RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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




CHAPTER XLV
Of those who make mistakes in the Oratory




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




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




The departure from this life of St. Anne, mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.




At Philippi in Macedonia, the birthday of St. Erastus, who was appointed bishop of that place by the blessed apostle Paul, and was there crowned with martyrdom.




At Rome, on the Latin Way, the holy martyrs Symphronius, Olympius, Theodulus, and Exuperia, who (as we read in the Acts of Pope St. Stephen) were burned alive, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.




At Porto, St. Hyacinth, martyr, who was first thrown into the fire, and then cast into a stream without being injured. Afterwards, under Emperor Trajan, being struck with the sword by the exconsul Leontius, his martyrdom was fulfilled. His body was buried by the matron Julia on her own estate near Rome.




At Verona, St. Valens, bishop and confessor.




At Rome, St. Pastor, a priest in whose name a title exists in the church of St. Pudentiana, on the Viminal Hill.




In the monastery of St. Benedict, near Mantua, St. Simeon, monk and hermit, who was renowned for many miracles, and at an advanced age rested in the Lord.




At Lovere, in the diocese of Brescia, St. Bartholemea Capitanio, virgin, who founded the Sisters of Charity, dedicated to teaching the young. Pope Pius XII added her name to the catalogue 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 July 26:




CHAPTER XLVI
Of those who offend in any other matters




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




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




At Nicomedia, the martyrdom of St. Pantaleon, a physician. For the faith of Christ he was apprehended by Emperor Maximian, subjected to the torture and burned with torches, during which torments he was comforted by an apparition of our Lord. He ended his martyrdom by a stroke of the sword.




At Bisceglia in Apulia, the holy martyrs Maur, a bishop, Pantaleon, and Sergius, who suffered under Trajan.




At Nicomedia, St. Hermolaus, priest, by whose instructions blessed Pantaleon was converted to the faith. Also, the Saints Hermippus and Hermocrates, brothers. After many sufferings borne for the confession of Christ, they were condemned to death by the same Maximian.




At Cordova in Spain, during the Arab persecution, the holy martyrs George, a deacon, Aurelius and his wife Natalia, Felix and his wife Liliosa.




At Nola in Campania, the holy martyrs Felix, Julia, and Jucunda.




In the country of the Homerites in Arabia, the commemoration of the holy martyrs, who were delivered to the flames for the faith of Christ under the tyrant Dunaan.




At Ephesus, the birthday of the Seven Holy Sleepers, Maximian, Malchus, Martinian, Denis, John, Serapion, and Constantine.




At Rome, Pope St. Celestine I, who had condemned Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, and put Pelagius to flight. By his command the holy universal Council of Ephesus was also held against the same Nestorius.




At Auxerre, the death of blessed Aetherius, bishop and confessor.




At Constantinople, blessed Anthusa, virgin. After being scourged and banished by Constantine Copronymus for the veneration of holy images, she rested in the Lord.




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 27:




CHAPTER XLVII
Of signifying the hour for the Work of God




Let the announcing of the hour for the Work of God, both by day and night, be the Abbot's care: either by signifying it himself, or by entrusting the duty to such a careful brother, that all things may be done at the appointed times. Let the Psalms and antiphons be intoned by those whose duty it is, each in his order, after the Abbot. Let no one presume to sing or to read except such as can so perform the office that the hearers may be edified. And let it be done with humility, gravity, and awe, and by those whom the Abbot hath appointed.




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




At Milan, the birthday of the holy martyrs Nazarius and a boy named Celsus. While the persecution excited by Nero was raging, they were beheaded by Anolinus, after long sufferings and afflictions endured in prison.




At Rome, the martyrdom of St. Victor, pope and martyr.




Also at Rome, St. Innocent, pope and confessor, who passed to the Lord on the 12th of March.




In Thebais in Egypt, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who suffered in the persecution of Decius and Valerian. At this time, when Christians sought death by the sword for the name of Christ, the crafty enemy devised certain slow torments to put them to death, wishing to kill their souls much more than their bodies. One of these Christians, after suffering the tortured of the rack, of hot metal plates and of seething oil, was smeared with honey and exposed, in the broiling heat of the sun, with his hands tied behind him, to the sting of wasps and flies. Another, bound and placed among flowers, being approached by a shameless woman for the purpose of exciting his passions, bit through his tongue and spat it in her face.




At Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyr Eustathius. After various torments he was plunged into a river, but being delivered by an angel, was finally called to his eternal reward by a dove coming from heaven.




At Miletus, in the time of Emperor Licinius, the holy martyr Acatius, who completed his martyrdom by having his head struck off, after having undergone different torments and having been thrown into a furncace, from which throught the assistance of God he came out uninjured.




In Brittany, St. Sampson, bishop and confessor.




At Lyons in France, St. Peregrinus, priest, whose happiness in heaven is testified by glorious miracles.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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




CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour




Idleness is an enemy of the soul; and hence at certain seasons the brethren ought to occupy themselves in the labour of their hands, and at others in holy reading. We think, therefore, that the times for each may be disposed as follows: from Easter to the first of October, let them, in going from Prime in the morning, labour at whatever is required of them until about the fourth hour. From the fourth hour until near the sixth let them apply themselves to reading, And when they rise from table, after the sixth hour, let them rest on their beds in perfect silence; or if any one perchance desire to read, let him do so in such a way as not to disturb any one else. Let None be said in good time, at about the middle of the eighth hour: and then let them again work at whatever has to be done until Vespers. And if the needs of the place, or their poverty, oblige them to labour themselves at gathering in the crops, let them not be saddened thereat; because then are they truly monks, when they live by the labour of their hands, as did our fathers and the Apostles. Yet let all be done with moderation, on account of the faint-hearted.




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




At Tarascon, in the province of Narbonne in France, St. Martha, virgin, the hostess of our Saviour and sister of blessed Mary Magdalene and St. Lazarus.




At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, St. Felix II, pope and martyr. Being expelled from his See by the Arian emperor Constantius for defending the Catholic faith, and being put to the sword privately at Cera in Tuscany, he died gloriously. His body was taken away from that place by clerics, and buried on the Aurelian Way. It was afterwards brought to the Church of the Saints Cosmas and Damian, where, under the Sovereign Pontiff Gregory XIII, it was found beneath the altar with the relics of the holy martyrs Mark, Marcellian, and Tranquillinus, and with the latter was put back in the same place on the 31st of July. In the same altar were also found the bodies of the holy martyrs Abundius, a priest, and Abundantius, a deacon, which were shortly after solemnly transferred to the church of the Society of Jesus, on the eve of their feast.




Also at Rome, on the Via Portuensis, the holy martyrs Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, in the time of Emperor Diocletian. The first two, after being subjected to many different torments, were condemned to suffer death; Beatrice, their sister, was smothered in prison for the confession of Christ.




At Rome, likewise the holy martyrs Lucilla and Flora, virgins, Eugenius, Antoninus, Theodore, and eighteen companions, who underwent martyrdom in the reign of Emperor Gallienus.




Again at Rome, St. Serapia, virgin. Under Emperor Hadrian, she was delivered to two lustful young men, and as she could not be corrupted, nor afterwards burned with lighted torches, she was beated with rods, and finally beheaded by order of the judge Derillus. She was buried by blessed Sabina in her own tomb, near the field of Vindician. But the commemoration of her martyrdom is celebrated more solemnly on the 3rd of September, when their common tomb was finished and adorned, and dedicated as a place of prayer.




At Gangra in Paphlagonia, St. Callinicus, martyr, who was scourged with iron rods, and given over to other torments. Being finally cast into a furnace, he gave up his soul to God.




In Norway, St. Olaf, king and martyr.




At Troyes in France, St. Lupus, bishop and confessor, who went with blessed Germanus to England to exterminate the Pelagian heresy, and by diligent prayer defended the city of Troyes from the wrath of Attila, who was devastating all of France. At length, having religiously discharged the functions of the priesthood for fifty-two years, he rested in peace.




At St. Brieuc in France, St. William, bishop and confessor.




Also, the death of blessed Prosper, bishop of Orleans.




At Todi in Umbria, St. Faustinus, confessor.




