RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

Started by OmniaInstaurareInChristo, May 01, 2013, 08:27:53 PM

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OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 11:

CHAPTER IX
How Many Psalms Are to Be Said at the Night Office

In winter time, after beginning with the verse, "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me," with the Gloria, let the words, "O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise," be next repeated thrice; then the third Psalm, with a Gloria, after which the ninety-fourth Psalm is to be said or sung, with an antiphon. Next let a hymn follow, and then six Psalms with antiphons. These being said, and also a versicle, let the Abbot give the blessing and, all being seated, let three lessons be read by the brethren in turns, from the book on the lectern. Between the lessons let three responsories be sung - two of them without a Gloria, but after the third let the reader say the Gloria: and as soon as he begins it, let all rise from their seats out of honour and reverence to the Holy Trinity. Let the divinely inspired books, both of the Old and New Testaments, be read at the Night-Office, and also the commentaries upon them written by the most renowned, orthodox and Catholic Fathers. After these three lessons with their responsories, let six more Psalms follow, to be sung with an Alleluia. Then let a lesson from the Apostle be said by heart, with a verse and the petition of the Litany, that is, Kyrie eleison. And so let the Night-Office come to an end.


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

The seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose deaths are noted on their respective days. As one spirit of true fraternal love united them in life, and as the people joined them together in the same veneration after death, Pope Leo XIII placed them together in the catalogue of the saints.

In Africa, St. Damian, soldier and martyr.

At Carthage, the holy martyrs Modestus and Julian.

At Alexandria, the holy children Modestus and Ammonius, martyrs.

At Barcelona in Spain, in the time of Emperor Diocletian, St. Eulalia, virgin, who, being racked, torn with iron hooks, cast into the fire, and crucified, received the glorious crown of martyrdom.

At Constantinople, St. Meletius, bishop of Antioch, who often suffered exile for the Catholic faith, and finally died at Constantinople and went to his reward. His virtues have been extolled by St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory of Nyssa.

Also at Constantinople, St. Anthony, a bishop in the time of Emperor Leo VI.

At Verona, St. Gaudentius, 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 February 12:

CHAPTER X
How the Night-Office is to be said in Summer Time

From Easter to the first of November let the same number of Psalms be recited as prescribed above; only that no lessons are to be read from the book, on account of the shortness of the night: but instead of those three lessons let one from the Old Testament be said by heart, followed by a short responsory, and the rest as before laid down; so that never less than twelve Psalms, not counting the third and ninety-fourth, be said at the Night-Office.


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

At Antioch, the birthday of St. Agabus, prophet, of whom mention is made by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Benignus, priest and martyr, who would not cease spreading the Christian faith. In the reign of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian he was taken by the pagans, suffered various tortures, and finally reached the perfection of his priestly office with the honour of martyrdom.

At Meletine in Armenia, in the persecution of Decius, St. Polyeuctus, who, after many sufferings, obtained the crown of martyrdom.

At Lyons in France, St. Julian, martyr.

At Ravenna, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Quinctian, the Saints Fusca, virgin, and Maura, her nurse. They endured many afflictions, but were finally transfixed with a sword, and thus ended their martyrdom.

At Lyons in France, St. Stephen, bishop and confessor.

At Rieti, the abbot St. Stephen, a man of wonderful patience, at whose death, as is related by blessed Pope Gregory, the holy angels were present and visible to all.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 13:

CHAPTER XI
How the Night-Office is to be said on Sundays

On Sunday let the brethren rise earlier for the Night-Office, which is to be arranged as follows. When six Psalms and a versicle have been sung (as already prescribed), all being seated in order in their stalls, let four lessons with their responsories be read from the book, as before: and to the last responsory only let the reader add a Gloria, all reverently rising as soon as he begins it. After the lessons let six more Psalms follow in order, with their antiphons and versicle as before; and then let four more lessons, with their responsories, be read in the same way as the former. Next let three canticles from the Prophets be said, as the Abbot shall appoint, which canticles are to be sung with an Alleluia. After the versicle, and the blessing given by the Abbot, let four more lessons from the New Testament be read as before; and at the end of the fourth responsory, let the Abbot begin the hymn, Te Deum laudamus. After the hymn, let the Abbot read the lesson from the Gospel, while all stand in awe and reverence. The Gospel being ended, let all answer Amen. Then let the Abbot go on with the hymn, Te decet laus; and after the blessing hath been given,* let them begin Lauds. This order for the Night-Offices is always to be observed on Sunday, alike in summer and in winter, unless perchance (which God forbid) they rise too late, in which case the lessons or responsories must be somewhat shortened.* Let all care, however, be taken that this do not happen; but if it should, let him, through whose neglect it hath come to pass, make satisfaction for it in the oratory.


