Rule/Martyrology

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

CHAPTER LX
Of Priests Who May Wish to Live in the Monastery

If a priest asketh to be received into the monastery, let consent not be granted too readily; still, if he urgently persisteth in his request, let him know that he must keep the whole discipline of the Rule, and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor, that it may be as it is written: "Friend, whereunto art thou come" (Mt 26:25)?

It may be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot, and to give the blessing, or to celebrate Mass, but only if the Abbot ordereth him to do so; but if he doth not bid him, let him not presume to do anything under whatever consideration, knowing that he is under the discipline of the Rule, and let him rather give examples of humility to all. But if there is a question of an appointment in the monastery, or any other matter, let him be ranked by the time of his entry into the monastery, and not by the place granted him in consideration of the priesthood.

But if a cleric, moved by the same desire, wisheth to join the monastery, let him too have a middle place, provided he promiseth to keep the Rule and personal stability.

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

For 2012 The Sunday in White, and the Octave of the Pasch.

At Rome, the Saints Basilissa and Anastasia, noble women who were disciples of the apostles. Because they persevered courageously in the profession of their faith during the time of the Emperor Nero, they had their tongues and feet cut off, were put to the sword, and thus obtained the crown of martyrdom.

The same day, the holy martyrs Maro, Eutyches, and Victorinus, who, along with blessed Flavia Domitilla, had been banished to the island of Pontia for the confession of Christ. Being recalled in the reign of Nerva, and having converted many to the faith, they were put to death in different ways by the judge Valerian, during the persecution of Trajan.

In Persia, in the reign of Emperor Decius, the holy martyrs Maximus and Olympias, who were beaten with rods and whips, and struck on their heads with clubs until they breathed no more.

At Ferentino in Campania, the martyr St. Eutychius.

At Myra in Lycia, St. Crescens, who was martyred by fire.

In Thrace, the holy martyrs Theodorus and Pausilippus, who suffered under Emperor Hadrian.

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 15:

CHAPTER LXI
How Stranger Monks Are to Be Received

If a monk who is a stranger, arriveth from a distant place and desireth to live in the monastery as a guest, and is satisfied with the customs he findeth there, and doth not trouble the monastery with superfluous wants, but is satisfied with what he findeth, let him be received for as long a time as he desireth. Still, if he should reasonably, with humility and charity, censure or point out anything, let the Abbot consider discreetly whether the Lord did not perhaps send him for that very purpose. If later on he desireth to declare his stability let his wish not be denied, and especially since his life could be known during his stay as a guest.

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

At Corinth, the birthday of the holy martyrs Callistus and Charistius, with seven others, who were all cast into the sea.

At Saragossa, in Spain, the birthday of eighteen holy martyrs, Optatus, Lupercus, Successus, Martial, Urban, Julia, Quinctilian, Publius, Fronto, Felix, Cecilian, Eventius, Primitivus, Apodemius, and four others who are said to have been Saturninus. They were all tortured and slain together under Dacian, governor of Spain. The glory of their martyrdom has been celebrated in verse by Prudentius.

In the same city, the Saints Caius and Crementius, who twice confessed the faith of Christ, and persevering in it, drank of the chalice of martyrdom.

In the same place, the martyr St. Lambert.

Also at Saragossa, St. Encratis, virgin and martyr, whose body was lacerated , her breasts cut away, and her bowels torn out. Still alive after these torments, she was confined in prison until her body, covered with wounds, began to decompose.

At Palentia, St. Turibius, bishop of Astorga. With the aid of Pope St. Leo, he drove out of Spain completely the Priscillian heresy. He went to rest in the Lord with a great renown for miracles.

At Braga in Portugal, the bishop St. Fructuosus.

At Scicy, in the district of Coutances in France, the death of St. Paternus, bishop of Avranches and confessor.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, confessor, who was famed for his contempt of self and his great voluntary poverty.

In Belgium, near Valenciennes, St. Drogo, confessor.

