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 24:


CHAPTER LXVI
Of the Porter of the Monastery


Let a wise old man be placed at the door of the monastery, one who knoweth how to take and give an answer, and whose mature age doth not permit him to stray about.


He ought to have his cell near the gate, so that they who come may always find some one at hand to give them an answer. As soon as any one shall knock, or a poor man call to him, let him answer, "Thanks be to God," or bid God bless him, and then with all mildness and the fear of God let him give reply without delay, in the fervour of charity. If the porter need help, let him have with him one of the younger brethren.


The Monastery, however, ought if possible to be so constituted that all things necessary, such as water, a mill, and a garden, and the various crafts may be contained within it; so that there may be no need for the monks to wander abroad, for this is by no means expedient for their souls. And we wish this rule to be frequently read in the community, that none of the brethren may excuse himself on the plea of ignorance.


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


In the 5199th year of the creation of the world, from the time when in the beginning God created heaven and earth; from the flood, the 2957th year; from the birth of Abraham, the 2015th year; from Moses and the going-out of the people of Israel from Egypt, the 1510th; from the anointing of David as king, the 1032nd year; in the 65th week according to the prophecy of Daniel; in the 194th Olympiad; from the founding of the city of Rome, the 752nd year; in the 42nd year of the rule of Octavian Augustus, when the whole world was at peace, in the sixth age of the world: Jesus Christ, the eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by His most merciful coming, having been conceived by the Holy Ghost, and nine months having passed since His conception (A higher tone of voice is now used, and all kneel) was born in Bethlehem of Juda of the Virgin Mary, having become man.




In the same higher tone of voice and in the tone of the Passion:


THE NATIVITY of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.


That which follows is said in the customary tone of the Martyrology, and all arise.


The same day, the birthday of St. Anastasia, who, in the time of Diocletian, first suffered a severe and harsh imprisonment on the part of her husband Publius, in which, however, she was much consoled and encouraged by the confessor of Christ, Chrysogonus. Afterwards she was thrown into prison again by order of Florus, prefect of Illyria; and finally, having her hands and feet stretched, she was tied to stakes with a fire kindled about her, in the midst of which she ended her martyrdom on the island of Palmaria, whither she had been brought with two hundred men and seventy women, who have made martyrdom a glorious thing by the various kinds of death they so valiantly endured.


At Barcelona in Spain, St. Peter Nolasco, confessor and founder of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives, renowned for virtue and miracles. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of January.


At Rome, in the cemetery of Apronian, St. Eugenia, virgin, the daughter of blessed Philip, martyr. In the time of Emperor Gallienus, after displaying many signs and virtues, gathering to Christ holy choirs of virgins, and after long trials under Nicetius, prefect of the city, she was finally put to the sword.


At Nicomedia, many thousand martyrs, who had assembled for divine service on our Lord's Natívity. When Emperor Diocletian ordered the doors of the church to be closed, fire to kindled here and there, a vessel with incense to be put before the entrance, and a man to cry out that those who wished to escape from the fire should come out and burn incense to Jupiter, all with one voice answered that they preferred to die for Christ. They were consumed in the fire, and thus merited to be born in heaven on the day on which Christ vouchsafed to be born on earth for the salvation of the world.


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 25:

CHAPTER LXVII
Of Brethren who are sent on a Journey

Let the brethren who are about to be sent on a journey commend themselves to the prayers of all the brethren and of the Abbot, and at the last prayer of the Work of God let a commemoration be always made of the absent. Let the brethren that return from a journey, on the very day that they come back, lie prostrate on the floor of the Oratory at all the Canonical Hours, while the Work of God is being performed, and beg the prayers of all on account of their transgressions, in case they should perchance upon the way have seen or heard anything harmful, or fallen into idle talk. And let no one presume to relate to another what he may have seen or heard outside the Monastery; for thence arise manifold evils. If any one shall so presume, let him be subjected to the punishment prescribed by the Rule. And he shall undergo a like penalty, who dareth to leave the enclosure of the Monastery, or to go anywhere, or do anything, however trifling, without permission of the Abbot.

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

At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Stephen, the first martyr, who was stoned to death by the Jews shortly after the Ascension of our Lord.

