Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

CHAPTER XLIII
Of Those Who Are Tardy in Coming to the Work of God or to Table

As soon as the signal for the time of the divine office is heard, let everyone, leaving whatever he hath in his hands, hasten with all speed, yet with gravity, that there may be no cause for levity. Therefore, let nothing be preferred to the Work of God. If at Matins anyone cometh after the Gloria of the 94th psalm, which on that account we wish to be much drawn out and said slowly, let him not stand in his place in the choir; but let him stand last of all, or in a place which the Abbot hath set apart for such careless ones, that he may be seen by him and by all, until, the Work of God being ended, he maketh satisfaction by public penance. The reason, however, why we think they should stand in the last place, or apart from the rest, is this, that seen by all they may amend for very shame. For if they stayed outside the oratory, there might be one who would go back to sleep, or anyhow would seat himself outside, indulge in vain gossip, and give a "chance to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14). Let him go inside, therefore, that he may not lose the whole, and may amend for the future.

At the day hours, however, whoever doth not arrive for the Work of God after the verse and the Gloria of the first psalm, which is said after the verse, let him stand in the last place, according to the rule which we stated above; and let him not attempt to join the choir of the chanters until he hath made satisfaction, unless, perchance, the Abbot's permission hath given him leave to do so, with the understanding that he atone the fault afterwards.

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

St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, who on the 16th of September, purpled with her own blood, departed to her heavenly Spouse.

At Colossae in Phrygia, during the reign of Nero, Saints Philemon and Apphias, disciples of St. Paul. When the heathen rushed into the church on the feast of Diana, they were arrested and the rest of the Christians fled. By command of the governor Artocles they were scourged, enclosed up to their waists in a pit, then overwhelmed with stones.

At Rome, St. Maur, martyr. He came from Africa to visit the tombs of the apostles, and suffered martyrdom there under Celerinus, prefect of the city in the reign of Emperor Numerian.

At Antioch in Pisidia, the martyrdom of the Saints Mark and Stephen, under Emperor Diocletian.

At Autun, St. Pragmatius, 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 November 22:

CHAPTER XLIII
Of Those Who Are Tardy in Coming to the Work of God or to Table (cont.)

If anyone doth not come to table before the verse, so that all may say the verse and pray together and sit down to table at the same time, let him be twice corrected for this, if he failed to come through his own fault and negligence. If he doth not amend after this, let him not be permitted to eat at the common table; but separated from the company of all, let him eat alone, his portion of wine being taken from him, until he hath made satisfaction and hath amended. In like manner let him suffer who is not present also at the verse which is said after the refection.

And let no one presume to take food or drink before or after the appointed time. But if anything should be offered to a brother by the Superior and he refuseth to accept it, and afterwards desireth what at first he refused or anything else, let him receive nothing at all, until he maketh due satisfaction.

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

The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter. In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom. During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built and named for him.

At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons. After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus.

At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian.

At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate. After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning.

At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop.

In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor. Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.

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 November 23:

CHAPTER XLIV
Of Those Who Are Excommunicated -- How They Make Satisfaction

Whoever is excommunicated for graver faults from the oratory and the table, let him, at the time that the Work of God is celebrated in the oratory, lie stretched, face down in silence before the door of the oratory at the feet of all who pass out. And let him do this until the Abbot judgeth that it is enough. When he then cometh at the Abbot's bidding, let him cast himself at the Abbot's feet, then at the feet of all, that they may pray for him. If then the Abbot ordereth it, let him be received back into the choir in the place which the Abbot shall direct; yet so that he doth not presume to intone a psalm or a lesson or anything else in the oratory, unless the Abbot again biddeth him to do so. Then, at all the Hours, when the Work of God is ended, let him cast himself on the ground in the place where he standeth, and thus let him make satisfaction, until the Abbot again biddeth him finally to cease from this penance.

But let those who are excommunicated for lighter faults from the table only make satisfaction in the oratory, as long as the Abbot commandeth, and let them perform this until he giveth his blessing and saith, "It is enough."