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

For 2024 Ash-Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most holy season of Lent.

At Rome, on the Flaminian Way, in the time of Emperor Claudius, the birthday of St. Valentine, priest and martyr, who after having cured and instructed many persons, was beaten with clubs and beheaded.

In the same place, St. Cyril, bishop, who together with his brother Methodius, also a bishop, whose birthday is the 6th of April, brought many people and the rulers of Moravia to the faith of Christ. Their feast is celebrated on the 7th of July.

Also at Rome, the holy martyrs Vitalis, Felicula and Zeno.

At Teramo, St. Valentine, bishop and martyr, who was scourged, committed to prison, and, because he remained unshaken in his faith, was taken out of his dungeon in the dead of night and beheaded by order of Placidus, prefect of the city.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Cyrion, priest; Bassian, lector; Agatho, exorcist; and Moses, who perished in the flames and took their flight to heaven.

At Teramo, the holy martyrs Proculus, Ephebus, and Apollonius, who, while keeping watch at the body of St. Valentine, were arrested and put to the sword by command of the consular officer, Leontius.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Bassus, Anthony, and Protolicus, who were drowned in the sea.

Also at Alexandria, the Saints Denis and Ammonius, who were beheaded.

At Naples, in Campania, St. Nostrian, bishop, who was outstanding for his defence of the Catholic faith against heretical errors.

At Ravenna, St. Eleuchadius, bishop and confessor.

In Bithynia, St. Auxentius, abbot.

At Sorrento, St. Anthony, abbot, who, when the monastery of Monte Cassino was devastated by the Lombards, withdrew into a solitude of the neighbourhood, where, celebrated for his holiness, he went calmly to his repose in God. His body is daily glorified by many miracles, especially by the deliverance of possessed persons.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 14:

CHAPTER XII
How the Solemn Office of Lauds is to be said

At Lauds on Sunday let the sixty-sixth Psalm first be said straight on without an antiphon. After this let the fiftieth Psalm be said, with an Alleluia, and then the hundred and seventeenth and the sixty-second. Then the Benedicite and Psalms of praise,*  a lesson from the Apocalypse, said by heart, a responsory, a hymn, a versicle, a canticle out of the Gospel, and the Litany, and so end.


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

At Brescia, in the time of Emperor Adrian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Faustinus and Jovita, who received the triumphant crown of martyrdom after many glorious combats for the faith of Christ.

At Rome, St. Craton, martyr. A short time after being baptized with his wife and all his household by the holy bishop Valentine, he was put to death with them.

At Teramo, the birthday of the holy martyrs Saturninus, Castulus, Magnus, and Lucius.

In the same place, St. Agape, virgin and martyr.

At Vaison in France, St. Quinidius, bishop, whose death was precious in the sight of God, as is shewn by frequent miracles.

At Capua, St. Decorosus, bishop and confessor.

In the province of Valeria, St. Severus, priest, of whom St. Gregory says that by his tears he recalled a dead man to life.

At Antioch, St. Joseph, deacon.

In Auvergne in France, St. Georgia, 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 February 15:

CHAPTER XIII
How Lauds are to be said on Week-days

On week-days let Lauds be celebrated in the manner following. Let the sixty-sixth Psalm be said without an antiphon, as on Sundays, and somewhat slowly, in order that all may be in time for the fiftieth, which is to be said with an antiphon. After this let two other Psalms be said according to custom; that is, on Monday, the fifth and thirty-fifth: on Tuesday, the forty-second and fifty-sixth: on Wednesday, the sixty-third and sixty-fourth: on Thursday, the eighty-seventh and eighty-ninth: on Friday, the seventy-fifth and ninety-first: and on Saturday, the hundred and forty-second and the Canticle from Deuteronomy, which must be divided into two Glorias. But on the other days let canticles from the prophets be said, each on its proper day, according to the practice of the Roman Church. Then let the Psalms of praise follow, and after them a lesson from the Apostle, to be said by heart, a responsory, a hymn, a versicle, a canticle out of the Gospel, the Litany, and so conclude.


