RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

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The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 8:


CHAPTER I
Of the several kinds of Monks and their way of life


It is well known that there are four kinds of monks. The first are the cenobites: that is those in monasteries, who live under a rule or an Abbot. The second are the Anchorites or Hermits: that is those who, not in the first fervour of religious life, but after long probation in the monastery, have learned by the help and experience of many to fight against the devil; and going forth well armed from the ranks of their brethren to the single-handed combat of the desert, are able, without the support of others, to fight by the strength of their own arm, God helping them, against the vices of the flesh and their evil thoughts. A third and most baneful kind of monks are the Sarabites, who have been tried by no rule nor by the experience of a master, as gold in the furnace; but being as soft as lead, and still serving the world in their works, are by their tonsure to lie to God. These in twos or threes, or even singly, without a shepherd, shut up, not in the Lord’s sheepfolds, but in their own, make a law to themselves in the pleasure of their own desires: whatever they think fit or choose to do, that they call holy; and what they like not, that they consider unlawful.


The fourth kind of monks are those called “Girovagi,” who spend all their lives-long wandering about divers provinces, staying in different cells for three or four days at a time, ever roaming, with no stability, given up to their own pleasures and to the snares of gluttony, and worse in all things than the Sarabites. Of the most wretched life of these it is better to say nothing than to speak. Leaving them alone therefore, let us set to work, by the help of God, to lay down a rule for the Cenobites, that is, the strongest * kind of monks.


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


At Antioch, in the reign of Diocletian and Maximian, the birthday of the Saints Julian, martyr, and Basilissa, his virgin wife. She, having lived in a state of virginity with her husband, reached the end of her days in peace. But Julian, after the death by fire of a multitude of priests and ministers of the Church of Christ, who had taken refuge in his house from the severity of the persecution, was ordered by the governor Marcian to be tormented in many ways and executed. With him there suffered Anthony, a priest, and Anastasius, whom Julian raised from the dead, and made partaker of the grace of Christ; also Celsus, a boy, with his mother Marcionilla, seven brothers, and many others.


At Smyrna, the holy martyrs Vitalis, Revocatus, and Fortunatus.


In Africa, the holy martyrs Epictetus, Jucundus, Secundus, Vitalis, Felix, and seven others.


In Algeria, St. Marciana, virgin, who received her martyrdom after being condemned to the beasts.


At Sebaste in Armenia, St. Peter, bishop, the son of Saints Basil and Emmelia, and also the brother of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, bishops, and Macrina, virgin.


At Ancona, St. Marcellinus, bishop, who, according to St. Gregory, miraculously delivered that city from destruction by fire.


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 January 9:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be


An Abbot who is worthy to rule over the monastery ought always to remember what he is called, and correspond to his name of superior by his deeds. For he is believed to hold the place of Christ in the monastery, since he is called by His name, as the Apostle saith: “Ye have received the spirit of the adoption of children, in which we cry Abba, Father.” And, therefore, the Abbot ought not (God forbid) to teach, or ordain, or command anything contrary to the law of the Lord; but let his bidding and his doctrine be infused into the minds of his disciples like the leaven of divine justice.


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


For 2021 the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph  by which a most holy example is afforded to Christian families who properly invoke their aid.


In Thebais, the birthday of St. Paul, the first hermit who lived alone in the desert from the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his age. His soul was seen by St. Anthony carried by angels among the choirs of apostles and prophets. His feast is kept on the 15th of this month.


In Cyprus, blessed Nicanor, one of the first seven deacons, a man of admirable faith and virtue, who received the crown of glory.


At Rome, Pope St. Agatho, who, by a holy death, concluded a life remarkable for sanctity and learning.


At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. William, archbishop and confessor, renowned for miracles and virtues. He was canonized by Pope Honorius III.


At Milan, St. John the Good, bishop and confessor.


At Constantinople, St. Marcian, priest.


In the monastery of Cusani in France, the birthday of St. Peter Orsini, confessor, previously the Doge of Venice and afterwards monk of the Order of St. Benedict, renowned for piety and miracles.


