RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 26:

CHAPTER XX
Of Reverence at Prayer

If, when we wish to make any request to men in power, we presume not to do so  except with humility and reverence; how much more ought we with all lowliness and purity of devotion to offer our supplications to the Lord God of all things? And let us remember that not for our much speaking, but for our purity of heart and tears of compunction shall we be heard. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, except it be perchance prolonged by the inspiration of Divine Grace. But let prayer made in common always be short: and at the signal given by the Superior, let all rise together.


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

For 2024, due to leap year, the martyrology is:

At Pergen in Pamphylia, during the persecution of Decius, the birthday of blessed Nestor, bishop, who praying night and day for the safety of the flock of Christ, was put under arrest. Because he confessed the Name of the Lord with great zeal and freedom, he was cruelly tortured on the rack by order of Pollio the governor. When he still courageously proclaimed that he would remain ever faithful to Christ, he was crucified, and thus triumphantly went to heaven.

In the same place, the passion of Saints Papias, Diodorus, Conon, and Claudian, who preceded St. Nestor to martyrdom.

Also, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Felix, and twenty-seven others.

At Alexandria, Bishop St. Alexander, an aged man held in great honour, who succeeded blessed Peter as bishop of that city. He expelled Arius, one of his priests, from the Church because he was tainted with heretical ímpiety and convicted in the face of divine truth. Later on he was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers who condemned him in the Council of Nicaea.

At Bologna, the bishop St. Faustinian. His preaching strengthened and multiplied the faithful of that church when it was so much afflicted during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Gaza in Palestine, St. Porphyry, bishop, in the time of Emperor Arcadius. He overthrew the idol Marna and its temple, and after many sufferings, went to his rest in the Lord.

At Florence, St. Andrew, bishop and confessor.

In the province of Champagne in France, St. Victor, confessor, about whom eulogies have been written by St. Bernard.

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 February 27:

CHAPTER XXI
Of the Deans of the Monastery

Should the community be large, let there be chosen from it certain brethren of good repute and holy life, and appointed Deans. Let them carefully direct their deaneries in all things according to the commandments of God and the will of their Abbot. And let such men be chosen Deans as the Abbot may safely trust to share his burdens: let them not be chosen according to order, but for the merit of their lives and for their wisdom and learning. And should any one of them, being puffed up with pride, be found worthy of blame, and after being thrice corrected, refuse to amend, let him be deposed, and one who is worthy be put in his place. And we order the same to be done with regard to the Prior.


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

For 2024, due to leap year, the marytology is:

At Isola, in the province of Abruzzi, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, confessor and cleric of the Passionist Congregation. Having been known for his merits during his short life, and after death renowned for miracles, Pope Benedict XV enrolled him in the canon of the saints.

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs, Alexander, Abundius, Antigonus, and Fortunatus.

At Alexandria, the passion of St. Julian, martyr. Although he was so afflicted with gout that he could neither walk nor stand, he was taken before the judge with two servants, who carried him in a chair. One of these denied his faith, but the other, named Eunus, persevered with Julian in confessing Christ. Both were set on camels, led through the whole city, scourged, and then burned alive in the presence of all the people.

In the same city, St. Besas, a soldier. He had rebuked those who insulted the martyrs just mentioned, and so was denounced before the judge. Because he continued to proclaim his attachment to the faith he was beheaded.

At Seville in Spain, the birthday of St. Leander, bishop of that city, and of St. Florentina, virgin. By his preaching and zeal the Visigoths, with the help of King Recared, were converted from the Arian heresy to the Catholic faith.

At Constantinople, in the time of Emperor Leo, the holy confessors Basil and Procopius, who fought courageously in behalf of the veneration of sacred images.

