RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

Started by OmniaInstaurareInChristo, May 01, 2013, 08:27:53 PM

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OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 9:


CHAPTER LVI
Of the Abbot's Table


Let the table of the Abbot be always with the guests and strangers. But as often as there are few guests, it shall be in his power to invite any of the brethren. Let him take care, however, always to leave one or two seniors with the brethren for the sake of discipline.


Martyrology-December 10th
Roman Martyrology-December 10th-on this date in various years-


St. Melchiades, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of January.


At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Paul the Apostle. The yearly commemoration of this Dedication, together with that of St. Peter, prince of the apostles, is observed on the 18th of November.


Also, the holy martyrs Carpophorus, a priest, and Abundius, a deacon, in the persecution of Diocletian. They were first cruelly beaten with rods, then imprisoned and denied food and drink; being placed on the rack a second time and again thrown into prison, they were finally beheaded.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.


At Lentini in Sicily, the holy martyrs Mercurius and his soldier companions, who were slain by the sword under the governor Tertyllus, in the reign of Emperor Licinius.


At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Gemellus, martyr, who, after severe torments, fulfilled his martyrdom by being crucified in the time of Julian the Apostate.


At Merida in Spain, in the time of Maximian, the martyrdom of the holy virgin Eulalia, who at twelve years of age suffered many torments for the confession of Christ by order of the governor Dacian. She was stretched on the rack, torn with iron claws, had her sides burned with flaming torches, and swallowing the fire she expired.


Also, in the same city, St. Julia, virgin and martyr, the companion of the blessed Eulalia, who would not be separated from her when the latter went to suffer.


At Rome, Pope St. Gregory III, who departed for heaven renowned for his sanctity and good works.


At Vienne in France, St. Sindulph, bishop and confessor.


At Brescia, St. Deusdedit, bishop.


At Loretto in Piceno, the Translation of the Holy House of Mary the Mother of God, wherein the Word was made flesh. Pope Benedict XV declared the same Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Loretto, to be the chief Patroness before God of all airmen.


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


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OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 10:


CHAPTER LVII
Of the Artificers of the Monastery


Should there be artificers in the Monastery, let them work at their crafts in all humility, if the Abbot give permission. But if any of them be puffed up by reason of his knowledge of his craft, in that he seemeth to confer some benefit on the Monastery, let such a one be taken from it, and not exercise it again, unless, perchance, when he hath humbled himself, the Abbot bid him work at it anew. And if any of the work of the artificers is to be sold, let those by whom the business is done see that they defraud not the Monastery. Let them ever be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest perchance, they, and all who deal fraudulently with the goods of the Monastery, should suffer in their souls the death which these incurred in the body. But with regard to the prices of such things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let them always be sold a little cheaper than by men in the world, that God may be glorified in all things.


Martyrology-December 11th
Roman Martyrology-December 11th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, St. Damasus, pope and confessor, who condemned the heresiarch Apollinaris, and restored to his See Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who had been driven from it. He also discovered the bodies of many holy martyrs and composed verses in their honour.


Also at Rome, St. Thrason. He was arrested by order of Maximian for supporting with his goods the Christians who laboured in the baths and at other public works, and those confined in jail. He was crowned with martyrdom with two others, Pontian and prætextatus.


At Amiens in France, the holy martyrs Victoricus and Fuscian, under the same emperor. By order of Governor Rictiovarus, they had iron pins driven into their ears and nostrils, heated nails into their temples, and arrows into their bodies and their eyes torn out. They were beheaded with St. Gentian, their guest, and they passed to the Lord.


In Persia, St. Barbabas, martyr.


In Spain, St. Eutychius, martyr.


At Piacenza, St. Sabinus, bishop, renowned for miracles.


At Constantinople, St. Daniel Stylites.


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


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OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 11:


CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Discipline of receiving Brethren into Religion


