyr, who suffered under Trajan.
In Africa, St. Quadratus, martyr, on whose feast day St. Augustine preached a sermon.
At Todi in Umbria, the birthday of the holy martyrs Felicissimus, Heraclius, and Paulinus.
In the territory of Auxerre, the passion of St. Priscus, martyr, along with a great multitude of other Christians.
In the city of Quito in Ecuador, St. Maria Ana de  Jesù de Paredes, a third order Franciscan, well known for her austerity and charity towards her neighbour. Pope Pius XII numbered her in the book of 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 May 26:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility

Brethren, the Holy Scripture crieth to us saying: "Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Lk 14:11; 18:14). Since, therefore, it saith this, it showeth us that every exaltation is a kind of pride. The Prophet declareth that he guardeth himself against this, saying: "Lord, my heart is not puffed up; nor are my eyes haughty. Neither have I walked in great matters nor in wonderful things above me" (Ps 130[131]:1). What then? "If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my soul; as a child that is weaned is towards his mother so shalt Thou reward my soul" (Ps 130[131]:2).

Hence, brethren, if we wish to reach the greatest height of humility, and speedily to arrive at that heavenly exaltation to which ascent is made in the present life by humility, then, mounting by our actions, we must erect the ladder which appeared to Jacob in his dream, by means of which angels were shown to him ascending and descending (cf Gen 28:12). Without a doubt, we understand this ascending and descending to be nothing else but that we descend by pride and ascend by humility. The erected ladder, however, is our life in the present world, which, if the heart is humble, is by the Lord lifted up to heaven. For we say that our body and our soul are the two sides of this ladder; and into these sides the divine calling hath inserted various degrees of humility or discipline which we must mount.

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

St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor, and doctor of the Church, who went to heaven on the 25th of May.

St. John I, pope and martyr. His birthday is observed on the 18th of May, but his feast is celebrated today because of the translation of his revered body.

At Silistria in Bulgaria, during the reign of Emperor Alexander, the martyrdom of blessed Julius, a veteran soldier in retirement, who was arrested by the officials and presented to the governor Maximus. Having denounced the idols in his presence, and confessed the name of Christ with utmost constancy, he was condemned to capital punishment.

In the district of Arras, St. Ralph, martyr.

At Sora, in the time of Emperor Aurelian and the proconsul Agathius, St. Restituta, virgin and martyr, who overcame in a trial for the faith the violence of the demons, the affections of her family, and the cruelty of the executioners. Being finally beheaded with other Christians, she obtained the honour of martyrdom.

At Orange in France, St. Eutropius, a bishop illustrious for virtues and miracles.

At Wurzburg in Germany, St. Bruno, 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 May 27:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The first degree of humility, then, is that a man always have the fear of God before his eyes (cf Ps 35[36]:2), shunning all forgetfulness and that he be ever mindful of all that God hath commanded, that he always considereth in his mind how those who despise God will burn in hell for their sins, and that life everlasting is prepared for those who fear God. And whilst he guardeth himself evermore against sin and vices of thought, word, deed, and self-will, let him also hasten to cut off the desires of the flesh.

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

St. Augustine, bishop of Canterbury and confessor, whose birthday is mentioned on the 26th of May.

In Sardinia, the holy martyrs Aemilius, Priamus, and Lucian, who gained their crowns after being in the combat for Christ.

At Chartres in France, under Emperor Domitian, St. Caraunus, martyr, who was beheaded, and thus acquired the glory of martyrdom.

Also the martyrdom of the Saints Crescens, Dioscorides, Paul, and Helladius.

At Thecua in Palestine, the saintly monks who became martyrs by being killed by the Saracens, in the time of Theodosius the Younger. Their venerable remains were gathered by the inhabitants and preserved with greatest reverence.

At Corinth, St. Helconides, martyr, who was first subjected to torments in the reign of Emperor Gordian, under the governor Perennius, and then again tortured under his successor Justin, but was delivered by an angel. Her breasts were cut away, she was exposed to wild beasts and to fire, and finally her martyrdom was fulfilled by beheading.

At Paris, St. Germanus, bishop and confessor, whose fame for holiness, merit, and miracles has been handed down to us by the writings of Bishop Fortunatus.

At Milan, St. Senator, bishop, who was very well known for his virtues and his learning.

At Urgel in Spain, Bishop St. Justus.

At Florence, St. Podius, bishop and confessor.

At Novara, St. Bernard of Mentone, confessor. On Mount Jou in the Alps of Valais in Switzerland, he founded the famous monastery and hospice. Pope Pius XI appointed him the heavenly patron not only of those who live in or travel across the Alps, but of all mountain climbers.

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 28:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

Let a man consider that God always seeth him from Heaven, that the eye of God beholdeth his works everywhere, and that the angels report them to Him every hour. The Prophet telleth us this when he showeth God thus ever present in our thoughts, saying: "The searcher of hearts and reins is God" (Ps 7:10). And again: "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men" (Ps 93[94]:11) And he saith: "Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off" (Ps 138[139]:3). And: "The thoughts of man shall give praise to Thee" (Ps 75[76]:11). Therefore, in order that he may always be on his guard against evil thoughts, let the humble brother always say in his heart: "Then I shall be spotless before Him, if I shall keep myself from iniquity" (Ps 17[18]:24).

