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 September 5:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


Hence also the Lord saith in the Gospel: "He that heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock: the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, because it was founded upon a rock." And the Lord in fulfilment of these His words is waiting daily for us to respond by our deeds to His holy admonitions. Therefore are the days of our life lengthened for the amendment of our evil ways, as saith the Apostle: "Knowest thou not that the patience of God is leading thee to repentance?" For the merciful Lord saith: "I will not the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and live."


Martyrology-September 6th
Roman Martyrology-September 6th- on this date in various years-


In Palestine, the prophet Zachary, who returned in his old age from Chaldea to his own country, and lies buried near the prophet Aggeus.


In the Hellespont, St. Onesiphorus, disciple of the apostles, of whom St. Paul speaks in his Letter to Timothy. He was severely scourged with St. Porphyry, by order of the proconsul Adrian, and being dragged by wild horses, gave up his soul unto God.


In Africa, in the persecution of the Vandals, the holy bishops Donatian, Praesidius,, Mansuetus, Germanus, and Fusculus, who were most cruelly scourged and sent into exile by order of the Arian king Hunneric, because they proclaimed the Catholic truth. Among them was one named Laetus, also a bishop, a courageous and very learned man, who was burned alive after a long imprisonment in a loathsome dungeon.


At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Valerius, the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Macarius, and ten companions, who received the martyr's crown by being beheaded for the name of Christ.


In Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Cottidus, deacon, Eugene, and their companions.


At Verona, St. Peronius, bishop and confessor.


At Rome, the holy abbot Eleutherius, a servant of God, who, according to the testimony of Pope St. Gregory, raised a dead man to life by his prayers and tears.


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 6:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


Since then, brethren, we have asked of the Lord who is to inhabit His temple, we have heard His commands to those who are to dwell there and if we fulfil those duties, we shall be heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Our hearts, therefore, and our bodies must be made ready to fight under the holy obedience of His commands; and let us ask God to supply by the help of His grace what by nature is not possible to us. And if we would arrive at eternal life, escaping the pains of hell, then - while there is yet time, while we are still in the flesh, and are able to fulfil all these things by the light which is given us - we must hasten to do now what will profit us for all eternity.


Martyrology-September 7th
Roman Martyrology-September 7th- on this date in various years-


At Troyes, St. Nemorius, deacon, and his companions, all martyrs, who were slain by Attila, king of the Huns.


At Nicomedia, the birthday of the blessed martyr John, who upon seeing the cruel edicts against Christians, posted in the public square, and being inflamed with an ardent faith, reached out his hand, took them away and tore them up. This was related to Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, then residing in the city, who gave orders that he should be subjected to many kinds of torments. The noble champion bore them with such cheerfulness of spirit as not to shew on his countenance the least trace of pain or grief.


At Caesarea in Cappadocia, in the time of Emperor Adrian, St. Eupsychius, martyr, who was accused of professing Christianity and who was cast into prison. Having been released shortly after, he immediately sold his inheritance, and distributed the price of it partly to his accusers, whom he regarded as his benefactors. But being again arrested, under the judge Sapritius, he was tortured, pierced through with a sword, and thus completed his martyrdom.


At Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, in the time of Emperor Maximian, St. Sozon, a martyr who was thrown into the fire and yielded up his spirit.


At Aquileia, St. Anastasius, martyr.


In the diocese of Autun, under the proconsul Olybrius, St. Regina, virgin and martyr. After having suffered imprisonment, the rack, and burning with torches, she was finally condemned to capital punishment, and so went to her spouse.


At Orleans in France, the departure from this life of the holy bishop Evortius, who was first a subdeacon of the Roman Church, and afterwards, through a divine favour, was designated by a dove as bishop of that city.


In France, St. Augustalis, bishop and confessor.


At Capua, St. Pamphilus, bishop.


In the territory of Paris, St. Cloud, priest 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 7:


PROLOGUE OF OUR MOST HOLY FATHER SAINT BENEDICT TO HIS RULE (cont.)