To him that newly cometh to change his life, let not an easy entrance be granted, but, as the Apostle saith, "Try the spirits if they be of God." If, therefore, he that cometh persevere in knocking, and after four or five days seem patiently to endure the wrongs done to him and the difficulty made about his coming in, and to persist in his petition, let entrance be granted him, and let him be in the guest-house for a few days. Afterwards let him go into the Novitiate, where he is to meditate and study, to take his meals and to sleep. Let a senior, one who is skilled in gaining souls, be appointed over him to watch him with the utmost care, and to see whether he is truly seeking God, and is fervent in the Work of God, in obedience and in humiliations. Let all the hard and rugged paths by which we walk towards God be set before him. And if he promise steadfastly to persevere, after the lapse of two months let this Rule be read through to him, with these words: "Behold the law, under which thou desirest to fight. If thou canst observe it, enter in; if thou canst not, freely depart." If he still stand firm, let him be taken back to the aforesaid cell of the Novices, and again tried with all patience. And, after a space of six months, let the Rule be again read to him, that he may know unto what he cometh. Should he still persevere, after four months let the same Rule be read to him once more. And if, having well considered within himself, he promise to keep it in all things, and to observe everything that is commanded him, then let him be received into the community, knowing that he is now bound by the law of the Rule, so that from that day forward he cannot depart from the Monastery, nor shake from off his neck the yoke of the Rule, which after such prolonged deliberation he was free either to refuse or to accept.


Martyrology-December 12th
Roman Martyrology-December 12th-on this date in various years-


At Alexandria, in the time of Decius, the holy martyrs Epimachus and Alexander, who were kept in chains a long time and subjected to various torments, but as they persevered in the faith, they were finally consumed by fire. The feast of St. Epimachus together with that of St. Gordian the martyr is observed on the 10th of May.


At Rome, the holy martyr Synesius, who was ordained lector in the time of blessed Pope Sixtus. Having converted many to Christ, he was accused before Emperor Aurelian, and being put to the sword, received the crown of martyrdom.


On the same day, the holy martyrs Hermogenes, Donatus, and twenty-two others.


At Treves, the holy martyrs Maxentius, Constantius, Crescentius, Justinus, and their companions, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus.


At Alexandria, the holy women Ammonaria, virgin, Mercuria, Dionysia, and another Ammonaria. The first named, after having triumphed over unheard-of kinds of torments, in the persecution of Decius, ended her blessed life by beheading. As to the three others, the judge, being ashamed to be overcome by women, and fearing that by resorting to tortures he would be vanquished by their constancy, ordered them to be beheaded immediately.


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 December 12:


CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Discipline of receiving Brethren into Religion (cont.)


Let him who is to be received make before all, in the Oratory, a promise of STABILITY, CONVERSION OF LIFE, and OBEDIENCE, in the presence of God and of His saints, so that, if he should ever act otherwise, he may know that he will be condemned by Him Whom he mocketh. Let him draw up this promise in writing, in the name of the saints whose relics are in the altar, and of the Abbot there present. And let him write it with his own hand; or at least, if he knoweth not how, let another write it at his request, and let the Novice put his mark to it, and place it with his own hand upon the altar. When he hath done this, let the Novice himself immediately begin this verse: "Uphold me, O Lord, according to Thy Word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation." And this verse let the whole community thrice repeat, adding thereto Gloria Patri. Then let the newly-received brother cast himself at the feet of all, that they may pray for him, and from that day let him be counted as one of the community. Whatever property he hath let him first bestow upon the poor, or by a solemn deed of gift make over to the Monastery, keeping nothing of it all for himself, as knowing that from that day forward he will have no power even over his own body. Forthwith, therefore, in the Oratory, let him be stripped of his own garments, wherewith he is clad, and be clothed in those of the Monastery. And let the garments that are taken from him be laid by and kept in the wardrobe; so that if ever, by the persuasion of the devil, he consent (which God forbid) to leave the Monastery, he may be stripped of the monastic habit and cast forth. But the form of his profession, which the Abbot took from the altar, shall not be given back to him, but be kept in the Monastery.


Martyrology-December 13th
Roman Martyrology-December 13th-on this date in various years-


At Syracuse in Sicily, the birthday of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian. By order of the proconsul Paschasius, she was delivered to profligates, that her chastity might be insulted by the people; but when they attempted to lead her away they were not able to move her, either with ropes or by means of many yoke of oxen. Then having hot pitch, resin, and burning oil applied to her body without being injured, she finally had a sword driven through her throat, and thus completed her martyrdom.


At Moulins in France, the birthday of St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, widow, foundress of the Nuns of the Visitation of St. Mary, distinguished by the nobility of her birth, by the holiness she constantly displayed in four different states of life, and by the gift of miracles. She was placed among the saints by Clement XIII. Her holy body was taken to Annecy in Savoy and buried with great pomp in the first church of her order. by order of Clement XIV, her feast is kept by the whole Church on the 21st of August.