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

At Rome, blessed Onesimus, concerning whom the apostle St. Paul wrote to Philemon. He made him bishop of Ephesus after St. Timothy and committed to him the office of preaching. Being led a prisoner to Rome, and stoned to death for the faith of Christ, he was first buried there, but his body was afterwards taken to the place where he had been bishop.

In Egypt, St. Julian, martyr, with five thousand other Christians.

At Caesarea, in Palestine, the holy martyrs Elias, Jeremias, Isaias, Samuel, and Daniel. These Egyptians of their own accord ministered to the confessors condemned to labour in the mines of Cilicia, but were arrested upon their return, and after being cruelly tortured by the governor Firmilian, under Emperor Galerius Maximian, were put to the sword. After them, St. Porphyry, servant of the martyr Pamphilus, and St. Seleucus the Cappadocian, who had been triumphant in several previous tests, being again tortured, now won the crown of martyrdom, the one by fire, the other by the sword.

At Nicomedia, St. Juliana, virgin and martyr. Under Emperor Maximian, she was first severely scourged by her own father, Africanus, and then made to suffer many torments by the prefect Evilasius, whom she had refused to marry. Later thrown into prison, she encountered the evil spirit in a visible manner. Finally, because the fiery furnace and a caldron of boiling oil could do her no injury, her martyrdom was fulfilled by beheading. Her body was later transferred to Cumi in Campania.

At Brescia, St. Faustinus, 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 February 16:

CHAPTER XIII
How Lauds are to be said on Week-days(cont.)

The Office of Lauds and Vespers, however, must never conclude without the Lord's Prayer being said aloud by the Superior, so that all may hear it, on account of the thorns of scandal* which are wont to arise; so that the brethren, by the covenant which they make in that prayer when they say "Forgive us as we forgive," may cleanse themselves of such faults. But at the other Offices let the last part only of the prayer be said aloud, so that all may answer, "But deliver us from evil."


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

In Florence, the birthday of St. Alexis Falconieri, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the one hundred and tenth year of his age, he ended his blessed career in the consoling presence of Christ Jesus and the angels. His feast, with that of his companions, is kept on the 12th of February.

At Rome, the passion of St. Faustinus, whom forty-four others followed to receive the crown of martyrdom.

In Persia, during the persecution of Decius, the birthday of blessed Polychronius, bishop of Babylon, who, being struck in the mouth with stones, died with hands outstretched and eyes lifted towards heaven.

At Concordia, the holy martyrs Donatus, Secundian, and Romulus, with eighty-six others, partakers of the same crown.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the death of St. Theodulus, in the service of the governor Firmilian, at a great age. Prompted by the example of the martyrs, he confessed Christ with constancy, and was nailed to a cross. By this noble victory he merited the palm of martyrdom.

In the same place, St. Julian the Cappadocian, who, because he had kissed the relics of martyrs, was denounced as a Christian. Being taken to the governor, he was ordered to be burned to death over a slow fire.

In the territory of Terouanne in France, St. Silvinus, bishop of Toulouse.

In the monastery of Cluainedhech in Ireland, St. Fintan, abbot.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 17

CHAPTER XIV
How the Night-Office is to be said on Saints' Days

On the Festivals of Saints, and all other solemnities, let the Office be ordered as we have prescribed for Sundays: except that the Psalms, antiphons and lessons suitable to the day are to be said. Their number, however, shall remain as we have appointed above.


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

At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Simeon, bishop and martyr, who is said to have been the son of Cleophas, and a relative of the Saviour according to the flesh. He was consecrated bishop of Jerusalem after St. James, the cousin of our Lord. In the persecution of Trajan, after having endured many torments, his martyrdom was completed. All who were present, even the judge himself, were astonished that a man one hundred and twenty years of age could bear the torment of crucifixion with such fortitude and constancy.

At Ostia, the holy martyrs Maximus and his brother Claudius, and Praepedigna, the wife of Claudius, with her two sons Alexander and Cutias. Although all of a noble birth, by the order of Diocletian, they were apprehended and sent into exile. Afterwards being burned alive, they offered to God the sweet sacrifice of martyrdom. Their remains were cast into the river, but the Christians found them and buried them near the city.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Lucius, Sylvanus, Rutulus, Classicus, Secundinus, Fructulus, and Maximus.

At Constantinople, St. Flavian, bishop, who, for having defended the Catholic faith at Ephesus, was attacked with slaps and kicks by the faction of the impious Dioscorus, and then driven into exile where he died within three days.