At Lyons, St. Baldomer, subdeacon and man of God, whose tomb is graced by many 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 February 28:

CHAPTER XXII
How the Monks are to sleep

Let them sleep each one in a separate bed, receiving bedding suitable to their manner of life, as the Abbot shall appoint. If possible, let all sleep in one place: but if the number do not permit of this, let them repose by tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a candle burn constantly in the cell until morning. Let them sleep clothed, and girded with belts or cords - but not with knives at their sides, lest perchance they wound themselves in their sleep - and thus be always ready, so that when the signal is given they may rise without delay, and hasten each to forestall the other in going to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and modesty. Let not the younger brethren have their beds by themselves, but among those of the seniors. And when they rise for the Work of God, let them gently encourage one another, because of the excuses of the drowsy.


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

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs Macarius, Rufinus, Justus, and Theophilus.

At Alexandria, the passion of the Saints Caerealis, Pupulus, Caius, and Serapion.

In the same city, in the reign of Emperor Valerian, the commemoration of the holy priests, deacons, and many others. When a most deadly epidemic was raging, they willingly met their death by ministering to the sick. The religious sentiment of the pious faithful has generally venerated them as martyrs.

At Rome, St. Hilary, pope and confessor.

In the territory of Lyons, in the Jura Mountains, the death of St. Romanus, abbot, who first had led the life of a hermit there. His reputation for virtues and miracles brought under his guidance many monks.

At Papia, the transfer, ordered by the Lombard King Luitprand, of the body of St. Augustine, bishop, away from the island of Sardinia.

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 February 29:

CHAPTER XXIII
Of Excommunication for Offences

If any brother shall be found contumacious, or disobedient, or proud, or a murmurer, or in any way transgressing the Holy Rule, and contemning the orders of his seniors; let him, according to our Lord's commandment, be once or twice privately admonished by his elders. If he do not amend, let him be rebuked in public before all. But if even then he do not correct himself, let him be subjected to excommunication, provided that he understand the nature of the punishment. Should he, however, prove incorrigible, let him undergo corporal chastisement.


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

At Rome, two hundred and sixty holy martyrs condemned for the name of Christ. Claudius ordered them to dig sand beyond the Salarian Gate, then to have soldiers in the amphitheatre shoot them with arrows.

Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Leo, Donatus, Abundantius, Nicephorus, and nine others.

At Marseilles in France, the holy martyrs Hermes and Adrian.

At Heliopolis, St. Eudocia, martyr in the persecution of Trajan. She was baptized by Bishop Theodotus, and being fortified for the combat, was put to the sword at the command of Vincent the governor, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

On the same day, St. Antonina, martyr. For deriding the gods of the heathen, in the persecution of Diocletian, she was, after various torments, shut up in a cask and drowned in a marsh near the city of Cea.

At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Felix III, ancestor of St. Gregory the Great, who relates of him that he appeared to St. Tharsilla, his niece, and called her to the kingdom of heaven.

At Kaiserswerdt, Bishop St. Swidbert, who, in the time of Pope Sergius, preached the Gospel among the Frisians, Batavians, and other Germanic peoples.

At Angers in France, St. Albinus, bishop and confessor, a man of most eminent virtue and piety.

At Le Mans in France, St. Siviard, abbot.

At Perugia, the transferral of the body of St. Herculanus, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by order of Totila, king of the Goths. Forty days after the decapitation, Pope St. Gregory relates that the head had been rejoined to the body as if it had never been touched by the sword.

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 March 1:

CHAPTER XXIV
What the measure of excommunication should be

The measure of excommunication or chastisement should be meted out according to the gravity of the offence, the estimation of which shall be left to the judgment of the Abbot. If any brother be found guilty of lighter faults, let him be excluded from the common table. And this shall be the rule for one so deprived: he shall intone neither Psalm nor antiphon in the Oratory, nor shall he read a lesson, until he have made satisfaction. Let him take his meals alone, after those of the brethren so that if, for example, the brethren eat at the sixth hour, let him eat at the ninth: if they eat at the ninth, let him eat in the evening, until by proper satisfaction he obtain pardon.


