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 August 21:


CHAPTER LXIV
Of the Appointment of the Abbot (cont.)


Let him that hath been appointed Abbot always bear in mind what a burden he hath received, and to Whom he will have to give an account of his stewardship; and let him know that it beseemeth him more to profit his brethren than to preside over them. He must, therefore, be learned in the Law of God, that he may know whence to bring forth new things and old: he must be chaste, sober, merciful, ever preferring mercy to justice, that he himself may obtain mercy. Let him hate sin, and love the brethren. And even in his corrections, let him act with prudence, and not go too far, lest while he seeketh too eagerly to scrape off the rust, the vessel be broken. Let him keep his own frailty ever before his eyes, and remember that the bruised reed must not be broken. And by this we do not mean that he should suffer vices to grow up; but that prudently and with charity he should cut them off, in the way he shall see best for each, as we have already said; and let him study rather to be loved than feared. Let him not be violent nor over anxious, not exacting nor obstinate, not jealous nor prone to suspicion, or else he will never be at rest. In all his commands, whether concerning spiritual or temporal matters, let him be prudent and considerate. In the works which he imposeth, let him be discreet and moderate, bearing in mind the discretion of holy Jacob, when he said "If I cause my flocks to be overdriven, they will all perish in one day." Taking, then, the testimonies, borne by these and the like words, to discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper all things, that the strong may have something to strive after, and the weak nothing at which to take alarm. And, especially, let him observe this present Rule in all things; so that, having faithfully fulfilled his stewardship, he may hear from the Lord what that good servant heard, who gave wheat to his fellow-servants in due season: "Amen, I say unto you, over all his goods shall he place him."


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


The Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Feast of the Immaculate Heart of the same Blessed Virgin Mary.


At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the birthday of the holy martyr Timothy. After he had been arrested by Tarquin, prefect of the city, and kept for a long time in prison, because he refused to sacrifice to idols, he was scourged three times, subjected to the most severe torments, and finally beheaded.


At Porto, St. Hippolytus, bishop, most renowned for learning. Having gloriously confessed the faith, in the time of Emperor Alexander, he was bound hand and foot, thrown into a deep ditch filled with water, and thus received the palm of martyrdom. His body was buried by the Christians at that place.


At Autun, St. Symphorian, a martyr, in the time of Emperor Aurelian. Refusing to offer sacrifice to the idols, he was first scourged, then confined to prison, and finally ended his martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Todi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Philip Beniti, confessor, of Florence. He was a zealous promoter of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was a man of great humility. He was canonized by Pope Clement X; his feast, however, is observed on the day following


At Rome, St. Antoninus, martyr, who, openly declaring himself a Christian, was condemned to capital punishment by the judge Vitellius, and buried on the Aurelian Way.


At Tarsus in Cilicia, the commemoration of Saints Athanasius, bishop and martyr, Anthusa, a noble woman he had baptized , and two of her servants, Charisius and Neophytus, martyrs who suffered under the Emperor Valerian.


At Porto, the holy martyrs Martial, Saturninus, Epictetus, Maprilis, and Felix, with their companions.


At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Agathonicus, Zoticus, and their fellow-martyrs, under Emperor Maximian and the governor Eutholomius.


At Rheims in France, the holy martyrs Maur and his companions.


In Spain, the holy martyrs Fabrician and Philibert.


At Pavia, St. Gunifort, martyr.


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 22:


CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery


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


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


The Vigil of St. Bartholomew, Apostle.


St. Philip Beniti, confessor, promoter of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who departed to the Lord on the previous day.


At Ostia, the holy martyrs Quiriacus, bishop, Maximus, priest, Archelaus, deacon, and their companions, who suffered under prefect Ulpian, in the time of Alexander.


At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Restitutus, Donatus, Valerian, and Fructuosa, with twelve others, who were crowned after having distinguished themselves by a glorious confession.


