RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works (cont.)


44. To fear the Day of Judgment.
45. To be in dread of hell.
46. To desire with a special longing everlasting life.
47. To keep death daily before one’s eyes.
48. To keep guard at all times over the actions of one’s life.
49. To know for certain that God sees one everywhere.
50. To dash down on the (Rock) Christ one’s evil thoughts, the instant that they come into the heart.
51. And to lay them open to one’s spiritual father.
52. To keep one’s mouth from evil and wicked words.
53. Not to love much speaking.
54. Not to speak vain words or such as move to laughter.
55. Not to love much or excessive laughter.
56. To listen willingly to holy reading.
57. To apply oneself frequently to prayer.
58. Daily to confess one’s past sins with tears and sighs to God, and to amend them for the time to come.
59. Not to fulfil the desires of the flesh: to hate one’s own will.
60. To obey in all things the commands of the Abbot, even though he himself (which God forbid) should act otherwise: being mindful of that precept of the Lord: “What they say, do ye; but what they do, do ye not.”
61. Not to wish to be called holy before one is so: but first to be holy, that one may be truly so called.


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


The birthday of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist, who suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia while engaged in preaching. The Gospel written by him in Hebrew was found by his own revelation during the time of Emperor Zeno, together with the relics of the blessed apostle Barnabas.


In the land of the Saar, the holy prophet Jonas, who was buried in Geth.


In Ethiopia, St. Iphigenia, virgin, who was baptized and consecrated to God by the blessed apostle Matthew, and who ended her holy life in peace.


At Rome, St Pamphilius, martyr.


On the Claudian Way, twenty miles from Rome, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, the martyrdom of St. Alexander, bishop. For the faith of Christ he was loaded with fetters, scourged, tortured, burned with torches, torn with iron hooks, exposed to the beasts, and cast into the flames, but having overcome all these torments, he was finally beheaded, and thus attained the glory of eternal life. His body was afterwards carried into the city by blessed Pope Damasus on the 26th of November.


In Cyprus, St. Isacius, bishop and martyr.


In Phoenicia, St. Eusebius, martyr, who of his own accord went to the prefect and declared himself a Christian. He was subjected by him to many torments, and finally beheaded.


In Cyprus, St. Meletius, 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 September 21:


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works(cont.)


62. Daily to fulfil by one’s deeds the commandments of God.
63. To love chastity.
64. To hate no man.
65. Not to give way to jealousy and envy.
66. Not to love strife.
67. To fly from vainglory.
68. To reverence the Seniors.
69. To love the juniors.
70. To pray for one’s enemies in the love of Christ.
71. To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.
72. And never to despair of God’s mercy.


Behold, these are the tools of the spiritual craft, which, if they be constantly employed day and night, and duly given back on the day of judgment, will gain for us from the Lord that reward which He Himself hath promised - “which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive what God hath prepared for them that love Him.” And the workshop where we are to labour at all these things is the cloister of the monastery, and stability in the community.


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


St. Thomas of Villanova, of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, archbishop of Valencia and confessor, whose birthday is the 8th of September.


At St. Maurice, near Sion in Switzerland, the birthday of the holy Theban martyrs Maurice, Exuperius, Candidus, Victor, Innocent, and Vitalis, with their companions of the same legion, whose martyrdom for the faith during the time of Maximian filled the world with the glory of their sufferings.


At Rome, the martyrdom of the holy virgins and martyrs Digna and Emerita, under Valerian and Gallienus. Their relics are kept in the church of St. Marcellus.


At Ratisbon in Bavaria, St. Emmeramus, bishop and martyr, who patiently endured a most cruel death for the sake of our Lord, in order to set others free.


At Arpajon, near Paris, St. Jonas, priest and martyr, who went to France along with St. Denis. After he was scourged by the order of the prefect Julian, his martyrdom was ended by the sword.