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

St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and doctor of the Church, companion of St. Teresa in the reform of Carmel, and whose birthday is the 14th of December.

Also, the birthday of St. Chrysogonus, martyr. After a long imprisonment in chains for the constant confession of Christ, he was ordered by Diocletian to be taken to Aquileia, where he completed his martyrdom by being beheaded and thrown into the sea.

At Rome, St. Crescentian, martyr, whose name is mentioned in the Acts of blessed Pope Marcellus.

At Corinth, St. Alexander, martyr, who fought unto death for the faith of Christ, under Julian the Apostate and the governor Sallust.

At Perugia, St. Felicissimus, martyr.

At Amelia in Umbria, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Firmina, virgin and martyr. After being subjected to various torments, to hanging, and to burning with flaming torches, she yielded up her spirit.

At Cordova in Spain, the holy virgins and martyrs Flora and Mary, who after a long imprisonment were slain with the sword in the Arab persecution.

At Milan, St. Protase, bishop, who defended the cause of Athanasius before Emperor Constans in the Council of Sardica. Having sustained many labours for the church entrusted to him and for religion, he departed this life to go to the Lord.

In the territory of Auvergne, St. Portian, an abbot who was renowned for miracles in the time of King Theodoric. His name was given to the monastery that he had governed and also the town which was later built there.

In the town of Blaye in France, St. Romanus, priest, whose holiness is proclaimed by glorious 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 November 24:

CHAPTER XLV
Of Those Who Commit a Fault in the Oratory

If anyone whilst he reciteth a psalm, a responsory, an antiphon, or a lesson, maketh a mistake, and doth not humble himself there before all by making satisfaction, let him undergo a greater punishment, because he would not correct by humility what he did amiss through negligence. But let children be beaten for such a fault.

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

At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus. For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off. Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians.

At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian. He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius.

At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel. Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven.

In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, 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 November 25:

CHAPTER XLVI
Of Those Who Fail in Any Other Matters

If anyone whilst engaged in any work, in the kitchen, in the cellar, in serving, in the bakery, in the garden, at any art or work in any place whatever, committeth a fault, or breaketh or loseth anything, or transgresseth in any way whatever, and he doth not forthwith come before the Abbot and the community, and of his own accord confess his offense and make satisfaction, and it becometh known through another, let him be subjected to a greater correction.

If, however, the cause of the offense is secret, let him disclose it to the Abbot alone, or to his spiritual Superiors, who know how to heal their own wounds, and not expose and make public those of others.

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

At Fabriano in Piceno, St. Sylvester, abbot, founder of the Congregation of Sylvestrine monks.

At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Peter, bishop of that city, graced with every virtue, who was beheaded by command of Galerius Maximian.

There suffered also at Alexandria in the same persecution the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Didius, and Ammonius; likewise four bishops of Egypt, Phileas, Hesychius, Pachomius, and Theodore, with others numbering six hundred and sixty, whom the sword of persecution sent to heaven.

In the village of Fracta, St. Bellinus, bishop of Padua and martyr. The noble defender of the rights of the Church was cruelly attacked by assassins, inflicting many wounds upon him, and then slaying him.

At Nicomedia, in the time of Constantius, St. Marcellus, a priest, who died a martyr by being hurled from a rock by the Arians.

At Rome, St. Siricius, pope and confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety, and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning ecclesiastical discipline.

At Autun, St. Amator, bishop.

At Constance in Germany, St. Conrad, bishop.

At Rome, St. Leonard of Port Maurice, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. He was remarkable for his zeal for souls and his holy expeditions throughout Italy. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX, and Pope Pius XI chose and appointed him the heavenly patron of priests to the preaching of missions to the people.

In the district of Rheims, the birthday of St. Basolus, confessor.

At Adrianople in Paphlagonia, St. Stylian, anchoret, renowned for miracles.

In Armenia, St. Nicon, monk.

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 November 26:

CHAPTER XLVII
Of Giving the Signal for the Time of the Work of God

Let it be the Abbot's care that the time for the Work of God be announced both by day and by night; either to announce it himself, or to entrust this charge to a careful brother that everything may be done at the proper time.