At Aegaea in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Claudius, Asterius, and Neon, brothers, who were accused of being Christians by their stepmother, under Emperor Diocletian and the governor Lysias. After enduring bitter torments, they were fastened to a cross, and thus conquered and triumphed with Christ. After them suffered Dovina and Theonilla.


At Rheims in France, the birthday of the Saints Timothy and Apollinaris, who merited to enter the heavenly kingdom by completing their martyrdom in that city.


At Lyons, the holy martyrs Minercus and Eleazar, with his eight sons.


Also St. Luppus, martyr, who, though a slave, enjoyed the liberty of Christ, and was likewise deemed worthy of the crown of martyrdom.


At Jerusalem, St. Zachaeus, bishop, who governed the Church in that city the fourth after the blessed apostle James.


At Alexandria, St. Theonas, bishop and confessor.


At Utica in Africa, blessed Victor, bishop.


At Autun, St. Flavian, bishop.


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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo


The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 23:


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


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


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


The apostle St. Bartholomew, who preached the Gospel of Christ in India. Passing thence into the Greater Armenia where, after converting many to the faith, he was flayed alive by the barbarians, and having his head cut off by order of King Astyages, he fulfilled his martyrdom. His holy body was first carried to the island of Lipara, then to Benevento, and finally to Rome in the Island of the Tiber, where it is venerated by the pious faithful.


At Lima in Peru, the birthday of St. Rose of St. Mary, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic. Her feast is observed on the 30th of August.


At Nepi, St. Ptolemy, bishop, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter. Being sent by him to preach the Gospel in Tuscany, he died a glorious martyr of Christ in the city of Nepi.


Also, St. Eutychius, disciple of the blessed evangelist John. He preached the Gospel in many countries, and was subjected to imprisonment, to stripes and fire, but finally he rested in peace.


Also at Nepi, St. Romanus, bishop of that city, who was the disciple of St. Ptolemy, and his companion in martyrdom.


At Carthage, three hundred holy martyrs, in the time of Valerian and Gallienus . Among other torments inflicted on them, a pit filled with burning lime was prepared by order of the governor, who, live coals with incense being brought to him, said to the confessors: "Choose one of these two things: either offer incense to Jupiter upon these coals, or be thrown into the lime." Armed with faith, and confessing Christ to be the Son of God, they quickly threw themselves into the pit, and amid the vapours of the lime were reduced to dust. From this circumstance, this white-robed company of the blessed earned for itself the name of the White Mass.


In Isauria, St. Tation, martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom by being beheaded in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Urbanus.


Also, St. George Limniota, monk. Because he reprehended the wicked emperor Leo for breaking holy images, and burning the relics of the saints, he had his hands cut off and his head burned by order of the tyrant, and went to our Lord to receive the recompence of a martyr.


At Ostia, on the Tiber, St. Aurea, virgin and martyr, who was plunged into the sea with a stone tied to her neck. Her body being driven to the shore was buried by blessed Nonnus.


At Rouen, St. Owen, bishop and confessor.


At Nevers in France, St. Patrick, abbot.


At Naples in Campania, St. Joan Antide Thouret, virgin, who founded the Daughters of Saint Vincent de Paul, and whom Pope Pius XI added to the catalogue of holy virgins.


At Marseilles in France, St. Emily de Vialar, virgin, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition. A shining example of fortitude, patience and charity, the Sovereign Pontiff Pius XII added her to the number of the saints.


At Valencia in Spain, the birthday of St. Mary Micaela virgin, who founded the Institute of Religious Adorer-Slaves of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity. Burning with the desire to suffer and draw souls to God, she was numbered among the holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.


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


At Carthage, St. Louis IX, king of France and confessor, illustrious for holiness of life and glorious miracles. His bones were later translated to Paris.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Joseph Calasanctius, priest and confessor, noteworthy for his holy life and miracles. He founded the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Christian Schools. The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius XII, named him as heavenly patron of all Christian schoolchildren. His feast is on the 27th of August.