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

St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi of the Order of Carmelites, and virgin. Her birthday was mentioned on the 25th of May.

At Rome, on the Via Aurelia, the birthday of St. Restitutus, martyr.

At Iconium in Lycaonia, in the time of Emperor Aurelian, the martyrdom of the Saints Conon and his son, a child twelve years of age, who were laid on a grate over burning coals sprinkled with oil, placed on the rack, and exposed to the fire. Finally their hands were crushed with a mallet, and they breathed their last.

In the district of Trent, in the time of Emperor Honorius, the birthday of the holy martyrs Sisinius, Martyrius, and Alexander, who were persecuted by the heathens of Anaunia, and obtained the crown of martyrdom, all of which is told by Paulinus in the Life of Ambrose.

At Camerino, the passion of fifteen hundred and twenty-five holy martyrs.

At Caesarea Philippi, the holy martyrs Theodosia, mother of the martyr St. Procopius, and twleve other noble women, whose lives were ended by their being beheaded in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Treves, blessed Maximinus, bishop and confessor, who received with honour the patriarch St. Athanasius when he was banished by the Arian persecutors.

At Verona, St. Maximus, bishop.

At Arcano in Lazio, St. Eleutherius, 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 May 29:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

We are thus forbidden to do our own will, since the Scripture saith to us: "And turn away from thy evil will" (Sir 18:30). And thus, too, we ask God in prayer that His will may be done in us (cf Mt 6:10). We are, therefore, rightly taught not to do our own will, when we guard against what Scripture saith: "There are ways that to men seem right, the end whereof plungeth into the depths of hell" (Prov 16:25). And also when we are filled with dread at what is said of the negligent: "They are corrupted and become abominable in their pleasure" (Ps 13[14]:1). But as regards desires of the flesh, let us believe that God is thus ever present to us, since the Prophet saith to the Lord: "Before Thee is all my desire" (Ps 37[38]:10).

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

For 2013 The Feast of the most Sacred Body of Christ..

Pope St. Felix I, martyr, whose birthday is commemorated on the 30th of December.

At Torres in Sardinia, the holy martyrs Gabinus and Crispulus.

At Antioch, Saints Sycus and Palatinus, who endured many torments for the name of Christ.

At Ravenna, St. Exuperantius, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. Anastasius, bishop.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Basil and his wife Emmelia, parents of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Peter of Sebastopol, bishops, and St. Macrina, virgin. They lived in exile in the deserts of Pontus during the reign of Galerius Maximian, and after the persecution they died in peace, leaving their children as heirs of their virtues.

At Seville in Spain, St. Ferdinand III, king of Castile and Leon. He was surnamed the Saint on account of his eminent virtues; he was celebrated for his zeal in spreading the faith. After conquering the Moors he left his kingdom on earth to pass happily to that of heaven.

At Rouen, St. Joan of Arc, virgin, called the Maid of Orleans. After fighting heroically for her fatherland, she was at the end delivered into the hands of the enemies, condemned by an unjust judge, and burned at the stake. The supreme Pontiff Benedict XV placed her name on the canon 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 May 30:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

We must, therefore, guard thus against evil desires, because death hath his station near the entrance of pleasure. Whence the Scripture commandeth, saying: "Go no after thy lusts" (Sir 18:30). If, therefore, the eyes of the Lord observe the good and the bad (cf Prov 15:3) and the Lord always looketh down from heaven on the children of men, to see whether there be anyone that understandeth or seeketh God (cf Ps 13[14]:2); and if our actions are reported to the Lord day and night by the angels who are appointed to watch over us daily, we must ever be on our guard, brethren, as the Prophet saith in the psalm, that God may at no time see us "gone aside to evil and become unprofitable" (Ps 13[14]:3), and having spared us in the present time, because He is kind and waiteth for us to be changed for the better, say to us in the future: "These things thou hast done and I was silent" (Ps 49[50]:21).

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

St. Angela Merici, virgin of the Third Order of St. Francis. She was the foundress of the Nuns of St. Ursula, and was called by her heavenly Spouse on the 27th of January in order to receive an incorruptible crown.

At Rome, St. Petronilla, virgin, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter. She refused to marry Flaccus, a nobleman, and was granted three days for deliberation. She spent these days in fasting and in prayer, and on the third day, after having received the Sacrament of the Body of Christ, she yielded up her soul.

At Aquileia, the holy martyrs Cantius, Cantian, and Cantianilla, members of one family, which belonged to the illustrious line of the Anicii. For their attachment to the Christian faith, they were condemned to capital punishment with their tutor, Protus, in the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.

At Torres in Sardinia, St. Crescentian, martyr.

At Comana in Pontus during the reign of Emperor Antoninus, St. Hermias, a soldier. Being miraculously delivered from many horrible torments, he converted his executioner to Christ, and made him partaker of the crown which he was first to receive by being beheaded.

At Verona, St. Lupicinus, bishop.

At Rome, St. Paschasius, deacon and confessor, who is mentioned by blessed Pope Gregory.

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