At Rome, St. Marinus, a man of senatorial rank. In the time of Emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was arrested for the Christian religion, racked and torn with iron claws like a slave, then thrown into a boiling cauldron; but being delivered because the fire became like a dew, he was exposed to the beasts without being injured by them, and finally being led to the altar, the idols of which toppled over at his prayer, he was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the triumph of martyrs.

Likewise at Rome, on the Appian Way, the death of Pope St. Denis, who sustained many labours for the Church, and was renowned for his doctrinal writings.

In the same city, St. Zosimus, pope and confessor.

In Mesopotamia, St. Archelaus, bishop, famous for learning and holiness.

At Majuma, in Palestine, St. Zeno, bishop.

At Rome, St. Theodore, sacristan of the church of St. Peter, who is mentioned by blessed Pope Gregory.

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 26:


CHAPTER LXVIII
If a Brother be commanded to do Impossibilities


If on any brother there be laid commands that are hard and impossible, let him receive the orders of him who biddeth him with all mildness and obedience. But if he seeth the weight of the burden altogether to exceed his strength, let him seasonably and with patience lay before his Superior the reasons of his incapacity to obey, with out shewing pride, resistance, or contradiction. If, however, after this the Superior still persist in his command, let the younger know that it is expedient for him; and let him obey for the love of God, trusting in His assistance.


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


At Ephesus, the birthday of St. John, apostle and evangelist. After writing his gospel, and after enduring exile and writing the divine Apocalypse, he lived until the time of Emperor Trajan and founded and governed the churches of all Asia. Worn out with age, he died in the sixty-eighth year after the passion of our Lord and was buried near Ephesus.


At Constantinople, the holy confessors Theodore and Theophanes, brothers, who were brought up from their childhood in the monastery of St. Sabas. Afterwards, they strove zealously for the veneration of holy images against Leo the Armenian, and at his command they were scourged and banished. After his death they again firmly opposed Emperor Theophilus, who was imbued with the same impiety, and were scourged a second time and driven into exile, where Theodore died in prison. Theophanes, after peace had at length been restored to the Church, was made bishop of Nicaea, and there, famous for his glorious witness of the faith, rested in the Lord.


At Alexandria, St. Maximus, bishop, well known and renowned by reason of his confession.


At Constantinople, St. Niceras, virgin, who was renowned for sanctity in the time of Emperor Arcadius.


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 27:


CHAPTER LXIX
That no one presume to defend another in the Monastery


Care must be taken that on no occasion one monk presume to defend another in the Monastery, or to take his part, even although they be connected by some near tie of kinship. Let not the monks dare to do this in any way whatsoever; because therefrom may arise the most grievous occasion of scandals. If any one transgress this rule, let him be very severely punished.


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


In Bethlehem of Juda, the birthday of the Holy Innocents, who were slain for Christ by Herod the king.


At Lyons in France, the birthday also of St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva and confessor. Because of his burning zeal for the conversion of heretics and his learning, Pope Alexander VII placed him among the number of the saints, and his feast is observed on the 29th of January, on which day his holy body was translated from Lyons to Annecy in Savoy. Pope Pius IX decreed him a doctor of the universal Church, and Pope Pius XI constituted him the heavenly patron of all Catholic writers who explain, promote, or defend Christian doctrine by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular.


At Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyrs Eutychius, priest, and Domitian, deacon.


In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Castor, Victor, and Rogatian.


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Indes, a eunuch, Domna, Agapes, and Theophila, virgins, and their companions, who, after long trials, attained to the crown of martyrdom by various kinds of death, during the persecution of Diocletian.


At Neocaesarea in Pontus, St. Troadius, martyr, in the persecution of Decius. During his trial St. Gregory Thaumáturgus appeared to him in spirit and encouraged him to undergo martyrdom.


At Arabissus in Lower Armenia, St. Caesarius, martyr, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.


At Rome, St. Domnio, priest.


In the monastery of Lerins in France, St. Anthony, a monk famed for his miracles.