We have, therefore, to establish a school of the Lord's service, in the setting forth of which we hope to order nothing that is harsh or rigorous. But if anything be somewhat strictly laid down, according to the dictates of sound reason, for the amendment of vices or the preservation of charity, do not therefore fly in dismay from the way of salvation, whose beginning cannot but be strait and difficult. But as we go forward in our life and in faith, we shall with hearts enlarged and unspeakable sweetness of love run in the way of God's commandments; so that never departing from His guidance, but persevering in His teaching in the monastery until death, we may by patience share in the sufferings of Christ, that we may deserve to be partakers of His kingdom. Amen.


Martyrology-September 8th
Roman Martyrology-September 8th- on this date in various years-


The Nativity of the most Blessed and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God.


St. Hadrian, martyr, whose birthday is on the 4th of March. His feast, however, is observed today, the day on which his holy body was translated to Rome.


At Valencia in Spain, the birthday of St. Thomas of Villanova, bishop and confessor, of the order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, distinguished by his ardent love for the poor. He was inscribed among the saints by Pope Alexander VII, and his festival is observed on the 22nd of this month.


At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius, and twenty-two others.


At Antioch, the Saints Timothy and Faustus, martyrs.


At Gaza in Palestine, in the time of Julian the Apostate, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Nestabus, and Zeno, brothers, who were torn to pieces by a multitude of pagans that rushed upon them.


In the same place, and under the same Julian, St. Nestor, martyr, who breathed his last after being most cruelly tortured by the same furious heathen.


At Rome, St. Sergius I, pope and confessor.


At Freisingen, St. Corbinian, first bishop of that city. Being consecrated by Pope Gregory II and sent to preach the Gospel, he reaped abundant fruits in France and Germany, and finally rested in peace, renowned for virtues and miracles.


In New Carthage in South America, St. Peter Claver, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He devoted more than forty years with wonderful mortification and exceeding charity to the service of the Negroes who had been enslaved, and with his own hand baptized in Christ almost three hundred thousand of them. Pope Leo XIII added him to the list of the saints, and then declared him to be the special heavenly patron of all missions for the Negroes.


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


At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Dorothy and Gorgonius. The greatest honours had been conferred on them by Emperor Diocletian, but as they detested the cruelty which he exercised against the Christians, they were by his order hung up in his presence and lacerated with whips. Then, having the skin torn off from their bodies and vinegar and salt poured over them, they were burned on a gridiron, and finally strangled. After some time the body of blessed Gorgonius was brought to Rome and deposited on the Latin Way. From there it was transferred to the basilica of St. Peter.


Among the Sabines, thirty miles from Rome, the holy martyrs Hyacinth, Alexander, and Tiburtius.


At Sebaste in Armenia, St. Severian, a soldier of Emperor Licinius. For frequently visiting the Forty Martyrs in prison, he was suspended in the air with a stone tied to his feet by order of the governor Lysias, and being scourged and torn with whips, yielded up his soul in the midst of his torments.


On the same day, St. Strato, who ended his martyrdom for Christ by being tied to two trees and torn asunder.


Also, the holy martyrs Rufinus and Rufinian, brothers.


In the territory of Terouanne, St. Omer, bishop.


In the monastery of Clonmacnoise in Ireland, St. Kiaran, priest and 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 September 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-September 10th
Roman Martyrology-September 10th- on this date in various years-


At Tolentino in Piceno, the departure from this life of St. Nicholas, confessor, of the order of the Hermits of St. Augustine.


In Africa, the birthday of the holy bishops Nemesian, Felix, Lucius, another Felix, Litteus, Polyanus, Victor, Jader, Dativus, and others. Because a violent persecution was breaking out under Valerian and Gallienus, they were at their first courageous confession of Christ beaten with rods, placed in irons, and sent to dig in the metal mines where they completed their combat with a glorious confession.


At Liege in Belgium, St. Theodard, bishop and martyr, who laid down his life for his flock, and after his death was renowned for the gift of miracles.


At Chalcedon, in the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Sosthenes and Victor. Under Priscus, proconsul of Asia, they were loaded with fetters and exposed to the beasts, after which they were condemned to be burned. But while they were saluting each other with a holy kiss and praying, they expired.


Also the holy martyrs Apellius, Luke, and Clement.


In Bithynia, the holy virgins Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, sisters. Under Emperor Maximian and the governor Fronto, they were crowned with martyrdom, and went to eternal glory.


At Compostella, St. Peter, bishop, who was celebrated for his many virtues and miracles.


