RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

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

CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said

First of all let this verse be said: ?O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me,? and the Gloria, followed by the hymn proper to each Hour. At Prime on Sunday four parts of the hundred and eighteenth Psalm are to be said. At the other Hours, that is, Tierce, Sext and None, let three parts of the same Psalm be said. At Prime on Monday let three Psalms be said, namely, the first, second and sixth and so in the same way every day until Sunday let three Psalms be said at Prime in order, up to the nineteenth; the ninth and seventeenth, however, being divided into two Glorias. It will thus come about that at the Night-Office on Sunday we shall always begin with the twentieth Psalm.

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

The Vigil of St. John Baptist.

At Rome, in the reign of Julian the Apostate, St. John, a priest who was beheaded on the old Salarian Way before an idol of the sun. His body was buried near those of other martyrs by the blessed priest Concordius.

Also at Rome, St. Agrippina, virgin and martyr, under the emperor Valerian. Her body was taken to Sicily, where it works many miracles.

At Sutri in Tuscany, St. Felix, priest. By the command of the prefect Turcius, he was struck on the mouth with a stone until he breathed no more.

At Nicomedia, in the time of Diocletian, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who concealed themselves in mountains and caverns, but joyfully underwent martyrdom for the name of Christ.

At Philadelphia in Arabia, the holy martyrs Zeno and his slave Zenas. When the latter kissed the chains of his master, begging to be a partner in his torments, he was arrested by the soldiers, and received the crown of martyrdom with him.

At Turin, St. Joseph Cafasso, priest, renowned for his piety and learning, and for his work with prisoners, reconciling to God those who were preparing for execution. He was added to the number of the Saints by Pope Pius XII.

In England, in the monastery of Ely, St. Etheldreda, queen and virgin, who departed for heaven with a great renown for sanctity and miracles. Her body was found without corruption eleven years afterwards.

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 June 23:


CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said (cont.)


At Tierce, Sext and None on Monday are to be said the nine remaining parts of the hundred and eighteenth Psalm, three parts at each Hour. This Psalm having thus been said through in two days, that is, Sunday and Monday, let the nine Psalms from the hundred and nineteenth to the hundred and twenty-seventh be said on Tuesday at Tierce, Sext and None - three at each Hour. And these Psalms are to be repeated at the same Hours every day until Sunday; the arrangement, moreover, of hymns, lessons and versicles remaining the same throughout, so as always to begin on Sunday from the hundred and eighteenth Psalm.


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


The Nativity of St. John Baptist, precursor of our Lord, son of Zachary and Elizabeth, who, while yet in the womb of his mother, was filled with the Holy Ghost.


At Rome, in the time of Nero, the commemoration of many holy martyrs. Being falsely accused of having set fire to the city, they were cruelly put to death in various manners by the emperor's order. Some were covered with the skins of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, other were fastened to crosses, others again were delivered to the flames to serve as torches in the night. All these were disciples of the apostles, and the first fruits of the martyrs which the Roman Church, a field so fertile in martyrs, offered to God even before the death of the Apostles.


In the same city, the holy martyrs Faustus and twenty-three others.


At Mechlin in Brabant, the passion of St. Rumold, bishop of Dublin and martyr. He had been the son of the king of the Scots.


At Satalis in Armenia, seven saintly brothers, all martyrs: Orentius, Heros, Pharnacius, Firminus, Firmus, Cyriacus and Longinus, who owe their martyrdom to Emperor Maximian. Because they were Christians, they were deprived of the military belt by his command, then separated from one another, hurried away to different places, and in the midst of painful trials found their repose in the Lord.


In the diocese of Paris, at Creteil, the martyrdom of the Saints Agoard and Aglibert, with a great multitude of others of both sexes.


At Autun, the death of St. Simplicius, bishop and confessor.


At Lobbes in Belgium, St. Theodulphus, 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 June 24:


CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said (cont.)