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 28:


CHAPTER LXX
That No One Presume to Strike Another


Let every occasion of presumption be banished from the Monastery. We ordain, therefore, that no one be allowed to excommunicate or strike any of his brethren, unless authority to do so shall have been given him by the Abbot. Let such as offend herein be rebuked in the presence of all, that the rest may be struck with fear. With regard to the children, however, let them be kept by all under diligent and watchful discipline, until their fifteenth year: yet this, too, with measure and discretion. For if any one presume, without leave of the Abbot, to chastise such as are above that age, or shew undue severity even to the children, he shall be subjected to the discipline of the Rule, because it is written: "What thou wouldest not have done to thyself, do not thou to another."


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


At Canterbury in England, the birthday of St. Thomas, bishop and martyr, who, for the defence of justice and ecclesiastical immunity, was struck with the sword in his own basilica by a faction of wicked men, and thus went to Christ as martyr.


At Jerusalem, holy David, king and prophet.


At Arles in France, the birthday of St. Trophimus, mentioned by St. Paul in his Epistle to Timothy. Being ordained bishop by that apostle, he was the first sent to preach the gospel of Christ in that city. From his preaching, as from a fountain, according to the expression of Pope St. Zosimus, all France received the waters of salvation.


At Rome, the holy martyrs Callistus, Felix, and Boniface.


In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Dominic, Victor, Primian, Lybosus, Saturninus, Crescentius, Secundus, and Honoratus.


At Constantinople, St. Marcellus, abbot.


In the country of Hiesmes in France, St. Ebruif, abbot and confessor, in the time of King Childebert.


At Vienne in France, the commemoration of St. Crescens, bishop and martyr. He was a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and was the first bishop of that city. His birthday is mentioned on the 27th of June.


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 29:


CHAPTER LXXI
That the Brethren be obedient one to the other


Not only is the excellence of obedience to be shewn by all to the Abbot, but the brethren must also obey one another, knowing that by this path of obedience they shall come unto God. The commands, then, of the Abbot or the Superiors appointed by him (to which we allow no private orders to be preferred) having the first place, let all the younger brethren obey their elders with all charity and vigilance. And should any one be found refractory, let him be corrected. But if a brother be rebuked by the Abbot, or any of his Superiors, for the slightest cause, or if he perceive that the mind of any Superior is even slightly angered or moved against him, however little, let him at once, without delay, cast himself on the ground at his feet, and there remain doing penance until that feeling be appeased, and he giveth him the blessing. If any one should disdain to do this, let him either be subjected to corporal chastisement, or, if he remain obdurate, let him be expelled from the Monastery.


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


At Rome, the birthday of St. Felix I, pope and martyr, who governed the Church during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. His feast day is celebrated on the 30th of May.


At Spoleto, the birthday also of the holy martyrs Sabinus, bishop, Exuperantius and Marcellus, deacons, and also Venustian, governor, along with his wife and sons, under Emperor Maximian. Marcellus and Exuperantius were first racked, then severely beaten with rods; afterwards being torn with iron hooks, and burned in the sides, they fulfilled their martyrdom. Not long after, Venustian was put to the sword with his wife and sons. St. Sabinus, after having his hands cut off, and being a long time confined in prison, was scourged to death.
The martyrdom of these saints is commemorated on the same day, although it occurred at different times.


At Alexandria, the Saints Mansuetus, Severus, Appian, Donatus, Honorius, and their martyr companions.


At Thessalonica, St. Anysia, martyr.


Likewise, St. Anysius, bishop of the same city.


At Milan, St. Eugene, bishop and confessor.


At Ravenna, St. Liberius, bishop.


At Aquila, in Abruzzi, St. Rainer, 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 30:


CHAPTER LXXII
Of the good zeal which Monks ought to have


As there is an evil zeal of bitterness, which separateth from God, and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal, which keepeth us from vice, and leadeth to God and to life everlasting. Let monks, therefore, exert this zeal with most fervent love; that is, "in honour preferring one another." Let them most patiently endure one another's infirmities, whether of body or of mind. Let them vie with one another in obedience. Let no one follow what he thinketh good for himself, but rather what seemeth good for another. Let them cherish fraternal charity with chaste love, fear God, love their Abbot with sincere and humble affection, and prefer nothing whatever to Christ. And may He bring us all alike to life everlasting.