At Mamia, St. Serafina.




At Rome, blessed Pope Urban II who followed in the path of St. Gregory VII. He was resplendent for his zeal for learning and religion, and aroused the faithful, signed with the sign of the cross, to recover the holy places of Palestine from the power of the infidels. Pope Leo XIII ratified and confirmed the veneration shewn him from time immemorial.




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 29:




CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour (cont.)




From the first of October to the beginning of Lent let them apply to reading until the end of the second hour. Let Tierce be then said, and until the ninth hour let all labour at the work that is enjoined them. When the first signal for None is given, let every one break off from his work, and be ready as soon as the second signal is sounded. After their meal, let them occupy themselves in their reading, or in learning the Psalms. During Lent, let them apply themselves to reading from morning until the end of the third hour, and then, until the end of the tenth, labour at whatever is enjoined them. And in these days of Lent let each one receive a book from the library, and read it all through in order. These books are to be given out at the beginning of Lent. Above all, let one or two seniors be appointed to go round the Monastery, at the hours when the brethren are engaged in reading, and see that there be no slothful brother giving himself to idleness or to foolish talk, and not applying himself to his reading, so that he is thus not only useless to himself, but a distraction to others. If such a one be found (which God forbid) let him be corrected once and a second time; and if he do not amend, let him be subjected to the chastisement of the Rule, so that the rest may be afraid. And let not one brother associate with another at unseasonable hours.




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




At Rome, in the reign of Decius, the holy Persian martyrs Abdon and Sennen, who were bound with chains, brought to Rome, scourged with leaded whips for the faith of Christ, and then put to the sword.




At Assisi in Umbria, St. Rufinus, martyr.




At Tuberbum Lucernarium in Africa, the holy virgins and martyrs Maxima, Donatilla, and Secunda. The first two, in the persecution of Valerian and Gallienus, were forced to drink vinegar and gall, then scourged most severely , stretched on the rack, burned on the gridiron, rubbed over with lime, and afterwards exposed to the beasts with the virgin Secunda, twelve years old. But being untouched by them, they were finally beheaded.




At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Julitta, martyr. As she sought through the courts the restitution of goods seized by a man of influence, the latter objected that, being a Christian, her cause could not be pleaded. The judge commanded her to offer sacrifice to the idols, that she might be heard. She refused with great constancy, and being thrown into the fire, yielded her soul unto God. Her body remained uninjured by the flames. St. Basil the Great has proclaimed her praise in an excellent eulogy.




At Auxerre, St. Ursus, bishop and confessor.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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




CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour (cont.)




On Sunday, let all occupy themselves in reading, except those who have been appointed to the various offices. But if any one should be so negligent and slothful, as to be either unwilling or unable to study or to read, let some task be given him to do, that he be not idle. To brethren who are weak or delicate, let there be given such work or occupation as to prevent them either from being idle, or from being so oppressed by excessive labour as to be driven away. Their weakness must be taken into account by the Abbot.




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




At Rome, the birthday of St. Ignatius, priest and confessor, founder of the Society of Jesus, renowned for sanctity and miracles, and most zealous for propagating the Catholic religion in all parts of the world. Pope Pius XI declared him to be the heavenly patron of all spiritual retreats.




At Milan, during the persecution of Antoninus, St. Calimerius, bishop and martyr, who was arrested, covered with wounds, and his throat transfixed with a sword. He completed his martyrdom by being cast into a well.




At Caesarea in Mauretania, the martyrdom of the blessed martyr Fabius. Because he refused to carry the banners of the governor of the province, he was thrown into prison for some days, and as he persisted twice in confessing Christ when brought before the judge, he was condemned to death.




At Synnada in Phrygia Pacatiana, the holy martyrs Democritus, Secundus, and Denis.




In Syria, three hundred and fifty monks, who became martyrs by being slain by the heretics for defending the Council of Chalcedon.




At Ravenna, the death of St. German, bishop of Auxerre, a man most renowned for his birth, faith, learning, and glorious miracles, who freed England completely from the heretical doctrines of the Pelagians.




At Tagaste in Africa, St. Firmus, bishop, illustrious by a glorious confession of the faith.




