RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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


CHAPTER LX
Of Priests who may wish to dwell in the Monastery


If any one in priestly orders ask to be received into the Monastery, let not consent be too quickly granted him; but if he persist in his request, let him know that he will have to observe all the discipline of the Rule, and that nothing will be relaxed in his favour, according as it is written "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" Let him, nevertheless, be allowed to stand next the Abbot, to give the blessing, and to say Mass, if the Abbot bid him do so. Otherwise, let him presume to do nothing, knowing that he is subject to the discipline of the Rule; but rather let him give an example of humility to all. And if there be a question of any appointment, or other business in the Monastery, let him expect the position due to him according to the time of his entrance, and not that which was yielded to him out of reverence for the priesthood. If any clerics should desire in the same way to be admitted into the Monastery, let them be placed in a middle rank: but in their case also, only on condition that they promise observance of the Rule, and stability therein.


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


The Assumption of the most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God.


At Cracow in Poland, St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, whom Pope Clement VIII placed in the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 17th of August.


At Alba Regalis in Hungary, St. Stephen, King of Hungary, who was graced with divine virtues, was the first to convert the Hungarians to the faith of Christ, and was received into heaven by the Virgin Mother of God on the very day of her Assumption. By decree of Pope Innocent XI, his feast is kept on the 2nd of September, on which day the strong city of Buda, by the aid of the holy king, was recovered by the Christian army.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, St. Tarsicius, acolyte. The pagans accosted him as he was carrying the Sacrament of Christ's Body, and began to inquire what it was. But he judged it an unworthy thing to cast pearls before swine. They therefore beat him with sticks and stones until he expired. The sacrilegious searchers examined his body, but found no vestige of the Sacrament of Christ, either in his hands or in his clothes. The Christians took up the body of the martyr, and buried it reverently in the cemetery of Callistus.


At Tagaste in Africa, St. Alipius, bishop, who was the disciple of blessed Augustine, and the companion of his conversion, his colleague in the pastoral charge, his valiant fellow-soldier in disputing heretics, and finally his partner in the glory of heaven.


At Soissons in France, St. Arnulf, bishop and confessor.


At Rome, St. Stanislas Kostka, a native of Poland, confessor of the Society of Jesus, who being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time by the angelic innocence of his life. He was inscribed on the list of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIII.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 15:


CHAPTER LXI
Of Stranger Monks, how they are to be received


If any monk who is a stranger come from distant parts, and desire to dwell in the Monastery as a guest, and if he be content with the customs which he there findeth, and do not trouble the Monastery by any superfluous wants, but be satisfied with what he findeth, let him be received for as long a time as he will. And if reasonably and with humility he reprove and point out what is amiss, let the Abbot prudently mark his words, in case God perchance hath sent him for this very end. If afterwards he desire to bind himself to remain there, let not his wish be denied him, especially since during the time he was a guest his manner of life could well be ascertained.


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


St. Joachim, father of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Confessor. His birthday is noted on the 20th of March.


At Rome, St. Titus, deacon, who, when the city was taken by the Goths, was put to death by a barbarous tribune while distributing money to the poor.


At Nicaea in Bithynia, St. Diomede, a physician who underwent martyrdom by being beheaded during the persecution of Diocletian.


In Palestine thirty-three holy martyrs.


At Ferentino in Campania, St. Ambrose, centurion. In the persecution of Diocletian he was subjected to different kinds of tortures, and finally passing through fire without injury, was cast into the waters, and thus reached the place of eternal rest.


At Milan, the death of St. Simplician, bishop, renowned by the testimony of given of him by St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.


At Auxerre, St. Eleutherius, bishop.


At Nicomedia, St. Arsacius, confessor. Under the persecution of Licinius he left the military service, and leading a solitary life, became so famous for working miracles that we read of his expelling the demons and killing a huge dragon by his prayers. Finally he foretold the destruction of the city, and gave up his soul to God in prayer.


In France, near Montpellier, in the province of Narbonne, the death of blessed Roch, confessor, who by the sing of the cross, delivered many cities of Italy from an epidemic. His body was afterwards transferred to Venice, and deposited with the greatest honours in the church dedicated under his invocation.


