RULE/MARTYROLOGY THREAD

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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.

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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.


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


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.


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


CHAPTER XIX. Of the Discipline of saying the Divine Office


We believe that the Divine presence is everywhere, and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the evil in every place. Especially should we believe this, without any doubt, when we are assisting at the Work of God. Let us, then, ever remember what the prophet saith: “Serve the Lord in fear”; and again, “Sing ye wisely” and, “In the sight of the angels I will sing praises unto Thee.” Therefore let us consider how we ought to behave ourselves in the presence of God and of His angels, and so assist at the Divine Office, that our mind and our voice may accord together.


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


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.


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


CHAPTER XX.
Of Reverence at Prayer


If, when we wish to make any request to men in power, we presume not to do so  except with humility and reverence; how much more ought we with all lowliness and purity of devotion to offer our supplications to the Lord God of all things? And let us remember that not for our much speaking, but for our purity of heart and tears of compunction shall we be heard. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, except it be perchance prolonged by the inspiration of Divine Grace. But let prayer made in common always be short: and at the signal given by the Superior, let all rise together.


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


At Pergen in Pamphylia, during the persecution of Decius, the birthday of blessed Nestor, bishop, who praying night and day for the safety of the flock of Christ, was put under arrest. Because he confessed the Name of the Lord with great zeal and freedom, he was cruelly tortured on the rack by order of Pollio the governor. When he still courageously proclaimed that he would remain ever faithful to Christ, he was crucified, and thus triumphantly went to heaven.


In the same place, the passion of Saints Papias, Diodorus, Conon, and Claudian, who preceded St. Nestor to martyrdom.


Also, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Felix, and twenty-seven others.


At Alexandria, Bishop St. Alexander, an aged man held in great honour, who succeeded blessed Peter as bishop of that city. He expelled Arius, one of his priests, from the Church because he was tainted with heretical impiety and convicted in the face of divine truth. Later on he was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers who condemned him in the Council of Nicaea.


At Bologna, the bishop St. Faustinian. His preaching strengthened and multiplied the faithful of that church when it was so much afflicted during the persecution of Diocletian.


At Gaza in Palestine, St. Porphyry, bishop, in the time of Emperor Arcadius. He overthrew the idol Marna and its temple, and after many sufferings, went to his rest in the Lord.


At Florence, St. Andrew, bishop and confessor.


In the province of Champagne in France, St. Victor, confessor, about whom eulogies have been written by St. Bernard.


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 February 26:


CHAPTER XXI.
Of the Deans of the Monastery


Should the community be large, let there be chosen from it certain brethren of good repute and holy life, and appointed Deans. Let them carefully direct their deaneries in all things according to the commandments of God and the will of their Abbot. And let such men be chosen Deans as the Abbot may safely trust to share his burdens: let them not be chosen according to order, but for the merit of their lives and for their wisdom and learning. And should any one of them, being puffed up with pride, be found worthy of blame, and after being thrice corrected, refuse to amend, let him be deposed, and one who is worthy be put in his place. And we order the same to be done with regard to the Prior.


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


At Isola, in the province of Abruzzi, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, confessor and cleric of the Passionist Congregation. Having been known for his merits during his short life, and after death renowned for miracles, Pope Benedict XV enrolled him in the canon of the saints.


At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs, Alexander, Abundius, Antigonus, and Fortunatus.


At Alexandria, the passion of St. Julian, martyr. Although he was so afflicted with gout that he could neither walk nor stand, he was taken before the judge with two servants, who carried him in a chair. One of these denied his faith, but the other, named Eunus, persevered with Julian in confessing Christ. Both were set on camels, led through the whole city, scourged, and then burned alive in the presence of all the people.


In the same city, St. Besas, a soldier. He had rebuked those who insulted the martyrs just mentioned, and so was denounced before the judge. Because he continued to proclaim his attachment to the faith he was beheaded.


At Seville in Spain, the birthday of St. Leander, bishop of that city, and of St. Florentina, virgin. By his preaching and zeal the Visigoths, with the help of King Recared, were converted from the Arian heresy to the Catholic faith.