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

At Rome, on the Latin Way, the holy martyrs Jovinus and Basileus, who suffered under Emperors Valerian and Gallienus.

Also at Rome, under Emperor Alexander and the prefect Ulpian, many holy martyrs who were a long time tortured and condemned to capital punishment.

At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Lucius, bishop, Absalon, and Lorgius.

At Porto, near Rome, the holy martyrs Paul, Heraclius, Secundilla, and Januaria.

In Campania, the commemoration of eighty holy martyrs, who were barbarously killed by the Lombards because they would not eat flesh that had been offered to the idols, nor would they adore the head of a goat.

At Lichfield in England, St. Chad, bishop of Mercia and Lindisfarne, whose excellent virtues are mentioned by St. Venerable Bede.

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 March 2:

CHAPTER XXV
Of Graver Faults

Let that brother who is found guilty of a more grievous offence be excluded both  from the table and from the Oratory, and let none of the brethren consort with him or speak to him. Let him be alone at the work enjoined him, and continue in penance and sorrow, remembering that dreadful sentence of the Apostle, "That such a one is delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." Let him take his portion of food alone, in the measure and at the time that the Abbot shall think best for him. Let none of those who pass by bless him, nor the food that is given him.


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

At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Valerian, the holy martyrs Marinus, soldier, and Asterius, senator. The former was examined by the judge on the charge laid against him by his fellow soldiers of being a Christian, and as he admitted the accusation in a firm tone of voice, he was beheaded, and thus received the crown of martyrdom. His mutilated body was taken by Asterius on his own shoulders, and wrapped in the garment which he himself wore. This service at once gained for Asterius the palm of martyrdom as a reward for the honour which he had given to a martyr.

At Calahorra in Spain, the birthday of the holy martyrs Hermiterius and Cheledonius, soldiers in the army at Leon, a city of Galicia. Upon the approach of persecution they went to Calahorra in order to confess the name of Christ, and after enduring many torments there, they were crowned with martyrdom.

The same day, the passion of the Saints Felix, Luciolus, Fortunatus, Marcia, and their companions.

Also, the sainted soldiers Cleonicus, Eutropius, and Basiliscus, who gloriously triumphed by death on the cross under the governor Asclepias during the persecution of Maximian.

At Brescia, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.

At Bamberg, Empress St. Cunegunda, who preserved her virginity with the consent of her husband, Emperor Henry I. She completed a life rich in meritorious good works with a holy death, and afterward worked many 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 March 3:

CHAPTER XXVI
Of those who, without leave of the Abbot, consort with the Excommunicate

If any brother presume without the Abbot's leave to hold any intercourse whatever with an excommunicated brother, or to speak with him, or to send him a message, let him incur the same punishment of excommunication.


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

At Vilnius in Lithuania, blessed Casimir, confessor, the son of King Casimir, whom Pope Leo X inscribed in the roll of the saints.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, during the perseuction of Valerian, the birthday of St. Lucius, pope and martyr, who was first exiled for the faith of Christ, but being permitted by divine Providence to return to his church, after labouring long against the Novatians, he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His praises have been published by St. Cyprian.

At Nicomedia, in the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the martyr St. Adrian and twenty-three others, who endured martyrdom by having their limbs crushed. Their remains were taken to Byzantium by the Christians, and buried there with reverence and honour. Afterwards the body of St. Adrian was transferred to Rome on the 8th of September, on which day his feast is observed.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, nine hundred holy martyrs who were buried in the cemetery of St. Cecilia.

In Chersonesus, the passion of the saintly bishops, Basil, Eugene, Agathodorus, Elpidius, Aetherius, Capito, Ephrem, Nestor, and Arcadius.

On the same day, St. Caius Palatinus and twenty-seven others who were cast into the sea.

Also, the passion of Saints Archelaus, Cyril and Photius.