Let those who have been ordered, intone the psalms or the antiphons in their turn after the Abbot. No one, however, should presume to sing or read unless he is able so to perform this office that the hearers may be edified; and let it be done with humility, gravity, and reverence by him whom the Abbot hath ordered.

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

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Basileus, bishop, Auxilius, and Saturninus.

At Sebaste in Armenia, in the reign of Emperor Diocletian and under the governor Maximus, the holy martyrs Hirenarchus, the priest Acacius, and seven women. Struck with the constancy of these women, Hirenarchus was converted to Christ, and with Acacius died under the axe.

In Galicia, on the River Cea, the Saints Facundus and Primitivus, who suffered under the governor Atticus.

In Persia, St. James Intercisus, a distinguished martyr. In the time of Theodosius the Younger he denied Christ in order to please King Isdegerd, but his mother and his wife for this reason withdrew from his company. Coming to himself, he returned to the king to declare his faith in our Lord, whereupon the angry monarch condemned him to be cut in pieces and beheaded. Countless other martyrs suffered at this time in the same country.

At Aquileia, St. Valerian, bishop.

At Riez in France, St. Maximus, bishop and confessor, who, from his tender years, was endowed with every grace and virtue. Being first superior of the monastery of Lerins, and afterwards bishop of the Church of Riez, he was celebrated for the working of miracles and prodigies.

At Salzburg in Austria, St. Virgil, bishop and apostle of Carinthia, who was placed among the number of saints by Pope Gregory IX.

In India, near the Persian boundary, the Saints Barlaam and Josaphat, whose wonderful deeds were written by St. John Damascene.

At Paris, the death of St. Severin, monk and solitary.

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 November 27:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work

Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading. Hence, we believe that the time for each will be properly ordered by the following arrangement; namely, that from Easter till the calends of October, they go out in the morning from the first till about the fourth hour, to do the necessary work, but that from the fourth till about the sixth hour they devote to reading. After the sixth hour, however, when they have risen from table, let them rest in their beds in complete silence; or if, perhaps, anyone desireth to read for himself, let him so read that he doth not disturb others. Let None be said somewhat earlier, about the middle of the eighth hour; and then let them work again at what is necessary until Vespers.

If, however, the needs of the place, or poverty should require that they do the work of gathering the harvest themselves, let them not be downcast, for then are they monks in truth, if they live by the work of their hands, as did also our forefathers and the Apostles. However, on account of the faint-hearted let all things be done with moderation.

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

At Corinth, the birthday of St. Sosthenes, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul, who is mentioned in his Epistle to the Corinthians. He was chief of the synagogue when converted to Christ, and as a glorious beginning, consecrated the first fruits of his faith by being scourged before the proconsul Gallio.

At Rome, St. Rufus, who was martyred with all his family by Diocletian.

In Africa, under the Arian king Genseric, in the persecution of the Vandals, the holy martyrs Papinian and Mansuetus, bishops, who, for the Catholic faith, were burned in every part of their bodies with hot plates of iron, which ended their glorious trial. At this time also, other holy bishops, Valerian, Urban, Crescens, Eustachius, Cresconius, Crescentian, Felix, Hortulanus, and Florentian ended the course of their lives in exile.

At Constantinople, in the time of Constantine Copronymus, the holy martyrs Stephen the Younger, Basil, Peter, Andrew, and their companions, numbering three hundred and thirty-nine monks, who were subjected to diverse torments for the veneration of holy images, and confirmed the Catholic truth with the shedding of their blood.

At Naples in Campania, the death of St. James della Marca, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor, celebrated for the austerity of his life, his apostolic preaching, and his many diplomatic missions undertaken for the success of the affairs of Christianity. His name was added to the calendar of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIII.

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 November 28:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work (cont.)
From the calends of October till the beginning of Lent, let them apply themselves to reading until the second hour complete. At the second hour let Tierce be said, and then let all be employed in the work which hath been assigned to them till the ninth hour. When, however, the first signal for the hour of None hath been given, let each one leave off from work and be ready when the second signal shall strike. But after their repast let them devote themselves to reading or the psalms.