At Siena in Tuscany, the birthday of blessed John Columbini, founder of the Order of Gesuati, renowned for sanctity 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 July 31:


CHAPTER XLIX
Of the Observance of Lent


Although the life of a monk ought at all times to have about it a Lenten character, yet since few have strength enough for this, we exhort all, at least during the days of Lent, to keep themselves in all purity of life, and to wash away, during that holy season, the negligences of other times. This we shall worthily do, if we refrain from all sin, and give ourselves to prayer with tears, to holy reading, compunction of heart and abstinence. In these days, then, let us add some thing to our wonted service; as private prayers, and abstinence from food and drink, so that every one of his own will may offer to God, with joy of the Holy Spirit, something beyond the measure appointed him: withholding from his body somewhat of his food, drink and sleep, refraining from talking and mirth, and awaiting Holy Easter with the joy of spiritual longing. Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth, and let it be done with his blessing and permission: because what is done without leave of the spiritual father shall be imputed to presumption and vain-glory, and merit no reward. Everything, therefore, is to be done with the approval of the Abbot.


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


At Rome, on the Esquiline, the Dedication of the Church of St. Peter in Chains.


At Antioch, the martyrdom of the seven brothers, the holy Machabees, martyrs, and their mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome, and placed in the church or St. Peter in Chains.


At Vercelli, St. Eusebius, bishop and martyr, who, for the confession of the Catholic faith was banished to Scythopolis in Palestine, and thence to Cappadocia, by Emperor Constantine. Afterwards, returning to his church, he suffered martyrdom in the persecution of the Arians. His memory is more especially honoured on the 15th of December, when he was consecrated bishop, and his feast is kept on the 16th of December.


At Nocera dei Pagani in Campani, the birthday also of St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori, founder of the Congregation of our most Holy Redeemer, bishop of Santa Agata dei Goti, and confessor. Noted for his zeal for souls, his writings, and his example, Pope Gregory XVI added him to the canon of saints, and Pius IX declared him to be a doctor of the Universal Church. Pius XII established him as heavenly patron of all moral theologians and of those who hear Confession. His feast, however, is observed on the day following.


At Rome, on the Latin Way, the holy martyrs Bonus, a priest, Faustus and Maur, with nine others, mentioned in the Acts of Pope St. Stephen.


Also at Rome, the holy virgins Faith, Hope, and Charity, children of St. Sophia, who won the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Hadrian.


At Philadelphia in Arabia, the holy martyrs Cyril, Aquila, Peter, Domitian, Rufus, and Menander, crowned on the same day.


At Perge in Pamphylia, the holy martyrs Leontius, Attius, Alexander, and six peasants, who were beheaded in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Flavian.


At Gerona in Spain, the birthday of the holy martyr Felix. After enduring various torments, by order of Dacian he was cut with knives until he gave his undaunted soul to Christ.


In the diocese of Paris, St. Justin, martyr.


At Vienne in France, St. Verus, bishop.


At Winchester in England, St. Ethelwold, bishop.


In the country of Lisieux, St. Nemesius, confessor.


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 August 1:




CHAPTER L
Of the Brethren who are working at a distance from the Oratory, or are on a journey




Let the brethren who are at work at a great distance, or on a journey, and cannot come to the Oratory at the proper time (the Abbot judging such to be the case) perform the Work of God there where they are labouring, in godly fear, and on bended knees. In like manner, let not those who are sent on a journey allow the appointed Hours to pass by; but, as far as they can, observe them by themselves, and not neglect to fulfil their obligation of divine service.




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




St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori, founder of the Congregation of our most Holy Redeemer, bishop of Santa Agata dei Goti, confessor and doctor of the Church, who fell asleep in the Lord on the previous day.




At Rome, in the cemetery of Callistus, the birthday of St. Stephen I, pope and martyr. In the persecution of Valerian, the soldiers suddenly entered while he was saying Mass, but remaining before the altar, fearless and unmoved, he concluded the sacred mysteries, and was beheaded on his throne.