In the city of Albi, St. Salvius, bishop and confessor.


At Novara, St. Agapius, bishop.


At Constantinople, St. Pulcheria, empress and virgin, distinguished by her piety and zeal for religion.


At Naples in Campania, St. Candida the Younger, famed 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 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-September 11th
Roman Martyrology-September 11th- on this date in various years-


At Rome, on the old Salarian Way in the cemetery of Basilla, the birthday of the holy martyrs Protus and Hyacinth, brothers, and eunuchs in the service of blessed Eugenia. They were arrested in the time of Emperor Gallienus on the charge of being Christians, and urged to offer sacrifice to the gods. Because they refused, they were most severely scourged and finally beheaded.


At Leon in Spain, St. Vincent, abbot and martyr.


At Laodicea in Syria, the martyrdom of Saints Diodorus, Diomedes, and Didymus.


In Egypt, the holy bishop Paphnutius, one of those confessors who, under Emperor Galerius Maximinus, having the right eye plucked out and the joint of the left knee cut, were condemned to work in the metal mines. Afterwards, under Constantine the Great, he courageously strove for the Catholic faith against the Arians, and at length, adorned with many crowns, rested in peace.


At Lyons in France, the death of St. Patiens, bishop.


At Vercelli, St. Aemilian, bishop.


At Alexandria, St. Theodora, who having committed a fault through imprudence and repenting of it, remained unknown in a religious habit, and persevered until her death in practices of extraordinary abstinence and patience.


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


The feast of the most holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by order of the Sovereign Pontiff, Innocent XI, on account of the signal victory gained over the Turks at Vienna in Austria through her protection.


In Bithynia, St. Autonomus, bishop and martyr, who went to that country from Italy to avoid the persecution of Diocletian. After he had converted many to the faith, he was killed at the altar by the furious heathen while celebrating the sacred mysteries, and thus he became a victim for Christ.


At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Curonotus, who received the crown of martyrdom by being beheaded under the governor Perennius.


At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Maximinus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Hieronides, Leontius, Serapion, Selesius, Valerian, and Strato, who were drowned in the sea for the confession of the name of Christ.


At Merum in Phrygia, the holy martyrs Macedonius, Theodulus, and Tatian, under Julian the Apostate. After other torments, they joyfully completed their martyrdom by being laid on burning gridirons by order of the governor Almachius.


At Pavia, St. Juventius, bishop, mentioned on the 8th of February. The blessed Hermagoras, disciple of the evangelist St. Mark, sent him to that city along with St. Cyrus, who is mentioned on the 9th of December. They both preached the Gospel of Christ there, and being renowned for great virtues and miracles, enlightened the neighbouring cities by divine works. They closed their glorious careers in peace, invested with the episcopal office.


At Lyons in France, the death of St. Sacerdos, bishop.


At Verona, St. Silvinus, bishop.


At Anderlecht, near Brussels in Belgium, St. Guido, 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 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-September 13th
Roman Martyrology-September 13th- on this date in various years-


At Alexandria, the birthday of blessed Philip, father of the virgin St. Eugenia. Resigning the dignity of prefect of Egypt, he received the grace of baptism. His successor, the prefect Terentius, had him pierced through the throat with a sword while he was praying.


Also, the holy martyrs Macrobius and Julian, who suffered under Licinius.


On the same day, St. Ligorius, marytr. While living in the desert, he was murdered by heathens for the faith of Christ.


At Alexandria, St. Eulogius, a bishop celebrated for learning and sanctity.


At Angers in France, St. Maurilius, a bishop renowned for numberless miracles.


At Sens, St. Amatus, bishop and confessor.


In the monastery of Remiremont in France, St. Amatus, priest and abbot, illustrious for the virtue of abstinence and the gift of miracles.


The same day, St. Venerius, confessor, a man of admirable sanctity who led the life of a hermit on the island of Palmaria.


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


The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, when Emperor Heraclius, after defeating King Chosroes, brought it back to Jerusalem from Persia.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, during the persecution of Decius, blessed Cornelius, pope and martyr. After being banished, he was scourged with leaded whips and then beheaded with twenty-one others of both sexes. On the same day were condemned to capital punishment Caerealis, a soldier, and his wife Sallustia, who had been instructed in the faith by the same Cornelius.