During the Lenten season let them be employed in reading from morning until the third hour, and till the tenth hour let them do the work which is imposed on them. During these days of Lent let all received books from the library, and let them read them through in order. These books are to be given out at the beginning of the Lenten season.

Above all, let one or two of the seniors be appointed to go about the monastery during the time that the brethren devote to reading and take notice, lest perhaps a slothful brother be found who giveth himself up to idleness or vain talk, and doth not attend to his reading, and is unprofitable, not only to himself, but disturbeth also others. If such a one be found (which God forbid), let him be punished once and again. If he doth not amend, let him come under the correction of the Rule in such a way that others may fear. And let not brother join brother at undue times.


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


The Vigil of St. Andrew, apostle.

At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of the holy martyr, Saturninus, an aged man, and the deacon Sisinius, in the time of Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, by order of the prefect of the city they were placed on the rack, stretched with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.

At Toulouse, in the time of Decius, the holy bishop Saturninus, who was taken to the capitol of that city by the heathen and thrown down the steps from the highest part of the building. The fall having crushed his head, dashed out his brain and mangled his whole body, he rendered his worthy soul to our Lord.

Also, the martyrdom of the Saints Paramon and his companions, to the number of three hundred and seventy-five under Emperor Decius and the governor Aquilinus.

At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Philomenus, martyr. During the persecution of Emperor Aurelian, under the governor Felix, he was first exposed to the flames, then having his hands, feet, and head pierced with nails, he fulfilled his martyrdom.

At Veroli, the holy martyrs Blaise and Demetrius.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Illuminata, 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 November 29:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work (cont.)

On Sunday also let all devote themselves to reading, except those who are appointed to the various functions. But if anyone should be so careless and slothful that he will not or cannot meditate or read, let some work be given him to do, that he may not be idle.

Let such work or charge be given to the weak and the sickly brethren, that they are neither idle, nor so wearied with the strain of work that they are driven away. Their weakness must be taken into account by the Abbot.

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

At Patras in Achaia, the birthday of the apostle St. Andrew, who preached
the gospel of Christ in Thrace and Sythia. He was apprehended by the
proconsul Aegeas, imprisoned, and severely scourged, and finally, being hung
on a cross, he lived two days on it, teaching the people. Having besought
our Lord not to permit him to be taken down from the cross, he was
surrounded with a great brightness from heaven, and when the light
disappeared he breathed his last.

At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Castulus and Euprepis.

At Constantinople, St. Maura, virgin and martyr.

Also, St. Justina, virgin and martyr.

At Rome, St. Constantius, confessor, who bravely opposed the Pelagians, and by enduring many injuries from them, gained a place among the holy
confessors.

At Saintes in France, St. Trojan, bishop and confessor, a man of great
sanctity, who shews by many miracles that he lives in heaven, though his
body is buried on earth.

In Palestine, blessed Zosimus, confessor, who was distinguished for his
sanctity and miracles in the time of Emperor Justin.

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 November 30:

CHAPTER XLIX
On the Keeping of Lent

The life of a monk ought always to be a Lenten observance. However, since such virtue is that of few, we advise that during these days of Lent he guard his life with all purity and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the shortcomings of other times. This will then be worthily done, if we restrain ourselves from all vices. Let us devote ourselves to tearful prayers, to reading and compunction of heart, and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore, let us add something to the usual amount of our service, special prayers, abstinence from food and drink, that each one offer to God "with the joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thes 1:6), of his own accord, something above his prescribed measure; namely, let him withdraw from his body somewhat of food, drink, sleep, speech, merriment, and with the gladness of spiritual desire await holy Easter.

Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth and let it be done with his approval and blessing; because what is done without permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vain glory, and not to merit. Therefore, let all be done with the approval of the Abbot.

