RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for July 15:

CHAPTER XXXVI
Of the Sick Brethren

Before all things and above all things care is to be had of the sick, that they be served in very deed as Christ Himself, for He hath said: "I was sick, and ye visited Me." And, "What ye have done unto one of these little ones, ye have done unto Me." And let the sick themselves remember that they are served for the honour of God, and not grieve the brethren who serve them by unnecessary demands. Yet must they be patiently borne with, because from such as these is gained a more abundant reward. Let it be, therefore, the Abbot's greatest care that they suffer no neglect. And let a cell be set apart by itself for the sick brethren, and one who is God-fearing, diligent and careful, be appointed to serve them. Let the use of baths be allowed to the sick as often as may be expedient; but to those who are well, and especially to the young, let it be granted more seldom. Let the use of flesh meat also be permitted to the sick and to those who are very weakly, for their recovery: but when they are restored to health, let all abstain from meat in the accustomed manner. The Abbot must take all possible care that the sick be not neglected by the Cellarer or servers; because whatever is done amiss by his disciples is laid to his charge.

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

The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.

At Sebaste in Armenia, the holy martyrs Athenogenes, bishop, and ten of his disciples, in the time of Emperor Diocletian.

At Treves, St. Valentine, bishop and martyr.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Sisenand, cleric and martyr, who was strangled by the Saracens for the faith of Christ.

The same day, the birthday of St. Faustus, martyr, under Decius. He lived five days fastened to a cross, and being then pierced with arrows, he went to heaven.

At Saintes in France, the holy martyrs Raineld, virgin, and her companions who were slain by barbarians for the Christian faith.

At Bergamo, St. Domnio, martyr.

At Antioch, the birthday of blessed Eustace, bishop and confessor, celebrated for learning and sanctity. Under the Arian emperor Constantius, for the defence of the Catholic faith, he was banished to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he rested in the Lord.

At Capua, St. Vitalian, bishop and confessor.

At the abbey of our Most Holy Redeemer, in the diocese of Coutances in France, St. Mary Magdalene Postel, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy of the Christian Schools, who was added to the list of the holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.

The translation of St. Hilarinus, a monk, to Ostia. He was arrested with St. Donatus in the persecution of Julian. Because he refused to sacrifice to idols, he was finally scourged at Arezzo in Tuscany, and underwent martyrdom on the 7th of August.

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 16:

CHAPTER XXXVII
Of the Aged and Children

Although human nature is of itself drawn to feel pity for these two times of life, namely, old age and infancy, yet the authority of the Rule should also provide for them. Let their weakness be always taken into account, and the strictness of the Rule respecting food be by no means kept in their regard; but let a kind consideration be shewn for them, and let them eat before the regular hours.

Martyrology-July 17th
Roman Martyrology-July 17th- on this date in various years-

At Rome, St. Alexius, confessor, son of the senator Euphemian. Leaving his spouse before the night of marriage, he withdrew from his house, and after a long pilgrimage, returned to Rome where he was for seventeen years harboured in his father's house as an unknown pauper, thus deluding the world in this strange way. After his death, however, becoming known through a voice heard in the churches of the city, and by his own writings, he was, under the sovereign Pontiff Innocent I, translated to the Church of St. Boniface, where he wrought many miracles.

At Carthage, the birthday of the holy Scillitan martyrs Speratus, Narzales, Cythinus, Venturius, Felix, Acyllinus, lætantius, Januaria, Generosa, Vestina, Donata, and Secunda. By order of the prefect Saturninus, after their first confession of the faith, they were sent to prison, nailed to a cross, and finally beheaded. The relics of Speratus, with the bones of blessed Cyprian and the head of the martyr, St. Pantaleon, were carried from Africa into France and honourably buried in the basilica of St. John the Baptist at Lyons.

At Amastris in Paphlagonia, St. Hyacinth, martyr, who died in prison after much suffering, under the prefect Castritus.

At Tivoli, St. Generosus, martyr.