Also at Rome, in the time of Emperor Commodus, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Pontian, Vincent, and Peregrinus, who were first racked, distended by ropes, then beaten with rods and burned about their sides. As they continued faithfully to praise Christ, they were scourged with leaded whips until they expired.


In the same city of Rome, the birthday of blessed Nemesius, deacon, and his daughter, the virgin Lucilla. As they could not be prevailed upon to abandon the faith of Christ, they were beheaded by order of Ermperor Valerian. Their bodies were buried by blessed Pope Stephen, and afterwards more decently entombed on the 31st of October, by blessed Sixtus on the Appian Way. Gregory V translated them into the sacristy of Santa Maria Nova, together with the Saints Symphronius, Olympius, a tribune, Exuperia, his wife, and Theodulus, his son, who, being all converted by the exertions of Symphonius, and baptized by the same St. Stephen, had been crowned with martyrdom. These holy bodies were found there during the pontificate of Gregory XIII, and placed more honourably beneath the altar of the same church, on the 8th of December.


Also at Rome, St. Genesius, martyr, who had embraced the profession of actor while he was a pagan. One day he was deriding the Christian mysteries in the theatre in the presence of Emperor Diocletian; but by the inspiration of God he was suddenly converted to the faith and baptized. By command of the emperor he was forthwith most cruelly beaten with rods, then racked, and a long time lacerated with iron hooks, and burned with torches. As he remained firm in the faith of Christ, even saying: "There is no king besides Christ. Should you kill me a thousand times, you shall not be able to take him from my lips or my heart." He was then beheaded, and thus merited the palm of martyrdom.


At Arles in France, another blessed Genesius, who, filling the office of notary, and refusing to record the impious edicts by which Christians were commanded to be punished, threw away his books publicly, and declared himself a Christian. He was seized and beheaded, and thus attained the glory of martyrdom through baptism in his own blood.


In Syria, St. Julian, martyr.


At Tarragona in Spain, St. Maginus, martyr.


At Italica in Spain, St. Gerontius, bishop, who preached the Gospel in that country in apostolic times, and after many labours died in prison.


At Constantinople, St. Mennas, bishop.


At Utrecht, St. Gregory, bishop.


At Monte Falisco in Etruria, St. Thomas, bishop of the church of Hereford in England, and confessor.


At Naples in Campania, St. Patricia, 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 August 25:


CHAPTER LXVII
Of the 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-August 26th
Roman Martyrology-August 26th- on this date in various years-


At Rome, St. Zephyrinus, pope and martyr, whose birthday falls on the 20th of December.


At Cardona in Spain, the birthday of St. Raymund Nonnatus, cardinal and confessor, of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives, renowned for holiness of life and for miracles, whose feast is observed on the 31st of August.


At Rome, during the persecution of Valerian, the holy martyrs Irenæus and Abundius, who were thrown into a sewer from which they had taken the body of blessed of Concordia. Their bodies were drawn out by the priest Justin, and buried in a crypt near St. Lawrence.


At Ventimiglia, a city of Liguria, St. Secundus, martyr, a distinguished man and officer in the Theban Legion.


At Bergamo in Lombardy, St. Alexander, martyr, who was one of the same legion, and endured martyrdom, being beheaded for the constant confession of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Among the Marcians, the saints Simplicius, and his sons Constantius and Victorian, who were first tortured in different manners, and lastly, struck with the axe, obtained the crown of martyrdom, in the time of Emperor Antoninus.


At Nicomedia, the martyrdom of St. Adrian, son of Emperor Probus. For reproaching Licinius because of the persecution of Christians, he was put to death by his order. His body was buried at Argyropolis by his uncle Domitius, bishop of Byzantium.


In Spain, St. Victor, martyr, who merited the crown of martyrs by being slain by the Moors for the faith of Christ.


At Capua, St. Rufinus, bishop and confessor.


At Pistoia, St. Felix, priest and confessor.