In Africa, in the time of Emperors Valerian and Gallienus, St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, most renowned for holiness and learning. It was near the seashore, six miles from the city, that he completed his martyrdom by beheading, after enduring a most painful exile. The feast of the Saints Cornelius and Cyprian is kept on the 16th of this month.


At Comana in Pontus, the birthday of St. John, bishop of Constantinople, confessor and doctor of the Church, surnamed Chrysostom because of his golden eloquence. He was cast into exile by a faction of his enemies, but was recalled by a decree of Pope Innocent I. However, he suffered many evils on the journey at the hands of the soldiers who guarded him, and he rendered up his soul unto God. His feast is kept on the 27th of January, on which day his holy body was translated to Constantinople by Theodosius the Younger. Pope Pius X declared and appointed this glorious preacher of the divine Word as heavenly patron of those preaching of holy things.


At Treves, the holy bishop Maternus, a disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who brought to the faith of Christ the inhabitants of Tongres, Cologne, Treves, and of the neighbouring country.


On the Salarian Way at Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Crescentius, the young son of St. Euthymius, whose life was ended by the sword, under the judge Turpilius.


In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Crescentian, Victor, Rosula, and Generalis.


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


The Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


The feast of the Seven Sorrows of the same most Blessed Virgin Mary.


At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Nicomedes, priest and martyr. Because he said to those who would compel him to sacrifice: "I offer sacrifice only to the omnipotent God who reigneth in heaven," he was for a long time scourged with leaded whips, and thus passed to the Lord.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Emilas, deacon, and Jeremias, who ended their martyrdom in the persecution of the Arabs by being beheaded after a long stay in prision.


In the diocese of Chalons, St. Valerian, martyr, who was suspended on high by the governor Priscus, and tortured with iron hooks. Remaining immovable in the confession of Christ, and continuing joyfully to praise him, he was struck with the sword by order of the same magistrate.


At Adrianople in Thrace, the holy martyrs Maximus, Theodore, and Asclepiodotus, who were crowned under Emperor Maximian.


Also, St. Porphyry, a comedian, who was baptized in jest in the presence of Julian the Apostate, but was suddenly converted by the power of God and declared himself a Christian. By order of the emperor he was thereupon struck with an axe, and thus crowned with martyrdom.


On the same day, St. Nicetas, a Goth, who was burned alive for the Catholic faith by order of King Athanaric.


At Marcianapolis in Thrace, St. Melitina, a martyr, in the time of Emperor Antoninus and the governor Antiochus. She was twice led to the temples of the heathens, and since the idols fell to the ground each time, she was hanged and torn, and finally beheaded.


At Toul in France, St. Aper, bishop.


Also, St. Leobinus, bishop of Chartres.


At Lyons in France, St. Albinus, bishop.


On the same day, the death of St. Aichard, abbot.


In France, St. Eutropia, widow.


In Genoa, St. Catherine, a widow, renowned for her contempt of the world and her love of God.


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


The holy martyrs Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, who were mentioned on the 14th of September.


At Chalcedon, the birthday of St. Euphemia, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Diocletian and the proconsul Priscus. For her faith in our Lord she was subjected to tortures, imprisonment, blows, the torment of the wheel, fire, the crushing weight of stones, the teeth of the beasts, scourging with rods, the cutting of sharp saws, and burning pans, all of which she survived. But when she was again exposed to the beasts in the amphitheatre, praying to our Lord to receive her spirit, one of the animals inflicted a bite on her holy body although the rest of them licked her feet, and she yielded her unspotted soul unto God.


At Rome, the holy martyrs Lucy, a noble matron, and Geminian, who were subjected to grievous afflictions and were for a long time tortured by the command of Emperor Diocletian. Finally, being put to the sword, they obtained the glorious victory of martyrdom.


The birthday of St. Martin I, pope and martyr. He had called together a council at Rome and condemned the heretics Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus. By order of the heretical Emperor Constantius he was taken prisoner through a deceit, brought to Constantinople, and exiled to the Chersonese. There he ended his life, worn out with his labours for the Catholic faith and favoured with many virtues. His body was afterwards brought to Rome and buried in the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin. His feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November.


Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. She brought her husband and brother Tiburtius to the faith of Christ and afterwards encouraged them on to martyrdom. Almachius, prefect of the city, after their martyrdom, had her arrested and slain by the sword, after she had endured many trials and had passed through fire unhurt. This was in the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander. Her feast is celebrated on the 22nd of November.


At Heraclea in Thrace, under Emperor Domitian and the governor Sergius, St. Sebastiana, martyr. Being brought to the faith of Christ by the blessed apostle Paul, she was tormented in various ways and finally beheaded.


At Rome, at a place on the Flaminian Way ten miles from the city, the holy martyrs Abundius, a priest, and Abundantius, a deacon, whom Emperor Diocletian ordered to be struck with the sword, together with Marcian, an illustrious man, and his son John, whom they raised from the dead.


At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Rogellus and Servusdeus, who were beheaded after their hands and feet had been cut off.


At Whithorn in Scotland, St. Ninian, bishop and confessor.


In England, St. Edith, virgin, daughter of the English King Edgar. She was consecrated to God in a monastery from her earliest years, and it may be said rather that she never knew the world than that she forsook it.


At Monte Cassino, the blessed Pope Victor III, successor of Pope St. Gregory VII, who shed a fresh lustre on the Apostolic See, and by God's help gained a famous victory over the Saracens. Pope Leo XIII approved and confirmed the veneration given him from time immemorial.


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


The commemoration of the Impression of the Sacred Stigmata which St. Francis, founder of the Order of Friars Minor, received through a wonderful favour of God in his hands, feet, and side, at Mount Alverina in Etruria.


At Rome, the birthday of St. Robert Bellarmine of the Society of Jesus, confessor and cardinal, and also formerly bishop of Capua. He is noted for his holiness, learning, and the many great tasks he performed in defence of the Catholic faith and the Apostolic See. Pope Pius XI bestowed on him the honours of the saints, declared him to be a doctor of the universal Church, and appointed the 13th of May as his feast day.


At Rome, on the road to Tivoli, the birthday of St. Justin, priest and martyr, who distinguished himself by a glorious confession of the faith during the persecution of Valerian and Gallienus. He buried the bodies of the blessed Pontiff Sixtus II, of Lawrence, Hippolytus, and many other saints, and finally completed his martyrdom under Claudius.


Also at Rome, the holy martyrs Narcissus and Crescentio.


At Liege in Belgium, blessed Lambert, bishop of Mæstricht. Through his zeal for religion he rebuked the royal family, and was undeservedly put to death by the guilty, and thus he entered the court of the heavenly kingdom, to enjoy it forever.


At Saragossa in Spain, St. Peter of Arbues, first inquisitor of the faith in the kingdom of Aragon, who received the palm of martyrdom by being barbarously massacred by apostate Jews for courageously defending the Catholic faith, according to the duties of his office. He was added to the list of martyr saints by Pius IX.


In England, the holy martyrs Socrates and Stephen.


At Noyon in France, the holy martyrs Valerian, Macrinus, and Gordian.


At Autun, under Emperor Antoninus and the governor Valerian, St. Flocellus, a boy, who, after many sufferings, was torn to pieces by wild beasts, and thus won the crown of martyrs.


At Cordova in Spain, St. Columba, virgin and martyr.


In Phrygia, St. Ariadne, martyr, under Emperor Hadrian.


On the same day, St. Agathoclia, servant of an infidel woman, who was for a long time subjected by her to blows and other afflictions that she might deny Christ. She was finally presented to the judge and cruelly lacerated, but since she persisted in confessing the faith, they cut off her tongue and threw her into the flames.


At Milan, the death of St. Satyrus, confessor, whose distinguished merits are mentioned by his brother, St. Ambrose.


At Bingen, in the diocese of Mainz, St. Hildegard, virgin.


At Rome, St. Theodora, a matron who zealously ministered to the martyrs in the persecution of Diocletian.


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




At Osimo in Piceno, St. Joseph of Cupertino, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, who was placed among the saints by Clement XIII.




In Chalcis of Greece, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop of Olympius in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre in Phoenicia, most renowned for eloquence and learning. St. Jerome says that he won the martyr's crown at the end of the last persecution.




In the diocese of Vienne, the holy martyr Ferreol, a tribune, who was arrested by order of the impious governor Crispinus, most cruelly scourged, loaded with heavy chains, and cast into a dark dungeon. A miracle broke his bonds and opened the doors of the prison, from which he made his escape, but he was taken again by his pursuers and received the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.