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 March 4:

CHAPTER XXVII
How careful the Abbot should be of the Excommunicate

Let the Abbot shew all care and solicitude towards the offending brethren, for "they that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." To which end he ought, as a wise physician, to use every means in his power, sending some brethren of mature years and wisdom,* who may, as it were secretly, console the wavering brother, and induce him to make humble satisfaction. Let them comfort him, that he be not overwhelmed by excess of sorrow; but as the Apostle saith, "Let charity be strengthened towards him," and let all pray for him. For the Abbot is bound to use the greatest care, and to strive with all possible prudence and zeal, not to lose any one of the sheep committed to him. He must know that he hath undertaken the charge of weakly souls, and not a tyranny over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the prophet, through whom God saith: "What ye saw to be fat that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased ye cast away." Let him imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety and nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek one which had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such compassion that He vouchsafed to lay it on His own sacred shoulders and so bring it back to the flock.


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

At Antioch, the birthday of the martyr St. Phocas, who triumphed over the ageless Serpent after many injuries which he suffered for the Name of the Redeemer. That triumph is still manifested to the people in our day, for if any one stung by a snake touches with faith the door of the martyr's basilica, the power of the venom disappears, and he is immediately cured.

At Caesarea in Palestine, in the persecution of Diocletian, the martyr St. Adrian. He was first exposed to a lion for the faith of Christ, and then slain with the sword by order of the governor Firmilian, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

The same day, the passion of the holy martyrs Eusebius Palatinus and nine others.

At Caesarea in Palestine, in the time of Emperor Severus, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.

Also in Palestine, on the banks of the Jordan, the anchoret St. Gerasimus, who lived in the time of Emperor Zeno.

At Naples, in Campania, the death of St. John Joseph of the Cross, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, and confessor. By emulating the virtues of St. Francis of Assisi and of St. Peter Alcantara , he added great glory to the Seraphic Order. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI.

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 March 5:

CHAPTER XXVIII
Of those who, being often corrected, do not amend

If any brother who has been frequently corrected for some fault, or even excommunicated, do not amend let a more severe chastisement be applied: that is, let the punishment of stripes be administered to him. But if even then he do not correct himself, or perchance (which God forbid), puffed up with pride, even wish to defend his deeds: then let the Abbot act like a wise physician. If he hath applied fomentations and the unction of his admonitions, the medicine of the Holy Scriptures, and the last remedy of excommunication or corporal chastisement, and if he see that his labours are of no avail, let him add what is still more powerful - his own prayers and those of all the brethren for him, that God, Who is all-powerful, may work the cure of the sick brother. But if he be not healed even by this means, then at length let the Abbot use the sword of separation, as the Apostle saith: "Put away the evil one from you." And again: "If the faithless one depart, let him depart," lest one diseased sheep should taint the whole flock.


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

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, who, on the day following this, received from the Lord the glorious crown of martyrdom.

At Tortona, St. Marcian, bishop and martyr, who was put to death for the sake of Christ by Trajan, and thereby received the crown of immortality.

At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Victor and Victorinus, who were, with Claudian and his wife Bassa, subjected to many torments for a period of three years, after which they were cast into prison, where they ended their pilgrimage of life.

In Cyprus, in the time of Emperor Decius, St. Conon, martyr. He was compelled to run before a chariot, with his feet pierced with nails, and falling to his knees, he died in prayer.

In Syria, the passion of forty-two holy martyrs, who were arrested in Amorium and taken to Syria, where they valiantly endured the test and received the crown of martyrdom.

At Constantinople, St. Evagrius, who was elected Catholic bishop in the reign of Valens, and being exiled by that emperor, later departed for heaven.

At Bologna, St. Basil, bishop, who was ordained by Pope St. Sylvester, and who governed the church entrusted to his care with great holiness, both by word and example.

At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Ollegar, who was first a canon and afterwards bishop of Barcelona and archbishop of Tarragona.