At Antinopolis in Egypt, the holy martyrs Irais, an Alexandrian virgin, and her companions. Having gone out to draw water at a near-by fountain, and seeing a boat loaded with Christian confessors, she immediately left her vessel and joined them. She was conducted to the city with them, and after many torments she was the first to have her head struck off. After her, priests, deacons, virgins, and all others underwent the same kind of death.


At Rome, Pope St. Felix IV, who laboured exceedingly for the Catholic faith.


At Meaux, blessed Sanctinus, bishop, a disciple of St. Denis the Areopagite, by whom he was consecrated bishop of that city, and was the first to preach the Gospel there.


In the territory of Coutances, St. Lanto, bishop.


At Mount Glonna in France, the holy priest Florentius.


In the territory of Bourges, St. Sylvanus, confessor.


At Laon in France, St. Salaberga, abbess.


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 22:


CHAPTER V
Of Obedience


The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who hold nothing dearer to them than Christ, and who on account of the holy servitude which they have taken upon them, either for fear of hell or for the glory of life everlasting, as soon as anything is ordered by the superior, suffer no more delay in doing it than if it had been commanded by God Himself. It is of these that the Lord saith: “At the hearing of the ear he hath obeyed Me.” And again, to teachers He saith: “He that heareth you heareth Me.”


Such as these, therefore, leaving immediately their own occupations and forsaking their own will, with their hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were about, with the speedy step of obedience follow by their deeds the voice of him who commands; and so as it were at the same instant the bidding of the master and the perfect fulfilment of the disciple are joined together in the swiftness of the fear of God by those who are moved with the desire of attaining eternal life. These, therefore, choose the narrow way, of which the Lord saith: “Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life”; so that living not by their own will, nor obeying their own desires and pleasures, but walking according to the judgment and command of another, and dwelling in community, they desire to have an Abbot over them. Such as these without doubt fulfil that saying of the Lord: “I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me.”




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


At Rome, St. Linus, pope and martyr, who governed the Roman Church next after the blessed apostle Peter. He was crowned with martyrdom and was buried on the Vatican Hill beside the same apostle.


At Iconium in Lycaonia, St. Thecla, virgin and martyr, who was brought to the faith by the apostle St. Paul. Under Emperor Nero, she was victorious over the flames and the beasts to which she was exposed for the faith of Christ. After many combats endured for the instruction of others, she went to Seleucia, where she ended her days in peace. Her memory has been eulogized by the holy Fathers.


In Spain, the holy women Xantippa and Polyxena, who were disciples of the apostles.


In Africa, the holy martyrs Andrew, John, Peter and Anthony.


At Ancona, St. Constantius, sacristan of the church, renowned for the gift of miracles.


In Campania, the commemoration of the blessed Sosius, deacon of the church of Miseno. The holy bishop Januarius, upon seeing a flame arise from his head as he was reading the Gospel in the church, foretold that he would be a martyr. Not many days after, when he was thirty years of age, he and the holy bishop suffered martyrdom by beheading.


At Scicy in the district of Coutances in France, the commemoration of St. Paternus, bishop of Avranches and confessor, whose birthday is recalled on the 16th of April.


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 23:


CHAPTER V
Of Obedience (cont.)


But this very obedience will then only be acceptable to God and sweet to men, if what is commanded be done not fearfully, tardily, nor coldly, nor with murmuring, nor with an answer shewing unwillingness; for the obedience which is given to superiors is given to God, since He Himself hath said: “He that heareth you, heareth Me.” And it ought to be given by disciples with a good will, because “God loveth a cheerful giver.” For if the disciple obey with ill-will, and murmur not only with his lips but even in his heart, although he fulfil the command, yet it will not be accepted by God, Who regardeth the heart of the murmurer. And for such an action he shall gain no reward; nay, rather, he shall incur the punishment due to murmurers, unless he amend and make satisfaction.


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


The feast of our Lady of Ransom, Foundress of the Order for the Redemption of Captives. The apparition of the same Blessed Virgin occurred on the 10th of August.