At Constantinople, in the time of Emperor Leo, the holy confessors Basil and Procopius, who fought courageously in behalf of the veneration of sacred images.


At Lyons, St. Baldomer, subdeacon and man of God, whose tomb is graced by many miracles.


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 February 27:


CHAPTER XXII.
How the Monks are to sleep


Let them sleep each one in a separate bed, receiving bedding suitable to their manner of life, as the Abbot shall appoint. If possible, let all sleep in one place: but if the number do not permit of this, let them repose by tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a candle burn constantly in the cell until morning. Let them sleep clothed, and girded with belts or cords - but not with knives at their sides, lest perchance they wound themselves in their sleep - and thus be always ready, so that when the signal is given they may rise without delay, and hasten each to forestall the other in going to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and modesty. Let not the younger brethren have their beds by themselves, but among those of the seniors. And when they rise for the Work of God, let them gently encourage one another, because of the excuses of the drowsy.




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


At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs Macarius, Rufinus, Justus, and Theophilus.


At Alexandria, the passion of the Saints Caerealis, Pupulus, Caius, and Serapion.


In the same city, in the reign of Emperor Valerian, the commemoration of the holy priests, deacons, and many others. When a most deadly epidemic was raging, they willingly met their death by ministering to the sick. The religious sentiment of the pious faithful has generally venerated them as martyrs.


At Rome, St. Hilary, pope and confessor.


In the territory of Lyons, in the Jura Mountains, the death of St. Romanus, abbot, who first had led the life of a hermit there. His reputation for virtues and miracles brought under his guidance many monks.


At Papia, the transfer, ordered by the Lombard King Luitprand, of the body of St. Augustine, bishop, away from the island of Sardinia.


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 February 28:


CHAPTER XXIII.
Of Excommunication for Offences


If any brother shall be found contumacious, or disobedient, or proud, or a murmurer, or in any way transgressing the Holy Rule, and contemning the orders of his seniors; let him, according to our Lord’s commandment, be once or twice privately admonished by his elders. If he do not amend, let him be rebuked in public before all. But if even then he do not correct himself, let him be subjected to excommunication, provided that he understand the nature of the punishment. Should he, however, prove incorrigible, let him undergo corporal chastisement.




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


At Rome, two hundred and sixty holy martyrs condemned for the name of Christ. Claudius ordered them to dig sand beyond the Salarian Gate, then to have soldiers in the amphitheatre shoot them with arrows.


Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Leo, Donatus, Abundantius, Nicephorus, and nine others.


At Marseilles in France, the holy martyrs Hermes and Adrian.


At Heliopolis, St. Eudocia, martyr in the persecution of Trajan. She was baptized by Bishop Theodotus, and being fortified for the combat, was put to the sword at the command of Vincent the governor, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.


On the same day, St. Antonina, martyr. For deriding the gods of the heathen, in the persecution of Diocletian, she was, after various torments, shut up in a cask and drowned in a marsh near the city of Cea.


At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Felix III, ancestor of St. Gregory the Great, who relates of him that he appeared to St. Tharsilla, his niece, and called her to the kingdom of heaven.


At Kaiserswerdt, Bishop St. Swidbert, who, in the time of Pope Sergius, preached the Gospel among the Frisians, Batavians, and other Germanic peoples.


At Angers in France, St. Albinus, bishop and confessor, a man of most eminent virtue and piety.


At Le Mans in France, St. Siviard, abbot.


At Perugia, the transferral of the body of St. Herculanus, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by order of Totila, king of the Goths. Forty days after the decapitation, Pope St. Gregory relates that the head had been rejoined to the body as if it had never been touched by the sword.


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 March 1:


CHAPTER XXIV
What the measure of excommunication should be


The measure of excommunication or chastisement should be meted out according to the gravity of the offence, the estimation of which shall be left to the judgment of the Abbot. If any brother be found guilty of lighter faults, let him be excluded from the common table. And this shall be the rule for one so deprived: he shall intone neither Psalm nor antiphon in the Oratory, nor shall he read a lesson, until he have made satisfaction. Let him take his meals alone, after those of the brethren so that if, for example, the brethren eat at the sixth hour, let him eat at the ninth: if they eat at the ninth, let him eat in the evening, until by proper satisfaction he obtain pardon.