Vespers are to be sung every day with four Psalms. And let these begin from the hundred and ninth, and go on to the hundred and forty-seventh, omitting those of their number that are set apart for other Hours - that is, from the hundred and seventeenth to the hundred and twenty-seventh, the hundred and thirty-third, and the hundred and forty-second. All the rest are to be said at Vespers. And as there are three Psalms wanting, let those of the aforesaid number which are somewhat long be divided, namely the hundred and thirty-eighth, the hundred and forty-third, and the hundred and forty-fourth. But let the hundred and sixteenth, as it is short, be joined to the hundred and fifteenth. The order of the Psalms at Vespers being thus disposed, let the rest, that is, the lessons, responses, hymns, verses and canticles, be said as already laid down. At Compline the same Psalms are to be repeated every day: namely the fourth, ninetieth, and hundred and thirty-third.


At Complin, however, let the same psalms be repeated every day; namely, the 4th, the 90th, and the 133d.


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


In the territory of Guletto near Nusco, St. William, confessor, founder of the hermits of Monte Vergine.


At Beraea, the birthday of St. Sosipater, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul.


At Rome, St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, with twenty-two others.


At Alexandria, St. Gallicanus, exconsul and martyr who had been honoured with a triumph, and was held in affection by the emperor Constantine. Converted by Saints John and Paul, he withdrew to Ostia with St. Hilarinus, and consecrated himself entirely to the duties of hospitality and to the service of the sick. The report of such an event spread throughout the whole world, and from all sides many people came to see a man who had been a senator and consul now washing the feet of the poor, preparing their table, serving them, carefully waiting on the infirm, and exercising other works of mercy. Driven from this place by Julian the Apostate, he repaired to Alexandria, where, for refusing to sacrifice to idols, at the command of the judge Raucian, he was put to the sword, and thus became a martyr of Christ.


At Sibapolis in Syria, under the governor Silenus, in the persecution of Diocletian, St. Febronia, virgin and martyr. She was scourged and racked for defending her faith and her chastity, then torn with iron combs and exposed to fire. Finally her teeth were broken out, her breasts and feet cut away, and she was condemned to capital punishment, going to her Spouse adorned with sufferings as with so many jewels.


At Reggio, St. Prosper of Aquitaine, bishop of that city, distinguished by his learning and piety. He valiantly combated the Pelagians in defence of the Catholic faith.


At Turin, the birthday of St. Maximus, bishop and confessor, most celebrated for his sanctity and scholarship.


In Holland, St. Adalbert, confessor, disciple of St. Willibrord, 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 June 25:


CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said (cont.)


The order of psalmody for the Day-Hours being now arranged, let all the remaining 25 Psalms be equally distributed among the seven Night- Offices, dividing the longer Psalms among them, and assigning twelve to each night. Above all, we recommend that if this arrangement of the Psalms be displeasing to anyone, he should, if he think fit, order it otherwise; taking care in any case that the whole Psalter of a hundred and fifty Psalms be recited every week, and always begun afresh at the Night-Office on Sunday. For those monks would shew themselves very slothful in the divine service who said in the course of a week less than the entire Psalter, with the usual canticles; since we read that our holy fathers resolutely performed in a single day what I pray we tepid monks may achieve in a whole week.


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


At Rome on Mt. Ceolius, the holy martyrs John and Paul, brothers. The former was steward, the other secretary of the virgin Constantia, daughter of Emperor Constantine. Afterwards, under Julian the Apostate, they received the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Trent, St. Vigilius, bishop, who, while he endeavoured to root out the remains of idolatry, was overwhelmed with a shower of stones by cruel and barbarous men, and thus endured martyrdom for the name of Christ.


At Valenciennes, they holy martyrs Salvius, bishop of Angoulême, and Superius.


At Cordova in Spain, under the Saracen king Abderaliman, the birthday of St. Pelagius, a young man who gloriously completed his martyrdom for the faith by having his flesh torn to pieces with iron pincers.


At Belley in France, St. Anthelmus, prior of the Grande Chartreuse, who became bishop of that city.


In the country of Poitiers, St. Maxentius, priest and confessor, renowned for miracles.


At Thessalonica, St. David, hermit.