At Constantinople, St. Theodota, martyr, under Leo the Iconoclast.

At Rome, the death of Pope St. Leo IV.

At Pavia, St. Ennodius, bishop and confessor.

At Auxerre, St. Theodosius, bishop.

At Milan, the virgin saint Marcellina, sister of the blessed bishop Ambrose, who received the religious veil from Pope Liberius, in the basilica of St. Peter at Rome. Her sanctity is attested to by St. Ambrose in his writings.

At Venice, the translation of St. Marina, virgin.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for July17:

CHAPTER XXXVIII
Of the Weekly Reader

Reading must not be wanting while the brethren eat at table; nor let any one who may chance to have taken up the book presume to read, but let him who is to read throughout the week begin upon the Sunday. After Mass and Communion, let him ask all to pray for him, that God may keep from him the spirit of pride. And let this verse be said thrice in the Oratory, he himself beginning it: "O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise." And so, having received the blessing, let him enter on his reading. The greatest silence must be kept at table, so that no whispering may be heard there, nor any voice except that of him who readeth. And whatever is necessary for food or drink let the brethren so minister to each other, that no one need ask for anything: but should anything be wanted, let it be asked for by a sign rather than by the voice. And let no one presume to put any questions there, either about the reading or about anything else, lest it should give occasion for talking: unless perchance the Superior should wish to say a few words for the edification of the brethren. Let the brother who is reader for the week take a little bread and wine before he begin to read, on account of the Holy Communion,* and lest it be hard for him to fast so long. Afterwards let him take his meal with the weekly cooks and other servers. The brethren are not to read or sing according to their order, but such only as may edify the hearers.

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

St. Camillus de Lellis, priest and confessor, founder of the Clerks Regular Ministering to the Sick, the heavenly patron of hospitals and of the sick, whose birthday is the 14th day of July.

At Tivoli, in the time of Emperor Hadrian, St. Symphorosa, wife of the martyr St. Getulius, with her seven sons, Crescens, Julian, Nemesius, Primitivus, Justin, Stacteus, and Eugene. The mother, because of her invincible constancy, was first beaten a long time, then suspended by her hair, and lastly thrown into the river with a stone tied to her body. Her sons were stretched by pulleys attached to stakes, and completed their martyrdom in divers ways. Afterwards, their bodies were taken to Rome, and in the pontificate of Pius IV, were found in the sacristy of St. Angelo in Piscina.

At Utrecht, St. Frederick, bishop and martyr.

At Silisitria in Bulgaria, St. Emilian, martyr, who was cast into a furnace, in the time of Julian the Apostate, under the governor Capitolinus, and received the palm of martyrdom.

At Carthage, St. Gundenes, virgin. By order of the proconsul Ruffinus, she was at four different times stretched on the rack for the faith of Christ, horribly lacerated with iron hooks, confined for a long time in a filthy prison, and finally put to the sword.

In Spanish Galicia, St. Marina, virgin and martyr.

At Milan, in the reign of Maximian, the holy bishop Maternus. For the faith of Christ and the Church entrusted to him, he went to his rest in the Lord with a great renown for his repeated confession of the faith.

At Brescia, the birthday of St. Philastrius, bishop of that city, who both by word and writing opposed the heretics, especially the Arians, from whom he suffered greatly. Finally he died in peace, a confessor renowned for miracles.

At Metz in France, St. Arnulf, a bishop illustrious for holiness and miracles. He chose the life of a hermit and ended his blessed career in peace.

At Segni, St. Bruno, bishop and confessor.

At Forlimpopoli in Emilia, St. Ruffillus, bishop of that city.