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


At Rome, on the Latin Way, the holy martyrs Jovinus and Basileus, who suffered under Emperors Valerian and Gallienus.


Also at Rome, under Emperor Alexander and the prefect Ulpian, many holy martyrs who were a long time tortured and condemned to capital punishment.


At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Lucius, bishop, Absalon, and Lorgius.


At Porto, near Rome, the holy martyrs Paul, Heraclius, Secundilla, and Januaria.


In Campania, the commemoration of eighty holy martyrs, who were barbarously killed by the Lombards because they would not eat flesh that had been offered to the idols, nor would they adore the head of a goat.


At Lichfield in England, St. Chad, bishop of Mercia and Lindisfarne, whose excellent virtues are mentioned by St. Venerable Bede.


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 March 2:


CHAPTER XXV
Of Graver Faults


Let that brother who is found guilty of a more grievous offence be excluded both  from the table and from the Oratory, and let none of the brethren consort with him or speak to him. Let him be alone at the work enjoined him, and continue in penance and sorrow, remembering that dreadful sentence of the Apostle, “That such a one is delivered over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Let him take his portion of food alone, in the measure and at the time that the Abbot shall think best for him. Let none of those who pass by bless him, nor the food that is given him.


Martyrology-March 3rd
Roman Martyrology-March 3rd-on this date in various years-


At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Valerian, the holy martyrs Marinus, soldier, and Asterius, senator. The former was examined by the judge on the charge laid against him by his fellow soldiers of being a Christian, and as he admitted the accusation in a firm tone of voice, he was beheaded, and thus received the crown of martyrdom. His mutilated body was taken by Asterius on his own shoulders, and wrapped in the garment which he himself wore. This service at once gained for Asterius the palm of martyrdom as a reward for the honour which he had given to a martyr.


At Calahorra in Spain, the birthday of the holy martyrs Hermiterius and Cheledonius, soldiers in the army at Leon, a city of Galicia. Upon the approach of persecution they went to Calahorra in order to confess the name of Christ, and after enduring many torments there, they were crowned with martyrdom.


The same day, the passion of the Saints Felix, Luciolus, Fortunatus, Marcia, and their companions.


Also, the sainted soldiers Cleonicus, Eutropius, and Basiliscus, who gloriously triumphed by death on the cross under the governor Asclepias during the persecution of Maximian.


At Brescia, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.


At Bamberg, Empress St. Cunegunda, who preserved her virginity with the consent of her husband, Emperor Henry I. She completed a life rich in meritorious good works with a holy death, and afterward worked many miracles.


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 March 3:


CHAPTER XXVI
Of those who, without leave of the Abbot, consort with the Excommunicate


If any brother presume without the Abbot’s leave to hold any intercourse whatever with an excommunicated brother, or to speak with him, or to send him a message, let him incur the same punishment of excommunication.


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


At Vilnius in Lithuania, blessed Casimir, confessor, the son of King Casimir, whom Pope Leo X inscribed in the roll of the saints.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, during the perseuction of Valerian, the birthday of St. Lucius, pope and martyr, who was first exiled for the faith of Christ, but being permitted by divine Providence to return to his church, after labouring long against the Novatians, he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His praises have been published by St. Cyprian.


At Nicomedia, in the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the martyr St. Adrian and twenty-three others, who endured martyrdom by having their limbs crushed. Their remains were taken to Byzantium by the Christians, and buried there with reverence and honour. Afterwards the body of St. Adrian was transferred to Rome on the 8th of September, on which day his feast is observed.


At Rome, on the Appian Way, nine hundred holy martyrs who were buried in the cemetery of St. Cecilia.


In Chersonesus, the passion of the saintly bishops, Basil, Eugene, Agathodorus, Elpidius, Aetherius, Capito, Ephrem, Nestor, and Arcadius.


On the same day, St. Caius Palatinus and twenty-seven others who were cast into the sea.


Also, the passion of Saints Archelaus, Cyril and Photius.


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