Martyrology-December 1st
Roman Martyrology-December1st-on this date in various years-


The prophet Nahum, who was buried in Bagabar.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Diodorus, a priest, and Marian, a deacon, with many others, while they were observing the birthdays of the martyrs in the catacombs. They were made partakers in the glory of martyrdom when the persecutors, by order of Emperor Numerian, walled up the door of the oratory and piled up a great mass of stones against it.

Also in Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Lucius, Rogatus, Cassian, and Candida.

At Narni, St. Proculus, bishop and martyr, who, after performing many good works, was beheaded by order of Totila, king of the Goths.

At Casale, St. Evasius, bishop and martyr.

The same day, St. Ansanus, martyr, who confessed Christ at Rome, and was cast into prison in the time of Emperor Diocletian. Afterwards he was taken to Siena in Tuscany, where he ended the course of his martyrdom by beheading.

At Amelia in Umbria, St. Olympias, ex-consul, who was converted to the faith by blessed Firmina, was tortured on the rack, and under Diocletian achieved martyrdom.

At Arbela in Persia, St. Ananias, martyr.


At Milan, St. Castritian, bishop, who was eminent for virtues and the practice of pious and religious deeds during the greatest troubles of the Church.

At Brescia, St. Ursicinus, bishop.

At Noyon in Belgium, St. Eligius, bishop, whose life is rendered illustrious by a considerable number of miracles.

At Verdun in France, St. Agericus, bishop.

The same day, St. Natalia, wife of the blessed martyr Adrian, in the time of Emperor Diocletian. She long served the holy martyrs imprisoned at Nicomedia, and when their trials were over, went to Constantinople where she peacefully went to her rest in 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 December 1:

CHAPTER L
Of Brethren Who Work a Long Distance from the Oratory or Are on a Journey

The brethren who are at work too far away, and cannot come to the oratory at the appointed time, and the Abbot hath assured himself that such is the case -- let them perform the Work of God in the fear of God and on bended knees where they are working. In like manner let those who are sent on a journey not permit the appointed hours to pass by; but let them say the office by themselves as best they can, and not neglect to fulfil the obligation of divine service.

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

At Rome, the martyrdom of the saintly virgin Bibiana, under the sacrilegious Emperor Julian. For the sake of our Lord she was scourged with leaded whips until she expired.

At Imola, St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop of Ravenna, confessor and doctor of the Church, celebrated for his learning and sanctity. His feast is celebrated on the 4th of this month.

In Sancian, an island of China, the birthday of St. Francis Xavier, priest of the Society of Jesus, confessor and Apostle of the Indies. He was renowned for his conversion of the heathen, his gifts and miracles, and he was filled with merits and good works when he fell asleep in the Lord. Pope Pius X chose and appointed him the heavenly protector of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and of the work for the same object. Pope Pius XI confirmed this and appointed him the special patron of all the Foreign Missions. His feast, by decree of Pope Alexander VII, is kept on the following day.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Eusebius, a priest, Marcellus, a deacon, Hippolytus, Maximus, Adria, Paulina, Neon, Mary, Martana, and Aurelia, who fulfilled their martyrdoms under the judge Secundian in the persecution of Valerian.

Also at Rome, St. Pontian, martyr, with four others.

In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Severus, Securus, Januarius, and Victorinus, who were there crowned with martyrdom.

At Aquileia, St. Chromatius, bishop and confessor.

At Verona, St. Lupus, bishop and confessor.

At Edessa in Syria, St. Nonnus, bishop, by whose prayers Pelagia the penitent was converted to Christ.

At Troas in Phrygia, St. Silvanus, bishop, renowned for miracles.

At Brescia, St. Evasius, 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 December 2:

CHAPTER LI
Of the Brethren Who Do Not Go Very Far Away

A brother who is sent out on any business and is expected to return to the monastery the same day, may not presume to eat outside, even though he be urgently requested to do so, unless, indeed, it is commanded him by his Abbot. If he act otherwise, let him be excommunicated.

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

St. Francis Xavier, priest of the Society of Jesus, confessor,
Apostle of the Indies, and heavenly patron of the Society for the
Propagation of the Faith, and also of all the Missions, who died on
the day previous.