At Viterbo, blessed Rose, a virgin of the Third Order of St. Francis.

At Ghent in Flanders, St. Collette, virgin, who at first professed the rule of the Third Order of St. Francis, and afterwards, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, restored the pristine discipline to a great number of monasteries of Nuns of the Second Order. Because she was graced with heavenly virtues, and performed innumerable miracles, she was inscribed on the roll of saints by Pope Pius VII.

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 March 6:

CHAPTER XXIX
Whether the Brethren who leave the Monastery are to be received again

If any brother who through his own fault departeth or is cast out of the Monastery, be willing to return, let him first undertake to amend entirely the fault for which he went away; and then let him be received back into the lowest place, that thus his humility may be tried. Should he again depart, let him be taken back until the third time: knowing that after this all return will be denied to him.


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

In the monastery of Fossanova, near Terracina in Campania, St. Thomas Aquinas, confessor and doctor of the Church, a member of the Order of Preachers, famous for his noble family, for the sanctity of his life, and for his knowledge of theology. Pope Leo XIII declared him the heavenly patron of all Catholic schools.

At Carthage, the birthday of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs. St. Augustine relates that Felicity being with child, her execution was deferred , according to the law, until after her delivery. He states that while she was in labour, she mourned, and when cast to the beasts, she rejoiced. With them suffered Satyrus, Saturninus, Revocatus, and Secundulus, the last of whom died in prison; the others were delivered to the beasts, all during the reign of Severus. The feast of Saints Perpetua and Felicity was celebrated yesterday.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the passion of St. Eubulus, who was a companion of St. Adrian. Two days after the latter's death, he was mangled by the lions and put to death by the sword. He was the last of all those who received the crown of martyrdom in that city.

At Nicomedia, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was driven into exile for the veneration of sacred images, and died there.

At Pelusium in Egypt, St. Paul, bishop, who died in exile for the same cause.

At Brescia, St. Gaudiosus, bishop and confessor.

In Thebais, St. Paul, surnamed the Simple.

At Florence in Etruria, St. Teresa Margaret Redi, virgin, a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, of such admirable purity and simplicity that Pope Pius XI solemnly enrolled her on the scroll 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 March 7:

CHAPTER XXX
How the younger boys are to be corrected

Every age and understanding should have its proper measure of discipline. As often, therefore, as boys or others under age, or unable to understand the greatness of the penalty of excommunication, commit faults, let them be punished by severe fasting or sharp stripes, in order that they may be cured.


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

At Granada in Spain, St. John of God, founder of the Order of Brothers Hospitallers, famed for his mercy to the poor, and his contempt of self. Pope Leo XIII appointed him as heavenly patron of the sick and of all hospitals.

At Nicomedia, St. Quinctilis, bishop and martyr.

In Africa, the martyred Saints Cyril, bishop, Rogatus, Felix, another Rogatus, Beata, Herenia, Felicitas, Urban, Silvanus, and Mamillus.

At Antinous, a city of Egypt, the birthday of the holy martyrs Apollonius, deacon, and Philemon. They firmly refused to sacrifice to the idols, and when arrested and brought to the judge they had their heels pierced, were barbarously dragged through the city, at last completing their martyrdom by being slain by the sword.

In the same place, the passion of Saints Arian, governor, Theoticus, and three others, whom the judge put to death by drowning in the sea. Their bodies, however, were brought back by some dolphins.

At Carthage, St. Pontius, deacon of the blessed Cyprian, bishop, who remained until death in exile with him, and composed an excellent history of his life and martyrdom. By ever glorifying God in his own sufferings, he merited the crown of life.

At Toledo in Spain, the death of blessed Julian, bishop and confessor, most celebrated for his sanctity and learning.

In England, St. Felix, bishop, who converted the East Angles to the faith.