At Arezzo in Tuscany, blessed Gregory X, a native of Piacenza, who was elected Sovereign Pontiff while he was archdeacon of Liege. He held the second Council of Lyons, received the Greeks into the unity of the Church, appeased discords among the Christians, made generous efforts for the recovery of the Holy Land, and governed the Church in a most holy manner.


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 January 10:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


Let the Abbot be ever mindful that at the dreadful judgment of God an account will have to be given both of his own teaching and of the obedience of his disciples. And let him know that to the fault of the shepherd shall be imputed any lack of profit which the father of the household may find in his sheep. Only then shall he be acquitted, if he shall have bestowed all pastoral diligence on his unquiet and disobedient flock, and employed all his care to amend their corrupt manner of life: then shall he be absolved in the judgment of the Lord, and may say to the Lord with the Prophet: “I have not hidden Thy justice in my heart, I have declared Thy truth and Thy salvation, but they contemned and despised me.” And then at length the punishment of death shall be inflicted on the disobedient sheep.


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


At Rome, St. Hyginus, pope, who suffered a glorious martyrdom in the persecution of Antoninus.


Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Melchiades, who, having suffered much in the persecution of Maximian, went to his rest in the Lord after peace returned to the Church. His feast day is on the 10th of December.


At Fermo in Piceno, St. Alexander, bishop and martyr.


At Amiens in France, St. Salvius, bishop and martyr.


In Africa, blessed Salvius, martyr, on whose birthday St. Augustine preached to the people of Carthage.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Peter, Severus and Leucius.


At Brindisi, St. Leucius, bishop and confessor.


In Judea, St. Theodosius, abbot, born in Cappadocia in the village of Magarisso, who, after having endured great sufferings for the Catholic faith, took his rest in peace at the monastery which he had erected on a lonely hill in the diocese of Jerusalem.


In Thebais, St. Palaemon, abbot, who was the teacher of St. Pachomius.


At Suppentonia, near Mount Soracte, St. Athanasius, monk, and his companions, who were called by a voice from heaven to enter the kingdom of God.


At Pavia, St. Honorata, virgin.


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 January 11:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be(cont.)


Therefore, when anyone receiveth the name of Abbot, he ought to govern his disciples by a two-fold teaching: that is, he should shew forth all goodness and holiness by his deeds rather than his words: declaring to the intelligent among his disciples the commandments of the Lord by words: but to the hard-hearted and the simple minded setting forth the divine precepts by the example of his deeds. And let him shew by his own actions that those things ought not to be done which he has taught his disciples to be against the law of God; lest, while preaching to others, he should himself become a castaway, and God should say to him in his sin: “Why dost thou declare My justice, and take My covenant in thy mouth? Thou hast hated discipline, and hast cast My words behind thee.” And again: “Thou who sawest the mote in thy brother’s eye, didst thou not see the beam in thine own?”


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



At Rome, in the time of Emperor Alexander, St. Tatiana, marytr, who had her flesh torn with iron hooks and combs, was thrown to the beasts and cast into the fire, but, having received no injury, was beheaded, and thus went to heaven.


At Constantinople, the Saints Tygrius, priest, and Eutropius, lector, who, in the time of Emperor Arcadius, were falsely accused of the fire which destroyed the principal church and the senate building in order to avenge the exile of St. John Chrysostom. They suffered under Optatus, prefect of the city, who was given to the worship of false gods and a hatred for the Christian religion.


In Achaia, St. Satyrus, martyr. As he passed before an idol and breathed upon it, making the sign of the cross upon his forehead, the idol immediately fell to the ground; for this reason he was beheaded.


On the same day, St. Arcadius, martyr, illustrious for his noble extraction and miracles.


In Africa, the holy martyrs Zoticus, Rogatus, Modestus, Castulus, and forty soldiers gloriously crowned.


At Tivoli, St. Zoticus, martyr.