At Rome, St. Serena, who had been the wife of Emperor 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 August 16:


CHAPTER LXI
Of Stranger Monks, how they are to be received (cont.)


But if during that time he was found burdensome or prone to vice, not only must he not be admitted among the brethren, but he must even be courteously bidden to depart, lest others should be corrupted by his evil living. If, however, he is not such as to deserve to be sent away, let him not merely on his own asking be received and admitted into the community, but even be persuaded to remain, that the others may be taught by his example: because in every place we serve one God, and fight under one King. And if the Abbot perceive him to be a man of this kind, he may put him in a somewhat higher place. It shall be in the Abbot's power to assign not only to a simple monk, but also to any of the aforesaid priests or clerics, a higher place than that due to them by their entrance into the Monastery, if he see that their lives are such as to deserve it. But let the Abbot take care never to receive a monk from any known monastery, without his own Abbot's consent, and letters of recommendation; as it is written: "What thou wilt not have done to thyself, do not thou to another."


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


The Octave of St. Lawrence, martyr.


St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August.


At Carthage in Africa, the holy martyrs Liberatus, abbot, Boniface, a deacon, Servus and Rusticus, subdeacons, Rogatus and Septimus, monks, and Maximus, a young child. In the persecution of the Vandals, under King Hunneric, they were subjected to various and unheard-of torments for the confession of the Catholic faith and the defence of one baptism. Finally, being nailed to the wood with which they were to be burned, as the fire was always miraculously extinguished whenever kindled, they were struck with iron bars by order of the tyrant until their brains were dashed out. Thus they ended the glorious series of their combats, and were crowned by our Lord.


In Achaia, St. Myron, priest and martyr, who was beheaded at Cyzicum after undergoing many torments, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Antipater.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of St. Mamas, martyr, the son of Saints Theodotus and Rufina, martyrs, who, from childhood to old age, endured a long martyrdom, and at length ended it happily in the reign of Aurelian, under the governor Alexander. He has been highly praised by the holy Fathers Basil and Gregory Nazianzen.


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Straton, Philip, and Eutychian, who were condemned to the beasts, but being uninjured by them, ended their martyrdom by fire.


At Ptolemais in Palestine, the holy martyrs Paul and his sister Juliana, virgin, who suffered under Aurelian. They were both punished with various cruel torments and were finally beheaded for their constancy in confessing the name of Christ.


At Rome, Pope St. Eusebius.


At Teramo, St. Anastasius, bishop and confessor.


At Montefalco in Umbria, St. Clare, a nun of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, virgin. In her flesh were renewed the mysteries of the Lord's passion, which the faithful honour with great devotion. Pope Leo XIII solemnly inscribed her in the list of the 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 August 17:


CHAPTER LXII
Of the Priests of the Monastery


If any Abbot desire to have a priest or deacon ordained for his Monastery, let him choose from among his monks one who is worthy to fulfil the priestly office. And let him that is ordained beware of arrogance and pride, and presume to do nothing that is not commanded him by the Abbot, knowing that he is now all the more subject to regular discipline. Let him not, by reason of his priesthood, become forgetful of the obedience and discipline of the Rule, but advance ever more and more in godliness. Let him always keep the place due to him according to his entrance into the Monastery, except with regard to his office at the altar, or unless the choice of the community and the will of the Abbot should raise him to a higher place for the merit of his life. Nevertheless, let him know that he must observe the rules prescribed by the deans or Prior. Should he presume to do otherwise, he shall be judged, not as a priest, but as a rebel; and if after frequent warning he do not correct himself, let recourse be had to the intervention of the Bishop.* If even then he will not amend, and his guilt is clearly shewn, let him be cast forth from the Monastery, provided his contumacy be such that he will not submit nor obey the Rule.


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


At Palestrina, the birthday of the holy martyr Agapitus. Although only fifteen years of age, because he was fervent in the love of Christ, he was arrested by order of Emperor Aurelian, and scourged for a long time. Afterwards, under the prefect Antiochus, he endured more severe torments, and being delivered to the lions by the emperor's order without receiving any injury, he was finally struck with the sword, and thus merited his crown.


At Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian, the blessed John and Crispus, priests, who charitably buried the bodies of many saints; afterwards becoming partakers of their merits, they deserved the joys of eternal life.


In the same city, the holy martyrs Hermas, Serapion, and Polyaenus. Being dragged through narrow, stony, and rough places, they yielded up their souls to God.


In Illyria, the holy martyrs Florus and Laurus, stonecutters, who, after the martyrdom of Proculus and Maximus, their employers, were subjected to many torments under the governor Licion, and plunged into a deep well.


At Myra in Lycia, the holy martyrs Leo and Juliana.


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


At Rome, on the Via Lavicana, St. Helena, mother of the religious emperor Constantine the Great, who was the first to set the example to other princes of protecting and extending the Church.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 18:


CHAPTER LXIII
Of the Order of the Community


Let everyone keep that place in the Monastery, which the time of his entering religion, the merit of his life, or the appointment of the Abbot shall determine. And let not the Abbot disquiet the flock committed to him, nor by an undue use of his authority ordain anything unjustly; but let him ever bear in mind that he will have to give an account to God of all his judgments and all his deeds. Therefore in that order which they hold, or which he shall have appointed, let the brethren receive the kiss of peace, approach to Communion, intone the Psalms, and stand in choir. And in no place whatsoever let age decide the order, or be prejudicial to it; for Samuel and Daniel, when but children, judged the elders. Excepting, therefore, those whom (as we have said) the Abbot hath promoted with some special object, or for distinct reasons hath degraded, let all the rest stand in the order of their coming to religion; so that, for example, he who entered the Monastery at the second hour of the day must know that he is lower than he who came at the first hour, whatever may be his age or dignity. The children are to be kept under discipline at all times and by every one.


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


At Caen in France, St. John Eudes, apostolic missionary, founder of the Congregation of Priests of Jesus and Mary and of the Order of Nuns of our Lady of Charity, and the promoter of the liturgical cult towards the most sacred Hearts of Christ and his Mother. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI.


At Rome, St. Julius, senator and martyr, who was delivered up to the judge Vitellius, and thrown into prison by him. By order of Emperor Commodus, he was beaten with rods until he expired. His body was buried in the cemetery of Caleposius on the Aurelian Way.


At Anagni, St. Magnus, bishop and martyr, who was put to death in the persecution of Decius.


In Cilicia, the birthday of St. Andrew, tribune, and his military companions, who were converted to Christianity through a miraculous victory they had gained over the Persians. Being accused on this account, they were massacred in the Mount Taurus pass, by the army of the governor Seleucus, under Emperor Maximian.


In Palestine, St. Timothy, a martyr in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Urbanus. After overcoming many torments, he was consumed with a slow fire. In the same country there suffered also Thecla and Agapius. The former, being exposed to the beasts, was torn to pieces by their teeth, and went to her Spouse; but Agapius, after enduring many torments, was reserved for greater trials.


At Rome, St. Sixtus III, pope and confessor.


In Provence, at the village of Brignoles, the death of St. Louis, bishop of Toulouse, of the Order of Friars Minor, renowned for holiness of life and miracles. His body was taken to Marseilles, and buried with due honours in the Church of the Friars Minor, but afterwards it was taken to Valencia in Spain, and enshrined in the cathedral.


In the neighbourhood of Sisteron in France, blessed Donatus, priest and confessor. Being from his very infancy endowed with the grace of God in an extraordinary manner, he lived the life of an anchoret for many years, and after having been renowned for glorious miracles, went to Christ.


In the territory of Bourges, St. Marianus, confessor, whose virtues and miracles were described with great praise by St. Gregory, bishop of Tours.


At Mantua, St. Rufina, confessor.


At Nuremburg, St. Sebald, hermit, noted for his virtues and miracles. Pope Martin V added his name to the list 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 August 19:


CHAPTER LXIII
Of the Order of the Community (cont.)


