Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

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

At Rome, on the Via Lavicana, St. Castulus, martyr, chamberlain in the palace of the emperor. For harbouring Christians, he was three times suspended by the hands, three times cited before the tribunals. As he persevered in the confession of the Lord, he was thrown into a pit, covered with a mass of sand, and thus obtained the crown of martyrdom.

Also at Rome, the crowning of the holy martyrs Peter, Marcian, Jovinus, Thecla, Cassian, and others.

At Pentopolis in Libya, the birthday of the holy martyrs Theodore, bishop, the deacon Irenæus, and the lectors Serapion and Ammonius.

At Sirmio, the holy martyrs Montanus, priest, and Maxima, who were drowned in a river for the faith of Christ.

Likewise, the holy martyrs Quadratus, Theodosius, Emmanuel, and forty others.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Eutychius and others, who died by the sword for the Catholic faith, in the time of Constantine, under the Arian bishop George.

The same day, St. Ludger, bishop of Munster, who preached the Gospel to the Saxons.

At Saragossa in Spain, St. Braulio, bishop and confessor.

At Treves, St. Felix, 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 March 26:

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

St. John Damascene, priest, confessor, and doctor of the Church, whose birthday is commemorated on the 6th of May.

At Drizipara in Hungary, St. Alexander, soldier, in the time of Emperor Maximian. Having overcome many torments for the sake of Christ, and performing many miracles, his martyrdom was completed by beheading.

In Illyria, the Saints Philetus, senator, his wife Lydia, and their sons Macedon and Theoprepides; also Amphilochius, an officer in the army, and Chronides, a notary, who were put to death for the confession of Christ after suffering many things.

In Persia, in the reign of King Sapor, the holy martyrs Zanitas, Lazarus, Marotas, Narses, and five others, who were barbarously slain, having merited the martyr's palm.

At Salzburg in Austria, St. Rupert, bishop and confessor, who spread the Gospel extensively in Bavaria and Austria.

In Egypt, the hermit St. John, a man of great sanctity, who, among other virtues, was filled with the spirit of prophecy, and predicted to Emperor Theodosius his victories over the tyrants Maximus and Eugene.

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 27:

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

St. John Capistrano, confessor, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who is mentioned on the 23rd of October.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of the holy martyrs Priscus, Malchus, and Alexander. In the persecution of Valerian, they were living the suburbs of Caesarea, but knowing that in the city the heavenly crown of martyrdom was to be gained, and burning with the divine ardour of faith, they went to the judge of their own accord, rebuked him for shedding in torrents the blood of the faithful, and were immediately condemned to be devoured by beasts for the Name of Christ.

At Tarsus in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Castor and Dorotheus.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Rogatus, Successus, and sixteen others.

At Norcia, Abbot St. Spes, a man of extraordinary patience, whose soul at its departure from this life (as Pope St. Gregory relates) was seen by all his brethren to ascend to heaven in the shape of a dove.

At Chalons in France, the death of St. Guntram, king of the Franks, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, despising the ostentation of the world, and who bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor.

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 28:

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

At Heliopolis in Lebanon, under Julian the Apostate, St. Cyril, deacon and martyr, whose body was opened and his liver taken out by the heathens who devoured it like wild beasts.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Jonas and Barachisius, under the Persian king Sapor. Jonas was put under the pressure of a vice, his bones broken, and cut asunder; Barachisius was suffocated by burning pitch being poured into his throat.

At Nicomedia, the passion of the holy martyrs Pastor, Victorinus, and their companions.

In Africa, under the Arian king Genseric, during the persecution of the Vandals, the holy confessors Armogastes, a count, Mascula, Archimimus, and Saturus, master of the king's household. After enduring many severe torments, as well as insults, for the confession of the truth, they completed their tests with glory.

In the town of Asti, St. Secundus, martyr.

In the monastery of Luxeuil, the death of Abbot St. Eustasius, a disciple of St. Columban, who had under his guidance nearly six hundred monks. Eminent in sanctity, he was also renowned for miracles.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 29:

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

At Rome, on the Appian Way, the martyrdom of the tribune blessed Quirinus, who had been baptized with all his household by Pope St. Alexander when he was imprisoned in their house. Under Emperor Adrian, he was delivered to the judge Aurelian, and because he persevered in the confession of faith, his tongue was torn out, he was stretched on the rack, his hands and feet were cut off, and the sword completed his course of martyrdom.

At Thessalonica, the birthday of the holy martyrs Domninus, Victor, and their companions.

At Constantinople, in the time of Constantius, the commemoration of many holy martyrs of the Catholic communion, whom the heresiarch Macedonius put to death by unheard-of kinds of torments. Among other tortures, they were burned with red-hot irons, and the breasts of Christian women were cut away between the lids of coffers.

At Senlis in France, the death of St. Regulus, bishop of Arles.

At Orleans in France, Bishop St. Pastor.

At Syracuse, St. Zosimus, bishop and confessor.

On Mount Sinai, Abbot St. John Climacus.

At Aquileria in Spain, the confessor St. Peter Regulátus, priest of the Order of Friars Minor. He was born in Valladolid, and restored the regular discipline in the Spanish monasteries. Pope Benedict XIV placed him on the roll of saints.