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 March 8:

CHAPTER XXXI
What kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery is to be

Let there be chosen out of the community, as Cellarer of the Monastery, a man wise and of mature character, temperate, not a great eater, not haughty, nor headstrong, nor arrogant, not slothful, nor wasteful, but a God-fearing man, who may be like a father to the whole community. Let him have the care of everything, but do nothing without leave of the Abbot. Let him take heed to what is commanded him, and not sadden his brethren. If a brother ask him for anything unreasonably, let him not treat him with contempt and so grieve him, but reasonably and with all humility refuse what he asks for amiss. Let him be watchful over his own soul, remembering always that saying of the Apostle, that "he that hath ministered well, purchaseth to himself a good degree." Let him have especial care of the sick, of the children, of guests and of the poor, knowing without doubt that he will have to render an account of all these on the Day of Judgment. Let him look upon all the vessels and goods of the Monastery as though they were the consecrated vessels of the altar. Let him not think that he may neglect anything: let him not be given to covetousness, nor wasteful, nor a squanderer of the goods of the Monastery; but do all things in proper measure, and according to the bidding of his Abbot.


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

At Rome, St. Frances, widow, renowned for her noble family, holy life, and the gift of miracles.

At Sebaste in Armenia, under the governor Agricolaus, in the time of Emperor Licinius, the birthday of forty holy soldiers of Cappadocia. After being chained down in foul dungeons, after having their faces bruised with stones, and being condemned to spend the night naked, in the open during the coldest part of winter, on a frozen lake where their bodies were benumbed and covered with ice, they completed their martyrdom by having their limbs crushed. The most noteworthy among them were Cyrion and Candidus. Their glorious triumph has been celebrated by St. Basil and other Fathers in their writings. Their feast is kept tomorrow.

At Nyssa, the death of St. Gregory, the son of Saints Basil and Emmelia, and the brother of Saints Basil the Great, bishop, and Peter, bishop of Sebaste, and Macrina, virgin. His life and his great learning brought him fame. He was driven from his own city for having defended the Catholic faith during the reign of the Arian emperor Valens.

At Barcelona in Spain, Bishop St. Pacian, distinguished by his life and preaching. He ended his career in extreme old age, in the time of Emperor Theodosius.

At Bologna, St. Catherine, virgin, of the Second Order of St. Francis, illustrious for the holiness of her life. Her body is greatly honoured in 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 March 9:

CHAPTER XXXI
What kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery is to be (cont.)

Let him above all things have humility; and to him on whom he hath nothing else to bestow, let him give at least a kind answer, as it is written: "A good word is above the best gift." Let him have under his care all that the Abbot may enjoin him, and presume not to meddle with what is forbidden him. Let him distribute to the brethren their appointed allowance of food, without arrogance* or delay, that they be not scandalised: mindful of what the Word of God declareth him to deserve, who "shall scandalise one of these little ones" namely, "that a millstone be hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea." If the community be large, let helpers be given to him, by whose aid he may with peace of mind discharge the office committed to him. Let such things as are necessary be given and asked for at befitting times, that no one may be troubled nor grieved in the house of God.


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

The forty holy martyrs whose birthday was commemorated yesterday.

At Apamea in Phrygia, during the persecution of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Verus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Caius and Alexander. They were crowned with a glorious martyrdom, as is related by Apollinaris, bishop of Hierapolis, in his book against the Cataphrygian heretics.

In Persia, the passion of forty-two holy martyrs.

At Corinth, the holy martyrs Codratus, Denis, Cyprian, Anectus, Paul, and Crescens, who were slain with the sword in the persecution of Decius and Valerian, under Jason, the governor.

In Africa, St. Victor, martyr, on whose feast day St. Augustine delivered a sermon to his people.

At Rome, St. Simplicius, pope and confessor.

At Jersusalem, St. Macarius, bishop and confessor, at whose exhortation the holy places were purged by Constantine the Great and St. Helen, his mother, and beautified by sacred basilicas.