Let the younger brethren, then, reverence their elders, and the elder love the younger. In calling each other by name, let none address another by his simple name; but let the elders call the younger brethren Brothers, and the younger call their elders Fathers,* by which is implied the reverence due to a father. But let the Abbot, since he is considered to represent the person of Christ, be called Lord and Abbot, not that he hath taken it upon himself, but out of reverence and love for Christ. Let him be mindful of this, and shew himself to be worthy of such an honour. Wherever the brethren meet one another, let the younger ask a blessing from the elder. And when the elder passeth by, let the younger rise, and give place to him to sit down; nor let the younger presume to sit with him, unless the elder bid him, that it may come to pass as it is written: "In honour preferring one another." Let young children and boys take their places in the Oratory, or at table, with all due discipline. In other places also, wherever they may be, let them be under proper care and discipline, until they come to the age of understanding.


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


In the territory of Langres, the death of St. Bernard, first abbot of Clairvaux, illustrious for virtues, learning, and miracles. He was declared and confirmed doctor of the Universal Church by the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VIII.


At Rome, the death of St. Pius X, pope and confessor, who championed the integrity of the faith and the liberty of the Church, and was renowned for his religious zeal. His feastday is celebrated on the 3rd of September.


On Mount Senario in Tuscany, the birthday of St. Manetto, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who died as he was repeating a hymn to her. His feast, with that of his companions, is kept on the 12th of February.


In Judea, the holy prophet Samuel, whose holy relics (as is related by St. Jerome) were taken to Constantinople by Emperor Arcadius, and deposited near Septimum.


In Cyprus, St. Lucius, senator, who was converted to the faith on seeing the constancy of Theodore, bishop of Cyrene, during his martyrdom. He also converted the governor Dignian, with whom he set out for Cyprus, where, seeing other Christians crowned for the confession of the Lord, he offered himself voluntarily, and merited the same crown of martyrdom by beheading.


In Thrace, in the time of the governor Apellian, thirty-seven holy martyrs, who had their hands and feet cut off for the faith of Christ, and were cast into a burning furnace.


Also, the holy martyrs Severus, and the centurion Memnon, who, suffering the same kind of death, went victoriously to heaven.


At Cordova, during the persecution of the Arabs, the holy martyrs Leovigild and Christopher, monks, who were thrust into prison for the defence of the Christian faith, and soon after, being beheaded and cast into the fire, thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.


In the island of Hermoutier, St. Philibert, abbot.


At Rome, blessed Porphyry, a man of God, who instructed the holy martyr Agapitus in the faith and doctrine of Christ.


At Chinon, St. Maximus, confessor, disciple of the blessed bishop Martin.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 20:




CHAPTER LXIV
Of the Appointment of the Abbot




In the appointing of an Abbot, let this principle always be observed, that he be made Abbot whom all the brethren with one consent in the fear of God, or even a small part of the community with more wholesome counsel, shall elect. Let him who is to be appointed be chosen for the merit of his life and the wisdom of his doctrine, even though he should be the last in order in the community. But if all the brethren with one accord (which God forbid) should elect a man willing to acquiesce in their evil habits, and these in some way come to the knowledge of the Bishop to whose diocese that place belongs, or of the Abbots or neighbouring Christians, let them not suffer the consent of these wicked men to prevail, but appoint a worthy steward over the house of God, knowing that for this they shall receive a good reward, if they do it with a pure intention and for the love of God, as, on the other hand, they will sin if they neglect it.




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




The festival of St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, foundress of the Order of Nuns of the Visitation of St. Mary, whose birthday is commemorated on the 13th of December.




At Rome, in the Agro Verano, St. Cyriaca, widow and martyr. In the persecution of Valerian, after devoting herself and all her goods in the service of the saints, she gave up her life by suffering martyrdom for Christ.




In Gevaudan, St. Privatus, bishop and martyr, who suffered in the persecution of Valerian and Gallienus.




At Salona in Dalmatia, St. Anastasius, a law officer, who was converted to the faith by seeing the fortitude with which blessed Agapitus bore his torments, and being put to death by order of Emperor Aurelian for confessing the name of Christ, went to our Lord, a martyr.