In the diocese of Poitiers, St. Joan-Elizabeth Bichier des Ages, virgin, who with St. Andrà Hubert Fournet co-founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross, and who was renowned for her spirit of mortification and life of innocence. Pope Pius XII added her name to the list of holy virgins.


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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo


The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 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-August 27th
Roman Martyrology-August 27th- on this date in various years-


St. Joseph Calasanctius, priest and confessor, who founded the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Christian Schools. He fell asleep in the Lord on the 25th of August.


At Potenza in Lucania, the passion of Saints Arontius, Honoratus, Fortunatus, and Sabinian. They were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, and were condemned to death by the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian. Their feast, together with that of the other twelve holy brethren, is celebrated on the first of September.


At Bergamo, St. Narnus, who was baptized by blessed Barnabas and consecrated by him first bishop of that city.


At Capua, the birthday of St. Rufus, bishop and martyr, a patrician, who was baptized with all his family by blessed Apollinaris, disciple of St. Peter.


In the same place, the holy martyrs Rufus and Carpophorus, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian.


At Tomis in Pontus, the holy martyrs Marcellinus, a tribune, and Mannea, his wife, and his sons John, Serapion, and Peter.


At Lentini in Sicily, St. Euthalia, virgin. Because she was a Christian she was put to the sword by her brother Sermilian, and went to her Spouse.


The same day, the martyrdom of St. Anthusa the Younger, who was made a martyr by being cast into a well for the faith of Christ.


At Arles in France, the holy bishop Caesarius, a man of great sanctity and piety.


At Autun, St. Syagrius, bishop and confessor.


At Pavia, St. John, bishop.


At Lerida in Spain, St. Licerius, bishop.


In Thebais, St. Poemen, abbot.


At San Severino, in Piceno, St. Margaret, widow.


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


At Hippo in Africa, the birthday of St. Augustine, bishop and famous doctor of the Church. Converted and baptized by the blessed bishop Ambrose, he defended the Catholic faith with the greatest zeal against the Manicheans and other heretics, and after having sustained many other labours for the Church of God, he went to his reward in heaven. His relics, owing to the invasion of barbarians, were first brought from his own city into Sardinia, and afterwards taken by Luitprand, king of the Lombards, to Pavia, where they were deposited with due honours.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Hermes, an illustrious man, who, as we read in the Acts of blessed Pope Alexander, was first confined in prison, and afterwards fulfilled his martyrdom by the sword, at the time of the judge Aurelian.


At Venosa in Apulia, the passion of Saints Septiminus, Januarius, and Felix. During the reign of Emperor Maximian, the judge Valerian ordered these sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla to be beheaded. Their feast, however, is observed with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren on the first of September.


At Prinde in Auvergne, St. Julian, martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. He was the companion of the blessed tribune Ferreol, and under a military garb he secretly served Christ until arrested by the soldiers, and killed in a barbarous manner by having his throat cut.


At Constance, in Germany, St. Pelagius, martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Numerian and the judge Evilasius.


At Salerno, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Caius, and Anthes, beheaded under Emperor Diocletian and the proconsul Leontius.


At Constantinople, the holy bishop Alexander, an aged and celebrated man, through whose efficacious prayers Arius, by the judgement of God, burst asunder and his bowels were poured out.


At Saintes, St. Vivian, bishop and confessor.


Also, St. Moses the Ethiopian, who gave up a life of robbery and became a renowned anchoret. He converted many robbers, and led them to a monastery.


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


The beheading of St. John Baptist, who was put to death by Herod about the feast of Easter. However, his solemn commemoration takes place today, when his venerable head was found for the second time. It was afterwards solemnly carried to Rome, where it is kept in the church of St. Sylvester, near the Campus Martius, and honoured by the people with the greatest devotion.


At Rome, on Mount Aventine, the birthday of St. Sabina, martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, she was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.