At Brescia, the death of St. Anathalo, bishop. He was a disciple of the blessed apostle Barnabas, and succeeded him as bishop of the Milanese church.


In Hungary, St. Gerard, bishop of Chzonad and martyr, patrician of Venice, called the apostle of the Hungarians. During a journey from the town of Chzonad to Alba Regalis he was attacked by the pagans near the river Danube, stoned by them, and then pierced with a lance. He was thus the first to adorn his native land with a noble martyrdom.


At Autun, the birthday of the holy martyrs Andochius, a priest, Thyrsus, a deacon, and Felix, who were sent from the East by blessed Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, to preach in France. There they were severely scourged, hanged by the hands for a whole day, and cast into the fire. Remaining uninjured, they had their necks broken with heavy bars, and thus won a most glorious crown.


In Egypt, the holy martyrs Paphnutius and his companions. While leading a solitary life, St. Paphnutius heard that many Christians were kept in bonds. Moved by the spirit of God, he voluntarily offered himself to the prefect, and freely confessed the Christian faith. He was bound by him with iron chains, and for a long time tortured on the rack. Then, being sent with many others to Diocletian, by his order he was fastened to a palm tree, and the rest were struck with the sword.


At Chalcedon, under Emperor Diocletian, after the martyrdom of St. Euphemia, forty-nine holy martyrs who were condemned to be devoured by the beasts, but being miraculously delivered, were finally struck with the sword and went to heaven.


In Auvergne, the death of St. Rusticus, bishop and confessor.


In the diocese of Beauvais, St. Geremarus, priest and abbot.


At San Severino in Piceno, the death of St. Pacificus, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor of St. Francis of the Reformed Observance. Illustrious for his great patience and his love of solitude, he was enrolled in the canon of the saints 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 September 24:


CHAPTER VI
Of the Practice of Silence


Let us do as saith the prophet: “I said,  I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue, I have placed a watch over my mouth; I became dumb and was silent, and held my peace even from good things.” Here the prophet sheweth that if we ought at times to refrain even from good words for the sake of silence, how much more ought we to abstain from evil words, on account of the punishment due to sin.


Therefore, on account of the importance of silence, let leave to speak be seldom granted even to perfect disciples,* although their conversation be good and holy and tending to edification; because it is written: “In much speaking thou shalt not avoid sin”; and elsewhere: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” For it becometh the master to speak and to teach, but it beseemeth the disciple to be silent and to listen. And therefore, if anything has to be asked of the Superior, let it be done with all humility and subjection of reverence. But as for buffoonery or idle words, such as move to laughter, we utterly condemn them in every place, nor do we allow the disciple to open his mouth in such discourse.




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


At Emmaus, the birthday of blessed Cleophas, disciple of Christ. It is related that he was killed by the Jews for the confession of our Lord, and honourably buried in the same house in which he had entertained him.


At Amiens in France, in the persecution of Diocletian, blessed Firminus, bishop. Under the governor Rictiovarus, after many torments he suffered martyrdom by being beheaded.


At Rome, on the Claudian Way, under Emperor Antoninus, St. Herculanus, soldier and martyr, who was converted to Christ by the miracle wrought during the martyrdom of the blessed bishop Alexander. After enduring many torments he was put to the sword.


At Damascus, the holy martyrs Paul, his wife Tatta, and their sons Sabinian, Maximus, Rufus, and Eugene. Accused of professing the Christian religion, they were scourged and tortured in other ways until they gave up their souls unto God.


In Asia, the holy martyrs Bardomian, Eucarpus, and twenty-six others.


At Lyons in France, the death of St. Lupus, at one time an anchoret, but later a bishop.


At Auxerre, St. Anacharius, bishop and confessor.


At Blois in France, St. Solemnius, bishop of Chartres, renowned for miracles.


On the same day, St. Principius, bishop of Soissons, brother of the blessed bishop Remigius.


At Anagni, the holy virgins Aurelia and Neomisia.