At Ephesus, under Constantine Copronymus, the passion of forty-two holy monks, who endured martyrdom after being most cruelly tortured for the defence of sacred images.


At Ravenna, St. John, bishop and confessor.


At Verona, St. Probus, bishop.


In England, St. Benedict, abbot and confessor.


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 January 12:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let not one be loved more than another, unless he be found to excel in good works or in obedience. Let not one of noble birth be put before him that was formerly a slave, unless some other reasonable cause exist for it. But if upon just consideration it should so seem good to the Abbot, let him arrange as he please concerning the place of any one whomsoever; but, otherwise, let them keep their own places; because, whether bond or free, we are all one in Christ, and bear an equal rank in the service of one Lord, “For with God there is no respecting of persons.” Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight, if we be found to surpass others in good works and in humility. Let the Abbot, then, shew equal love to all, and let the same discipline be imposed upon all according to their deserts.


Martyrology-January 13th
Roman Martyrology-January 13th-on this date in various years-


The Octave of the Epiphany of our Lord.


At Poitiers in France, the birthday of St. Hilary, bishop and confessor of the Catholic faith which he courageously defended, and for which he was banished for four years to Phrygia, where, among other miracles, he raised a man from the dead. Pius IX declared him a doctor of the Church. His festival is celebrated tomorrow.


At Rheims in France, St. Remigius, bishop and and confessor, who converted the Franks to Christ, and brought Clovis, their king, to the holy font of baptism and instructed him in the mysteries of faith. After he had been bishop for many years, and had distinguished himself by his sanctity and the power of working miracles, he departed this life. His feast is kept on the 1st of October, on which day his holy body was transferred.


At Rome, on the Via Lavicana, the crowning of forty holy soldiers, a reward they merited by confessing the true faith under Emperor Gallienus.


At Cordova, the holy martyrs Gumesind, priest, and Servideus, monk.


In Sardinia, St. Potitus, martyr, who, having suffered much under Emperor Antoninus and the governor Gelasius, was at last put to death by the sword.


At Belgrade in Serbia, the holy martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus, who were severely tormented under Emperor Licinius, and then drowned in the river Danube.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Leontius, bishop, who fought strongly against the heathens in the reign of Licinius, and against the Arians in the reign of Constantine.


At Treves , St. Agritius, bishop.


In the monastery of Verzy in France, St. Viventius, confessor.


At Amasea in Pontus, St. Glaphyra, virgin.


At Milan, in the monastery of St. Martha, blessed Veronica of Binasco, virgin, of the Order of St. Augustine.


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 January 13:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


For the Abbot in his doctrine ought always to observe the bidding of the Apostle, wherein he says: “Reprove, entreat, rebuke”; mingling, as occasions may require, gentleness with severity; shewing now the rigour of a master, now the loving affection of a father, so as sternly to rebuke the undisciplined and restless, and to exhort the obedient, mild, and patient to advance in virtue. And such as are negligent and haughty we charge him to reprove and correct. Let him not shut his eyes to the faults of offenders; but as soon as they appear, let him strive with all his might to root them out, remembering the fate of Heli, the priest of Silo. Those of good disposition and understanding let him, for the first or second time, correct only with words; but such as are froward and hard of heart, and proud, or disobedient, let him chastise with bodily stripes at the very first offence, knowing that it is written: “The fool is not corrected with words.” And again “Strike thy son with the rod, and thou shalt deliver his soul from death.”


Martyrology-January 14th
Roman Martyrology-January 14th-on this date in various years-


St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, confessor and doctor of the Church, who entered heaven on the thirteenth day of this month.


At Nola in Campania, the birthday of St. Felix, priest, who (as is related by bishop St. Paulinus), after being subjected to torments by the persecutors, was cast into prison, bound hand and foot, and extended on shells and broken earthenware. In the night, however, his bonds were loosened and he was delivered by an angel. The persecution over, he brought many to the faith of Christ by his exemplary life and teaching, and, renowned for miracles, rested in peace.


