RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 16:


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


At Neocaesarea in Pontus, the birthday of St. Gregory, bishop and confessor, illustrious for his learning and sanctity. The signs and miracles which he wrought to the great glory of the Church gained for him the surname Wonderworker.


At Hedelfs in Saxony, the birthday of St. Gertrude, virgin of the Order of St. Benedict, who was famous for her revelations. Her feast is observed on the preceding day.


In Palestine, in the first year of Diocletian's persecution, the holy martyrs Alpheus and Zachaeus, who underwent beheading after many tortures.


At Cordova in Spain, during the same persecution, the holy martyrs Acisclus and his sister Victoria, who were most cruelly tortured by order of the governor Dion, and thus merited to be crowned by our Lord for their glorious sufferings.


At Alexandria, St. Denis, bishop, a man of very great learning. In the time of Emperors Valerian and Gallienus, renowned for often having confessed the faith, and illustrious for the various sufferings and torments he had endured, full of days he rested in peace a confessor.


At Orleans in France, St. Anian, bishop, the value of whose death in the sight of the Lord is attested by frequent miracles.


In England, St. Hugh, bishop, who was called to rule the church of Lincoln. He ended his holy life in peace, renowned for many miracles.


At Tours in France, St. Gregory, bishop.


At Florence, St. Eugene, confessor, the deacon of blessed Zenobius, 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 November 17:


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


At Rome, the dedication of the basilica of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. The former, having been enlarged, was on this day solemnly consecrated by Urban VIII; while the latter, more beautifully rebuilt after its total destruction by fire, was solemnly dedicated on the 10th of December by Pius IX, though the feast in commemoration of that event was transferred to this day.


At Antioch, the birthday of St. Romanus, martyr, in the time of Emperor Galerius. When the prefect Asclepiades attacked the Church and attempted to destroy it, Romanus exhorted the Christians to resist him. After being subjected to severe torments and the cutting out of his tongue (without which, however, he spake the praises of God), he was strangled in prison and crowned with glorious martyrdom. Before him suffered a young boy named Barula, who being asked by him whether it was better to worship one God or several gods, and having answered that we must believe in the one God whom the Christians adore, was scourged and beheaded.


Also at Antioch, the holy martyr Hesychius, a soldier. Hearing the order that anyone refusing to sacrifice to idols should lay aside his military belt, he immediately took off his. For this reason he was cast into the river
with a large stone tied to his right hand.


On the same day, St. Oriculus and his companions, who suffered for the Catholic faith in the Vandal persecution.


At Mainz, St. Maximus, bishop, who suffered greatly at the hands of the Arians, and died a confessor in the time of Constantius.


At Tours in France, the passing of blessed Odo, abbot of Cluny.


At Antioch, St. Thomas, a monk honoured with an annual solemnity by the people of Antioch, for bringing the end of a plague by his prayers.


At Lucca in Tuscany, the translation of St. Frigidian, 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 November 18:


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


At Marburg in Germany, the death of St. Elizabeth, widow, daugher of King Andrew of Hungary, and member of the Third Order of St. Francis. After a life spent in the performance of works of piety, she went to heaven, having a reputation for miracles.


St. Pontian, pope and martyr, whose birthday occurs on the 30th of October.


At Samaria  in Palestine, the holy prophet Abdias.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of St. Maximus, priest and martyr, who suffered in the persecution of Valerian and was buried near St. Sixtus.


At Ecijo in Spain, blessed Bishop Crispin, who obtained the glory of martyrdom by beheading.


St. Faustus, deacon of Alexandria, who had been banished with St. Denis in the persecution of Valerian; later, in the persecution of Diocletian, being advanced in age, his martyrdom was accomplished by the sword.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Barlaam, martyr, who, though unpolished and ignorant, was armed with the wisdom of Christ to overcome the tyrant, and by the constancy of his faith, subdue fire itself. On his birthday, St. Basil the Great delivered a celebrated sermon.


At Vienne in France, the holy martyrs Severinus, Exuperius and Felician. Their bodies, after the lapse of many years, were found through their own revelation, and being taken up with due honours by the bishop, clergy, and people of that city, were buried with becoming solemnity.


In Isauria the martyrdom of St. Azas and his soldier companions, to the number of one hundred and fifty, under Emperor Diocletian and the tribune Aquilinus.


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 November 19:


CHAPTER XLI
At What Times the Brethren Should Take Their Refection


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


St. Felix of Valois, priest and confessor, who founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, and who fell asleep in the Lord on the 4th of November.


In Persia, the martyrdom of St. Nersas, bishop, and his companions.


At Messina in Sicily, the holy martyrs Ampelus and Caius.


At Turin, the holy martyrs Octavius, Solutor, and Adventor, soldiers of the Theban Legion, who fought valiantly for the faith under Emperor Maximian and who were crowned with martyrdom.


At Caesarea in Palestine, in the time of Emperor Galerius Maximian, the holy martyr Agapius, who was condemned to be devoured by the beasts; but being unhurt by them, he was cast into the sea with stones tied to his feet.