At Nicaea in Bithynia, the martyrdom of St. Theodota with her three sons. The eldest named Evodius, confessing Christ with confidence, was first beaten with rods by order of Nicetius, exconsul of Bithynia, and then the mother with all her sons, was consumed by fire.




In Africa, St. Rutilius, marytr. He had frequently secured safety from the perils of persecution by flight, and sometimes even by means of money, but at last, being unexpectedly apprehended, he was led to the governor and subjected to many tortures. Afterwards he was cast into the fire, and thus merited the glorious crown of martyrdom.




At Padua, St. Maximus, bishop of that city, who ended his blessed life in peace, with a reputation for 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 August 2:




CHAPTER LI
Of the Brethren who go not very far off




Let not the brother who is sent out on any business, and hopeth to return that same day to the Monastery, presume to eat while abroad, even although pressed by any one to do so, unless perchance he have been bidden by his Abbot. If he do otherwise, let him be excommunicated,




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




At Jerusalem, the finding of the body of blessed Stephen, protomartyr, and of the Saints Gamaliel, Nicodemus, and Abibo, through a divine revelation made to the priest Lucian, in the time of Emperor Honorius.




At Philippi in Macedonia, St. Lydia, a dealer in purple, who was the first to believe in the Gospel when the apostle St. Paul preached in that city, as is related by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles




At Naples in Campania, St. Aspren, bishop, who was cured of a sickness by the apostle St. Peter, and after being baptized, was made bishop of that city.




At Constantinople, the birthday of St. Hermellus, martyr.




Among the Indians, bordering on Persia, the martyrdom of holy monks and other Christians who were put to death after suffering diverse torments, during the persecution of the Church of God by King Abenner.




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




At Anagni, St. Peter, who rested in the Lord after gaining great renown for monastical observance and for pastoral vigilance.




At Beroea in Syria, the holy women Marana and Cyra.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 3:


CHAPTER LII
Of the Oratory of the Monastery


Let the Oratory be what it is called, a place of prayer: and let nothing else be done, or kept there.* When the Work of God is ended, let all go out with the utmost silence, paying due reverence to God, so that a brother, who perchance wishes to pray by himself, may not be hindered by another's misconduct. If any one desire to pray in private, let him go in quietly and pray, not with a loud voice, but with tears and fervour of heart. And let it not be permitted, as we have said, to remain in the Oratory when the Work of God is finished, except it be for a like purpose, lest hindrance be caused to others.


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


St. Dominic, confessor, founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, who on the sixth day of this month rested in peace.


In the village of Ars, in the diocese of Belley, France, the birthday of St. John Baptist-Mary Vianney, priest and confessor, renowned for his devotion as a parish priest. Pope Pius XI placed him in the number of the saints, ordered that his feast should be observed on the 9th day of this month, and appointed him as the heavenly patron of all parish priests.


At Thessalonica, the birthday of blessed Aristarchus, disciple and inseparable companion of the apostle St. Paul, who writes to the Colossians: "Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you." He was consecrated bishop of the Thessalonians by the same apostle, and after long sufferings under Nero, crowned by Christ, rested in peace.


At Rome, St. Perpetua, who was baptized by the blessed apostle Peter. She converted to the faith her son Nazarius and her husband Africanus, buried the remains of many holy martyrs, and finally went to our Lord endowed with an abundance of merit.


At Rome, on the Latin Way, the martyrdom of blessed Tertullinus, priest and martyr, in the time of Emperor Valerian. After being cruelly beaten with rods, after having his sides burned, his mouth shattered; after being stretched on the rack and his limbs crushed, he completed his martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Constantinople, the holy martyr Eleutherius, of the senatorial rank, who was put to the sword for Christ in the persecution of Maximian.


In Persia, in the time of King Sapor, the holy martyr Ia and her companions, who, with nine thousand Christian captives, underwent martyrdom after having been subjected to various torments.


At Verona, St. Agabius, bishop and confessor.


At Tours in France, St. Euphronius, bishop.


At Cologne, the commemoration of St. Protase, martyr. In company with his brother Gervase, he suffered at Milan on the 19th of June.