In Judea, St. Malachy, prophet.


On Mount Sinai, thirty-eight holy monks killed by the Saracens for the faith of Christ.


In Egypt, in the district of Raithy, forty-three holy monks, who were put to death by the Blemmians for the Christian religion.


At Milan, St. Datius, bishop and confessor, mentioned by pope St. Gregory.


In Africa, St. Euphrasius, bishop.


At Neocaesarea in Pontus, St. Macrina, disciple of St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker, and grandmother of St. Basil, whom she educated in the Christian faith.


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 January 14:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


The Abbot ought always to remember what he is, and what he is called, and to know that to whom more is committed, from him more is required; and he must consider how difficult and arduous a task he hath undertaken, of ruling souls and adapting himself to many dispositions. Let him so accommodate and suit himself to the character and intelligence of each, winning some by kindness, others by reproof, others by persuasion, that he may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to him, but may even rejoice in their virtuous increase.


Martyrology-January 15th
Roman Martyrology-January 15th-on this date in various years-


St. Paul, the first hermit, who was carried to the home of the blessed on the tenth of this month.


In the diocese of Angers, blessed Maurus, abbot and disciple of St. Benedict. Beginning his discipline in infancy, he made great progress with so able a master, for while he was still under the saint's instruction he miraculously walked upon the water, a prodigy unheard of since the days of St. Peter. Sent later to France by St. Benedict, he built a famous monastery, which he governed for forty years, and after performing striking miracles, he rested in peace.


In Judea, the holy prophets Habacuc and Michaeas, whose bodies were found by divine revelation in the days of Theodosius the Elder.


At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Ephisius, martyr, who, in the persecution of Diocletian and under the judge Flavian, having, by the assistance of God, overcome many torments, was beheaded and ascended to heaven.


At Anagni, St. Secundina, virgin and martyr, who suffered under Emperor Decius.


At Nola in Campania, St. Maximus, bishop.


In Auvergne in France, St. Bonitus, bishop and confessor.


In Egypt, St. Macarius, abbot, disciple of St. Anthony, very celebrated for his life and miracles.


At Alexandria, blessed Isidore, renowned for holiness of life, faith, and miracles.


At Constantinople, St. John Calybita. For some time living unknown to his parents in a corner of their house, and later in a hut on an island in the Tiber, he was recognized by them only at his death. Being renowned for miracles, his body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried on the Island in the Tiber, where a church was subsequently erected in his honour.


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 January 15:


CHAPTER II
What kind of man the Abbot ought to be (cont.)


Above all let him not, overlooking or under-valuing the salvation of the souls entrusted to him, be too solicitous for fleeting, earthly, and perishable things; but let him ever bear in mind that he hath undertaken the government of souls, of which he shall have to give an account. And that he may not complain for want of worldly substance, let him remember what is written: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.” And again: “Nothing is wanting to them that fear Him.”


And let him know that he who hath undertaken the government of souls, must prepare himself to render an account of them. And whatever may be the number of the brethren under his care, let him be certainly assured that on the Day of Judgment he will have to give an account to the Lord of all these souls, as well as of his own. And thus, being ever fearful of the coming inquiry which the Shepherd will make into the state of the flock committed to him, while he is careful on other men’s account, he will be solicitous also on his own. And so, while correcting others by his admonitions, he will be himself cured of his own defects.




Martyrology-January 16th
Roman Martyrology-January 16th-on this date in various years-


At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Marcellus I, a martyr for the confession of the Catholic faith. By command of the tyrant Maxentius he was beaten with clubs, then sent to take care of animals, with a guard to watch him. In this servile office, dressed in haircloth, he departed this life.


In Morocco in Africa, the martyrdom of the five Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, Berard, Peter, and Otto who were priests, and Accursius and Adjutus who were lay brothers. For preaching the Catholic faith, and because of their hatred of the Mohammedan Law, after various torments and mockeries by the Saracen king, they were beheaded.