At Silistria in Rumania, St. Dasius, bishop, who, for refusing to consent to the unholy rites of the Saturnalia, was put to death under the governor Bassus.


At Nicaea in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Eustace, Thespesius, and Anatolius, in the persecution of Maximinus.


At Heraclea in Thrace, the holy martyrs Bassus, Denis, Agapitus, and forty others.


In England, St. Edmund, king and martyr.


At Constantinople, St. Gregory of Decapolis, who suffered many things for the veneration of sacred images.


At Milan, St. Benignus, bishop, who, amid great troubles caused by the barbarians, governed the Church entrusted to him with greatest constancy and piety.


At Chalons in France, St. Sylvester, bishop, who went to God in the forty-second year of his priesthood, full of days and virtues.


At Verona, St. Simplicius, bishop and confessor.


At Hildesheim in Saxony, St. Bernard, bishop and confessor, who was numbered among the saints by Pope Celestine III.


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 November 20:


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


In the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.


Also, the birthday of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.


At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.


At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberty of the Church.


At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.


In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius, and Stephen.


In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and were cast into the sea.


At Rome, Pope St. Gelasius, distinguished for learning and sanctity.


At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.


In the monastery of Bobbio, the death of St. Columban, abbot who founded many monasteries and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.


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 November 21:


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


St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, who on the 16th of September, purpled with her own blood, departed to her heavenly Spouse.


At Colossae in Phrygia, during the reign of Nero, Saints Philemon and Apphias, disciples of St. Paul. When the heathen rushed into the church on the feast of Diana, they were arrested and the rest of the Christians fled. By command of the governor Artocles they were scourged, enclosed up to their waists in a pit, then overwhelmed with stones.


At Rome, St. Maur, martyr. He came from Africa to visit the tombs of the apostles, and suffered martyrdom there under Celerinus, prefect of the city in the reign of Emperor Numerian.


At Antioch in Pisidia, the martyrdom of the Saints Mark and Stephen, under Emperor Diocletian.


At Autun, St. Pragmatius, 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 November 22:


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


The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter. In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom. During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built and named for him.


At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons. After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus.


At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian.


At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate. After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning.


At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop.


In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor. Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.


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 November 23:


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.


But let those who are excommunicated for lighter faults from the table only make satisfaction in the oratory, as long as the Abbot commandeth, and let them perform this until he giveth his blessing and saith, "It is enough."


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


St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and doctor of the Church, companion of St. Teresa in the reform of Carmel, and whose birthday is the 14th of December.


Also, the birthday of St. Chrysogonus, martyr. After a long imprisonment in chains for the constant confession of Christ, he was ordered by Diocletian to be taken to Aquileia, where he completed his martyrdom by being beheaded and thrown into the sea.


At Rome, St. Crescentian, martyr, whose name is mentioned in the Acts of blessed Pope Marcellus.


At Corinth, St. Alexander, martyr, who fought unto death for the faith of Christ, under Julian the Apostate and the governor Sallust.


At Perugia, St. Felicissimus, martyr.


At Amelia in Umbria, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Firmina, virgin and martyr. After being subjected to various torments, to hanging, and to burning with flaming torches, she yielded up her spirit.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy virgins and martyrs Flora and Mary, who after a long imprisonment were slain with the sword in the Arab persecution.


At Milan, St. Protase, bishop, who defended the cause of Athanasius before Emperor Constans in the Council of Sardica. Having sustained many labours for the church entrusted to him and for religion, he departed this life to go to the Lord.


In the territory of Auvergne, St. Portian, an abbot who was renowned for miracles in the time of King Theodoric. His name was given to the monastery that he had governed and also the town which was later built there.


In the town of Blaye in France, St. Romanus, priest, whose holiness is proclaimed by glorious miracles.


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




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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 24:


CHAPTER XLV
Of those who make mistakes in the Oratory


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


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


At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus. For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off. Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians.


At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian. He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius.


At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel. Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven.


In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, 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 November 25:


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


At Fabriano in Piceno, St. Sylvester, abbot, founder of the Congregation of Sylvestrine monks.


At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Peter, bishop of that city, graced with every virtue, who was beheaded by command of Galerius Maximian.


There suffered also at Alexandria in the same persecution the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Didius, and Ammonius; likewise four bishops of Egypt, Phileas, Hesychius, Pachomius, and Theodore, with others numbering six hundred and sixty, whom the sword of persecution sent to heaven.


In the village of Fracta, St. Bellinus, bishop of Padua and martyr. The noble defender of the rights of the Church was cruelly attacked by assassins, inflicting many wounds upon him, and then slaying him.


At Nicomedia, in the time of Constantius, St. Marcellus, a priest, who died a martyr by being hurled from a rock by the Arians.


At Rome, St. Siricius, pope and confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety, and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning ecclesiastical discipline.


At Autun, St. Amator, bishop.


At Constance in Germany, St. Conrad, bishop.