At Valiniano in Apulia, the passion of Saints Vitalis, Sator, and Repositus. They were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, and were condemned to death by the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian. Their feast along with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren is observed on the first of September.


At Rome, St. Candida, virgin and martyr, whose body was transferred to the Church of St. Praxedes by Pope Paschal I.


At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Hypatius, an Asiatic bishop, and Andrew, a priest, who for the veneration of holy images, under Leo the Isaurian had their beards besmirched with pitch and set on fire, the skin of the heads torn off, and were beheaded.


At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Nicaeas and Paul.


At Metz in France, St. Adelphus, bishop and confessor.


At Paris, the death of St. Merry, priest.


At Perugia, St. Euthymius, a Roman, who fled from the persecution of Diocletian with this wife and his son Crescentius, and there rested in the Lord.


In England, St. Sebbe, king.


At Smyrna, the birthday of St. Basilla, virgin.


In the vicinity of Troyes, St. Sabina, a virgin, celebrated for virtues 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 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-August 30th
Roman Martyrology-August 30th- on this date in various years-


The feast of St. Rose of St. Mary, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic, whose birthday is recalled on the 24th of August.


At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the martyrdom of the blessed priest Felix, under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. After being racked he was sentenced to death, and as they led him to execution, he met a man who spontaneously declared himself a Christian, and was forthwith beheaded with him. The Christians, not knowing his name, called him Adauctus, because he was added to St. Felix and shared his crown.


Also at Rome, St. Gaudentia, virgin and martyr, with three others.


At Colonia Suffetulana in Africa, sixty blessed martyrs, who were murdered by the furious heathen.


At Bologna, St. Bononius, abbot.


At Rome, St Pammachius, priest, who was noteworthy for learning and sanctity.


At Adrumetum, also in Africa, the Saints Boniface and Thecla, who were the parents of twelve blessed sons, all martyrs.


At Thessalonica, St. Fantinus, confessor, who suffered much from the Saracens, and was driven from his monastery, in which he had lived in great abstinence. After having brought many to the way of salvation, he rested at last at an advanced age.


In the diocese of Meaux, St. Fiacre, confessor.


At Trevi in Lazio, St. Peter, confessor, who was distinguished for many virtues and miracles. He is honoured in that place from which he departed for heaven.


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 30:


CHAPTER LXXII
Of the Virtuous Zeal Which the 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-August 31st
Roman Martyrology-August 31st- on this date in various years-


St. Raymund Nonnatus, cardinal and confessor, of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives. His birthday is commemorated on the 26th of August.


In Tuscany, on Mount Senario, the birthday of St. Bonajuncta, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave up his soul into the hands of the Lord while he was preaching to his brethren on the Passion of our Saviour. his feast is kept with that of his companions on the 12th of February.


At Treves, the birthday of St. Paulinus, a bishop, who was exiled for the Catholic faith by the Arian emperor Constantius, in the time of the Arian persecution. By having to change the place of his exile, which was beyond the limits of Christendom, he became wearied unto death, and finally, dying in Phrygia, received a crown from the Lord for his blessed martyrdom.


At Transaco, in the Marches near Lake Fucino, the birthday of the holy martyrs Caesidius, priest, and his companions, who were crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Maximinus.


Also, the holy martyrs Robustian and Mark.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Theodotus, Rufina, and Ammia. The first two were the parents of the martyr St. Mamas, who was born in prison, and whom Ammia brought up.


At Auxerre, St. Optatus, bishop and confessor.


In England, St. Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne. When St. Cuthbert, then a shepherd, saw his soul going up to heaven, he left his sheep and became a monk. Mention is made of St. Cuthbert on the 20th of March.


At Nosco, St. Amatus, bishop.


At Athens, St. Aristides, most celebrated for his faith and wisdom, who presented to Emperor Hadrian a treatise on the Christian religion, containing the exposition of our doctrine. In the presence of the emperor, he also delivered a discourse in which he clearly demonstrated the Jesus Christ is the only God.