At Rhinocolura in Egypt, the holy bishop St. Melas, who rested in peace after suffering exile and other painful trials for the Catholic faith during the reign of Emperor Valens.


At Arles in France, St. Honoratus, bishop and confessor, whose life was renowned for learning and for miracles.


At Oderzo near Venice, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.


At Fondi in Lazio, St. Honoratus, abbot, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.


At Froheins, in the diocese of Amiens in France, St. Fursey, confessor, whose body was afterwards transferred to the monastery of Peronne.


At Rome, St. Priscilla, who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the martyrs.


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 January 16:


CHAPTER III
Of calling the Brethren to Council


As often as any important matters have to be transacted in the monastery, let the  Abbot call together the whole community, and himself declare what is the question to be settled. And, having heard the counsel of the brethren, let him consider within himself, and then do what he shall judge most expedient. We have said that all should be called to council, because it is often to the younger that the Lord revealeth what is best. But let the brethren give their advice with all subjection and humility, and not presume stubbornly to defend their own opinion; but rather let the matter rest with the Abbot’s discretion, that all may submit to whatever he shall judge to be best. Yet, even as it becometh disciples to obey their master, so doth it behove him to order all things prudently and with justice.


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


In Thebais, St. Anthony, abbot and spiritual guide of many monks, who was most celebrated for his life and miracles of which St. Athanasius has written a detailed account. His holy body was found by a divine revelation during the reign of Emperor Justinian and brought to Alexandria, where it was buried in the church of St. John Baptist.


At Langres in France, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, the Saints Speusippus, Eleusippus, and Meleusippus, born at one birth, were crowned with martyrdom together with their grandmother Leonilla.


At Bourges in Aquitaine, the death of St. Sulpice, surnamed Pius, whose life and precious death were approved by glorious miracles.


At Rome, in the monastery of St. Andrew, the blessed monks Anthony, Merulus, and John, of whom Pope St. Gregory speaks in his writings.


At Edessa in Mesopotamia, in the time of Emperor Valens, St. Julian Sabas the Elder, who miraculously restored the Catholic faith at Antioch, although it was almost destroyed in that city.


At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Diodorus, priest, and Marian, deacon, and their companions. They suffered martyrdom on the 1st of December during the pontificate of Pope St. Stephen.


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 January 17:


CHAPTER III
Of calling the Brethren to Council (cont.)


Let all therefore, follow the Rule in all things as their guide, and let no man rashly depart from it. Let no one in the monastery follow the will of his own heart: nor let any one presume insolently to contend with his Abbot, either within or without the monastery. But if he should so presume, let him be subjected to the discipline appointed by the Rule. The Abbot himself, however, must do everything with the fear of God and in observance of the Rule: knowing that he will have without doubt to render to God, the most just Judge, an account of all his judgments. If it happen that less important matters have to be transacted for the good of the monastery, let him take counsel with the Seniors only, as it is written: “Do all things with counsel, and thou shalt not afterwards repent it.”


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


The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, who established the Holy See at Rome.


In the same place, under Emperor Claudius, the passion of St. Prisca, virgin and martyr, who, after undergoing many torments, was crowned with martyrdom.


In Pontus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Mosseus and Ammonius, soldiers, who were first condemned to work in the metal mines, then cast into the fire.


In the same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point of being martyred by fire, joyfully sang a hymn, which he left in writing to his disciples.


At Tours in France, St. Volusian, bishop, who was made captive by the Goths, and in exile gave up his soul unto God.


In the monastery of Lure in Burgundy, St. Deicola, abbot, a native of Ireland and a disciple of St. Columban.


At Tours in France, St. Leobard, anchoret, a man of wonderful abstinence and humility.


At Como, St. Liberata, virgin.


At Buda in Hungary, St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic, endued with the virtues of chastity and a burning penitence. The Supreme Pontiff, Pius XII, added her to the list of holy virgins.


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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 18:


CHAPTER IV
What are the Instruments of Good Works


In the first place, to love the Lord God with all one’s heart, all one’s soul, and all one’s strength.