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


At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Silvester I, confessor, who baptized Emperor Constantine the Great, and confirmed the council of Nicaea. After performing many other holy deeds, he rested in peace.


At Rome, on the Salarian Way, in the cemetery of Priscilla, the holy martyrs Donata, Paulina, Rustica, Nominanda, Serotina, Hilaria, and their companions.


At Sens, the blessed Sabinian, bishop, and PotÃntian. They had been sent there to preach by the Roman Pontiff, and that metropolitan church was illustrated by their confession and martyrdom.


At Catania in Sicily, the passion of the Saints Stephen, Pontian, Attalus, Fabian, Cornelius, Sextus, Flos, Quinctian, Minervinus, and Simplician.


At Sens, St. Columba, virgin and martyr, who, after having triumphed over fire, was beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian.


On the same day, St. Zoticus, a Roman priest who went to Constantinople and undertook the work of caring for orphans.


At Ravenna, St. Barbatian, priest and confessor.


At La Louvesc, in the diocese of Vienne in Dauphine, the death of St. John Francis Regis, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He was a man of great love and patience in securing the salvation of souls.


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 31:


CHAPTER LXXIII
That the whole observance of Perfection is not set down in this Rule


We have written this Rule, in order that, by observing it in Monasteries, we may shew ourselves to have some degree of goodness of life, and a beginning of holiness. But for him who would hasten to the perfection of religion, there are the teachings of the holy Fathers, the following whereof bringeth a man to the height of perfection. For what page or what word is there in the divinely inspired books of the Old and New Testaments, that is not a most unerring rule for human life? Or what book of the holy Catholic Fathers doth not loudly proclaim how we may by a straight course reach our Creator? Moreover, the Conferences of the Fathers, their Institutes and their Lives, and the Rule of our holy Father Basil - what are these but the instruments whereby well-living and obedient monks attain to virtue? But to us, who are slothful and negligent and of evil lives, they are cause for shame and confusion. Whoever, therefore, thou art that hasteneth to thy heavenly country, fulfil by the help of Christ this least of Rules which we have written for beginners; and then at length thou shalt arrive, under God's protection, at the lofty summits of doctrine and virtue of which we have spoken above.


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


The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the octave of his Nativity.


At Rome, under Emperor Alexander, St. Martina, virgin, who endured various kinds of torments, and being beheaded, received the palm of martyrdom. Her feast is kept on the 30th of this month.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the death of St. Basil the Great, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, renowned for his learning and wisdom and gifted with every virtue, who during the reign of Emperor Valens wonderfully displayed his talents as he defended the Church with great constancy against the Arians and Macedonians. His feast, however, is appropriately kept on the 14th of June, the day on which he was consecrated bishop.


In Tuscany, on Mount Senario, St. Bonfilius, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, having honoured her devoutly, was suddenly called to heaven by her. His feast, with that of his companions, is kept on February 12th.


At Rome, St. Almachius, martyr, who, by the command of Alipius, governor of the city, was killed by the gladiators for saying, "Today is the Octave of our Lord's birth; put an end to the worship of idols, and abstain from unclean sacrifices."


In the same city, on the Appian Way, the crowning with martyrdom of thirty holy soldiers under Emperor Diocletian.


At Spoleto, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, St. Concordius, priest and martyr, who was beaten with clubs, then stretched on the rack, and after a long confinement in prison, where he was visted by an angel, lost his life by the sword.


The same day, St. Magnus, martyr.


In Africa, St. Fulgentius, bishop of Rusp, who suffered much from the Arians, during the persecution of the Vandals, for holding the Catholic faith and teaching an excellent doctrine. After being banished to Sardinia, he was permitted to return to his diocese, where he ended his life by a holy death, leaving a reputation for sanctity and eloquence.


At Chieti in Abruzzo, the birthday of St. Justin, bishop of that city, illustrious for holiness of life and for his miracles.


In the diocese of Lyons, in the monastery of St. Claude, St. Eugendus, abbot, whose life was eminent for virtues and miracles.