In the city of Nevers in France, St. Mary Bernard Soubirous of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, also called the Christian Institute. She was favoured with frequent apparitions and conversations at Lourdes with Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God. In 1933 her name was added to the roll of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.

At Siena in Tuscany, blessed Joachim of the Order of Servítes of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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 16:

CHAPTER LXI
How Stranger Monks Are to Be Received (cont.)

But if during the time that he was a guest he was found to be troublesome and disorderly, he must not only not associate with the monastic body but should even be politely requested to leave, that others may not be infected by his evil life. But if he hath not been such as deserveth to be cast forth, he should not only be admitted to join the brotherhood, if he apply, but he should even be urged to remain, that others may be taught by his example, because we serve one Lord and fight under one King everywhere. If the Abbot recognize him to be such a one he may also place him in a somewhat higher rank.

The Abbot may, however, place not only a monk, but also those of the aforesaid grades of priests and clerics, in a higher place than that of their entry, if he seeth their lives to be such as to deserve it. But let the Abbot take care never to admit a monk of any other known monastery to residence, without the consent of his Abbot or commendatory letters, because it is written: "What thou wilt not have done to thyself, do not to another" (Tb 4:16).

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

At Rome, St. Anicetus, pope and martyr, who received the palm of martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus.

At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Elias, a priest, and the monks Paul and Isidore, who were slain in the Arab persecution for the profession of the Christian faith.

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Peter, a deacon, and Hermogenes, who was his servant.

In Africa, the birthday of blessed Mappalicus, martyr. St. Cyprian relates in his Epistle to the Martyrs and Confessors that he, along with many others, was crowned with martyrdom.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Fortunatus and Marcian.

At Vienne in France, Bishop St. Pantagathus.

At Tortona, St. Innocent, bishop and confessor.


At Citeaux in France, St. Stephen, abbot, who was first to live in the Cistercian desert and who joyfully welcomed St. Bernard and his companions when they came to him.

In the monastery of Chaise-Dieu, in the diocese of Clermont, St. Robert, confessor, the founder and first abbot of the monastery.

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 17:

CHAPTER LXII
Of the Priests of the Monastery

If the Abbot desireth to have a priest or a deacon ordained, let him select from among his monks one who is worthy to discharge the priestly office.

But let the one who hath been ordained be on his guard against arrogance and pride, and let him not attempt to do anything but what is commanded him by the Abbot, knowing that he is now all the more subject to the discipline of the Rule; and in consequence of the priesthood let him not forget the obedience and discipline of the Rule, but advance more and more in godliness.

Let him, however, always keep the place which he had when he entered the monastery, except when he is engaged in sacred functions, unless the choice of the community and the wish of the Abbot have promoted him in acknowledgment of the merit of his life. Let him know, however, that he must observe the Rule prescribed by the Deans and the Superiors.

If he should otherwise, let him be judged, not as a priest, but as a rebel; and if after frequent warnings he doth not amend, and his guilt is clearly shown, let him be cast forth from the monastery, provided his obstinacy is such that he will neither submit nor obey the Rule.

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

On Mount Senario in Tuscany, St. Amadeo, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of Servítes of the Blessed Virgin Mary, famous for his ardent love for God. His feast, together with that of his companions, is kept on the 12th of February.

At Rome, blessed Apollonius, a senator under Emperor Commodus and the prefect Perennius. He was denounced as a Christian by one of his slaves, and being commanded to give an account of his faith, he composed an able work which he read in the Senate. He was nevertheless beheaded for Christ by their sentence.

At Messina in Sicily, the birthday of the holy martyrs Eleutherius, bishop of Illyria, and Anthia, his mother. He was famous for holiness of life and the power of miracles. During the reign of Hadrian, he was placed on a bed of red-hot iron, on a gridiron, in a vessel filled with boiling oil, pitch, and resin, and also cast to the lions; but remaining unhurt through all of this, they finally cut his throat with a sword. His mother suffered the same torments.

At Cordova, St. Perfectus, priest and martyr, who was slain with the sword by the Moors, because he argued against the sect of Mohammed and firmly insisted on the Catholic faith.