The same day, St. Perseveranda, 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 June 26:


CHAPTER XIX
Of the Discipline of saying the Divine Office


We believe that the Divine presence is everywhere, and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the evil in every place. Especially should we believe this, without any doubt, when we are assisting at the Work of God. Let us, then, ever remember what the prophet saith: "Serve the Lord in fear"; and again, "Sing ye wisely" and, "In the sight of the angels I will sing praises unto Thee." Therefore let us consider how we ought to behave ourselves in the presence of God and of His angels, and so assist at the Divine Office, that our mind and our voice may accord together.


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


In Galatia, St. Crescens, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul. In passing through Gaul he converted many to the Christian faith by his preaching. Returning to the people for whom he had been especially made bishop, he confirmed the Galatians in the service of the Lord to the end of his life. He finally completed his martyrdom under Trajan.


At Cordova in Spain, St. Zoilus and nineteen other martyrs.


At Caesarea in Palestine, in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Urban, St. Anectus, martyr. For having exhorted others to suffer martyrdom, and having overthrown idols by his prayers, he was scourged by ten soldiers, had his hands and feet cut off, and merited the crown of martydom by beheading.


At Constantinople, St. Sampson, a priest, who harboured the poor.


In the town of Chinon in France, St. John, priest and confessor.


At Grosswardein in Hungary, the holy king Ladislaus, greatly renowned for his miracles even to this day.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for June 27


CHAPTER XX
Of Reverence at Prayer


If, when we wish to make any request to men in power, we presume not to do so  except with humility and reverence; how much more ought we with all lowliness and purity of devotion to offer our supplications to the Lord God of all things? And let us remember that not for our much speaking, but for our purity of heart and tears of compunction shall we be heard. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, except it be perchance prolonged by the inspiration of Divine Grace. But let prayer made in common always be short: and at the signal given by the Superior, let all rise together.


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


For 2019 The Feast of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.


The vigil of the holy apostles Peter and Paul.


At Lyons in France, St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr. St. Jerome relates that he was the disciple of blessed Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and lived near the time of the apostles. After having strenuously opposed the heretics by word and by writing, he was crowned with a glorious martyrdom along with almost all the people of his city, during the persecution of Severus.


At Utrecht, St. Benignus, bishop and martyr.


At Alexandria, in the persecution of Severus, the holy martyrs Plutarch, Serenus, Heraclides, catechumen, Heron, a neophyte, another Serenus, Rhais, a catechumen, Potamioena and Marcella her mother. Among them the virgin Potamioena is particularly distinguished. She first endured many painful trials for the preservation of her virginity, and then cruel and unheard-of torments for the faith, after which both she and her mother were consumed with fire.


Also during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Papius, martyr, who was scourged with knotted cords, cast into a cauldron of seething oil and grease, and after other horrible torments was beheaded, and thus won an eternal crown.


At Cordova in Spain, St. Argymirus, monk and martyr, who was slain for the faith of Christ during the persecution of the Arabs.


At Rome, Pope St. Paul I, confessor.


At Lovere, in the diocese of Bergamo, St. Vincenza Gerosa, virgin, who co-founded the Institute of the Sisters of Charity with St. Bartolomea Capitanio, and whom Pope Pius XII added to the list of holy virgins.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for June 28:


CHAPTER XXI
Of the Deans of the Monastery


Should the community be large, let there be chosen from it certain brethren of good repute and holy life, and appointed Deans. Let them carefully direct their deaneries in all things according to the commandments of God and the will of their Abbot. And let such men be chosen Deans as the Abbot may safely trust to share his burdens: let them not be chosen according to order, but for the merit of their lives and for their wisdom and learning. And should any one of them, being puffed up with pride, be found worthy of blame, and after being thrice corrected, refuse to amend, let him be deposed, and one who is worthy be put in his place. And we order the same to be done with regard to the Prior.


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


At Rome, the birthday of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered martyrdom on the same day, under Emperor Nero. Within the city the former was crucified with his head downwards, and buried in the Vatican, near the Triumphal Way, where he is venerated by the whole world. The latter was put to the sword and buried on the Ostian Way, where he received similar honours.


In Cypus, St. Mary, mother of John, surnamed Mark.