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 25:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility


The Holy Scripture crieth out to us, brethren, saying: “Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted.” In saying this, it teacheth us that all exaltation is a kind of pride, against which the prophet sheweth himself to be on his guard when he saith: “Lord, my heart is not exalted nor mine eyes lifted up; nor have I walked in great things, nor in wonders above me.” For why? “If I did not think humbly, but exalted my soul: like a child that is weaned from his mother, so wilt Thou requite my soul.” Whence, brethren, if we wish to arrive at the highest point of humility, and speedily to reach that heavenly exaltation to which we can only ascend by the humility of this present life, we must by our ever-ascending actions erect such a ladder * as that which Jacob beheld in his dream, by which the angels appeared to him descending and ascending. This descent and ascent signifieth nothing else than that we descend by self-exaltation and ascend by humility. And the ladder thus erected is our life in the world, which, if the heart be humbled, is lifted up by the Lord to heaven. The sides of the same ladder we understand to be our body and soul, in which our divine vocation hath placed various degrees of humility or discipline, which we must ascend.




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


At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Cyprian and the virgin Justina. Under Emperor Diocletian and the governor Eutholmius, Justina suffered greatly for the faith of Christ, and thus converted Cyprian, who, while a magician, had endeavoured to bring her under the influence of his magical practices. She afterwards suffered martyrdom with him. Their bodies were exposed to the beasts, but were taken away in the night by some Christian sailors, and carried to Rome. They were subsequently taken into the Constantinian basilica, and buried near the baptistry.


At Rome, in the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyr Callistratus and forty-nine other soldiers who endured martyrdom together. The companions of Callistratus were converted to Christ upon seeing him miraculously delivered from drowning in the sea, although he had been sewn up in a bag and thrown in.


At Bologna, St. Eusebius, bishop and confessor.


At Brescia, St. Vigilius, bishop.


In the Tuscan plain, the blessed Abbot Nilus, founder of the monastery of Grottaferrata, a man of eminent sanctity.


At Tiferno in Umbria, St. Amantius, a priest distinguished for the gift of miracles.


At Albano, St. Senator.


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 26:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The first degree of humility, then, is that a man, always keeping the fear of God before his eyes, avoid all forgetfulness; and that he be ever mindful of all that God hath commanded, bethinking himself that those who despise God will be consumed in hell for their sins, and that life everlasting is prepared for them that fear Him. And keeping himself at all times from sin and vice, whether of the thoughts, the tongue, the hands, the feet, or his own will, let him thus hasten to cut off the desires of the flesh.


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


At Aegea, during the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Cosmas and Damian, brothers. After miraculously overcoming many torments from bonds, imprisonment, fire, crucifixion, stoning, arrows, and from being cast into the sea, they were beheaded. With them are said to have suffered three brothers: Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius.


At Paris, the birthday of St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Mission and of the Sisters of Charity, an apostolic man and father to the poor. Pope Leo XIII appointed this saint as the heavenly patron before God of all charitable societies in the world which in any way whatever draw their origin from him. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of July.


At Byblos in Phoenicia, Bishop St. Mark, whom St. Luke calls John, and who was the son of that blessed Mary who is commemorated on the 29th of July.


At Milan, the holy bishop Caius, a disciple of the blessed apostle Barnabas, who passed calmly to rest after suffering severely in the persecution of Nero.


At Rome, St. Epicharis, wife of a senator, who was scourged with leaded whips and then struck with the sword in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Todi in Umbria, under the same Diocletian, the holy martyrs Fidentius and Terence.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Adolph and John, brothers, who won the martyrs' crown in the Arabian persecution. Their sister, the blessed virgin Aurea, was inspired by their example to return to the faith and later bravely suffered martyrdom on the 19th of July.


At Sion in Switzerland, St. Florentius, martyr. After his tongue had been cut out, he was put to the sword with blessed Hilary.


At Ravenna, St. Aderitus, bishop and confessor.