At Toledo, Spain, St. Helladius , bishop and confessor, who received much praise from St. Ildefonse, Bishop of Toledo.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

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

CHAPTER XV
At what times of the year Alleluia is to be said

From the holy Feast of Easter until Pentecost, without interruption, let Alleluia be said both with the Psalms and the responsories. From Pentecost until the beginning of Lent it is to be said at the Night-Office with the six latter Psalms only. But on every Sunday out of Lent let the Canticles,* Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext and None be said with Alleluia: Vespers, however, with an antiphon. The responses are never to be said with Alleluia, except from Easter to Pentecost.


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

At Rome, the birthday of St. Gavinus, priest and martyr, brother of blessed Pope Caius. After being chained in prison for a long time by Diocletian, he obtained the joys of heaven by his esteemed death.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Publius, Julian, Marcellus, and others.

In Palestine, the commemoration of the holy monks and other martyrs who were barbarously massacred for the faith of Christ by the Saracens, under their leader Almondhar.

At Naples in Campania, St. Quodvultdeus, bishop of Carthage. The Arian king Genseric placed him together with his clergy into boats which were broken and without oars and sails, but they unexpectedly reached Naples. He died in exile as a confessor.

At Jerusalem, St. Zambdas, bishop.

At Soli in Cyprus, St. Auxibius, bishop.

At Benevento, St. Barbatus, a bishop illustrious for sanctity, who converted the Lombards and their chief to the faith of Christ.

At Milan, St. Mansuetus, 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 February 19:

CHAPTER XVI
How the Work of God is to be done in the day-time

As the prophet saith: "Seven times in the day have I given praise to Thee." And we shall observe this sacred number of seven if, at the times of Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline, we fulfil the duties of our service. For it was of these hours of the day that he said: "Seven times in the day have I given praise to Thee"; just as the same prophet saith of the night watches: "At midnight I arose to give Thee praise." At these times, therefore, let us sing the praises of our Creator for the judgments of His justice: that is, at Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline; and at night let us arise to praise Him.


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

At Tyre in Phoenicia, the commemoration of many blessed martyrs, whose number is known to God alone. Under Emperor Diocletian, they were put to death after a long and varied series of torments by the military commander Veturius. They first had their bodies torn with scourges, then delivered to several different kinds of beasts. Providence prevented their injury throughout all this, but their martyrdom was granted by means of fire and the sword. Tyrannio, Sylvanus, Peleus, and Nilus, all bishops, and Zenobius, a priest, urged the gloriously assembled multitude to victory, and they all endured the test successfully to win the palm of martyrdom.

At Constantinople, St. Eleutherius, bishop and martyr.

In Persia, in the time of King Sapor, the birthday of St. Sadoth, bishop, and one hundred and twenty-eight others who refused to adore the sun, but who by a cruel death purchased shining crowns.

In the island of Cyprus, the holy martyrs Pothamius and Nemesius.

At Catania in Sicily, St. Leo, bishop, illustrious for virtues and miracles.

The same day, St. Eucherius, bishop of Orleans, who, the more he was oppressed by the calumnies of the envious, the more he impressed them with his miracles.

At Tournai in Belgium, St. Eleutherius, 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 February 20:

CHAPTER XVII
How many Psalms are to be sung at these Hours

We have now disposed the order of the psalmody for the Night-Office and for Lauds: let us proceed to arrange for the remaining Hours. At Prime, let three Psalms be said separately and not under one Gloria. The hymn at this Hour is to follow the verse, Deus in adjutorium, before the Psalms be begun. Then at the end of the three Psalms, let one lesson be said, with a versicle, the Kyrie eleison, and the Collect.* Tierce, Sext and None are to be recited in the same way, that is, the verse, the hymn proper to each Hour, three Psalms, the lesson and versicle, Kyrie eleison, with the Collect. If the community be large, let the Psalms be sung with antiphons: but if small, let them be sung straight forward.* Let the Vesper Office consist of four Psalms with antiphons: after the Psalms a lesson is to be recited; then a responsory, a hymn and versicle, the canticle from the Gospel, the Litany and Lord's Prayer, and finally the Collect. Let Compline consist of the recitation of three Psalms to be said straight on without antiphons; then the hymn for that Hour, one lesson, the versicle, Kyrie eleison, the blessing and the Collect.


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

At Scythopolis in Palestine, St. Severian, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by the Eutychians because he opposed them so zealously.

In Sicily, in the reign of Diocletian, the birthday of seventy-nine holy martyrs, who, by reason of various tortures for their confession of faith, deserved to receive an immortal crown.