At Argenton in France, St. Marcellus, martyr, who was beheaded for the faith of Christ together with the soldier Anastasius.


At Genoa, the birthday of St. Syrius, bishop.


At Narni, St. Cassius, bishop of that city. St. Gregory relates that he permitted scarcely any day of his life to pass without offering the Victim of propitiation to Almighty God. It was in character with his life for he distributed in alms all he possessed, and his devotion was such that abundant tears flowed from his eyes during the holy Sacrifice. At last, coming to Rome on the birthday of the apostles, as was his yearly custom, after having solemnly celebrated Mass and given the Lord's Body and the kiss of peace to all, he departed for heaven.


In the territory of Sens, St. Benedicta, 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 June 29:


CHAPTER XXII
How the Monks are to sleep


Let them sleep each one in a separate bed, receiving bedding suitable to their manner of life, as the Abbot shall appoint. If possible, let all sleep in one place: but if the number do not permit of this, let them repose by tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a candle burn constantly in the cell until morning. Let them sleep clothed, and girded with belts or cords - but not with knives at their sides, lest perchance they wound themselves in their sleep - and thus be always ready, so that when the signal is given they may rise without delay, and hasten each to forestall the other in going to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and modesty. Let not the younger brethren have their beds by themselves, but among those of the seniors. And when they rise for the Work of God, let them gently encourage one another, because of the excuses of the drowsy.


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


The commemoration of the holy apostle Paul.


At Rome, St. Lucina, a disciple of the apostles, who relieved the necessities of the saints with her goods, visited the Christians detained in prison, buried the martyrs, and was laid by their side in a crypt which she herself had constructed.


In the same city, St. Aemiliana, martyr.


The same day, the saints Caius, priest, and Leo, subdeacon.


At Alexandria, the passion of St. Basilides, under Emperor Severus. He protected the saintly virgin Potamioena from the insults of shameless men when he was leading her to execution. He was rewarded for his considerate action, for at the end of three days she appeared to him, placed a crown on his head, not only converting him to Christ, but by her prayers making him, after a short combat, a glorious martyr.


At Limoges in France, St. Martial, bishop, and two priests Alpinian and Austriclinian, whose lives were distinguished for miracles.


In the territory of Vivers, St. Ostian, priest and confessor.


At Salanica, in the district of Vicenza, St. Theobald, priest and hermit, one of the counts of Champagne. He was added to the number of the saints by Alexander III because of his holiness and miracles.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for June 30:


CHAPTER XXIII
Of Excommunication for Offences


If any brother shall be found contumacious, or disobedient, or proud, or a murmurer, or in any way transgressing the Holy Rule, and contemning the orders of his seniors; let him, according to our Lord's commandment, be once or twice privately admonished by his elders. If he do not amend, let him be rebuked in public before all. But if even then he do not correct himself, let him be subjected to excommunication, provided that he understand the nature of the punishment. Should he, however, prove incorrigible, let him undergo corporal chastisement.


Martyrology-July 1st
Roman Martyrology-July 1st- on this date in various years-


The Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.


The feast of the most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.


On Mt. Hor, the death of St. Aaron, the first priest of the Levitical order.


At Vienne in France, St. Martin, a bishop who was a disciple of the apostles.


At Sinuessa in Campania the holy martyrs Castus and Secundinus, bishops.


In England, the holy martyrs Julius and Aaron, who suffered after St. Alban in the persecution of Diocletian. In the same country a great number were tortured at that time in different ways and barbarously lacerated, ended their combat, and attained to the joys of the heavenly city.


In Auvergne in France, St. Gall, bishop.


In the diocese of Lyons, the death of St. Domitian, abbot, who was first to lead the life of a monk in that district. After having called together many servants of God to that place, and having gained great renown for virtues and miracles, he was summoned to his fathers at an advanced age.


At Angouleme, St. Eparchius, abbot.


In the diocese of Rheims, St. Theodoric, priest and disciple of the blessed Bishop Remigius.