In Armenia, the martyrdom of the holy martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes, in the persecution of Diocletian. Eustratius was the first subjected alone to barbarous torments under Lysias. Then he was conducted to Sebaste, where he was tortured together with Orestes under the governor Agricolaus, and being cast into a furnace, yielded up his soul; but Orestes being laid on a bed of heated iron, rendered his soul unto God. The others were made to endure most grievous torments among the Arabraci, under the governor Lysias, and fulfilled their martyrdom in different ways. Their relics were afterwards carried to Rome and placed with due honours in the church of St. Apollinaris.


At Sardinia, in the island of Sulci, the martyrdom of St. Antiochus, under Emperor Hadrian.


At Cambrai in France, St. Aubert, bishop and confessor.


In the parts of Ponthieu in France, St. Judoc, priest and confessor.


In the territory of Strasbourg, St. Otilie, virgin.


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 December 13:


CHAPTER LIX
Of the Sons of Nobles or of Poor Men that are offered


If any nobleman shall perchance offer his son to God in the Monastery, let the parents, should the boy be still in infancy, make for him the written promise as aforesaid; and together with the oblation* let them wrap that promise and the hand of the child in the altar-cloth and so offer him up. With respect to his property, they must in the same document promise under oath that they will never either themselves, or through any one else, or in any way whatever, give him anything, or the means of having anything. Or else, if they are unwilling to do this, and desire to offer something as an alms to the Monastery, for their own advantage, let them make a donation of whatever they please to the Monastery, reserving to themselves, if they will, the income thereof during their life. Thus let all possibility of expectation be excluded whereby the child might be deceived and so perish (which God forbid), as we have learnt by experience may happen. Let those who are poorer do in like manner. But those who have nothing whatever may simply make the promise in writing, and, with the oblation, offer their son before witnesses.




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


At Ubeda in Spain, the birthday of St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and the companion of St. Teresa in the reform of the Carmelites. Pope Benedict XIII placed him on the list of the saints, and Pope Pius XI declared him a doctor of the universal Church. His feast, however, is observed on the 24th of November.


At Rheims in France, holy Bishop Nicasius, his sister, the virgin Eutropia, and their companions, martyrs, who were put to death by barbarians hostile to the Church.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Heron, Arsenius, Isidore, and the boy Dioscorus. In the persecution of Decius, the first three were subjected to all the refinements of cruelty by the judge, who, seeing them displaying the same constancy, ordered that they should be cast into the fire. But Dioscorus, after repeated scourgings, was set free by the intervention of Providence to the great consolation of the faithful.


At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Drusus, Zosimus, and Theodore.


On the same day, the martyrdom of Saints Justus and Abundius, who were cast into the flames in the time of Emperor Numerian and the governor Olybrius, but escaping all injury, they were smitten with the sword.


In the island of Cyprus, the birthday of blessed Spiridion, bishop. He was one of those confessors who were condemned by Galerius Maximian to labour in the mines, after suffering the loss of his right eye and cutting of the sinews of his left knee. This prelate was renowned for the gift of prophecy and glorious miracles, and in the Council of Nicea he confounded a heathen philosopher, who had insulted the Christian religion, and brought him to the faith.


At Bergamo, St. Viator, bishop and confessor.


At Pavia, St. Pompey, bishop.


At Naples in Campania, St. Agnellus, abbot. Illustrious for the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the city besieged by enemies.


At Milan, St. Matronian, hermit.


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


The Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


At Rome, the holy martyrs Irenaeus, Anthony, Theodore, Saturninus, Victor, and seventeen others who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Valerian.


In Africa, the martyrdom of Saints Faustinus, Lucius, Candidus, Cælian, Mark, Januarius, and Fortunatus.


In the same country, the holy bishop Valerian, who, being upwards of eighty years of age, in the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian king Genseric, was asked to deliver the vessels of the Church, and as he constantly refused, an order was issued to drive him all alone out of the city, and all persons were forbidden to allow him to stay in their houses or on their land. For a long time he remained lying on the public road, in the open air, and thus in the confession and defence of Catholic truth he ended his blessed life.


In the territory of Orleans, St. Maximin, confessor.


Among the Iberians across the Euxine Sea, St. Christiana, a maidservant, who by virtue of her miracles led that people to the faith of Christ, in the time of Constantine.


At Vercelli, the ordination of St. Eusebius, bishop and martyr.


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 December 15:


CHAPTER LXI
How Stranger Monks 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-December 16th
Roman Martyrology-December 16th-on this date in various years-


St. Eusebius, bishop of Vercelli and martyr. His birthday is commemorated on the 1st of August and his ordination on the 15th of December.