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 18:

CHAPTER XXXIX
Of the Measure of Food

We think it sufficient for the daily meal, whether at the sixth or the ninth hour, that there be at all seasons of the year two dishes of cooked food, because of the weakness of different people; so that he who perchance cannot eat of the one, may make his meal of the other. Let two dishes, then, suffice for all the brethren; and if there be any fruit or young vegetables, let a third be added. Let one pound weight of bread suffice for the day, whether there be but one meal, or both dinner and supper. If they are to sup, let a third part of the pound be kept back by the Cellarer, and given to them for supper. If, however, their work chance to have been hard, it shall be in the Abbot's power, if he think fit, to make some addition, avoiding above everything, all surfeiting, that the monks be not overtaken by indigestion. For there is nothing so adverse to a Christian as gluttony, according to the words of Our Lord: "See that your hearts be not overcharged with surfeiting." And let not the same quantity be allotted to children of tender years, but less than to their elders, moderation being observed in every case. Let everyone abstain altogether from the flesh of four-footed animals, except the very weak and the sick.

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

St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor, founder of the priests of the Congregation of the Mission and the Sisters of Charity, the heavenly patron of all charitable organizations. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 27th of September.

At Colossae in Phrygia, the birthday of St. Epaphras, whom the apostle St. Paul calls his fellow-prisoner. By the same apostle he was consecrated bishop of Colossae, where, becoming renowned for his virtues, he received the palm of martyrdom for defending courageously the flock committed to his charge. His body lies at Rome in the basilica of St. Mary Major.

At Treves, St. Martin, bishop and martyr.

At Seville in Spain, the martyrdom of the holy virgins Justa and Rufina. Arrested by the governor Diogenian, they were stretched on the rack and lacerated with iron claws, then imprisoned and subjected to starvation and various tortures. Justa died in prison, but Rufina's neck was broken for the confession of the Lord.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Aura, virgin, the sister of the holy martyrs Adulphus and John. A Mohammedan judge had persuaded her to apostatize for a while, but quickly repenting of what she had done, in the second trial overcame the enemy by the shedding of her blood.

At Rome, Pope St. Symmachus, who for a long time had much to bear, from a faction of schismatics. At last, distinguished by holiness, he went to God.

At Verona, St. Felix, bishop.

At Scete, a mountain in Egypt, St. Arsenius, a deacon of the Roman Church. In the time of Theodosius he retired into a desert where, endowed with every virtue and shedding continual tears, he yielded his soul unto God.

In Cappadocia, St. Macrina, virgin. She was the daughter of Saints Basil and Emmelia, and the sister of the holy bishops, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Peter of Sebaste.

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 19:

CHAPTER XL
Of the Measure of Drink

Every one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner, another after that. And, therefore, it is with some misgiving that we appoint the measure of other men's living. Yet, considering the infirmity of the weak, we think that one pint of wine a day is sufficient for each but let those to whom God gives the endurance of abstinence know that they shall have their proper reward. If, however, the situation of the place, the work, or the heat of summer require more, let it be in the power of the Superior to grant it; taking care in everything that surfeit or drunkenness creep not in. And although we read that wine ought by no means to be the drink of monks, yet since in our times monks cannot be persuaded of this, let us at least agree not to drink to satiety, but sparingly; because "wine maketh even the wise to fall away." But where the necessity of the place alloweth not even the aforesaid measure, but much less, or none at all, let those who dwell there bless God and not murmur. This above all we admonish, that there be no murmuring among them.

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

St. Jerome Emiliani, confessor, founder of the Congregation of Somascha, the heavenly patron of all orphans and destitute children. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 8th of February.

At Antioch, the passion of St. Margaret, virgin and martyr.

On Mount Carmel, the holy prophet Elijah.

In Judea, the birthday of blessed Joseph, surnamed the Just, whom the apostles selected with blessed Matthias for the apostleship to replace the traitor Judas. The lot having fallen upon Matthias, Joseph, notwithstanding, continued to preach and to advance in virtue, and after having sustained from the Jews many persecutions for the faith of Christ, he happily completed his life. It is related of him that having drunk poison, he received no injury from it, because of his confidence in the Lord.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Paul, deacon and martyr. For rebuking Mohammedan princes for their impiety and cruelty, and preaching Christ with constancy, he was put to death and went to his reward in heaven.

At Damascus, the holy martyrs Sabinus, Julian, Maximus, Macrobius, Cassia, and Paul, with ten others.