Also, the Saints Sophia and Irene, martyrs.




At Milan, St. Eustorgius, first bishop of that city, highly praised by blessed Ambrose.




At Gortyna in Crete, St. Eumenius, 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 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-September 19th
Roman Martyrology-September 19th- on this date in various years-




At Pozzuoli in Campania, the holy martyrs Januarius, bishop of Benevento; Festus, his deacon, and Desiderius, a lector, together with Sosius, a deacon of the Church of Miseno; Proculus, deacon of Pozzuoli; Eutychius, and Acutius, who were bound and imprisoned and then beheaded during the reign of Diocletian. The body of St. Januarius was brought to Naples and buried in the church with due honours, where even now the blood of the blessed martyr is kept in a vial, and when placed close to his head is seen to become liquid and bubble up as if it were just taken from his veins.




In Palestine, the holy martyrs Peleus, Nilus, and Elias, bishops in Egypt, with many others of the clergy, who were consumed by fire for the sake of Christ during the persecution of Diocletian.




At Nocera, the birthday of the holy martyrs Felix and Constantia, who suffered under Nero.




Also, the holy martyrs Trophimus, Sabbatius, and Dorymedon, senator, under Emperor Probus. By command of the governor Atticus at Antioch, Sabbatius was scourged until he expired. Trophimus was sent to the governor Perennius at Synnada, where he and the senator Dorymedon completed their martyrdom by being beheaded after enduring many torments.




At Eleutheropolis in Palestine, St. Susanna, virgin and martyr. She was the daughter of Arthemius, a pagan priest, and of Martha, a Jewish woman, and after the death of her parents she was converted to the Christian faith. For this she was tortured in various ways, and cast in prison by the prefect Alexander, and there gave up her spirit while at prayer.




At Cordova in Spain, St. Pomposa, virgin and martyr. Because of her fearless witness to Christ she was beheaded in the Arab persecution, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.




At Canterbury, the holy bishop Theodore, who was sent to England by Pope Vitalian, and who was renowned for learning and holiness.




At Tours in France, St. Eustochius, bishop, a man of great virtue.




In the diocese of Langres, St. Sequanus, priest and confessor.




At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Mary de Cervellione, virgin, of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom. She is commonly called Mary of Help on account of the prompt assistance she renders to those who invoke her.




In the village of Druelle, in the diocese of Rodez in France, St. Marie Guillemette Emilie de Rodat, virgin, and foundress of the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family, which was established to teach poor and orphaned girls. Pius XII added her name to 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 September 19:




CHAPTER IV
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-September 20th
Roman Martyrology-September 20th- on this date in various years-




The vigil of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist.




At Rome, the holy martyrs Eustace, and Theopistes, his wife, with their two sons, Agapitus and Theopistus. Under Emperor Hadrian they were condemned to be cast to the beasts, but by the power of God they were uninjured by them, so they were shut up in a heated brazen ox, and thus completed their martyrdom.




At Cyzicum, on the sea of Marmora, the birthday of the holy martyrs Evilasius and the virgin Fausta, in the time of Emperor Maximian. Fausta's head was shaved to shame her, and she was hung up and tortured by Evilasius, then a pagan priest. But when he wished to have her body cut in two, the executioners could not inflict any injury upon her. Amazed at this prodigy, Evilasius believed in Christ and was cruelly tortured by order of the emperor; at the same time Fausta had her head bored through and her whole body pierced with nails. She was then laid on a heated gridiron, and being called by a celestial voice, went in company with Evilasius to enjoy the blessedness of heaven.




In Phrygia, the holy martyrs Denis and Privatus.




Also St. Priscus, martyr, whose body was pierced throughout with daggers, after which he was beheaded.




At Pergen in Pamphylia, the Saints Theodore, his mother Philippa, and their fellow martyrs, in the time of Emperor Antoninus.




At Carthage, under Emperor Maximian, St. Candida, virgin and martyr. After her body was lacerated by whips she was crowned with martyrdom.




At Milan, St. Clicerius, bishop and confessor.




At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Agapitus I, pope and confessor, from the city of Constantinople, in which he died on the 22nd of April.




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