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 August 4:




CHAPTER LIII
Of receiving Guests




Let all guests that come be received like Christ Himself, for He will say: "I was a stranger and ye took Me in." And let fitting honour be shewn to all, especially to such as are of the household of the faith, and to strangers. When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior or the brethren, with all due charity. Let them first pray together, and thus associate with one another in peace; but the kiss of peace must not be offered until after prayer, on account of the delusions of the devil. In this salutation let all humility be shewn. At the arrival or departure of all guests, let Christ - who indeed is received in their persons - be adored in them, by bowing the head or even prostrating on the ground.




When the guests have been received, let them be led to prayer, and then let the Superior, or any one he may appoint, sit with them. The law of God is to be read before the guest for his edification; and afterwards let all kindness be shewn him. The Superior may break his fast for the sake of the guest, unless it happen to be a principal fast-day, which may not be broken. The brethren, however, shall observe their accustomed fasting. Let the Abbot pour water on the hands of the guests; and himself, as well as the whole community, wash their feet after which let them say this verse: "We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy Temple." Let special care be taken in the reception of the poor and of strangers, because in them Christ is more truly welcomed. For the very fear men have of the rich procures them honour.








Martyrology-August 5th
On this date in various years-




At Rome, on the Esquiline, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Snows.




At Chalons in France, St. Memmius, a Roman citizen, who was consecrated bishop of that city by St. Peter the Apostle, and brought to the truth of the Gospel the people committed to his care.




At Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian, the martyrdom of twenty-three holy martyrs, who were beheaded on the Salarian Way, and buried at the foot of Cucumer Hill.




At Ascoli in Piceno, St. Emygdius, bishop and martyr, who was consecrated bishop by Pope St. Marcellus, and sent thither to preach the Gospel. He received the crown of martyrdom for the confession of Christ under Emperor Diocletian.




At Antioch, St. Eusignius, a soldier, who, at the age of one hundred and ten years, because he reproached Julian the Apostate for forsaking the faith of Constantine the Great, under whom he had served, and for having degenerated from his ancestor's piety, was beheaded at his command.




Also the holy martyrs Cantidius, Cantidian, and Sobel, Egyptians.




At Augsburg, the birthday of St. Afra, martyr, who being a pagan, was converted to Christ by the teaching of St. Narcissus the bishop, and being baptized with all her household, was given over to the flames for the sake of Christ. Seven days later her mother Hilaria and three handmaids were also crowned by enduring the same kind of torment.




At Autun, blessed Cassian, bishop.




At Teano in Campania, St. Paris, bishop.




In England, St. Oswald, king, whose life is related by St. Venerable Bede.




On the same day, St. Nonna, mother of Saints Gregory Nazianzen, Caesarius, and Gorgonia.




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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 5:




CHAPTER LIII
Of receiving Guests (cont.)




Let the kitchen for the Abbot and guests be apart by itself; so that strangers, who are never wanting in a monastery, may not disturb the brethren by coming at unlooked-for hours. Let two brothers, who are well able to fulfil the duty, be placed in this kitchen for a year; and let help be afforded them as they require it, so that they may serve without murmuring. When they have not much to occupy them there, let them go forth to other work, wherever they may be bidden. And not only with regard to them, but in all the offices of the Monastery, let there be such consideration shewn, that when there is need of help it may be given them; and that when they are without work, they do whatever they are commanded. Let the care of the guest-house, also, be entrusted to a brother whose soul is possessed with the fear of God: let there be sufficient beds prepared there and let the house of God be wisely governed by prudent men. Let no one, except he be bidden, on any account associate or converse with the guests. But if he chance to meet or to see them, after humbly saluting them, as we have said, and asking their blessing,* let him pass on, saying that he is not permitted to talk with a guest.




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




On Mount Tabor, the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.




At Rome, on the Appian Way, in the cemetery of Callistus, the birthday of blessed Sixtus II, pope and martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Valerian by being put to the sword.




Also, the holy martyrs Felicissimus and Agapitus, deacons of blessed Sixtus; Januarius, Magnus, Vincent, and Stephen, subdeacons, all of whom were beheaded with him and buried in the cemetery of Praetextatus. With them suffered also blessed Quartus, as is related by St. Cyprian.