At Adrumetum in Africa, during the persecution of the Vandals, the holy martyrs, Verulus, Secundinus, Siricius, Felix, Servulus, Saturninus, Fortunatus, and sixteen others, who were crowned with martyrdom for professing the Catholic faith.

At Damascus, St. Peter Mavimenus, who was killed by some Arabs who visited him in his sickness, because he said to them: "Whoever does not embrace the Christian and Catholic faith is lost, like your false prophet Mohammed."

At Metz in France, St. Felix, bishop.

At Brescia, St. Paterius, bishop.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 21:

CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said

First of all let this verse be said: "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me," and the Gloria, followed by the hymn proper to each Hour. At Prime on Sunday four parts of the hundred and eighteenth Psalm are to be said. At the other Hours, that is, Tierce, Sext and None, let three parts of the same Psalm be said. At Prime on Monday let three Psalms be said, namely, the first, second and sixth and so in the same way every day until Sunday let three Psalms be said at Prime in order, up to the nineteenth; the ninth and seventeenth, however, being divided into two Glorias. It will thus come about that at the Night-Office on Sunday we shall always begin with the twentieth Psalm.


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

The Chair of St. Peter at Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians.

At Faenza in Emilia, the birthday of St. Peter Damian, cardinal bishop of Ostia and confessor. He was a Camaldolese monk, famous for his learning and sanctity, whom Pope Leo XII declared a doctor of the universal Church. His feast is celebrated tomorrow.

At Salamis in Cyprus, St. Aristio, who (says Papias, the next to be mentioned) was one of the seventy-two disciples of Christ.

At Hierapolis in Phrygia, blessed Papias, bishop of that city, who was a companion of Polycarp and a disciple of St. John.

In Arabia, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who were barbarously put to death under Emperor Galerius Maximian.

At Alexandria, St. Abilias, bishop, who was the second shepherd of that city after St. Mark, and who administered his charge with eminent piety.

At Vienne in France, St. Paschasius, bishop, celebrated for his learning and holy life.

At Ravenna, St. Maximian, bishop and confessor.

At Cortona in Tuscany, St. Margaret of the Third Order of St. Francis. By means of commendable penance and fruitful tears, she wiped away the stains of her previous life. Her body miraculously remained incorrupt for more than four centures, giving forth a sweet odour, and producing frequent miracles. It is honoured in that place with great devotion.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 22:

CHAPTER XVIII
In what order the Psalms are to be said(cont.)

At Tierce, Sext and None on Monday are to be said the nine remaining parts of the hundred and eighteenth Psalm, three parts at each Hour. This Psalm having thus been said through in two days, that is, Sunday and Monday, let the nine Psalms from the hundred and nineteenth to the hundred and twenty-seventh be said on Tuesday at Tierce, Sext and None - three at each Hour. And these Psalms are to be repeated at the same Hours every day until Sunday; the arrangement, moreover, of hymns, lessons and versicles remaining the same throughout, so as always to begin on Sunday from the hundred and eighteenth Psalm.


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

St. Peter Damian, a Camaldolese monk, cardinal bishop of Ostia, confessor and doctor of the Church, who died on the 22nd of February.

At Smyrna, the birthday of St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, by whom he was consecrated bishop of that city, and appointed primate of all Asia. Under Marcus Antonius and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, when the proconsul and all those assembled in the amphitheatre cried out against him, he was delivered to the fire, but since it did not harm him, he received the crown of martyrdom by the sword. With him, twelve others who came from Philadelphia met their death by martyrdom in the same city. The feast of St. Polycarp is kept on the 26th of January.

At Sirmio, blessed Sirenus, monk and martyr. He was arrested by order of Emperor Maximian and beheaded for confessing that he was a Christian.

In the same place, the birthday of seventy-two holy martyrs, who suffered martyrdom in the same city and who took possession of the everlasting kingdom.

In the city of Astorga in Spain, St. Martha, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius and the proconsul Paternus. She was cruelly tortured for the faith of Christ and was finally slain by the sword.

At Constantinople, St. Lazarus, monk. The Iconoclast emperor Theophilus commanded him to be tortured with severe punishments because he had painted some sacred pictures. His hand was burned with a hot iron, but it was healed by the power of God, after which he repainted the holy pictures that had been destroyed. He ended his life in peace.

At Brescia, St. Felix, bishop.

At Rome, St. Polycarp, priest, who with blessed Sebastian converted many to the faith of Christ, and by his exhortation led them to the glory of martyrdom.