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


In the province of Narbonne, St. Giles, abbot and confessor. A town which later arose in the place where he had built his monastery and where he died was named after him.


At Sentiano, in the district of Apulia, the passion of Saints Donatus and a second Felix who were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla. After they had endured various torments under the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian, they were condemned to be beheaded on this day. Today also is kept the festival of the others of the Twelve Holy Brethren, whose birthdays are noted in their proper place. The bodies of these Twelve Holy Brethren were later translated to Benevento where they are honourably enshrined.


In Palestine, the Saints Joshua and Gideon.


At Jerusalem, blessed Anna, prophetess, whose sanctity is revealed in the Gospel.


At Capua, on the Via Aquaria, St. Priscus, martyr, who was formerly one of the disciples of Christ.


At Todi in Umbria, St. Terentian, bishop and martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, by order of the proconsul Laetian, he was racked, scourged with whips set with metal, and finally having had his tongue cut out, he ended his martyrdom by undergoing capital punishment.


At Heraclea, under the tyrant Licinius, St. Ammon, deacon, and forty holy virgins whom he instructed in the faith and led with him to the glory of martyrdom.


In Spain, the holy martyrs Vincent and Laetus.


At Piombino in Tuscany, St. Regulus, martyr, who went thither from Africa, and consummated his martyrdom under Totila.


At Capua, St. Priscus, bishop. He was one of those priests who were subjected to various trials for the Catholic faith during the persecution of the Vandals. Being put in an old ship on the coast of Africa, they reached the shores of Campania, and separating, they were placed at the head of various churches, and thus greatly extended the Christian religion. The companions of Priscus were Castrensis, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of February, Tammarius, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Mark, Augustus, Elpidius, Canion, and Vindonius.


At Sens, St. Lupus, bishop and confessor, of whom it is related that on a certain day, while he stood at the holy altar in the presence of the clergy, a gem fell from heaven into the consecrated chalice which he was using.


At Rheims in France, St. Sixtus, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who consecrated him the first bishop of that city. He received the crown of martyrdom under Nero.


At Le Mans in France, St. Victorinus, bishop.


At Aquino, St. Constantius, a bishop renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.


In Baden, in the province of Constance, St. Verena, 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 September 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-September 2nd
Roman Martyrology-September 2nd- on this date in various years-


St. Stephen, king of Hungary and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August.


At Rome, the holy martyr Maxima, who confessed Christ with St. Ansanus in the persecution of Diocletian, and yielded up her soul while being beaten with rods.


At Pamiers in France, St. Antoninus, martyr, whose relics are kept with great veneration in the church of Palencia, in Spain.


Also, the holy martyrs, Diomedes, Julian, Philip, Eutychian, Hesychius, Leonides, Philadelphus, Menalippus, and Pantagapas. Their martyrdoms were completed, some by fire, some water, others by the sword or by the cross.


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Zeno, and his sons Concordius and Theodore.


At Lyons in France, St. Elpidius, bishop and confessor.


In Piceno, another St. Elpidius, an abbot. A town bearing his name glories in the possession of his holy body.


On Mount Soracte, Abbot St. Nonnosus, who by his prayers moved a rock of huge proportions, and was renowned for other miracles.


On the same day, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Evodius and Hermogenes, brothres, and Callista, their sister. Mention is made of them that they died on the 25th of April in the city of Syracuse in Italy.


At Lyons in France, the translation of St. Justus, bishop and confessor, and Viator, his servant, whose birthdays occur on the 14th of October and the 21st of October.


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


Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August.


At Corinth the birthday of St. Phoebe, mentioned by the blessed apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.


At Capua, the holy martyrs Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy.


Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Aigulphus, abbot of Lerins, and the monks, his companions, who, after their tongues were cut off and their eyes plucked out, were killed with the sword.


Also, the holy martyrs Zeno and Chariton. The one was cast into a cauldron of melted lead, the other into a burning furnace.