At Emesa, St. Simeon, surnamed Salus, confessor. He had feigned to be an idiot for the sake of Christ, but God manifested his high wisdom by great 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 July 1:


CHAPTER XXIV
What the measure of excommunication should be


The measure of excommunication or chastisement should be meted out according to the gravity of the offence, the estimation of which shall be left to the judgment of the Abbot. If any brother be found guilty of lighter faults, let him be excluded from the common table. And this shall be the rule for one so deprived: he shall intone neither Psalm nor antiphon in the Oratory, nor shall he read a lesson, until he have made satisfaction. Let him take his meals alone, after those of the brethren so that if, for example, the brethren eat at the sixth hour, let him eat at the ninth: if they eat at the ninth, let him eat in the evening, until by proper satisfaction he obtain pardon.


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


The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.


At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, the birthday of the holy martyrs Processus and Martinian, who were baptized by the blessed apostle Peter in the Mamertine Prison. After being struck on the mouth, racked, scourged with knotted ropes and whips strung with pieces of metal; after being beaten with rods and exposed to the flames, they were beheaded in the days of Nero, thus obtaining the crown of martyrdom.


Also at Rome, three holy soldiers, who were converted to Christ by the martyrdom of the blessed apostle Paul, and with him merited to be made partakers of the heavenly glory.


The same day, the holy martyrs Ariston, Crescentian, Eutychian, Urbanus, Vitalis, Justus, Felicissimus, Felix, Marcia, and Symphorosa, all of whom were crowned with martyrdom when the persecution of Emperor Diocletian was raging.


At Winchester in England, St. Swithin, bishop, whose sanctity was verified by the gift of miracles.


At Bamberg, the holy bishop Otho, who preached the Gospel to the people of Pomerania, and converted them to the faith.


At Lecce in Apulia, St. Bernardino Realino, confessor, who after practising the legal profession as a judge, entered the Society of Jesus, was ordained to the priesthood, and was renowned for his charity and miracles.


At Tours, the death of St. Monegundes, a pious woman.


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 July 2:


CHAPTER XXV
Of Graver Faults


Let that brother who is found guilty of a more grievous offence be excluded both  from the table and from the Oratory, and let none of the brethren consort with him or speak to him. Let him be alone at the work enjoined him, and continue in penance and sorrow, remembering that dreadful sentence of the Apostle, "That such a one is delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." Let him take his portion of food alone, in the measure and at the time that the Abbot shall think best for him. Let none of those who pass by bless him, nor the food that is given him.


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


At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Leo II, confessor, who passed to heaven filled with merits during the first year of his pontificate.


At Chiusi in Tuscany, in the reign of Emperor Aurelian, the holy martyrs Irenaeus, a deacon, and Mustiola, a matron, who were subjected to various atrocious tortures and merited the crown of martyrdom.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Trypho and twelve others.


At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Eulogius and his companions.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Hyacinth, chamberlain of the emperor Trajan. Accused of being a Christian, he was scourged and thrown into prison where he died of hunger.


The same day, the holy martyrs Mark and Mucian, who were put to the sword for Christ. A small boy who cried out to them not to sacrifice to idols was then whipped, but confessing Christ still more vehemently, he was put to death with a man named Paul, who had also exhorted the martyrs.


At Laodicea in Syria, St. Anatolius, a bishop whose writings were admired not only by religious men, but by philosophers.


At Altino, St. Heliodorus, a bishop distinguished for holiness and learning.


At Ravenna, St. Dathus, bishop and confessor.


At Edessa in Mesopotamia, the translation of the apostle St. Thomas from India. His relics were afterwards taken to Ortona.


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 July 3:


CHAPTER XXVI
Of those who, without leave of the Abbot, consort with the Excommunicate


If any brother presume without the Abbot's leave to hold any intercourse whatever with an excommunicated brother, or to speak with him, or to send him a message, let him incur the same punishment of excommunication.


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


At Estremos in Portugal, the birthday of St. Elizabeth the Widow, queen of Portugal, whom Pope Urban VIII, mindful of her virtues and miracles, placed among the number of the saints. Pope Innocent XII ordered her feast to be kept on the 8th of July.


The holy prophets Osee and Aggaeus.