At Paris, St. Eleazar, a count.


In Hainault, St. Hiltrude, 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 27:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


Let him consider that he is always beheld from heaven by God, and that his actions are everywhere seen by the eye of the Divine Majesty, and are every hour reported to Him by His angels. This the prophet telleth us, when he sheweth how God is ever present in our thoughts, saying: “God searcheth the heart and the reins.” And again “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men.” And he also saith: “Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off”; and “The thought of man shall confess to Thee.” In order, therefore, that he may be on his guard against evil thoughts, let the humble brother say ever in his heart: “Then shall I be unspotted before Him, if I shall have kept me from mine iniquity.”


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


In Bohemia, St. Wenceslas, duke of Bohemia and martyr, renowned for holiness and miracles. Being murdered by the deceit of his brother, he went triumphantly to heaven.


At Rome, St. Privatus, martyr, who was cured of ulcers by blessed Pope Callistus. In the time of Emperor Alexander he was scourged to death with leaded whips for the faith of Christ.


In the same place, St. Stacteus, martyr.


In Africa, the Saints Martial, Lawrence, and twenty other martyrs.


At Antioch in Pisidia, the holy martyrs Mark, a shepherd, Alphius, Alexander, and Zosimus, his brothers; also Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and thirty soldiers, who were converted to Christ upon seeing the miracles of blessed Mark, and were crowned with martyrdom in different places and in diverse manners.


On the same day, under Emperor Decius, the martyrdom of St. Maximus.


At Toulouse, St. Exuperius, bishop and confessor. St. Jerome gives a memorable testimony of this blessed man, relating how severe he was towards himself and how liberal towards others.


At Genoa, St. Solomon, bishop and confessor.


At Brescia, St. Silvinus, bishop.


At Bethlehem of Juda, the holy virgin Eustochium, daughter of blessed Paula, who was brought up at the manger of our Lord with other virgins, and being celebrated for her merits, went to our Lord.


At Fulda near Mayence, St. Lioba, virgin, renowned for 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 September 28:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


We are, indeed, forbidden to do our own will by Scripture, which saith to us: turn away from thine own will. And so too we beg of God in prayer that His will may be done in us. Rightly therefore are we taught not to do our own will, if we take heed to the warning of Scripture: “There are ways which to men seem right, but the ends thereof lead to the depths of hell”; or, again, when we tremble at what is said of the careless: “They are corrupt and have become abominable in their pleasures.” And in regard to the desires of the flesh, we must believe that God is always present to us, as the prophet saith to the Lord: “O Lord, all my desire is before Thee.”


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


On Mount Gargano, the commemoration of the blessed archangel Michael. This festival is kept in memory of the day when, under his invocation, there was consecrated a church, unpretending in its exterior, but endowed with celestial virtue.


At Auxerre, St. Fraternus, bishop and martyr.


In Thrace, the birthday of the holy martyrs Eutychius, Plautus, and Heracleas.


In Persia, the holy martyrs Dadas, a blood relative of King Sapor, Casdoa, his wife, and Gabdelas, his son. After being deprived of their dignities, and subjected to various torments, they were imprisoned for a long time and finally put to the sword.


In Armenia, under King Tiridates, the holy virgin Ripsimis and her martyr companions.


In Persia, under King Sapor, the holy martyr Gudelia. After converting many to the faith, and having refused to adore the sun and the fire, she was subjected to numerous torments. Having the skin torn off her head, and being fastened to a post, she merited an eternal triumph.


At Pontecorvo near Aquino, St. Grimoaldus, priest and confessor.


In Palestine, St. Quiriacus, an anchoret.