2. Then one’s neighbour as oneself.


3. Then not to kill.


4. Not to commit adultery.


5. Not to steal.


6. Not to covet.


7. Not to bear false witness.


8. To honour all men.


9. Not to do to another what one would not have done to oneself.


10. To deny oneself, in order to follow Christ.


11. To chastise the body.


12. Not to seek after delicate living.


13. To love fasting.


14. To relieve the poor.


15. To clothe the naked.


16. To visit the sick.


17. To bury the dead.


18. To help in affliction.


19. To console the sorrowing.


20. To avoid worldly actions.


21. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.




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


At Rome, on the Cornelian Road, the holy martyrs Marius and his wife Martha, with their sons Audifax and Abachum, noble Persians, who came to Rome through devotion in the time of Emperor Claudius. After they had been beaten with rods, tormented on the rack and with fire, lacerated with iron hooks, and had endured the cutting off of their hands, Martha was put to death in the place called Nympha; the others were beheaded and cast into the fire.


Also St. Canute, king and martyr.


At Smyrna, under Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, the birthday of blessed Germanicus, martyr, who, in the bloom of youth, being strengthened by the grace of God, and banishing all fear, provoked the beast which, by order of the judge, was to devour him. Being ground by its teeth, he deserved to be incorporated into the true Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, for whom he died.


In Africa., the holy martyrs Paul, Gerontius, Januarius, Saturninus, Successus, Julius, Catus, Pia, and Germana.


At Spoleto, in the days of Emperor Antoninus, the passion of St. Pontian, martyr, who was barbarously scourged for Christ by the command of the judge Fabian, and then compelled to walk barefoot on burning coals. As he was uninjured by the fire, he was put on the rack, was torn with iron hooks, then thrown into a dungeon, where he was comforted by the visit of an angel. He was afterwards exposed to the lions, had melted lead poured over him, and finally died by the sword.


At Lodi in Lombardy, St. Bassian, bishop and confessor, who, in conjunction with St. Ambrose, courageously combatted the heretics.


At Worcester, England, St. Wulstan, bishop and confessor, conspicuous for merits and miracles. He was ranked among the saints by Innocent 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 January 19:


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


22. Not to give way to anger.


23.  Not to harbour a desire of revenge.


24. Not to foster guile in one’s heart.


25. Not to make a feigned peace.


26. Not to forsake charity.


27. Not to swear, lest perchance one forswear oneself.


28. To utter truth from heart and mouth.


29. Not to render evil for evil.


30. To do no wrong to anyone yea, to bear patiently wrong done to oneself.


31. To love one’s enemies.


32. Not to render cursing for cursing, but rather blessing.


33. To bear persecution for justice’s sake.


34. Not to be proud.


35. Not given to wine.


36. Not a glutton.


37. Not drowsy.


38. Not slothful.


39. Not a murmurer.


40. Not a detractor.


41. To put one’s hope in God.


42. To attribute any good that one sees in oneself to God, and not to oneself.


43. But to recognise and always impute to oneself the evil that one doth.




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


At Rome, the birthday of St. Fabian, pope, who suffered martyrdom in the time of Decius, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.


Also at Rome, in the catacombs, the martyr St. Sebastian. He was commander of the first cohort under Emperor Diocletian, and for professing Christianity he was bound to a tree in the center of a vast field, shot with arrows by the soldiers, and beaten with clubs until he expired.


At Nicea in Bithynia, St. Neophytus, martyr, who in the fifteenth year of his age, was scourged, cast into a furnace, and exposed to wild beasts. As he remained uninjured, and constantly confessed the faith of Christ, he was at last killed with the sword.


At Cesena, St. Maur, bishop, renowned for virtues and miracles.


In Palestine, in the time of Emperor Marcian, the birthday of St. Euthymius, abbot, who flourished in the Church, full of zeal for Catholic discipline, and gifted with miracles.