At Rome, St. Leonard of Port Maurice, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. He was remarkable for his zeal for souls and his holy expeditions throughout Italy. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX, and Pope Pius XI chose and appointed him the heavenly patron of priests to the preaching of missions to the people.


In the district of Rheims, the birthday of St. Basolus, confessor.


At Adrianople in Paphlagonia, St. Stylian, anchoret, renowned for miracles.


In Armenia, St. Nicon, monk.


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 November 26:


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


At Antioch, the holy martyrs Basileus, bishop, Auxilius, and Saturninus.


At Sebaste in Armenia, in the reign of Emperor Diocletian and under the governor Maximus, the holy martyrs Hirenarchus, the priest Acacius, and seven women. Struck with the constancy of these women, Hirenarchus was converted to Christ, and with Acacius died under the axe.


In Galicia, on the River Cea, the Saints Facundus and Primitivus, who suffered under the governor Atticus.


In Persia, St. James Intercisus, a distinguished martyr. In the time of Theodosius the Younger he denied Christ in order to please King Isdegerd, but his mother and his wife for this reason withdrew from his company. Coming to himself, he returned to the king to declare his faith in our Lord, whereupon the angry monarch condemned him to be cut in pieces and beheaded. Countless other martyrs suffered at this time in the same country.


At Aquileia, St. Valerian, bishop.


At Riez in France, St. Maximus, bishop and confessor, who, from his tender years, was endowed with every grace and virtue. Being first superior of the monastery of Lerins, and afterwards bishop of the Church of Riez, he was celebrated for the working of miracles and prodigies.


At Salzburg in Austria, St. Virgil, bishop and apostle of Carinthia, who was placed among the number of saints by Pope Gregory IX.


In India, near the Persian boundary, the Saints Barlaam and Josaphat, whose wonderful deeds were written by St. John Damascene.


At Paris, the death of St. Severin, monk and solitary.


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


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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 27:


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


At Corinth, the birthday of St. Sosthenes, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul, who is mentioned in his Epistle to the Corinthians. He was chief of the synagogue when converted to Christ, and as a glorious beginning, consecrated the first fruits of his faith by being scourged before the proconsul Gallio.


At Rome, St. Rufus, who was martyred with all his family by Diocletian.


In Africa, under the Arian king Genseric, in the persecution of the Vandals, the holy martyrs Papinian and Mansuetus, bishops, who, for the Catholic faith, were burned in every part of their bodies with hot plates of iron, which ended their glorious trial. At this time also, other holy bishops, Valerian, Urban, Crescens, Eustachius, Cresconius, Crescentian, Felix, Hortulanus, and Florentian ended the course of their lives in exile.


At Constantinople, in the time of Constantine Copronymus, the holy martyrs Stephen the Younger, Basil, Peter, Andrew, and their companions, numbering three hundred and thirty-nine monks, who were subjected to diverse torments for the veneration of holy images, and confirmed the Catholic truth with the shedding of their blood.


At Naples in Campania, the death of St. James della Marca, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor, celebrated for the austerity of his life, his apostolic preaching, and his many diplomatic missions undertaken for the success of the affairs of Christianity. His name was added to the calendar of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIII.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

Today is also the first Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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


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


The Vigil of St. Andrew, apostle.


At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of the holy martyr, Saturninus, an aged man, and the deacon Sisinius, in the time of Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, by order of the prefect of the city they were placed on the rack, stretched with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.


At Toulouse, in the time of Decius, the holy bishop Saturninus, who was taken to the capitol of that city by the heathen and thrown down the steps from the highest part of the building. The fall having crushed his head, dashed out his brain and mangled his whole body, he rendered his worthy soul to our Lord.


Also, the martyrdom of the Saints Paramon and his companions, to the number of three hundred and seventy-five under Emperor Decius and the governor Aquilinus.


At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Philomenus, martyr. During the persecution of Emperor Aurelian, under the governor Felix, he was first exposed to the flames, then having his hands, feet, and head pierced with nails, he fulfilled his martyrdom.


At Veroli, the holy martyrs Blaise and Demetrius.


At Todi in Umbria, St. Illuminata, 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 November 29:


CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the daily manual labour (cont.)


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


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


At Patras in Achaia, the birthday of the apostle St. Andrew, who preached the gospel of Christ in Thrace and Sythia. He was apprehended by the proconsul Aegeas, imprisoned, and severely scourged, and finally, being hung on a cross, he lived two days on it, teaching the people. Having besought our Lord not to permit him to be taken down from the cross, he was surrounded with a great brightness from heaven, and when the light disappeared he breathed his last.


At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Castulus and Euprepis.


At Constantinople, St. Maura, virgin and martyr.


Also, St. Justina, virgin and martyr.


At Rome, St. Constantius, confessor, who bravely opposed the Pelagians, and by enduring many injuries from them, gained a place among the holy confessors.


At Saintes in France, St. Trojan, bishop and confessor, a man of great sanctity, who shews by many miracles that he lives in heaven, though his body is buried on earth.


In Palestine, blessed Zosimus, confessor, who was distinguished for his sanctity and miracles in the time of Emperor Justin.


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