At Messina in Sicily, St. Corebus, the prefect, who was converted to the faith by St. Eleutherius, and died by the sword.

At Brescia, the martyr St. Calocerus, who was converted to Christ by Saints Faustinus and Jovita, and who gloriously triumphed in the test of his confession, in the time of Hadrian.

At Milan, St. Galdini, cardinal bishop of that city, who at the very end of a sermon against heretics, gave up his soul to 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 April 18:

CHAPTER LXIII
Of the Order in the Monastery

Let all keep their order in the monastery in such wise, that the time of their conversion and the merit of their life distinguish it, or as the Abbot hath directed. Let the Abbot not disorder the flock committed to him, nor by an arbitrary use of his power dispose of anything unjustly; but let him always bear in mind that he will have to give an account to God of all his judgments and works. Hence in the order that he hath established, or that the brethren had, let them approach for the kiss of peace, for Communion, intone the psalms, and stand in choir.

And in no place whatever let age determine the order or be a disadvantage; because Samuel and Daniel when mere boys judged the priests (cf 1 Sam 3; Dan 13:44-62). Excepting those, therefore, whom, as we have said, the Abbot from higher motives hath advanced, or, for certain reasons, hath lowered, let all the rest take their place as they are converted: thus, for instance, let him who came into the monastery at the second hour of the day, know that he is younger than he who came at the first hour, whatever his age or dignity may be.

Children are to be kept under discipline at all times and by everyone.

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

At Corinth, the birthday of St. Timon, one of the first seven deacons, who was first a teacher at Berea. Afterwards, while preaching the word of the Lord at Corinth, he was delivered to the flames by the Jews and the Greeks, but remaining uninjured, he ended his martyrdom by crucifixion.

At Canterbury in England, St. Elphege, bishop and martyr.

At Melitine in Armenia, the holy martyrs Hermogenes, Caius, Expeditus, Aristonicus, Rufus, and Galatas, all crowned on the same day.

At Collioure in Spain, the martyr St. Vincent.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Socrates and Denis, who were killed with spears.

At Jerusalem, the martyr St. Paphnutius.

At Rome, Pope St. Leo IX, illustrious for his virtues and his miracles.

At Antioch in Pisidia, St. George, a bishop, who died in exile for the veneration of sacred images.

In the monastery of Lobbes in Belgium, the bishop St. Ursmar.

At Florence, St. Crescent, confessor, a disciple of the blessed Bishop Zenobius.

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 19:

CHAPTER LXIII
Of the Order in the Monastery (cont.)

Therefore, let the younger honor their elders, and the older love the younger.

In naming each other let no one be allowed to address another by his simple name; but let the older style the younger brethren, brothers; let the younger, however, call their elders, fathers, by which is implied the reverence due to a father. But because the Abbot is believed to hold the place of Christ, let him be styled Lord and Abbot, not only by assumption on his part, but out of love and reverence for Christ. Let him think of this and so show himself, that he be worthy of such an honor. Wherever, then, the brethren meet each other, let the younger ask the blessing from the older; and when the older passeth by, let the younger rise and give him place to sit; and let the younger not presume to sit down with him unless his elder biddeth him to do so, that it may be done as it is written: "In honor preventing one another" (Rom 12:10).

Let children and boys take their places in the oratory and at table with all due discipline; outdoors, however, or wherever they may be, let them be under custody and discipline until they reach the age of understanding.

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

At Rome, the holy martyrs Sulpicius and Servilian, who were converted to the faith of Christ by the speeches and the miracles of the holy virgin Domitilla. Because they refused to sacrifice to the idols, they were beheaded by Anian, prefect of the city, in the persecution of Trajan.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Victor, Zoticus, Zeno, Acindynus, Caesareus, Severian, Chrysophorus, Theonas, and Antonine. They were converted to Christ by the miracles and the martyrdom of St. George, and because of their own dauntless confession of the faith, they were tortured in various ways under the Emperor Diocletian, and thus completed their martyrdom.