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


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[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 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-January 21st
Roman Martyrology-January 21st-on this date in various years-


At Rome, the passion of St. Agnes, virgin, who under Symphronius, governor of the city, was thrown into the fire, but after it was extinguished by her prayers, she was slain with the sword. Of her, St. Jerome writes: "Agnes is praised in the writings and by the tongues of all nations, especially in the churches. She overcame the weakness of her age, conquered the cruelty of the tyrant, and consecrated her chastity by martyrdom."


At Athens, the birthday of St. Publius, bishop, who, as successor of St. Denis the Areopagite, nobly governed the Church of Athens. No less celebrated for the lustre of his virtues than for the brilliancy of his learning, he was gloriously crowned for having borne testimony to Christ.


At Terragona in Spain, during the reign of Gallienus, the holy martyrs Fructuosus, a bishop, Augurius and Eulogius, deacons. They were taken from prison, cast into the fire, where, their bonds being burnt, they extended their arms in the form of a cross, and thus in prayer they died. On their anniversary, St. Augustine preached a sermon to his people.


In the monastery of Einsiedeln in Switzerland, St. Meinrad, priest and monk, who was slain by robbers after having lived as a hermit in this place where the monastery was later built. The body of this holy man was first buried in the monastery of Reichenau in Germany, and from there it was transferred to the monastery of Einsiedeln.


At Troyes in France, St. Patroclus, martyr, who won the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Aurelian.


At Pavia, St. Epiphanius, 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 January 21:


CHAPTER IV
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-January 22nd
Roman Martyrology-January 22nd-on this date in various years-


At Valencia in Spain, while the wicked Dacian was governor, St. Vincent, deacon and martyr, who, after suffering imprisonment, hunger, the rack, and the disjointing of his limbs, was burned with plates of heated metal and on the gridiron, and tormented in other ways, then took his flight to heaven, there to receive the reward of martyrdom. His noble triumph over his sufferings has been skillfully set forth in verse by Prudentius, and also was eulogized by St. Augustine and Pope St. Leo.


At Bethsaloen in Assyria, St. Anastasius, a Persian monk, who after suffering much at Caesarea in Palestine from imprisonment, stripes, and fetters, had to bear many afflictions from Chosroes, king of Persia, who caused him to be beheaded. He had sent before him to martyrdom seventy of his companions, who were drowned in a river. His head was brought to Rome, at Aquae Salviae, together with his revered image, by the sight of which demons are expelled, and diseases cured, as is attested by the Acts of the second Council of Nicea.


At Embrun in France, the holy martyrs Vincent, Orontius, and Victor who were crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.


At Novara, St. Gaudentius, bishop and confessor.


At Sora, the abbot St. Dominic, 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 January 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-January 23rd
Roman Martyrology-January 23rd-on this date in various years-


St. Raymond of Pennafort, of the Order of Preachers, whose birthday is the sixth of this month.


At Rome, the holy virgin and martyr, St. Emerentiana. Being yet a catechumen, she was stoned to death by the heathens while praying at the tomb of St. Agnes, her foster sister.


At Philippi in Macedonia, St. Parmenas, one of the first seven deacons, who by the grace of God faithfully discharged the office of preaching committed to him, and obtained the glory of martyrdom in the time of Trajan.


At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Clement, bishop. After enduring frequent torments, he finally completed his martyrdom under Diocletian.


In the same place, and on the same day, St. Agathangelus who suffered under the governor Lucius.


At Caesarea in Morocco, the holy martyrs Severian and his wife Aquila, who were consumed by fire.


At Antinoum, a city of Egypt, St. Ascla, martyr, who, after various torments, was thrown into a river and gave up his precious soul unto God.


At Alexandria, St. John the Almoner, bishop of that city, celebrated for his charity towards the poor.


At Toledo, St. Ildefonse, bishop, renowned for sanctity. On account of his great purity of life, and his defence of the virginity of the Mother of God, against the heretics who denied it, he received from her a brilliant white vestment, and was called to heaven.


In the province of Valeria, St. Martyrius, monk, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.


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