At Bologna, the birthday of St. Dominic, confessor, founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, most renowned for sanctity and learning. He preserved his chastity unsullied to the end of his life, and by his great merits raised three persons from the dead. After having repressed heresies by his preaching, and instructed many in the religious and godly life, he rested in peace. His feast is celebrated on the 4th of August by decree of Pope Paul IV.




At Burgos in Spain, in the monastery of St. Peter of Cardegna, of the Order of St. Benedict, two hundred monks, with their abbot Stephen, who were put to death for the faith of Christ by the Saracens, and buried in the monastery by Christians.




At Alcala in Spain, the holy martyrs Justus and Pastor, brothers. While they were yet schoolboys, they threw aside their books in school, and spontaneously ran to martyrdom. By order of the governor Dacian, they were arrested, beaten with rods, and as they exhorted each other to constancy, were led out of the city, and had their throats cut by the executioner.




At Rome, St. Hormisdas, pope and confessor.




At Amida in Mesopotamia, St. James, a hermit renowned for 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 August 6:




CHAPTER LIV
Whether a Monk ought to receive letters, or tokens




By no means let a monk be allowed to receive, either from his parents or any one else, or from his brethren, letters, tokens, or any gifts whatsoever, or to give them to others, without permission of the Abbot. And if anything be sent to him, even by his parents, let him not presume to receive it until it hath been made known to the Abbot. But even if the Abbot order it to be received, it shall be in his power to bid it be given to whom he pleaseth; and let not the brother to whom it may have been sent be grieved, lest occasion be given to the devil. Should any one, however, presume to act otherwise, let him be subjected to the discipline of the Rule.




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




At Naples in Campania, St. Cajetan the Theatine, confessor, founder of the Clerics Regular, who, through singular confidence in God, made his disciples practise the primitive mode of life of the apostles. Being renowned for miracles, he was ranked among the saints by Clement X.




At Arezzo in Tuscany, the birthday of St. Donatus, bishop and martyr, who among other miraculous deeds by his prayers (as is related by blessed Pope Gregory) made whole again a sacred chalice which had been broken by pagans. Being apprehended by the imperial officer Quadratian, during the persecution of Julian the Apostate, and refusing to sacrifice to idols, he was struck with the sword, and thus fulfilled his martyrdom. With him suffered also the blessed monk Hilarinus, whose feast is celebrated on the 16th of July, at which time his body was taken to Ostia.




At Rome, the holy martyrs Peter and Julian, with eighteen others.




At Milan, St. Faustus, a soldier, who obtained the palm of martyrdom after many trials in the time of Aurelius Commodus.




At Como, the passion of the holy martyrs Carpophorus, Exanthus, Cassius, Severinus, Secundus, and Licinius, who were beheaded for the confession of Christ.




At Nisibis in Mesopotamia, St. Dometius, a Persian monk, who was stoned to death with two of his disciples at the time of Julian the Apostate.




At Rouen, the holy bishop St. Victricius. While he was yet a soldier under Julian, he threw away his military belt for Christ, and after being subjected by the tribune to many torments, was condemned to death. But the executioner sent to slay him being struck blind, and the confessor's chains being loosened, he made his escape. Afterwards being made bishop, by preaching the word of God, he brought to the faith of Christ the barbarous people of Belgic Gaul, and finally died in peace, a confessor.




At Chalons in France, St. Donatian, bishop.




At Messina in Sicily, St. Albert, confessor of the Carmelite Order, renowned for 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 August 7:




CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothes and Shoes of the Brethren




Let clothing be given to the brethren suitable to the nature and the climate of the place where they live; for in cold countries more is required, in warm countries less. This must therefore be considered by the Abbot. We think, however, that in temperate climates a cowl and a tunic should suffice for each monk: the cowl to be of thick stuff in winter, but in summer something worn or thin: likewise a scapular for work, and shoes and stockings to cover their feet. And let not the monks complain of the colour or coarseness of these things, but let them be such as can be got in the country where they live, or can be bought most cheaply.