In Sardinia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Luxorius, Cisellus, and Camerinus, who were put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Delphius.




On the same day, the holy martyrs Bononus and Maximian.




At Fundi in Campania, St. Paternus, a martyr, who came from Alexandria to Rome to visit the tomb of the apostles. Thence he retired to the neighbourhood of Fundi, where, being seized by the tribune while he was burying the bodies of the martyrs, he died in captivity.




At Edessa in Syria, during the persecution of Maximian, the holy martyrs Bassa, and her sons Theogonius, Agapius, and Fidelis, whom their pious mother exhorted to martyrdom and sent before her bearing their crowns. Being herself beheaded, she joyfully followed them and shared their victory.




At Verona, St. Euprepius, bishop and confessor.




Also, St. Quadratus, bishop.




In Auvergne in France, St. Sidonius, bishop, noted for learning and holiness.




At Siena in Tuscany, blessed Bernard Ptolemy, abbot and founder of the Congregation of Olivetans.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 21:




CHAPTER LXIV
Of the Appointment of the Abbot (cont.)




Let him that hath been appointed Abbot always bear in mind what a burden he hath received, and to Whom he will have to give an account of his stewardship; and let him know that it beseemeth him more to profit his brethren than to preside over them. He must, therefore, be learned in the Law of God, that he may know whence to bring forth new things and old: he must be chaste, sober, merciful, ever preferring mercy to justice, that he himself may obtain mercy. Let him hate sin, and love the brethren. And even in his corrections, let him act with prudence, and not go too far, lest while he seeketh too eagerly to scrape off the rust, the vessel be broken. Let him keep his own frailty ever before his eyes, and remember that the bruised reed must not be broken. And by this we do not mean that he should suffer vices to grow up; but that prudently and with charity he should cut them off, in the way he shall see best for each, as we have already said; and let him study rather to be loved than feared. Let him not be violent nor over anxious, not exacting nor obstinate, not jealous nor prone to suspicion, or else he will never be at rest. In all his commands, whether concerning spiritual or temporal matters, let him be prudent and considerate. In the works which he imposeth, let him be discreet and moderate, bearing in mind the discretion of holy Jacob, when he said "If I cause my flocks to be overdriven, they will all perish in one day." Taking, then, the testimonies, borne by these and the like words, to discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper all things, that the strong may have something to strive after, and the weak nothing at which to take alarm. And, especially, let him observe this present Rule in all things; so that, having faithfully fulfilled his stewardship, he may hear from the Lord what that good servant heard, who gave wheat to his fellow-servants in due season: "Amen, I say unto you, over all his goods shall he place him."




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




The Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.




Feast of the Immaculate Heart of the same Blessed Virgin Mary.




At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the birthday of the holy martyr Timothy. After he had been arrested by Tarquin, prefect of the city, and kept for a long time in prison, because he refused to sacrifice to idols, he was scourged three times, subjected to the most severe torments, and finally beheaded.




At Porto, St. Hippolytus, bishop, most renowned for learning. Having gloriously confessed the faith, in the time of Emperor Alexander, he was bound hand and foot, thrown into a deep ditch filled with water, and thus received the palm of martyrdom. His body was buried by the Christians at that place.




At Autun, St. Symphorian, a martyr, in the time of Emperor Aurelian. Refusing to offer sacrifice to the idols, he was first scourged, then confined to prison, and finally ended his martyrdom by being beheaded.




At Todi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Philip Beniti, confessor, of Florence. He was a zealous promoter of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was a man of great humility. He was canonized by Pope Clement X; his feast, however, is observed on the day following




At Rome, St. Antoninus, martyr, who, openly declaring himself a Christian, was condemned to capital punishment by the judge Vitellius, and buried on the Aurelian Way.




At Tarsus in Cilicia, the commemoration of Saints Athanasius, bishop and martyr, Anthusa, a noble woman he had baptized , and two of her servants, Charisius and Neophytus, martyrs who suffered under the Emperor Valerian.