At Aquino, St. Clinius 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 March 30:

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-March 31st
Roman Martyrology-March 31st-on this date in various years-

At Thecua in Palestine, the holy prophet Amos, whom the priest Amasias frequently had scourged. Ozias, that priest's son, pierced his head at the temples with an iron spike. Being carried half dead to his own country, he died there, and was buried with his family.

In Persia, during the reign of King Isdegerdes, the deacon St. Benjamin. Because he would not stop preaching the word of God, he had a sharp reed forced under his nails, a thorny stake driven through his body, and thus completed his martyrdom.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Anesius, Felix, Cornelia, and their companions.

At Rome, the virgin St. Balbina, daughter of the blessed martyr Quirinus. She was baptized by Pope Alexander, and she chose Christ as her spouse in her virginity. After overcoming the world, she was buried at her father's side on the Appian Way.

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 31:

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

For 2012 Palm Sunday, when our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the prophecy of Zacharias, entered into Jerusalem, seated upon the foal of an ass, and was met by the multitude bearing palms.

At Rome, the passion of St. Theodora, sister of the illustrious martyr Hermes. She underwent martyrdom in the time of Emperor Adrian, under the judge Aurelian, and was buried at the side of her brother, on the Salarian Way, a short distance from the city.

The same day, St. Venantius, bishop and martyr.

In Egypt, the holy martyrs Victor and Stephen.

In Armenia, the holy martyrs Quinctian and Irenæus.

At Constantinople, under Emperor Leo, St. Macarius, confessor, who ended his life in exile for defending the veneration of sacred images.

At Ard-Patrick in Munster, a province of Ireland, Bishop St. Celsus, who preceded blessed Malachy in that bishopric.

At Grenoble in France, Bishop St. Hugh, who spent many years of his life in solitude, and departed for heaven with a great reputation for miracles.

At Amiens in France, Abbot St. Valery, whose tomb is well known for its frequent 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 April 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-April 2nd
Roman Martyrology-April 2nd-on this date in various years-

At Tours in France, St. Francis of Paula, founder of the Order of Minims. Because he was renowned for virtues and miracles, he was inscribed among the saints by Pope Leo X.

At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Galerius Maximian, the birthday of the martyr St. Amphian. He reproved the governor Urban for sacrifícing to idols, so his body was cruelly cut in shreds, his feet wrapped in oil-soaked cloths, and set on fire. After these painful torments, he was cast into the sea. Thus through fire and water, he reached his everlasting repose.

In the same city, the passion of St. Theodosia, a virgin of Tyre. In the same persecution, she publicly spoke to the holy confessors as they stood before the tribunal, and begged of them to remember her when they should be with God. She was arrested and led to the governor Urban, at whose order her sides and breasts were deeply lacerated, and she was thrown into the sea.

At Langres in France, Bishop St. Urban.

At Como, St. Abundius, bishop and confessor.

At Capua, Bishop St. Victor, well known for his sanctity and learning.

At Lyons in France, St. Nicetus, bishop of that city, renowned for his life and miracles.

In Palestine, the death of St. Mary of Egypt, called the Sinner.

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

At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled
the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally
in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to
gain Christ for himself.

At Taormina in Sicily, Bishop St. Pancras, who sealed with a martyr's blood
the Gospel of Christ that the apostle St. Peter had sent him there to preach.


At Tomis in Scythia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Evagrius and
Benignus.

At Tyre, the martyr St. Vulpian, who was sewn up in a sack with a serpent
and a dog and drowned in the sea, during the persecution of Maximian Galerius.

At Thessalonica, the martyrdom of the holy virgins Agape and Chiónia, under
Emperor Diocletian. Because they would not deny Christ, they were first
detained in prison, then cast into the fire where, untouched by the flames, they
gave up their souls to their Creator while praying. Their sister Irene had
been imprisoned with them, but was to die later.

In the monastery of Medicion in Bithynia, Abbot St. Nicetas, who suffered a
great deal for the veneration of sacred images in the time of Leo the
Armenian, and then died in peace as a confessor near Constantinople.

In England, St. Richard, bishop of Chichester, celebrated for his sanctity
and glorious miracles.

At Faremoutiers, in the district of Meaux, St. Burgundofara, also known as
St. Fara, abbess and 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 April 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-April 4th
Roman Martyrology-April 4th-on this date in various years-

At Seville in Spain, St. Isidore, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church. He was conspicuous for sanctity and learning, and had brightened all Spain by his zeal for the Catholic faith and his observance of Church discipline.

At Milan, the death of St. Ambrose, bishop and confessor, doctor of the Church. By his zeal, besides other monuments to his learning and miracles, almost all Italy returned to the Catholic faith at the time of the Arian heresy. His feast is properly kept on the seventh of December, on which day he became Bishop of Milan.

At Thessalonica, in the time of Emperor Maximian and the govenor Faustinus, the holy martyrs Agathopodes, a deacon, and Theodulus, a lector, who, for the confession of the Catholic faith, had stones tied to their necks and were drowned in the sea.

At Constantinople, the monk St. Plato. For many years he combated with dauntless courage the heretics bent on destroying sacred images.

In Palestine, the anchoret St. Zosimus, who took care of the funeral of St. Mary of Egypt.

At Palermo, St. Benedict of St. Philadelphus, called the Black because of the darkness of his body, a confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. After becoming outstanding for signs and virtues, he went to rest in the Lord, and was enrolled among the saints by Pope Pius VII.

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