Let the Abbot be careful about the size of the garments, that they be not too short for those who wear them, but of the proper length. When they receive new clothes let them always give up the old ones at once, to be put by in the wardrobe for the poor. For it is sufficient for a monk to have two tunics and two cowls for wearing at night, and also for washing: whatever is over and above this is superfluous, and ought to be cut off. In the same way, let them give up their shoes, and whatever else is worn out, when they receive new ones. Let those who are sent on a journey receive drawers from the wardrobe, and on their return restore them washed. Their cowls and tunics also, which are to be a little better than those they ordinarily wear, let them receive from the wardrobe when setting out on their journey, and give them back on their return.




Martyrology-August 8th
Roman Martyrology-August 8th- on this date in various years-




The holy martyrs Cyriacus, deacon, Largus, and Smaragdus, with twenty others who suffered on the 16th of March, during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian. Their bodies were buried on the Salarian Way by the priest John, but were on this day translated by Pope St. Marcellus to the estate of Lucina, on the Ostian Way. Afterwards they were brought to the city and placed in the church of St. Mary in Via Lata.




At Anzarba in Cilicia, St. Marinus, an old man who was scourged, racked, and lacerated, and who died by being exposed to wild beasts, in the time of Emperor Diocletian and the governor Lysias.




Also, the holy martyrs Eleutherius and Leonides, who underwent martyrdom by fire.




In Persia, St. Hormisdas, a martyr under King Sapor.




At Cyzicum, on the Hellespont, St. Aemilian, bishop, who ended his life in exile after having suffered much from Emperor Leo for the veneration of holy images.




In Crete, St. Myron, a bishop renowned for miracles.




At Vienne in France, St. Severus, priest and confessor, who undertook a painful journey from India in order to preach the Gospel in that city, and converted a great number of pagans to the faith of Christ by his works 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 August 8:


CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothes and Shoes of the Brethren (cont.)


For their bedding let a straw mattress, blanket, coverlet and pillow suffice. These beds must be frequently inspected by the Abbot, to see if any private property be discovered therein. And if any one should be found to have anything which he hath not received from the Abbot, let him be subjected to the most severe discipline. In order that this vice of private ownership may be rooted out entirely, let the Abbot supply them with all necessaries: that is, a cowl, tunic, shoes, stockings, girdle, knife, pen, needle, handkerchief, and tablets; so that all plea of wanting anything may be taken away. Yet let the Abbot always be mindful of those words of the Acts of the Apostles: "Distribution was made to everyone, according as he had need." Let him, therefore, consider the infirmities of such as are in want, and not the ill-will of the envious. Nevertheless, in all his judgments, let him think of the retribution of God.


Martyrology-August 9th
Roman Martyrology-August 9th- on this date in various years-


The vigil of St. Lawrence, martyr.


St. John Baptist-Mary Vianney, priest and confessor, and heavenly patron of all parish priests, whose birthday is remembered on the 4th day of this month.


At Rome, St. Romanus, a soldier, who was moved by the torments of blessed Lawrence to ask for baptism from him. He was immediately prosecuted, scourged, and finally beheaded.


In Tuscany, the birthday of the holy martyrs Secundian, Marcellian, and Verian. In the time of Decius, they were scourged by the exconsul Promotus, then racked and torn with iron hooks. Being burned with fie applied to their sides, they merited the triumphant palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Verona, the holy martyrs Firmus and Rusticus. When they refused to sacrifice to idols and remained constant in confessing Christ, after they had overcome many other torments, they were condemned to be scourged and beheaded by Anolinus, a judge, during the reign of Emperor Maximian.


In Africa, the commemoration of many holy martyrs during the persecution of Valerian. Being exhorted by St. Numidicus, they obtained the palm of martyrdom by being cast into the fire, but Numidicus, although thrown into the flames with the others and overwhelmed with stones, was nevertheless taken out by his daughter. Found half dead, he was restored and deserved afterwards by his virtue to be made priest of the Church of Carthage by blessed Cyprian.


At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Julian, Marcian, and eight others. For having set up the image of our Saviour on the brass gate, they were exposed to many torments, and then beheaded by order of the impious emperor Leo.


At Chalons in France, St. Domitian, 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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