At Porto, the holy martyrs Martial, Saturninus, Epictetus, Maprilis, and Felix, with their companions.




At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Agathonicus, Zoticus, and their fellow-martyrs, under Emperor Maximian and the governor Eutholomius.




At Rheims in France, the holy martyrs Maur and his companions.




In Spain, the holy martyrs Fabrician and Philibert.




At Pavia, St. Gunifort, martyr.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

I am going to post the readings for today and tomorrow now and resume this on a regular basis.


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


CHAPTER XLI
At What Times the Brethren Should Take Their Refection


From Holy Easter until Pentecost let the brethren dine at the sixth hour, and sup in the evening. But from Pentecost throughout the summer (unless they have to work in the fields, or are harrassed by excessive heat) let them fast on Wednesdays and Fridays until the ninth hour, but on other days dine at the sixth. Should they have field labour, or should the heat of the summer be very great, they must always take their dinner at the sixth hour. Let the Abbot provide for this, and let him so arrange and dispose all things, that souls may be saved, and that the brethren may do what they have to do without just cause for murmuring. From the fourteenth of September until the beginning of Lent let them always dine at the ninth hour; and during Lent, until Easter, in the evening. And let the hour of the evening meal be so ordered that they have no need of a lamp while eating, but let all be over while it is yet daylight. At all times, whether of dinner or supper, let the hour be so arranged that everything be done by daylight.


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


St. Felix of Valois, priest and confessor, who founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, and who fell asleep in the Lord on the 4th of November.


In Persia, the martyrdom of St. Nersas, bishop, and his companions.


At Messina in Sicily, the holy martyrs Ampelus and Caius.


At Turin, the holy martyrs Octavius, Solutor, and Adventor, soldiers of the Theban Legion, who fought valiantly for the faith under Emperor Maximian and who were crowned with martyrdom.


At Caesarea in Palestine, in the time of Emperor Galerius Maximian, the holy martyr Agapius, who was condemned to be devoured by the beasts; but being unhurt by them, he was cast into the sea with stones tied to his feet.


At Silistria in Rumania, St. Dasius, bishop, who, for refusing to consent to the unholy rites of the Saturnalia, was put to death under the governor Bassus.


At Nicaea in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Eustace, Thespesius, and Anatolius, in the persecution of Maximinus.


At Heraclea in Thrace, the holy martyrs Bassus, Denis, Agapitus, and forty others.


In England, St. Edmund, king and martyr.


At Constantinople, St. Gregory of Decapolis, who suffered many things for the veneration of sacred images.


At Milan, St. Benignus, bishop, who, amid great troubles caused by the barbarians, governed the Church entrusted to him with greatest constancy and piety.


At Chalons in France, St. Sylvester, bishop, who went to God in the forty-second year of his priesthood, full of days and virtues.


At Verona, St. Simplicius, bishop and confessor.


At Hildesheim in Saxony, St. Bernard, bishop and confessor, who was numbered among the saints by Pope Celestine III.


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 November 20:


CHAPTER XLII
That no one may speak after Compline


Monks should love silence at all times, but especially during the hours of the night. Therefore, on all days, whether of fasting or otherwise, let them sit down all together as soon as they have risen from supper (if it be not a fast-day) and let one of them read the Conferences [of Cassian], or the lives of the Fathers, or some thing else which may edify the hearers. Not, however, Heptateuch, nor the Books of Kings for it will not profit those of weak understanding to hear those parts of Scripture at that hour *: they may, however, be read at other times. If it be a fast-day, then a short time after Vespers let them assemble for the reading of the Conferences, as we have said; four or five pages being read, or as much as time alloweth, so that during the reading all may gather together, even those who may have been occupied in some work enjoined them. Everyone, then, being assembled, let them say Compline; and when that is finished, let none be allowed to speak to any one. And if any one be found to evade this rule of silence, let him be subjected to severe punishment; unless the presence of guests should make it necessary, or the Abbot should chance to give any command. Yet, even then, let it be done with the utmost gravity and moderation.


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


In the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.


Also, the birthday of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.


At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.


At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberty of the Church.


At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.