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 29:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


Let us be on our guard, then, against evil desires, since death hath its seat close to the entrance of delight; wherefore the Scripture commandeth us, saying: ““Go not after thy concupiscences.” Since, therefore, “The eyes of the Lord behold the good and the evil,” and “The Lord is ever looking down from heaven upon the children of men, to see who hath understanding or is seeking God, and since the works of our hands are reported to Him day and night by the angels appointed to watch over us; we must be always on the watch, brethren, lest, as the prophet saith in the psalm, God should see us at any time declining to evil and become unprofitable; and lest, though He spare us now, because He is merciful and expecteth our conversion, He should say to us hereafter: “These things thou didst and I held my peace.”


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


In Bethlehem of Juda, the death of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. Excelling in all kinds of learning, he imitated the life of the most approved monks, and disposed of many monstrous heresies with the sword of his doctrine. Having at length reached a very advanced age, he rested in peace and was buried near the manger of our Lord. His body was afterwards transferred to Rome, and placed in the basilica of St. Mary Major.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Francis Borgia, priest and confessor. He was the General of the Society of Jesus, and is memorable for his mortification, gift of prayer, the forsaking of the world, and the refusal of ecclesiastical dignities. His feast is observed on the 10th of October.


At Lisieux in France, the birthday of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Seeing her to be most wonderful for her innocence of life and simplicity, Pope Pius XI placed her name among the holy virgins and appointed her as special patron before God of all missions, decreeing that her feast should be observed on the 3rd of October.


At Rome, the holy martyr Leopardus, of the household of Julian the Apostate. He was beheaded at Rome, and his body afterwards taken to Aix-la-Chapelle.


At Soleure in Switzerland, in the time of Emperor Maximian, the passion of the holy martyrs Victor and Ursus, of the glorious Theban legion. They were subjected to horrible tortures, but a heavenly light shone over them causing the executioners to fall to the ground, and they were delivered. Being then cast into the fire without sustaining any injury, they finally perished by the sword.


At Piacenza, the holy martyr Antoninus, a soldier of the same legion.


On the same day, St. Gregory, bishop of Greater Armenia, who, after many sufferings under Diocletian, rested in peace.


At Canterbury in England, St. Honorius, bishop and confessor.


At Rome, St. Sophia, widow, mother of the holy virgin martyrs Faith, Hope, and Charity.


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 30:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The second degree of humility is, that a man love not his own will, nor delight in fulfilling his own desires; but carry out in his deeds that saying of the Lord: “I came not to do mine own will, but the will of Him Who sent me.” And again Scripture saith: “Self-will hath punishment, but necessity wins the crown.” *


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


St. Remigius, bishop of Rheims and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 13th of January, but is commemorated on this day because of the translation of his body.


At Rome, blessed Aretas and five hundred and four other martyrs.


At Tournai in France, St. Piaton, priest and martyr, who went from Rome to France to preach, together with blessed Quinctinus and his companions. Afterwards, his martyrdom was completed in the persecution of Maximian and he passed from earth to heaven.


At Tomis in Pontus, the holy martyrs Priscus, Crescens, and Evagrius.


At Lisbon in Portugal, the holy martyrs Verissimus, and his sisters Maxima and Julia, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Thessalonica, St. Domninus, martyr, under Emperor Maximian.


At Orvieto, St. Severus, priest and confessor.


At the port of Ghent, St. Bavo, 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 October 1:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The third degree of humility is, that a man for the love of God submit himself to his superior in all obedience; imitating the Lord, of Whom the apostle saith: “He was made obedient even unto death.”


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


The Feast of the holy Guardian Angels.


At Rome, the martyrdom of St. Modestus, a Sardinian, deacon and martyr, who was racked and burned with fire by Emperor Diocletian. His holy body was afterwards translated to Benevento and buried there in a church named after him.


In the vicinity of Arras, the martyrdom of blessed Leodegarius, bishop of Autun. After being subjected to various insults and torments for the truth, he was put to death by Ebroin, chief minister of Theodoric.


At Nicomedia, St. Eleutherius, soldier and martyr, with innumerable others. They were falsely accused of having set fire to the palace of Diocletian and, by order of this cruel emperor, were barbarously massacred in groups. Some were put to the sword, some consumed by fire, while others were cast into the sea. But the principal one, Eleutherius, after long tortures, being found stronger after each torment, completed his victorious martyrdom by fire, as well-tried gold.


