The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for October 2:
CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)
The fourth degree of humility is, that if in this very obedience hard and contrary things, nay even injuries, are done to him, he should embrace them patiently with a quiet conscience, and not grow weary or give in, as the Scripture saith: “He that shall persevere to the end shall be saved.” And again: “Let thy heart be comforted, and wait for the Lord.” And shewing how the faithful man ought to bear all things, however contrary, for the Lord, it saith in the person of the afflicted: “For Thee we suffer death all the day long; we are esteemed as sheep for the slaughter.” And secure in their hope of the divine reward, they go on with joy, saying: “But in all these things we overcome, through Him Who hath loved us.” And so in another place Scripture saith: “Thou hast proved us, O God; Thou hast tried us as silver is tried by fire; Thou hast led us into the snare, and hast laid tribulation on our backs.” And in order to shew that we ought to be under a superior, it goes on to say: “Thou hast placed men over our heads.” Moreover, fulfilling the precept of the Lord by patience in adversities and injuries, they who are struck on one cheek offer the other: to him who taketh away their coat they leave also their cloak; and being forced to walk one mile, they go two. With Paul the Apostle, they bear with false brethren, and bless those that curse them.
Martyrology-October 3rd
Roman Martyrology-October 3rd- on this date in various years-
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, special patroness of all missions. Her birthday is commemorated on the 30th day of September.
At Rome, near the place called Ursus Pileatus, St. Candidus, martyr.
Among the ancient Saxons, two holy martyrs of the name of Ewald, priests who had been preaching in that country. They were seized by the pagans and put to death. During the night, a great light shone over the bodies for a long time, pointing out where they were and also how distinguished were their merits.
Also, the holy martyrs Denis, Faustus, Caius, Peter, Paul, and four others who had suffered greatly under Decius. In the time of Valerian, they were long subjected to torments by the governor Aemilian, and merited the palm of martyrdom.
In Africa, St. Maximian, bishop of Bagaia. Again and again he suffered great cruelties from the Donatists, was finally cast headlong from a high tower, and left for dead. He was found by passers-by, and having been healed by their zealous care, he did not cease to defend the Catholic faith until he rested in the Lord, renowned for the glory of his witness to the faith.
At Leon in Spain, St. Froylan, bishop of that city, noted for his zeal in spreading the monastic life, his generosity to the poor and other virtues, and for his miracles.
In Belgium, in the diocese of Namur, St. Gerard, abbot.
In Palestine, St. Hesychius, confessor, disciple of St. Hilarion, and the companion of his travels.
At Savona in Liguria, St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello, foundress of the Daughters of our Lady of Mercy. Renowned for her charitable works, Pope Pius XII placed her among the number of holy virgins.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.