The three young men, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, whose bodies are buried in a cave near Babylon.


At Ravenna, the holy martyrs Valentine, an officer of the army, Concordius, his son, Navalis, and Agricola, who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Maximian.


At Mola di Gaeta in Campania, St. Albina, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius.


In Africa, many holy virgins who reached a happy end of their martyrdom in the persecution of the Vandals under the Arian king Hunneric by having heavy weights tied to them and burning plates of metal applied to their bodies.


At Vienne in France, blessed Ado, bishop and confessor.


In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop.


At Gaza in Palestine, St. Irenion, 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 December 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-December 17th
Roman Martyrology-December 17th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the birthday of St. John of Matha, priest and confessor, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captivesk, whose feast, by decree of Pope Innocent XI, is observed on the 8th of February.


At Marseilles in France, blessed Lazarus, brother of the Saints Mary Magdalene and Martha, of whom we read in the Gospel that our Lord called him his friend and raised him from the dead.


At Eleutheropolis, the holy martyrs Florian, Calanicus, and their fifty-eight companions, who were slain by the Saracens because of the faith of Christ, during the reign of Emperor Haraclius.


In the monastery of Fulda, the holy abbot Sturmius, apostle of Saxony, who was ranked among the saints by Innocent II, in the second Lateran Council.


At Bigarden, near Brussels, St. Wivina, virgin, whose eminent sanctity is attested to by frequent miracles.


At Constantinople, St. Olympias, widow.


At Andenne, at the Seven Churches, blessed Begga, widow, the sister of St. Gertrude.


Also, the translation of St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr, who, the third after the blessed Apostle Peter, governed the Church of Antioch. His body was taken from Rome, where he had suffered martyrdom under Trajan on the 20th of December, and deposited in the church cemetery near the Gate of Daphne at Antioch. St. John Chrysostom, on that solemn occasion, preached the sermon to the people. Afterwards his relics were carried back to Rome and placed with the highest reverence in the church of St. Clement, together with the body of that blessed pope and martyr.


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


At Philippi in Macedonia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Rufus and Zosimus, who were of the number of disciples by whom the primitive church was founded among the Jews and the Greeks. Their happy martyrdom is mentioned by St. Polycarp in his Epistle to the Philippians.


At Laodicea in Syria, the martyrdom of the Saints Theotimus and Basilian.


In Africa, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Simplicius, and others who suffered in the persecution of Decius and Valerian.


In the same country, St. Moses, martyr.


Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Victurus, Victor, Victorinus, Adjutor, Quartus, and thirty others.


At Mopsuestia in Cilicia, St. Auxentius, bishop, who, being at first a soldier under Licinius, preferred to surrender his military insignia rather than offer grapes to Bacchus. Having been made a bishop, he was renowned for his merit, and died in peace.


At Tours in France, St. Gratian, appointed first bishop of that city by Pope St. Fabian. Celebrated for many miracles, he calmly went to his repose in the Lord.


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


In Morocco, St. Timothy, deacon, who after severe imprisonment for the sake of Christ was cast into the fire and achieved martyrdom.


At Alexandria in Egypt, blessed Nemesius, martyr, who first was denounced before the judge as a robber, and being freed from that charge, soon after, in the persecution of Decius, was accused before the judge Emilian of being a Christian. He was twice subjected to torture and condemned to be burned alive with robbers, thus bearing a resemblance to our Saviour, who was crucified with thieves.


At Nicaea, the Saints Darius, Zosimus, Paul, and Secundus, martyrs.


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Cyriac, Paulillus, Secundus, Anastasius, Sindimius, and their companions.


At Gaza in Palestine, the martyrdom of Saints Meuris and Thea.


At Rome, the death of Pope St. Anastasius I, a man who was rich in his poverty and filled with apostolic zeal. St. Jerome says that Rome did not deserve to possess him long, lest the capital of the world should be devastated under so fine a bishop, for shortly after his death Rome was taken and sacked by the Goths.
Antisiodori sancti Gregorii, Episcopi et Confessoris. At Auxerre, St. Gregory, bishop and confessor.


At Orleans in France, St. Adjutus, abbot, famous for the spirit of prophecy.


At Rome, St. Fausta, mother of St. Anastasia, renowned for her noble birth and her holiness.


At Avignon, blessed Urban V, who deserved well of the Church by restoring the Apostolic See to Rome, by bringing about a reunion of the Latins and the Greeks, and by suppressing heretics. Pius IX approved and confirmed the veneration which had long been paid to him.