At Souvigny in France, St. Odilo, abbot of Cluny, who was the first to prescribe that the commemoration of all the faithful departed should be made in his monasteries the day after the feast of All Saints. This practice was afterwards received and approved by the universal Church.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Vincent Maria Strambi, Bishop of Macerata and Tolentino, of the Order of Passionists, renowned for his pastoral zeal, whom Pope Pius XII numbered among the saints.


At Alexandria, the departure from this world of St. Euphrosyna, virgin, who was renowned in her monastery for the virtue of abstinence, and for the gift of miracles.


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 January 1:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE


Hearken, O my son, to the precepts of thy Master, and incline the ear of thine heart; willingly receive and faithfully fulfil the admonition of thy loving Father, that thou mayest return by the labour of obedience to Him from Whom thou hadst departed through the sloth of disobedience. To thee, therefore, my words are now addressed, whoever thou art that, renouncing thine own will, dost take up the strong and bright weapons of obedience, in order to fight for the Lord Christ, our true king. In the first place, whatever good work thou beginnest to do, beg of Him with most earnest prayer to perfect; that He Who hath now vouchsafed to count us in the number of His children may not at any time be grieved by our evil deeds. For we must always so serve Him with the good things He hath given us, that not only may He never, as an angry father, disinherit his children, but may never, as a dreadful Lord, incensed by our sins, deliver us to everlasting punishment, as most wicked servants who would not follow Him to glory.


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



The Octave of St. Stephen, the first martyr.


At Rome, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who, despising the edict of Emperor Diocletian, which ordered that the sacred books should be delivered up, preferred to offer their bodies to the executioners rather than to give holy things to dogs.


At Antioch, the passion of blessed Isidore, bishop.


At Tomis in Pontus, in the time of Emperor Licinius, three holy brothers, Argeus, Narcissus, and the young man Marcellinus. This last, being enrolled among the new soldiers, and refusing to serve, was beaten almost to death, and for a long while kept in prison. Being finally cast into the sea, he finished his martyrdom, and his brothers were beheaded.


At Milan, St. Martinian, bishop.


In Nitria in Egypt, blessed Isidore, bishop and confessor.


The same day, St. Siridion, bishop.


In Thebais, St. Macarius of Alexandria, abbot.


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 January 2:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


Let us then at length arise, since the Scripture stirreth us up, saying: It is time now for us to rise from sleep." And our eyes being open to the deifying light, let us hear with wondering ears what the Divine Voice admonisheth us, daily crying out: "To-day if ye shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts." And again, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches." And what saith He? "Come, my children, hearken to Me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Run while ye have the light of life, lest the darkness of death seize hold of you."


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

For 2020 the Feast of the most holy Name of Jesus.

The Octave of St. John, apostle and evangelist.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Anterus, who suffered under Julius Maximinus, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.


At Vienne in France, St. Florentius, bishop, who was sent into exile and who was martyred in the time of Emperor Gallienus.


In the city of Aulona in Palestine, the crucifixion of St. Peter.


In the Hellespont, the holy martyrs Cyrinus, Primus, and Theogenes.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Gordius, centurion, in whose praise is extant a celebrated discourse delivered by St. Basil the Great on the day of his festival.


In Cilicia, the holy martyrs Zosimus and the notary Athanasius.


Also, the Saints Theopemptus and Theonas, who suffered a glorious martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Padua, St. Daniel, martyr.


At Paris, St. Genevieve, virgin, who was consecrated to Christ by St. Germanus, bishop of Auxerre, and who became famous for her admirable virtues and miracles.


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 January 3:

PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)

And the Lord, seeking His own workman in the multitude of the people to whom He thus crieth out, saith again: "Who is the man that will have life, and desireth to see good days. And if thou, hearing Him, answer, "I am he," God saith to thee: "If thou wilt have true and everlasting life, keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips that they speak no guile. Turn from evil, and do good: seek peace and pursue it. And when you have done these things, My eyes will be upon you, and My ears will be open to your prayers; and before you call upon Me, I will say unto you, "Behold, I am here." What can be sweeter to us, dearest brethren, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold in His loving-kindness the Lord sheweth unto us the way of life.

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

The Octave of the Holy Innocents.

In Crete, the birthday of St. Titus, who was consecrated bishop of that island by the apostle St. Paul. After having faithfully performed the duty of preaching the Gospel, he reached the end of his saintly life, and was buried in the church of which he had been made a worthy minister by the holy apostle.