In the diocese of Bourges, St. Laurian, bishop of Seville and martyr, whose head was taken to Seville in Spain.


In Africa, the birthday of St. Jucundian, a martyr who was drowned in the sea for Christ.


At Sirmium, Saints Innocent and Sebastia, with thirty other martyrs.


At Madaurus in Africa, the martyr Namphanion and his companions, whom he strengthened for the combat and led to the crown of martyrdom.


At Cyrene in Libya, the holy bishop Theodore. In the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Dignian, he was scourged with leaded whips and had his tongue cut out. Finally, however, he died a confessor.


At Augsburg in Germany, St. Uldaric, a bishop illustrious for extraordinary abstinence, liberality, vigilance, and the gift of miracles.


At Tours in France, the translation of St. Martin, bishop and confessor, and the dedication of his basilica, consecrated on the same day that he had been raised to the episcopate some years previously.


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 July 4:


CHAPTER XXVII
How careful the Abbot should be of the Excommunicate


Let the Abbot shew all care and solicitude towards the offending brethren, for "they that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." To which end he ought, as a wise physician, to use every means in his power, sending some brethren of mature years and wisdom,* who may, as it were secretly, console the wavering brother, and induce him to make humble satisfaction. Let them comfort him, that he be not overwhelmed by excess of sorrow; but as the Apostle saith, "Let charity be strengthened towards him," and let all pray for him. For the Abbot is bound to use the greatest care, and to strive with all possible prudence and zeal, not to lose any one of the sheep committed to him. He must know that he hath undertaken the charge of weakly souls, and not a tyranny over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the prophet, through whom God saith: "What ye saw to be fat that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased ye cast away." Let him imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety and nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek one which had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such compassion that He vouchsafed to lay it on His own sacred shoulders and so bring it back to the flock.


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


At Cremona in Italy, St. Anthony-Mary Zacharias, confessor, founder of the Clerks Regular of St. Paul and also of the Angelic Virgins. Distinguished for all the virtues and for miracles, he was placed among the saints by Pope Leo XIII. His body is venerated in the Church of St. Barnabas at Milan.


At Rome, St. Zoe, martyr, wife of the blessed martyr Nicostratus. While praying at the tomb of the apostle St. Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors, cast into a dark dungeon, then hanged on a tree by her neck and hair, and suffocated by a loathsome smoke, finally yielding up her soul in the confession of the Lord.


At Jerusalem, St. Athanasius, a deacon, who was apprehended by the heretics for defending the Council of Chalcedon, and after experiencing all kinds of torments, was finally put to the sword.


In Syria, the birthday of St. Domitius, martyr, who confers many favours on the people of that country by his miracles.


In Sicily, the holy martyrs Agatho and Triphina.


At Tomis in Scythia, the holy martyrs Marinus, Theodotus, and Sedopha.


At Cyrene in Libya, St. Cyrilla, martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian. She held burning coals with incense on her hand for a long time, lest by shaking off the coals she should seem to offer incense to the idols. She was afterwards cruelly scourged, and went to her Spouse adorned with her own blood.


At Treves, St. Numerian, bishop and confessor.


At San Severino in Piceno, St. Philomena, 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 July 5:


CHAPTER XXVIII
Of those who, being often corrected, do not amend


If any brother who has been frequently corrected for some fault, or even excommunicated, do not amend let a more severe chastisement be applied: that is, let the punishment of stripes be administered to him. But if even then he do not correct himself, or perchance (which God forbid), puffed up with pride, even wish to defend his deeds: then let the Abbot act like a wise physician. If he hath applied fomentations and the unction of his admonitions, the medicine of the Holy Scriptures, and the last remedy of excommunication or corporal chastisement, and if he see that his labours are of no avail, let him add what is still more powerful - his own prayers and those of all the brethren for him, that God, Who is all-powerful, may work the cure of the sick brother. But if he be not healed even by this means, then at length let the Abbot use the sword of separation, as the Apostle saith: "Put away the evil one from you." And again: "If the faithless one depart, let him depart," lest one diseased sheep should taint the whole flock.


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


The Octave of the holy apostles Peter and Paul.