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


The Vigil of St. Thomas, Apostle.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Zephyrinus, pope and martyr. His feast is celebrated on the 26th of August.


In the same city, the martyrdom of St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr. He was the third after St. Peter the Apostle to rule the church of Antioch, and in the persecution of Trajan was condemned to the beasts. By order of Trajan he was sent to Rome in fetters, and there tortured and afflicted with the most cruel torments in the midst of the assembled Senate. Finally he was cast to the lions, and being ground by their teeth became a sacrifice for Christ. His feast is observed on the 1st of February.


At Rome, the holy martyrs Liberatus and Bajulus.


In Arabia, the holy martyrs Eugene and Macarius, priests. For reproving Julian the Apostate for his impiety, they received severe stripes, were banished to a vast desert, and finally were put to the sword.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Ammon, Zeno, Ptolemy, Ingen, and Theophilus, soldiers. Standing near the tribunals, and seeing a Christian under torture and almost ready to apostatize, they endeavoured to encourage him by their looks and by signs. When on account of this the crowd raised an outcry against them, they stepped forward and declared themselves Christians. In their victory, Christ also who had given them fortitude triumphed.


At Gelduba in Germany, St. Julius, martyr.


At Antioch, the birthday of St. Philogonius, bishop, who was called by the will of God from the office of lawyer to the government of that church. With the saintly bishop Alexander and his companions, he engaged in the first contest for the Catholic faith against Arius. Renowned for merits he rested in the Lord, and his feast was commemorated by St. John Chrysostom with an excellent eulogy.


At Brescia, St. Dominic, bishop and confessor.


In Spain, the death of St. Dominic of Silos, abbot of the Order of St. Benedict, renowned for the miracles which he had wrought for the liberation of captives.


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


At Mylapore, the birthday of the blessed Apostle Thomas, who preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and Hyrcanians. Having finally penetrated into India, and instructed those nations in the Christian religion, he died pierced with lances at the order of the king. His remains were first taken to the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia, and then to Ortona.


At Fribourg in Switzerland, the birthday also of St. Peter Canisius, priest of the Society of Jesus, a confessor famed for his sanctity and learning. He defended and spread the Catholic faith with the utmost zeal in Germany during its most difficult times. Pope Pius XI added him to the list of the saints, and at the same time declared him to be a doctor of the universal Church, appointing his feast to be observed on the 27th of April.


At Antioch, St. Anastasius, bishop and martyr. During the reign of Emperor Phocas he was cruelly murdered by Jews in a riot which they had instigated against the Christians.


At Nicomedia, St. Glycerius, priest. During the persecution of Diocletian he was subjected to many torments, and finally fulfilled his martyrdom by being cast into the flames.


In Tuscany, the holy martyrs John and Festus.


In Lycia, St. Themistocles, martyr. In the reign of Emperor Decius, he offered himself to take the place of Dioscorus, whom they were seeking to slay. He was tortured on the rack, dragged over rough ways and scourged, and thus obtained the crown of martyrdom.


At Treves, St. Severinus, 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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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 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-December 22nd
Roman Martyrology-December 22nd-on this date in various years-


At Rome, on the Lavican Way, between the two laurels, the birthday of thirty holy martyrs who were all crowned with martyrdom on the one day in the persecution of Diocletian.


In the same city, St. Flavian, an ex-prefect, the husband of the blessed martyr Dafrosa, and the father of the holy virgin martyrs, Bibiana and Demetria. He was condemned under Julian the Apostate to be branded for Christ, and was exiled to Aquae Taurinae, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.


In Egypt, St. Chaeremon, bishop of Nilopolis, and many other martyrs. While the persecution of Decius was raging, some of them were dispersed in flight, and wandering through deserts were killed by wild beasts; others perished by famine, cold, and sickness; others again were murdered by barbarians and robbers, and thus all were crowned with a glorious martyrdom.


At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius, Honoratus, and Florus.


At Alexandria, St. Ischyrion, martyr. Because he despised all the injuries he was made to suffer in attempts to force him to sacrifice to idols, his bowels were pierced with a sharp stake, bringing his death.


At Nicomedia, St. Zeno, a soldier who mocked Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore his jawbones were broken, his teeth knocked out, and his head struck off.


At Chicago, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, foundress of the Congregation of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, distinguished for charity, humility, and invincible fortitude. Pope Pius XII added her to the catalogue of saints, and named her as the heavenly patroness of all emigrants.