At Rome, in the reign of the impious Julian, the holy martyrs Priscus, a priest, Priscillian, a cleric; and Benedicta, a religious woman, whose martyrdom was ended by the sword.

Also at Rome, under the same emperor, blessed Dafrosa, wife of the martyr St. Flavian, and mother of Saints Bibiana and Demetria, virgin martyrs. After her husband had been killed, she was first banished and then beheaded.

At Bologna, the Saints Hermes, Aggaeus, and Caius, martyrs, who suffered under Emperor Maximian.

At Adrumetum in Africa, in the persecution of Severus, the commemoration of St. Mavilus, martyr, who, being condemned by the very cruel governor Scapula to be devoured by wild beasts, received the crown of martyrdom.

Also in Africa, the most renowned martyrs Aquilinus, Geminus, Eugenius, Marcian, Quinctus, Theodotus, and Tryphon.

At Langres in France, St. Gregory, a bishop renowned for miracles.

At Rheims in France, St. Rigobertus, 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 January 4:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


Having our loins, therefore, girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him Who hath called us to His kingdom. And if we wish to dwell in the tabernacle of His kingdom, we shall by no means reach it unless we run thither by our good deeds. But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet, saying to Him: "Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle, or who shall rest upon Thy holy hill?" After this question, brethren, let us hear the Lord answering, and shewing to us the way to His tabernacle, and saying: "He that walketh without stain and worketh justice: he that speaketh truth in his heart, that hath not done guile with his tongue: he that hath done no evil to his neighbour, and hath not taken up a reproach against his neighbour:" he that hath brought the malignant evil one to naught, casting him out of his heart with all his suggestions, and hath taken his bad thoughts, while they were yet young, and dashed them down upon the (Rock) Christ. These are they, who fearing the Lord, are not puffed up with their own good works, but knowing that the good which is in them cometh not from themselves but from the Lord, magnify the Lord Who worketh in them, saying with the Prophet: "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give the glory." So the Apostle Paul imputed nothing of his preaching to himself, but said: "By the grace of God I am what I am." And again he saith:  "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."


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


The Vigil of the Epiphany of our Lord.


At Rome, in the time of Antoninus Pius, St. Telesphorus, pope, who, after many sufferings for the confession of Christ, underwent a glorious martyrdom.


In England, St. Edward, king and confessor, illustrious by the virtue of chastity and the gift of miracles. His feast, by order of Pope Innocent XI, is celebrated on the 13th of October, on which day his holy body was transferred.


In Egypt, during the persecution of Diocletian, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who were put to death in Thebais by various kinds of torments.


At Antioch, St. Simeon, monk, admirable both for his life and for his conversation. He lived for many years standing on a pillar, and was for that reason called Stylites.


At Rome, the holy virgin Emiliana, aunt of Pope St. Gregory. Being called to God by her sister Tharsilla, who had preceded her, she departed to heaven on this day.


At Alexandria, St. Syncletica, whose noble deeds have been recorded by St. Athanasius.


In Egypt, St. Apollinaris, virgin.


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 this January 5:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE(cont.)


Hence also the Lord saith in the Gospel: "He that heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock: the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, because it was founded upon a rock." And the Lord in fulfilment of these His words is waiting daily for us to respond by our deeds to His holy admonitions. Therefore are the days of our life lengthened for the amendment of our evil ways, as saith the Apostle: "Knowest thou not that the patience of God is leading thee to repentance?" For the merciful Lord saith: "I will not the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and live."


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


The Epiphany of our Lord.


At Florence, St. Andrew Corsini, a Florentine Carmelite and bishop of Fiesole. Being celebrated for miracles, he was ranked among the saints by Urban VIII. His festival is kept on the 4th of February.


At Barcelona in Spain, St. Raymond of Pennafort, of the Order of Preachers, celebrated for sanctity and learning. His festival is kept on the 23rd of this month.


In Africa, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who were burned at the stake in the persecution of Severus.