In Jerusalem, the holy prophet Isaias. During the reign of King Manasses he was put to death by being sawn in two and was buried beneath the oak of Rogel, near a running stream.


At Fiesole in Tuscany, St. Romulus, bishop and martyr, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who commissioned him to preach the Gospel. After announcing Christ in many parts of Italy, he returned to Fiesole, and was crowned with martyrdom along with other Christians in the reign of Domitian.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Tranquillinus, martyr, father of Saints Mark and Marcellianus, who had been converted to Christ by the preaching of the martyr St. Sebastian. Baptized by the blessed priest Polycarp, he was ordained priest by Pope St. Caius. As he prayed at the tomb of blessed Paul on the octave of the apostles, he was arrested and stoned to death by the pagans, and thus completed his martyrdom.


At London in England, on Tower Hill, St. Thomas More, chancellor of the entire realm, who was beheaded by order of King Henry VIII for the defence of the Catholic faith and the primacy of blessed Peter.


In Campania, St. Dominica, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Diocletian. For having destroyed idols, she was condemned to the beasts, but being left uninjured by them, she was beheaded and departed for heaven. Her body is kept with great veneration at Tropea in Calabria.


The same day, St. Lucia, martyr, a native of Campania. Being arrested and severely tortured by the lieutenant-governor Rictiovarus, she converted him to Christ. To them were added Antoninus, Severinus, Diodorus, Dion, and seventeen others who shared their sufferings and their crowns.


At Nettuno in Lazio, St. Maria Goretti, a most devout young girl, who was savagely murdered for the defence of her virginity, and whom Pope Pius XII solemnly added to the catalogue of holy martyrs.


In the vicinity of Treves, St. Goar, priest 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 July 6:


CHAPTER XXIX
Whether the Brethren who leave the Monastery are to be received again


If any brother who through his own fault departeth or is cast out of the Monastery, be willing to return, let him first undertake to amend entirely the fault for which he went away; and then let him be received back into the lowest place, that thus his humility may be tried. Should he again depart, let him be taken back until the third time: knowing that after this all return will be denied to him.


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


The holy bishops Cyril and Methodius, whose respective birthdays are on the 14th of February and the 6th of April.


At Rome, the holy martyrs Claudius, a notary, Nicostratus, an assistant prefect, Castorius, Victorinus, and Symphorian, who had been brought to the faith of Christ by St. Sebastian, and baptized by the blessed priest Polycarp. While they were engaged in searching for the bodies of the holy martyrs, the judge Fabian had them arrested, and for ten days he tried to shake their constancy by threats and flatteries, but being utterly unable to succeed, he ordered them to be thrice tortured, then thrown into the sea.


At Durazzo in Macedonia, the holy martyrs Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius, Papius, Saturninus, and Germanus, all natives of Italy. In the persecution of Trajan they took refuge in the town of Durazzo where they saw the saintly bishop Astius hanging on a cross for the faith of Christ. They then publicly declared themselves to be Christians, when, by order of the governor, they were arrested and cast into the sea.


At Brescia, St. Apollonius, bishop and confessor.


At Eichstadt in Germany, St. Willibald, the first bishop of that city. He was the son of St. Richard, king of England, and brother of St. Walburga, virgin. He laboured with St. Boniface in preaching the Gospel and converted many nations to Christ.


In Auvergne, St. Illidius, bishop.


At Urgal in Spain, St. Odo, bishop.


In England, St. Hedda, bishop of the West Saxons.


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Pantaenus, a man of apostolic manner, filled with wisdom. He had such an affection and love for the word of God, and was so inflamed with the ardour of faith and devotion, that he set out to preach the Gospel of Christ to the nations living in the farthest districts of the East. Returning at last to Alexandria, he rested in peace, in the time of Antoninus Caracalla.


At Faremoutier, in the neighbourhood of Meaux, St. Ethelburga, virgin, daughter of the English king.


At Perugia, blessed Pope Benedict XI, a native of Treviso, of the Order of Preachers, who in the brief space of his pontificate greatly promoted the peace of the Church, the restoration of discipline, and the spread of religion.


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