In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius, and Stephen.


In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and were cast into the sea.


At Rome, Pope St. Gelasius, distinguished for learning and sanctity.


At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.


In the monastery of Bobbio, the death of St. Columban, abbot who founded many monasteries and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.


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 November 21:


CHAPTER XLIII
Of those who come late to the Work of God, or to table


At the hour of Divine Office, as soon as the signal is heard, let every one, leaving whatever he had in hand, hasten to the Oratory with all speed, and yet with seriousness, so that no occasion he given for levity.


Let nothing, then, be preferred to the Work of God. And should any one come to the Night-Office after the Gloria of the ninety-fourth Psalm (which for this reason we wish to be said very slowly and protractedly), let him not stand in his order in the choir, but last of all, or in the place set apart by the Abbot for the negligent, so that he may be seen by him and by all, until, the work of God being ended, he have made satisfaction by public penance. The reason why we have judged it fitting for them to stand in the last place, or apart, is that, being seen of all, they may amend for very shame. For, if they were to remain outside the Oratory, some one perchance would return to his place and go to sleep, or at all events would sit down outside, and give himself to idle talk, and thus an occasion would be given to the evil one. Let him therefore enter, that he may not lose the whole, and may amend for the future. At the day Hours, let him who cometh to the Work of God after the Verse,* and the Gloria of the first Psalm which followeth it, stand in the last place, as ordered above, and not presume to join with the choir in the Divine Office, until he hath made satisfaction: unless perchance the Abbot shall permit him so to do, on condition, however, that he afterwards do penance.


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


St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, who on the 16th of September, purpled with her own blood, departed to her heavenly Spouse.


At Colossae in Phrygia, during the reign of Nero, Saints Philemon and Apphias, disciples of St. Paul. When the heathen rushed into the church on the feast of Diana, they were arrested and the rest of the Christians fled. By command of the governor Artocles they were scourged, enclosed up to their waists in a pit, then overwhelmed with stones.


At Rome, St. Maur, martyr. He came from Africa to visit the tombs of the apostles, and suffered martyrdom there under Celerinus, prefect of the city in the reign of Emperor Numerian.


At Antioch in Pisidia, the martyrdom of the Saints Mark and Stephen, under Emperor Diocletian.


At Autun, St. Pragmatius, 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 November 22:


CHAPTER XLIII
Of those who come late to the Work of God, or to table (cont.)


If any one, through his own negligence and fault, come not to table before the Verse, so that all may say this and the prayer together, and together sit down to table, let him be once or twice corrected. If after this he do not amend, let him not be admitted to share in the common table, but be separated from the companionship of all, and eat alone, his portion of wine being taken from him, until he hath made satisfaction and amends. Let him be punished in like manner, who is not present also at the Verse which is said after meals. And let no one presume to take food or drink before or after the appointed hour: but should a brother be offered anything by the Superior, and refuse to take it, if he afterwards desire either what he before refused, or anything else, he shall receive nothing whatever, until he hath made proper satisfaction.


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


The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter. In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom. During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built and named for him.


At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons. After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus.


At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian.


At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate. After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning.


At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop.


In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor. Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.


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 November 23:


CHAPTER XLIV
Of those who are excommunicated, how they are to make satisfaction


Let him, who for graver offences is excommunicated from the Oratory and the table, prostrate himself at the door of the Oratory, saying nothing, at the hour when the Work of God is being performed: lying prone, with his face upon the ground, at the feet of all who go out from the Oratory. Let him continue to do this until the Abbot judge that he hath made satisfaction: and then, coming at the Abbot's bidding, let him cast himself at his feet and at the feet of all, that they may pray for him. After this, if the Abbot so order, let him be received back into the choir, in such a place as he shalt appoint: yet so, that he presume not to intone Psalm or lesson, or anything else, in the Oratory, unless the Abbot again command him. And at all the Hours, when the Work of God is ended, let him cast himself on the ground, in the place where he standeth, and so make satisfaction, until such time as the Abbot bid him cease therefrom. But let those, who for lighter faults are excommunicated only from the table, make satisfaction in the Oratory so long as the Abbot shall command, and continue so doing until he bless them and say it is enough.