In the diocese of Rheims, the martyrdom of St. Macra, virgin, who, in the persecution of Diocletian, was cast into the fire by order of the governor Rictiovarus. As she remained uninjured, she had her breasts cut away, was imprisoned in a foul dungeon, rolled upon broken earthenware and burning coals, and finally she gave up her soul while engaged in prayer.


At Rennes in France, St. Melanius, bishop and confessor, who, after a life remarkable for innumerable virtues, with his thoughts constantly fixed on heaven, gloriously departed from this world.


At Geris in Egypt, St. Nilammon, anchoret, who, while he was carred to a bishopric against his will, gave up his soul to God in prayer.


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 January 6:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


Since then, brethren, we have asked of the Lord who is to inhabit His temple, we have heard His commands to those who are to dwell there and if we fulfil those duties, we shall be heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Our hearts, therefore, and our bodies must be made ready to fight under the holy obedience of His commands; and let us ask God to supply by the help of His grace what by nature is not possible to us. And if we would arrive at eternal life, escaping the pains of hell, then - while there is yet time, while we are still in the flesh, and are able to fulfil all these things by the light which is given us - we must hasten to do now what will profit us for all eternity.


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


The return of the Child Jesus from Egypt.


The birthday of blessed Lucian, a priest of the Church of Antioch and martyr, who was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. He suffered at Nicomedia for the confession of Christ, in the persecution of Galerius Maximian, and was buried at Helenopolis, in Bithynia. His praises have been proclaimed by St. John Chrysostom.


At Antioch, St. Clerus, deacon, who, for having professed faith in Christ, was seven times tortured, kept in prison a long while, and at length his martyrdom was ended by decapitation.


In the city of Heraclea, the holy martyrs Felix and Januarius.


The same day, St. Julian, martyr.


In Denmark, St. Canute, king and martyr.


At Pavia, St. Crispin, bishop and confessor.


In Dacia, St. Nicetas, bishop, who made fierce and barbarous nations humane and meek by preaching the Gospel to them.


In Egypt, St. Theodore, a saintly monk, who flourished in the time of Constantine the Great. He is mentioned by St. Athanasius in his Life of St. Anthony.


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 January 7:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE(cont.)


We have, therefore, to establish a school of the Lord's service, in the setting forth of which we hope to order nothing that is harsh or rigorous. But if anything be somewhat strictly laid down, according to the dictates of sound reason, for the amendment of vices or the preservation of charity, do not therefore fly in dismay from the way of salvation, whose beginning cannot but be strait and difficult. But as we go forward in our life and in faith, we shall with hearts enlarged and unspeakable sweetness of love run in the way of God's commandments; so that never departing from His guidance, but persevering in His teaching in the monastery until death, we may by patience share in the sufferings of Christ, that we may deserve to be partakers of His kingdom. Amen.


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


At Venice, the death of St. Lawrence Justinian, confessor, first patriarch of that city. Eminent for learning, and abundantly filled with the heavenly gifts of divine wisdom, he was ranked among the saints by Alexander VIII. He is again mentioned on the 5th of September, on which day he ascended the pontifical throne.


At Beauvais in France, the holy martyrs Lucian, priest, Maximian and Julian. The last two were killed with the sword by the persecutors; but blessed Lucian, who had come to France with St. Denis, after the slaughter of his companions, not fearing to confess the Name of Christ openly, received the same sentence of death.


In Libya, the holy martyrs Theophilus, deacon, and Helladius, who, after having their bodies lacerated and cut with sharp pieces of earthenware, were cast into the fire, and rendered their souls unto God.


At Autun, St. Eugenian, martyr.


At Hierapolis in Asia, St. Apollinaris, bishop, who was conspicuous for sanctity and learning under Marucs Antoninus Verus.


At Naples in Campania, the birthday of the bishop St. Severin, brother to the blessed martyr Victorinus, who, after working many miracles, died, replenished with virtues and merits.


At Metz in France, St. Patiens, bishop.


At Pavia, St. Maximus, bishop and confessor.


At Ratisbon in Bavaria, St. Erhard, bishop.


Among the inhabitants of Noricum (now Austria), the abbot St. Severin, who propagated the Gospel in that country, and is called its apostle. By divine power his body was carried to Lucullano, near Naples, and thence transferred to the monastery of St. Severin.


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


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