At Antioch, the holy martyrs Primus, Cyril, and Secundarius.


On the same day, St. Gerinus, martyr, brother of blessed Leodegarius, bishop of Autun. He was stoned to death by the same Ebroin.


At Constantinople, St. Theophilus, a monk. He was cruelly scourged by Leo the Isaurian for his defense of holy images, was driven into exile, and there went gloriously to 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 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.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for October 3:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The fifth degree of humility is, not to hide from one’s Abbot any of the evil thoughts that beset one’s heart, or the sins committed in secret, but humbly to confess them. Concerning which the Scripture exhorteth us, saying: “Make known thy way unto the Lord, and hope in Him.” And again: “Confess to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endureth for ever.” So also the prophet saith: “I have made known to Thee mine offence, and mine iniquities I have not hidden. I will confess against myself my iniquities to the Lord: and Thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my heart.”


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


At Assisi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Francis, cleric and confessor, founder of three orders: the Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. His life, filled with holy deeds and miracles, were written by St. Bonaventure.


At Corinth, the birthday of the Saints Crispus and Caius, who are mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians.


At Athens, St. Hierotheus, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul.


At Damascus, St. Peter, bishop and martyr, who was accused before the king of the Agarenians of teaching the faith of Christ. His tongue, hands, and feet were cut off, and being fastened to a cross, his martyrdom was fulfilled.


At Alexandria, the holy priests and deacons Caius, Faustus, Eusebius, Chaeremon, Lucius, and their companions. Some of them were martyred in the persecution of Valerian; others, for serving the martyrs, received the reward of martyrs.


In Egypt, the holy martyrs Mark and Marcian, brothers, and an almost countless number of both sexes and of all ages, who merited the blessed crown of martyrdom, some after being scourged, others when they had suffered horrible torment, and others after being delivered to the flames. Some were cast into the sea, some others were beheaded; many were starved to death; many were fastened to gibbets; and others again were suspended by the feet with their heads downward.


At Bologna, St. Petronius, bishop and confessor, celebrated for learning, miracles, and sanctity.


At Paris, St. Aurea, 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 October 4:


CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)


The sixth degree of humility is, for a monk to be contented with the meanest and worst of everything, and in all that is enjoined him to esteem himself a bad and worthless labourer, saying with the prophet: “I have been brought to nothing, and I knew it not: I am become as a beast before Thee, yet I am always with Thee.”


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


At Messina in Sicily, the birthday of the holy martyrs Placidus, a monk who was a disciple of the blessed Abbot Benedict, and of his brothers Eutychius and Victorinus, and the virgin Flavia, their sister; also of Donatus, Firmatus, a deacon, Faustus, and thirty other monks, who were murdered for the faith of Christ by the pirate Manuchas.


At Smyrna, the birthday of blessed Thraseas, bishop of Eumenia, who ended his career through martyrdom.


At Auxerre, the death of the saintly deacon Firmatus and the virgin Flaviana, his sister.


At Treves, the holy martyrs Palmatius and his companions, who suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus.


Also, under Emeperor Diocletian and the proconsul Domitius, St. Charitina, virgin. She was exposed to the fire and thrown into the sea, but escaping uninjured, her hands and feet were cut off and her teeth torn out, and finally she yielded up her spirit in prayer.


At Ravenna, St. Marcellinus, bishop and confessor.


At Valence in France, St. Apollinaris, a bishop, renowned in life for virtues and in death for miracles and prodigies.


Also, St. Attilanus, bishop of Zamora, who was ranked among the saints by Pope Urban II.


At Rome, St. Galla, widow, daughter of the consul Symmachus. After the death of her husband, she remained for many years near the church of St. Peter, devoted to prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and other pious works. Her most happy death has been described by Pope St. Gregory.


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