In Portugal, St. Wilgefortis, virgin and martyr, who merited the crown of martyrdom on a cross in defence of the faith and her chastity.

The same day, the birthday of St. Flavian II, bishop of Antioch, and St. Elias, bishop of Jerusalem. They were driven into exile by Emperor Anastasius for their defence of the Council of Chalcedon, and there they went victoriously to the Lord.

At Boulogne in France, the abbot St. Wulmar, a man of admirable sanctity.

At Treves, St. Severa, virgin.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

CHAPTER XLI
At what Hours the Brethren are to take their Meals

From Holy Easter until Pentecost let the brethren dine at the sixth hour, and sup in the evening. But from Pentecost throughout the summer (unless they have to work in the fields, or are harrassed by excessive heat) let them fast on Wednesdays and Fridays until the ninth hour, but on other days dine at the sixth. Should they have field labour, or should the heat of the summer be very great, they must always take their dinner at the sixth hour. Let the Abbot provide for this, and let him so arrange and dispose all things, that souls may be saved, and that the brethren may do what they have to do without just cause for murmuring. From the fourteenth of September until the beginning of Lent let them always dine at the ninth hour; and during Lent, until Easter, in the evening. And let the hour of the evening meal be so ordered that they have no need of a lamp while eating, but let all be over while it is yet daylight. At all times, whether of dinner or supper, let the hour be so arranged that everything be done by daylight.

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

At Rome, the holy virgin Praxedes, who was brought up in all chastity and in the knowledge of the divine law. Diligently attending to watching, prayer, and fasting, she rested in Christ, and was buried near her sister Pudentiana on the Salarian Way.

At Babylon, the holy prophet Daniel.

At Comana in Armenia, the holy bishop and martyr Zoticus, who was crowned under Severus.

At Marseilles in France, the birthday of St. Victor, a soldier. Because he refused to serve in the army and sacrifice to idols, he was thrust into prison, where he was visited by an angel. He was subjected to various torments, and finally being crushed under a millstone, he ended his martyrdom. With him also suffered three soldiers, Alexander, Felician, and Longinus.

At Troyes in France, the martyrdom of the saints Claudius, Justus, Jucundinus, and five companions, in the time of Emperor Aurelian.

In the same place, St. Julia, virgin and martyr.

At Strasbourg, St. Arbogastus, a bishop, renowned for miracles.

In Syria, the holy monk John, a companion of St. Simeon.

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 21:

CHAPTER XLII
That no one may speak after Compline

Monks should love silence at all times, but especially during the hours of the night. Therefore, on all days, whether of fasting or otherwise, let them sit down all together as soon as they have risen from supper (if it be not a fast-day) and let one of them read the Conferences [of Cassian], or the lives of the Fathers, or some thing else which may edify the hearers. Not, however, Heptateuch, nor the Books of Kings for it will not profit those of weak understanding to hear those parts of Scripture at that hour *: they may, however, be read at other times. If it be a fast-day, then a short time after Vespers let them assemble for the reading of the Conferences, as we have said; four or five pages being read, or as much as time alloweth, so that during the reading all may gather together, even those who may have been occupied in some work enjoined them. Everyone, then, being assembled, let them say Compline; and when that is finished, let none be allowed to speak to any one. And if any one be found to evade this rule of silence, let him be subjected to severe punishment; unless the presence of guests should make it necessary, or the Abbot should chance to give any command. Yet, even then, let it be done with the utmost gravity and moderation.

Martyrology-July 22nd
Roman Martyrology-July 22nd- on this date in various years-

At Marseilles in France, the birthday of St. Mary Magdalene, out of whom our Lord expelled seven demons, and who deserved to be the first to see the Saviour after he had risen from the dead.

At Philippi in Macedonia, St. Syntyche, mentioned by the blessed apostle Paul.