In Judea, the holy prophet Sophonias.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Claudius, a tribune, and Hilaria, his
wife, with Jason and Maur, their sons, and seventy soldiers. By the
command of Emperor Numerian, Claudius was fastened to a large stone
and thrown into the river, the soldiers and the sons of Claudius were
condemned to capital punishment. But blessed Hilaria, after having
buried the bodies of her sons, and while praying at their tomb, was
arrested by the pagans, and shortly after departed for heaven.

At Tangier in Morocco, St. Cassian, martyr. After having been a
recorder for a long time, at length, by an inspiration from heaven,
he deemed it a hateful thing to contribute to the massacre of the
Christians, and therefore abandoned his office, and making a
profession of Christianity, he deserved to obtain the triumph of
martyrdom.

Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Claudius, Crispin, Magina, John,
and Stephen.

In Hungary, St. Agricola, martyr.

At Nicomedia, the martyrdom of the Saints Ambicus, Victor, and
Julius.

At Milan, St. Mirocles, bishop and confessor, sometimes mentioned by
St. Ambrose.

At Dorchester in England, St. Birinus, who was the first bishop of
that city.

At Chur in Germany, St. Lucius, king of the Britons, who in the time
of Pope Eleutherius, was the first of their kings to receive the
faith of Christ.

At Siena in Tuscany, St. Galganus, hermit.

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 December 3:

CHAPTER LII
Of the Oratory of the Monastery

Let the oratory be what it is called, and let nothing else be done or stored there. When the Work of God is finished, let all go out with the deepest silence, and let reverence be shown to God; that a brother who perhaps desireth to pray especially by himself is not prevented by another's misconduct. But if perhaps another desireth to pray alone in private, let him enter with simplicity and pray, not with a loud voice, but with tears and fervor of heart. Therefore, let him who doth not say his prayers in this way, not be permitted to stay in the oratory after the Work of God is finished, as we said, that another may not be disturbed.

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

St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop of Ravenna, confessor, and doctor of the
Church, whose birthday is kept on the 2nd of December.

At Nicomedia, the passion of St. Barbara, virgin and martyr, in the
persecution of Maximinus. After a series of sufferings, a long
imprisonment, the burning with torches, and the cutting away of her breasts,
her martyrdom was fulfilled by the sword.

At Constantinople, St. Theophanes and his companions.

In Pontus, blessed Meletius, bishop and confessor, who joined to an eminent
gift of knowledge the more distinguished glory of fortitude and integrity of
life.

At Bologna, St. Felix, bishop was one time deacon of the Milanese Church
under St. Ambrose.

In England, St. Osmund, bishop and confessor.

At Cologne, St. Anno, bishop.

In Mesopotamia, St. Maruthas, bishop, who restored the churches of God that
had been ruined in Persia by the persecution of King Isdegerd. Being
renowned for many miracles, he merited to be honoured even by his enemies.

At Parma, St. Bernard, cardinal and bishop of that city, of the Congregation
of Vallombrosa of the Order of St. Benedict.

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 December 4:

CHAPTER LIII
Of the Reception of Guests

Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ, because He will say: "I was a stranger and you took Me in" (Mt 25:35). And let due honor be shown to all, especially to those "of the household of the faith" (Gal 6:10) and to wayfarers.

When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior and the brethren with every mark of charity. And let them first pray together, and then let them associate with one another in peace. This kiss of peace should not be given before a prayer hath first been said, on account of satanic deception. In the greeting let all humility be shown to the guests, whether coming or going; with the head bowed down or the whole body prostrate on the ground, let Christ be adored in them as He is also received.

When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayer, and after that let the Superior, or whom he shall bid, sit down with them. Let the divine law be read to the guest that he may be edified, after which let every kindness be shown him. Let the fast be broken by the Superior in deference to the guest, unless, perchance, it be a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken. Let the brethren, however, keep the customary fast. Let the Abbot pour the water on the guest's hands, and let both the Abbot and the whole brotherhood wash the feet of all the guests. When they have been washed, let them say this verse: "We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple" (Ps 47[48]:10). Let the greatest care be taken, especially in the reception of the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them; whereas regard for the wealthy itself procureth them respect.