At Cordova in Spain, St. Sandal the martyr.


At Aquileia, the holy virgins and martyrs Euphemia, Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma. Under Nero, after enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword and buried by St. Hermagoras.


At Nicomedia, the passion of St. Basilissa, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Alexander. At the age of nine years, after having, through the power of God, overcome scourging, fire, and the beasts - "by which she converted the governor to the faith of Christ - she at length gave up her soul to God while at prayer outside the city.


At Toul in France, St. Mansuetus, bishop and confessor.


At Milan, the death of St. Auxanus, bishop.


The same day, St. Simon Stylites the Younger.


At Rome, the translation of St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, who suffered on the 29th of July.


Also at Rome, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great. This incomparable man, being forced to take that burden upon himself, sent forth from the exalted throne brighter rays of sanctity upon the world.


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


On Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the holy lawgiver and prophet Moses.


At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Candida, who was the first to meet St. Peter when he came to that city, and being baptized by him afterwards ended her holy life in peace.


At Treves, St. Marcellus, bishop and martyr.


At Ancyra in Galatia, the birthday of three saintly boys, Rufinus, Silvanus, and Vitalicus, martyrs.


On the same day, the holy martyrs Magnus, Castus and Maximus.


At Chalons in France, under Emperor Antoninus, St. Marcellus, martyr. Being invited to a profane banquet by the governor Priscus, he scorned to partake of the meats that were served, and reproved with great freedom all persons present for worshipping idols. For this, with unheard-of cruelty, the same governor had him buried alive up to the waist. After persevering for three days in praising God, he yielded up his undefiled spirit.


On the same day, St. Thamel, previously a pagan priest, and his companions, martyrs under Emperor Hadrian.


Also, the holy martyrs Theodore, Oceanus, Ammian, and Julian, who had their feet cut off, and completed their martyrdom by being thrown into the fire, in the time of Emperor Maximian.


At Rome, St. Boniface I, pope and confessor.


At Rimini, St. Marinus, deacon.


At Palermo, the birthday of St. Rosalia, virgin, a native of that city, born of the royal blood of Charlemagne. For the love of Christ, she forsook the princely court of her father, and led a saintly life alone in mountains and caverns.


At Viterbo, the translation of St. Rose the Virgin, of the Third Order of St. Francis, during the pontificate of Pope Alexander IV.


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


Saint Lawrence Justinian, first patriarch of Venice and confessor, who on this day unwillingly ascended the episcopal throne. His birthday is the 8th of January.


In the suburbs of Rome, blessed Victorinus, bishop and martyr, in the time of Nerva Trajan. Being renowned for sanctity and miracles, he was elected bishop of Amiterno by the whole populace, but afterwards he was banished, with other servants of God, to Contigliano, where fetid sulphurous waters spring forth, and was suspended with his head downward by order of the judge Aurelian. Having for the name of Christ endured this torment for three days, he was gloriously crowned and went victoriously to our Lord. His body was taken away by the Christians and buried with due honours at Amiterno.


At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Urbanus, Theodore, Menedemus, and their companions of ecclesiastical rank, seventy-seven in number, who were put in a ship by the command of Emperor Valens, and burned on the sea for the Catholic faith.


At Porto, the birthday of St. Herculanus, martyr, who was scourged and beheaded in the reign of Emperor Gallus because of the Christian faith.


At Capua, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Arcontius, and Donatus.


On the same day, St. Romulus, prefect of Trajan's court. For reproving the cruelty of the emperor towards Christians, he was scourged with rods and beheaded.


At Melitine in Armenia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the martyrdom of the holy soldiers Eudoxius, Zeno, Macarius, and their companions to the number of eleven hundred and four, who threw away their military belts and were put to death for the confession of Christ.


In the neighbourhood of Terouanne, in the monastery of Sithiu, in France, St. Bertinus, abbot.


At Toledo in Spain, St. Obdulia, virgin.


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