At Ancyra in Galatia, the birthday of the martyr St. Plato. Under the lieutenant-governor Agrippinus, he was scourged, lacerated with iron hooks, and subjected to the most atrocious torments, and finally being beheaded, he rendered his invincible soul to God. The Acts of the Second Council of Nicaea bear witness to his miracles in helping captives.

In Cyprus, St. Theophilus, a praetor, who was apprehended by the Arabs, and as he could not be induced either by gifts or by threats to deny Christ, was put to the sword.

At Antioch, the holy bishop Cyril, who was distinguished for learning and holiness.

At Menat, in the territory of Auvergne, St. Meneleus, abbot.

In the monastery of Fontanelle in France, Abbot St. Wandrille, famous for his miracles. His body was afterwards translated to the monastery of Blandin, in Flanders.

At Lisbon in Portugal, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and confessor, superior general of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin of St. Francis. Illustrious for his preaching and his arduous labour for the glory of God, he was canonized by Pope Leo XIII.

At Scythopolis in Palestine, St. Joseph, a count.

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 22:

CHAPTER XLIII
Of those who come late to the Work of God, or to table

At the hour of Divine Office, as soon as the signal is heard, let every one, leaving whatever he had in hand, hasten to the Oratory with all speed, and yet with seriousness, so that no occasion he given for levity.

Let nothing, then, be preferred to the Work of God. And should any one come to the Night-Office after the Gloria of the ninety-fourth Psalm (which for this reason we wish to be said very slowly and protractedly), let him not stand in his order in the choir, but last of all, or in the place set apart by the Abbot for the negligent, so that he may be seen by him and by all, until, the work of God being ended, he have made satisfaction by public penance. The reason why we have judged it fitting for them to stand in the last place, or apart, is that, being seen of all, they may amend for very shame. For, if they were to remain outside the Oratory, some one perchance would return to his place and go to sleep, or at all events would sit down outside, and give himself to idle talk, and thus an occasion would be given to the evil one. Let him therefore enter, that he may not lose the whole, and may amend for the future. At the day Hours, let him who cometh to the Work of God after the Verse,* and the Gloria of the first Psalm which followeth it, stand in the last place, as ordered above, and not presume to join with the choir in the Divine Office, until he hath made satisfaction: unless perchance the Abbot shall permit him so to do, on condition, however, that he afterwards do penance.


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

At Ravenna, the birthday of the holy bishop Apollinaris, who was consecrated at Rome by the Apostle Peter, and sent to Ravenna, where he endured many different tribulations for the faith of Christ. He afterwards preached the Gospel in Emilia, where he converted many from the worship of idols. Finally, returning to Ravenna, he completed his confession of Christ by a glorious martyrdom under Vespasian Caesar.

At Le Mans in France, St. Liborius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, St. Bridget, widow, who, after many pilgrimages to the holy places, fell asleep filled with the Spirit of God. Her feast is observed on the 8th of October.

Also, St. Rasyphus, martyr.

In the same city, the martyrdom of St. Primitiva, virgin and martyr.

Also the holy martyrs Apollonius and Eugene.

The same day, the birthday of the holy martyrs Trophimus and Theophilus, who received their crown of martyrdom by being beaten with stones, scorched with fire, and finally struck with the sword, in the time of Emperor Diocletian.

In Bulgaria, many holy martyrs, whom the impious Emperor Nicephorus, while devastating the churches of God, put to death in various ways: by the sword, by hanging, arrows, long imprisonment, and by starvation.

At Rome, the saintly virgins Romula, Redempta, and Herundo, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory in his writings.

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 23:

CHAPTER XLIII
Of those who come late to the Work of God, or to table (cont.)

If any one, through his own negligence and fault, come not to table before the Verse, so that all may say this and the prayer together, and together sit down to table, let him be once or twice corrected. If after this he do not amend, let him not be admitted to share in the common table, but be separated from the companionship of all, and eat alone, his portion of wine being taken from him, until he hath made satisfaction and amends. Let him be punished in like manner, who is not present also at the Verse which is said after meals. And let no one presume to take food or drink before or after the appointed hour: but should a brother be offered anything by the Superior, and refuse to take it, if he afterwards desire either what he before refused, or anything else, he shall receive nothing whatever, until he hath made proper satisfaction

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

The Vigil of St. James the Apostle.

