RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 13:


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


Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let not one be loved more than another, unless he be found to excel in good works or in obedience. Let not one of noble birth be put before him that was formerly a slave, unless some other reasonable cause exist for it. But if upon just consideration it should so seem good to the Abbot, let him arrange as he please concerning the place of any one whomsoever; but, otherwise, let them keep their own places; because, whether bond or free, we are all one in Christ, and bear an equal rank in the service of one Lord, “For with God there is no respecting of persons.” Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight, if we be found to surpass others in good works and in humility. Let the Abbot, then, shew equal love to all, and let the same discipline be imposed upon all according to their deserts.


Martyrology-May 14th
Roman Martyrology-May 14th- on this date in various years-



At Tarsus in Cilicia, the birthday of the holy martyr Boniface, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian. His body was subsequently taken to Rome and buried on the Via Latina.


In France, St. Pontius, martyr. Having by his preaching and his zeal converted to the faith of Christ the two Caesars Philippi, he obtained the palm of martyrdom under the emperors Valerian and Gallienus.


In Syria, the holy martyrs Victor and Corona, under Emperor Antoninus. Victor was subjected to diverse and horrible torments by the judge Sebastian. Just then, as Corona, the the wife of a certain soldier, proclaimed him blessed for his constancy in his sufferings, she saw two crowns falling from heaven, one for Victor, the other for herself. She related this to all present, and was torn to pieces between two trees, while Victor was beheaded.


In Sardinia, the holy martyrs Justa, Justina, and Henedina.


At Ferentino in Tuscany, Bishop St. Boniface, who was renowned for sanctity and miracles from his childhood as is told by the blessed Pope Gregory.


In the town of Betharram in the diocese of Bayonne, St. Michael Garricoits, confessor, and founder of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, renowned for his apostolic fervour. Pope Pius XII added him to the roll of saints.


At Nizza Monferrato in Italy, St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello, co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and renowned for her humility, prudence and charity. She was added to the book of Virgins by Pope Pius XII.


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


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


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


For the Abbot in his doctrine ought always to observe the bidding of the Apostle, wherein he says: “Reprove, entreat, rebuke”; mingling, as occasions may require, gentleness with severity; shewing now the rigour of a master, now the loving affection of a father, so as sternly to rebuke the undisciplined and restless, and to exhort the obedient, mild, and patient to advance in virtue. And such as are negligent and haughty we charge him to reprove and correct. Let him not shut his eyes to the faults of offenders; but as soon as they appear, let him strive with all his might to root them out, remembering the fate of Heli, the priest of Silo. Those of good disposition and understanding let him, for the first or second time, correct only with words; but such as are froward and hard of heart, and proud, or disobedient, let him chastise with bodily stripes at the very first offence, knowing that it is written: “The fool is not corrected with words.” And again “Strike thy son with the rod, and thou shalt deliver his soul from death.”


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




St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor, who founded the Society of Brothers of the Christian Schools. He went to rest in the Lord on the 7th of April.


In Spain, the Saints Torquatus, Ctesiphon, Secundus, Indaletius, Cecilius, Hesychius, and Euphrasius, who were consecrated bishops at Rome by the holy apostles, and sent to Spain to preach the word of God. When they had evangelized various cities, and brought innumerable multitudes under the yoke of Christ, they rested in peace in different places in that country: Torquatus at Cadiz, Ctesiphon at Vierco, Secundus at Avila, Indaletius at Portilla, Cecilius at Elvira, Hesychius at Gibraltar, and Euphrasius at Anduxar.


At Fausina in Sardinia, in the time of Diocletian and the governor Barbarus, Bishop St. Simplicius, who was pierced with a lance and thus gained martyrdom.


At Evora in Portugal, St. Mancius, martyr.


In the island of Chio, the birthday of blessed Isidore, martyr, in whose church is a well into which he is said to have been thrown. By drinking of the water of this well, the sick are frequently cured.


At Lampascum in the Hellespont, the martyrdom of the Saints Peter, Andrew, Paul, and Dionysia.


In the Auvergne in France, the holy martyrs Cassius, Victorinus, Maximus, and their companions.


At Gheel in Brabant, St. Dympna, virgin and martyr, daughter of the king of Ireland. By order of her father, she was beheaded for the faith of Christ and the preservation of her virginity.


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 15:

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

At Gubbio, St. Ubaldus, bishop and confessor renowned for his miracles.

At Auxerre, the passion of St. Peregrinus, first bishop of that city. He was sent into France with other clerics by the blessed Pope Sixtus II, and having accomplished his work of preaching the Gospel, he was condemned to capital punishment, and merited for himself an everlasting crown.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Audas, a bishop, seven priests, nine deacons and seven virgins, who endured various kins of torments under King Isdegerdes, and thus gloriously completed their martyrdom.

At Prague in Bohemia, St. John Nepomucene, a canon of the cathedral church, who, being tempted in vain to betray the secret of confession, was cast into the River Moldau, and thus won the palm of martyrdom.

In Isauria, the birthday of the holy martyrs Aquilinus and Victorian.

At Uzalis in Africa, the holy martyrs Felix and Gennadius.

In Palestine, the martyrdom of the holy monks massacred by the Saracens in the monastery of St. Sabbas.

At Janow, near Pinsk in Lithuania, St. Andrew Bobola, priest of the Society of Jesus, who having suffered many kinds of torments at the hands of the schismatics, was crowned with an illustrious martyrdom.

At Amiens in France, St. Honoratus, bishop.

At Le Mans in France, St. Domnolus, bishop.

At Mirandola in Aemilia, St. Possidius, bishop of Calamae, and disciple of St. Augustine, of whose glorious life he wrote a history.

In the monastery of Enachduin in Ireland, the death of St. Brendan, abbot of Clonfert.

At Treves in France, St. Fidolus, confessor.

At Frejus in France, St. Maxima, virgin, who died in peace with a reputation for many virtues.

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


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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 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-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]

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


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


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


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
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-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.


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


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-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
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-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]

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


CHAPTER IV
What are 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-May 23rd
Roman Martyrology-May 23rd- on this date in various years-


Reminder that for 2022 the Rogation Days and lesser litanies are this week.
 
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 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-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.


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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 24:


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-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.


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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 25:


CHAPTER VI
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-May 26th
Roman Martyrology-May 26th- on this date in various years-


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  Jesů 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.


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Remember this year May 26 is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.


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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 26:


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-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.


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