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 December 22:


CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery


It happeneth very often that by the appointment of the Prior grave scandals arise in Monasteries; since there are some who, puffed up by the evil spirit of pride, and deeming themselves to be second Abbots, take upon themselves to tyrannise over others, and so foster scandals and cause dissensions in the community: especially in those places where the Prior is appointed by the same priest, or the same Abbots as appoint the Abbot himself. How foolish this is may easily be seen; for from the moment of his appointment an incentive to pride is given to him, the thought suggesting itself that he is freed from the authority of his Abbot, since he hath been appointed by the very same persons. Hence are stirred up envy, quarrels, backbiting, dissensions, jealousy and disorders. And while the Abbot and Prior are at variance with one another, it must needs be that their own souls are endangered by reason of their disagreement; and those who are their subjects, while favouring one side or the other, run to destruction. The evil of this peril falleth on the heads of those who by their action have been the cause of such disorders.


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


At Rome, St. Victoria, virgin and martyr, during the persecution of Emperor Decius. She had been promised in marriage to a pagan named Eugene, but because she had refused to marry him and to offer sacrifice to idols, and because by working many miracles she had brought many virgins to the service of God, the executioner thrust a sword into her heart at the request of her spouse.


At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Migdonius and Mardonius, one of whom was burned alive in the same persecution of Diocletian, and the other died in a pit where he had been thrown. A deacon of St. Anthimus, bishop of Nicomedia, suffered at the same time. He had been arrested by the heathen when he was carrying letters to the martyrs, and being overwhelmed with stones, went to our Lord.


Likewise, the birthday of twenty holy martyrs, whom the persecution of Diocletian made martyrs for the faith of Christ, after subjecting them to the most painful torments.


In Crete, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunicianus, Zeticus, Leomines, Agathopodes, Basilides, and Everistus, who were beheaded after suffering cruel torments in the persecution of Decius.


At Rome, blessed Servulus of whom St. Gregory writes that from his early years to the end of his life he was a paralytic and had remained lying in a porch near St. Clement's Church, and being invited by the chant of angels, he went to enjoy the glory of Paradise. At his tomb frequent miracles are wrought by God.


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 December 23:


CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery (cont.)


We foresee, therefore, that it is expedient for the preservation of peace and charity, that the ordering of the Monastery depend upon the will of the Abbot. If possible, let all the affairs of the Monastery be attended to (as we have already arranged) by Deans, as the Abbot shall appoint; so that, the same office being shared by many, no one may become proud. But if the needs of the place require it, and the community ask for it reasonably and with humility, and the Abbot judge it expedient, let him himself appoint a Prior, whomsoever he shall choose with the counsel of brethren who fear God. Let the Prior reverently do whatever is enjoined him by his Abbot, and nothing against his will or command; for the more he is raised above the rest, so much the more carefully ought he to observe the precepts of the Rule. And if the Prior be found culpable or deceived by the haughtiness of pride, or be proved a contemner of the holy Rule, let him be admonished by words until the fourth time, and then let the correction of regular discipline be applied to him. But if even then he do not amend, let him be deposed from the office of Prior, and another, who is worthier, be substituted in his place. If afterwards he be not quiet and obedient in the community, let him be expelled from the Monastery. Nevertheless, let the Abbot bear in mind that he must give an account to God of all his judgments, lest perchance the flame of envy or jealousy be kindled in his soul.


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


The Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.


At Cracow in Poland, the birthday of St. John Cantius, priest and confessor, celebrated for his learning, for his zeal in propagating the faith, and for his virtues and miracles, for which Pope Clement XIII added him to the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 20th of October.


At Spoleto, St. Gregory, priest and martyr. In the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs, exposed on the gridiron and imprisoned, struck on the knees with iron carding instruments, burned on the sides with firebrands, and finally beheaded.


At Tripoli in Phoenicia, the holy martyrs Leucian, Metrobius, Paul, Zenobius, Theotimus, and Drusus.


At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Euthymius, martyr, who sent many before him to martyrdom, and being pierced with a sword, followed them to share their crown.


At Antioch, the birthday of forty holy virgins who suffered martyrdom by divers torments in the Decian persecution.


At Bordeaux, St. Deiphinus, bishop, who was renowned for holiness in the time of Theodosius.


At Rome, the birthday of the holy virgin Tharsilla, aunt of Pope St. Gregory, who writes of her that at the hour of her death she saw Jesus coming to her.


At Treves, St. Irmina, virgin, daughter of King Dagobert.


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


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