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

In Judea, St. Sabbas, abbot, who was born in the town of Mutala in Cappadocia. He gave a wondrous example of holiness and laboured most zealously for the Catholic faith against those who attacked the holy Council of Chalcedon. He rested in peace in the monastery later named for him in the diocese of Jerusalem.

At Nice, near the river Var, St. Bassus, bishop. In the persecution of Decius and Valerian, he was tortured by the governor Perennius for the faith of Christ, burned with hot plates of metal, beaten with rods and whips garnished with pieces of iron, and thrown into the fire. When he came out of it unhurt, he was pierced with two spikes, and thus completed an illustrious martyrdom.

At Pavia, St. Dalmatius, bishop and martyr, who suffered in the persecution of Maximian.

At Corfinio in Peligno, St. Pelinus, bishop of Brindisi, at the time of Julian the Apostate. When the temple of Mars fell to the ground at his prayer, he was severely scourged by the priests of the temple, and being pierced with eighty-five wounds, he merited the crown of martyrdom.

Also, St. Anastasius, martyr, who in his ardent desire for martyrdom gave himself up voluntarily to the persecutors.

At Thagura in Africa, the holy martyrs Julius, Potamias, Crispin, Felix, Gratus, and seven others.

At Thebaste in Africa, St. Crispina, a woman of the highest nobility who refused to sacrifice to idols during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian, and was beheaded by order of the proconsul Anolinus. Her praises are often celebrated by St. Augustine.

At Treves, St. Nicetius, bishop, a man of great sanctity.

At Polybotum in Asia, St. John, bishop, surnamed the Wonderworker.

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 December 5:

CHAPTER LIII
Of the Reception of Guests (cont.)

Let the kitchen of the Abbot and the guests be apart, that the
brethren may not be disturbed by the guests who arrive at uncertain
times and who are never wanting in the monastery. Let two brothers
who are able to fulfil this office well go into the kitchen for a
year. Let help be given them as they need it, that they may serve
without murmuring; and when they have not enough to do, let them go
out again for work where it is commanded them. Let this course be
followed, not only in this office, but in all the offices of the
monastery -- that whenever the brethren need help, it be given them,
and that when they have nothing to do, they again obey orders.
Moreover, let also a God-fearing brother have assigned to him the
apartment of the guests, where there should be sufficient number of
beds made up; and let the house of God be wisely managed by the wise.

On no account let anyone who is not ordered to do so, associate or
speak with guests; but if he meet or see them, having saluted them
humbly, as we have said, and asked a blessing, let him pass on saying
that he is not allowed to speak with a guest.

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

At Myra, which is the metropolis of Lycia, the birthday of St. Nicholas, bishop and confessor, of whom it is related, among other miracles, that, while at a great distance from Emperor Constantine, he appeared to him in a vision and moved him to mercy so as to deter him from putting to death some persons who had implored his assistance.

On the same day, St. Polychronius, priest, who was surprised while offering Mass at the altar and slain by the Arians, in the reign of Emperor Constantius.

In Africa, St. Majorcus, son of St. Dionysia, who, being quite young and dreading the torments, was strengthened by the looks and words of his mother, and becoming stronger than the rest, expired in torments. His mother took him in her arms, and having buried him in her own home, was wont to pray diligently at his tomb.

In the same place, the holy women Dionysia, who was the mother of St. Majorcus the martyr, Dativa, and Leontia; also a pious man named Tertius, Emilian a physician, Boniface, and three others. In the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian king Hunneric, they were subjected to numberless most painful tortures for the Catholic faith, and thus merited to rank among the confessors of Christ.

At Rome, St. Asella, virgin, who according to the words of St. Jerome, being blessed from her mother's womb, lived to old age in fasting and prayer.

At Granada in Spain, the passion of blessed Peter Paschasius, bishop of Jaen and martyr, a member of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives.

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