At Paris, the death of Abbot St. Droctoveus, who was a disciple of the saintly Bishop Germanus.

In the monastery of Bobbio, St. Attala, abbot, renowned for his 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 March 10:

CHAPTER XXXII 
Of the Iron Tools and Property of the Monastery

Let the Abbot appoint brethren, on whose manner of life and character he can rely, to the charge of the iron tools, clothes, and other property of the Monastery; and let him consign to their care, as he shall think fit, the things to be kept and collected after use. Of these let the Abbot keep a list, so that as the brethren in turn succeed to different employments, he may know what he giveth and receiveth back. If any one treat the property of the Monastery in a slovenly or negligent manner, let him be corrected; and if he do not amend, let him be subjected to the discipline of the Rule.


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

At Sardis, St. Euthymius, bishop, who was sent into exile by the Iconoclast emperor Michael for the veneration of sacred images. Afterwards, in the reign of Theophilus, he was barbarously beaten with knotted clubs, which completed his martyrdom. 

At Cordova in Spain, St. Eulogius, priest, who deserved to be associated with the martyrs of that city because, in writing of their trials for the faith, he had envied their happiness. On account of his own fearless and intrepid confession of Christ, he was scourged and beaten with rods, and finally beheaded during the Saracen persecution. 

At Carthage, the holy martyrs Heraclius and Zosimus. 

At Alexandria, the passion of Saints Candidus, Piperion, and twenty others. 

At Laodicea in Syria, during the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Trophimus and Thalus, who obtained their crowns of glory after many severe torments. 

At Antioch, the Commemoration of many holy martyrs, some of whom by order of Emperor Maximian were laid on red hot gridirons, not to be burned to death, but to continue their suffering a longer time; others were subjected to different horrible torments, and won the palm of martyrdom. 

Also, Saints Gorgonius and Firmus. 

At Jerusalem, Bishop St. Sophronius. 

At Milan, St. Benedict, bishop. 

In the diocese of Amiens, St. Firmin, abbot. 

At Carthage, St. Constantine, confessor. 

At Babucum in Campania, St. Peter, confessor, who was renowned for his 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 March 11:

CHAPTER XXXIII
Whether Monks ought to have anything of their own

The vice of private ownership is above all to be cut off from the Monastery by the roots. Let none presume to give or receive anything without leave of the Abbot, nor to keep anything as their own, either book or writing-tablet or pen, or anything whatsoever; since they are permitted to have neither body nor will in their own power. But all that is necessary they may hope to receive from the father of the Monastery: nor are they allowed to keep anything which the Abbot has not given, or at least permitted them to have. Let all things be common to all, as it is written: "Neither did anyone say that aught which he possessed was his own." But if any one shall be found to indulge in this most baneful vice, and after one or two admonitions do not amend, let him be subjected to correction.


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

At Rome, St. Gregory, pope and eminent doctor of the Church, who on account of his illustrious deeds and the conversion of the English to the faith of Christ, was surnamed the Great, and called the Apostle of England.

In the same place, the death of St. Innocent I, pope and confessor. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of July.

Also at Rome, St. Mamilian, martyr.

At Nicomedia, St. Egdunus, priest, and seven others, who, one by one, on successive days, were strangled in order to terrify those who remained.

In the same city, the passion of the martyr St. Peter, chamberlain to Emperor Diocletian. For openly complaining of the atrocious torments inflicted upon the martyrs, he was, by order of the emperor, first suspended and for a long time scourged, then had salt and vinegar poured on his wounds, and finally was burned on a grate over a slow fire. Thus did he become a true heir of St. Peter's name and faith.

At Constantinople, St. Theophanes, who gave up great riches to embrace the poverty of the monastic state. The impious Leo the Armenian kept him in prison for two years because of his veneration of sacred images, and later sent him into Thrace in exile. There, overwhelmed with afflictions, but famous for miracles, death came upon him.

At Capua, St. Bernard, bishop and confessor.

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