At Tiro in Tuscany, on Lake Bolsena, St. Christina, virgin and martyr. Because she believed in Christ, and broke up her father's gold and silver idols to give them to the poor, she was cruelly scourged at his command, subjected to other most severe torments, and thrown with a heavy stone into the lake from which she was drawn out by an angel. Then under another judge, who succeeded her father, she bore courageously still more bitter tortures. Finally, after she had been shut up by the governor Julian in a burning furnace for five days without any injury, after being cured of the sting of serpents, she ended her martyrdom by having her tongue cut out, and being pierced with arrows.

At Rome, on the Tiburtine Way, St. Vincent, martyr.

At Amiterno in Abruzzi, the martyrdom of eighty-three holy soldiers.

At Merida in Spain, St. Victor, a soldier who, with his two brothers, Stercatius and Antinogenes, by divers torments fulfilled his martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.

Also, the holy martyrs Meneus and Capito.

In Lycia, the holy martyrs Niceta and Aquilina, who were converted to Christ by the preaching of the blessed martyr Christopher, and gained the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Sens, St. Ursicinus, 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 24:

CHAPTER XLIV
Of those who are excommunicated, how they are to make satisfaction

Let him, who for graver offences is excommunicated from the Oratory and the table, prostrate himself at the door of the Oratory, saying nothing, at the hour when the Work of God is being performed: lying prone, with his face upon the ground, at the feet of all who go out from the Oratory. Let him continue to do this until the Abbot judge that he hath made satisfaction: and then, coming at the Abbot's bidding, let him cast himself at his feet and at the feet of all, that they may pray for him. After this, if the Abbot so order, let him be received back into the choir, in such a place as he shalt appoint: yet so, that he presume not to intone Psalm or lesson, or anything else, in the Oratory, unless the Abbot again command him. And at all the Hours, when the Work of God is ended, let him cast himself on the ground, in the place where he standeth, and so make satisfaction, until such time as the Abbot bid him cease therefrom. But let those, who for lighter faults are excommunicated only from the table, make satisfaction in the Oratory so long as the Abbot shall command, and continue so doing until he bless them and say it is enough.

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

St. James the Apostle, brother of the blessed evangelist John, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa at about the feast of Easter. He was the first of the apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom. His sacred bones were on this day carried from Jerusalem to Spain, and placed in the remote province of Galicia, where they are devoutly honoured by the far-famed piety of the inhabitants, and the frequent concourse of Christians, who visit them through piety and in fulfillment of vows.

In Lycia, in the time of Decius, St. Christopher, martyr. Being scourged with iron rods, cast into the flames, from which he was saved by the power of Christ, and finally transfixed with arrows and beheaded, he completed his martyrdom.

At Barcelona in Spain, during the persecution of Diocletian and under the governor Dacian, the birthday of the holy martyr Cucuphas. After overcoming many torments, he was struck with the sword, and thus went triumphantly to heaven.

In Palestine, St. Paul, a martyr in the persecution of Maximian Galerius, under the governor Firmilian. He was condemned to death, but having obtained a short period for prayer, he besought God with all his heart, first for his own countrymen, then for the Jews and the Gentiles, that they might embrace the true faith, next for the multitude of spectators, and finally for the judge who had condemned him and the executioner who was to strike him; after which he received the crown of martyrdom by beheading.

At Forcono in Abruzzi, the holy martyrs Florentius and Felix, natives of Siponte.

At Cordova, St. Theodemir, monk and martyr.

In Palestine, St. Valentina, a virgin, who was led to an altar to offer sacrifice, but overturning it with her foot, she was cruelly tortured, and being cast into the fire with another virgin, her companion, she went to her Spouse.

At Treves, St. Magnericus, 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 25:

CHAPTER XLV
Of Those Who Commit a Fault 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.