At Seville in Spain, St. Florentius, confessor.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by Pope St. Sylvester, led a life of holiness in dens and caves, and wrought glorious miracles.

In England, St. Milburga, virgin, the daughter of the king of Mercia.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 23:

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said (cont.)

Vespers are to be sung every day with four Psalms. And let these begin from the hundred and ninth, and go on to the hundred and forty-seventh, omitting those of their number that are set apart for other Hours - that is, from the hundred and seventeenth to the hundred and twenty-seventh, the hundred and thirty-third, and the hundred and forty-second. All the rest are to be said at Vespers. And as there are three Psalms wanting, let those of the aforesaid number which are somewhat long be divided, namely the hundred and thirty-eighth, the hundred and forty-third, and the hundred and forty-fourth. But let the hundred and sixteenth, as it is short, be joined to the hundred and fifteenth. The order of the Psalms at Vespers being thus disposed, let the rest, that is, the lessons, responses, hymns, verses and canticles, be said as already laid down. At Compline the same Psalms are to be repeated every day: namely the fourth, ninetieth, and hundred and thirty-third.


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

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

The Vigil of St. Matthias the Apostle.

Also the commemoration of many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

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

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said (cont.)

The order of psalmody for the Day-Hours being now arranged, let all the remaining 25 Psalms be equally distributed among the seven Night- Offices, dividing the longer Psalms among them, and assigning twelve to each night. Above all, we recommend that if this arrangement of the Psalms be displeasing to anyone, he should, if he think fit, order it otherwise; taking care in any case that the whole Psalter of a hundred and fifty Psalms be recited every week, and always begun afresh at the Night-Office on Sunday. For those monks would shew themselves very slothful in the divine service who said in the course of a week less than the entire Psalter, with the usual canticles; since we read that our holy fathers resolutely performed in a single day what I pray we tepid monks may achieve in a whole week.


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

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

In Judea, the birthday of St. Matthias the Apostle. After the Ascension of our Lord, the Apostles chose him, by lot, to fill the place of Judas the traitor, and he suffered martyrdom for the preaching of the Gospel.

At Rome, St. Primitiva, martyr.

At Rouen, the passion of St. Praetextatus, bishop and martyr.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Sergius, martyr, of whose life a beautiful account still exists.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Montanus, Lucius, Julian, Victoricus, Flavian, and their companions. They were disciples of St. Cyprian and suffered martyrdom under Emperor Valerian.

At Treves, St. Modestus, bishop and confessor.

At Stylo in Calabria, St. John Therestus, noted for his sanctity, and his high regard for the monastic life.

In England, St. Ethelbert, ruler of Kent, converted to the faith of Christ by the English bishop, St. Augustine.

At Jerusalem, the finding for the first time of the head of St. John the Baptist, Precursor of the Lord.

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

OmniaInstaurareInChristo

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 25:

CHAPTER XIX
Of the Manner of Reciting the Psalter

We believe that God is present everywhere and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the bad in every place (cf Prov 15:3). Let us firmly believe this, especially when we take part in the Work of God. Let us, therefore, always be mindful of what the Prophet saith, "Serve ye the Lord with fear" (Ps 2:11). And again, "Sing ye wisely" (Ps 46[47]. And, "I will sing praise to Thee in the sight of the angels" (Ps 137[138]:1). Therefore, let us consider how it becometh us to behave in the sight of God and His angels, and let us so stand to sing, that our mind may be in harmony with our voice.


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

For 2024 due to leap year the martyrology is:

In Egypt, under Emperor Numerian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Victorinus, Victor, Nicephorus, Claudian, Dioscorus, Serapion, and Papias. After patiently enduring extreme tortures, the first two were beheaded for the confession of the faith, Nicephorus was laid on a heated gridiron, placed over the fire, then thoroughly hacked with a knife; Claudian and Dioscorus were burned at the stake; Serapion and Papias were slain with the sword.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Donatus, Justus, Herenas, and their companions.

At Constantinople, St. Tharasius, bishop, a man of great learning and piety. There exists a letter defending sacred images, written to him by Pope Hadrian I.

At Nazianzus, St. Caesarius, who was the son of blessed Nonna, and whom his brother, blessed Gregory the Theologian, says he saw among the hosts of the blessed.

In the monastery of Heidenheim, in the Eichstadt diocese in Germany, St. Walburga, virgin. She was the daughter of St. Richard, king of England, and sister of St. Willebald, bishop of Eichstadt.

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