But let those who are excommunicated for lighter faults from the table only make satisfaction in the oratory, as long as the Abbot commandeth, and let them perform this until he giveth his blessing and saith, "It is enough."


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


St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and doctor of the Church, companion of St. Teresa in the reform of Carmel, and whose birthday is the 14th of December.


Also, the birthday of St. Chrysogonus, martyr. After a long imprisonment in chains for the constant confession of Christ, he was ordered by Diocletian to be taken to Aquileia, where he completed his martyrdom by being beheaded and thrown into the sea.


At Rome, St. Crescentian, martyr, whose name is mentioned in the Acts of blessed Pope Marcellus.


At Corinth, St. Alexander, martyr, who fought unto death for the faith of Christ, under Julian the Apostate and the governor Sallust.


At Perugia, St. Felicissimus, martyr.


At Amelia in Umbria, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Firmina, virgin and martyr. After being subjected to various torments, to hanging, and to burning with flaming torches, she yielded up her spirit.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy virgins and martyrs Flora and Mary, who after a long imprisonment were slain with the sword in the Arab persecution.


At Milan, St. Protase, bishop, who defended the cause of Athanasius before Emperor Constans in the Council of Sardica. Having sustained many labours for the church entrusted to him and for religion, he departed this life to go to the Lord.


In the territory of Auvergne, St. Portian, an abbot who was renowned for miracles in the time of King Theodoric. His name was given to the monastery that he had governed and also the town which was later built there.


In the town of Blaye in France, St. Romanus, priest, whose holiness is proclaimed by glorious 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 November 24:


CHAPTER XLV
Of those who make mistakes in the Oratory


If any one make a mistake in the recitation of Psalm, responsory, antiphon, or lesson, and do not humble himself by making satisfaction there before all, let him be subjected to severer punishment, as one who would not correct by humility what he did wrong through negligence. But children for such faults are to be whipt.*


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


At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus. For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off. Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians.


At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian. He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius.


At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel. Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven.


In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, 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 November 25:


CHAPTER XLVI
Of those who offend in any other matters


If any one, while at work in the kitchen or the cellar, in serving the brethren, in the bakehouse or the garden, or at any other occupation or in any place whatever, commit any fault, or break or lose anything, or transgress in any other way, and do not come immediately before the Abbot and community, and of himself confess and make satisfaction for his fault; if it is made known by another, he shall be subjected to more severe correction. If, however, the guilt of his offence be hidden in his own soul, let him manifest it to the Abbot only, or to his spiritual seniors, who know how to heal their own wounds, and will not disclose or publish those of others.


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


At Fabriano in Piceno, St. Sylvester, abbot, founder of the Congregation of Sylvestrine monks.


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Peter, bishop of that city, graced with every virtue, who was beheaded by command of Galerius Maximian.


There suffered also at Alexandria in the same persecution the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Didius, and Ammonius; likewise four bishops of Egypt, Phileas, Hesychius, Pachomius, and Theodore, with others numbering six hundred and sixty, whom the sword of persecution sent to heaven.


In the village of Fracta, St. Bellinus, bishop of Padua and martyr. The noble defender of the rights of the Church was cruelly attacked by assassins, inflicting many wounds upon him, and then slaying him.


At Nicomedia, in the time of Constantius, St. Marcellus, a priest, who died a martyr by being hurled from a rock by the Arians.


At Rome, St. Siricius, pope and confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety, and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning ecclesiastical discipline.


At Autun, St. Amator, bishop.


At Constance in Germany, St. Conrad, bishop.


At Rome, St. Leonard of Port Maurice, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. He was remarkable for his zeal for souls and his holy expeditions throughout Italy. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX, and Pope Pius XI chose and appointed him the heavenly patron of priests to the preaching of missions to the people.


In the district of Rheims, the birthday of St. Basolus, confessor.


At Adrianople in Paphlagonia, St. Stylian, anchoret, renowned for miracles.


In Armenia, St. Nicon, monk.


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