At Tomis in Scythia, Bishop St. Theotimus, whose great sanctity and miracles procured him the respect even of unbelieving barbarians.

At Embrun in France, St. Marcellin, first bishop of that city. By divine inspiration he came from Africa with his holy companions Vincent and Domninus, and converted the greater portion of the inhabitants of the Maritime Alps by his preaching, and by the wonderful prodigies which he still continues to work.

At Auxerre, the priest St. Marcian.

At Constantinople, St. Theodore, confessor, surnamed Trichinas, from the rough garment of hair which he wore. He was renowned for many miracles, but especially for his power over the demons. From his body issues a liquid that imparts health to the sick.

At Monte Pulciano, St. Agnes, a virgin of the Order of St. Dominic, celebrated for her 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 20:

CHAPTER LXIV
Of the Election of the Abbot

In the election of an Abbot let this always be observed as a rule, that he
be placed in the position whom the whole community with one consent, in the fear
of God, or even a small part, with sounder judgment, shall elect. But let him
who is to be elected be chosen for the merit of his life and the wisdom of his
doctrine, though he be the last in the community.

But even if the whole community should by mutual consent elect a man who
agreeth to connive at their evil ways (which God forbid) and these
irregularities in some come to the knowledge of the Bishop to whose diocese the
place belongeth, or to neighboring Abbots, or Christian people, let them not
permit the intrigue of the wicked to succeed, but let them appoint a worthy
steward over the house of God, knowing that they shall receive a bountiful
reward for this action, if they do it with a pure intention and godly zeal;
whereas, on the other hand, they commit a sin if they neglect it.

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

At Canterbury, England, St. Anselm, bishop, confessor, and doctor of
the Church, renowned for sanctity and learning.

In Persia, the birthday of St. Simeon, bishop of Seleucia and
Ctesiphon. He was arrested by order of Sapor, king of Persia, loaded with
irons, and presented to the iniquitous tribunals. As he refused to adore
the sun, and openly and constantly bore testimony to Jesus Christ, he was
confined for a long time in a dungeon with one hundred other confessors, some of
whom were bishops. others priests, others clerics of various ranks.
Afterwards, Usthazanes, the king's foster-father, who had been converted from
apostasy by Simeon, endured martyrdom with great constancy. The day after,
which was the anniversary of our Lord's Passion, the companions of Simeon whom
he had feelingly exhorted, were beheaded before his eyes, after which he met the
same fate. With him suffered also several distinguished men: Abdechalas
and Ananias, his priests, with Pusicius, the head of the royal workmen.
This last having encouraged Ananias, who seemed to falter, died a cruel death,
having his tongue drawn out through a perforation made in his neck. After
him, his daughter, who was a consecrated virgin, was put to death.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Arátor, a priest, Fortunatus, Felix,
Silvius, and Vitalis, who all died in prison.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Apollo, Isacius, and Codratus, who
suffered under the Emperor Diocletian. The last of these was slain by the
sword, and a few days later the other two died from starvation in prison,
meriting also the crown of martyrdom.

At Antioch, St. Anastasius the Sinaite, bishop.

At Wertingen in Bavaria, St. Conrad of Parzham, confessor, of the
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, outstanding both for prayer and for love of
neighbour. Being renowned for miracles, Pope Pius XI enrolled him among
the number of the saints.

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 21:

CHAPTER LXIV
Of the Election of the Abbot (cont.)

But when the Abbot hath been elected let him bear in mind how great a burden he hath taken upon himself, and to whom he must give an account of his stewardship (cf Lk 16:2); and let him be convinced that it becometh him better to serve than to rule. He must, therefore, be versed in the divine law, that he may know whence "to bring forth new things and old" (Mt 13:52). Let him be chaste, sober, and merciful, and let him always exalt "mercy above judgment" (Jas 2:13), that he also may obtain mercy.

Let him hate vice, but love the brethren. And even in his corrections, let him act with prudence and not go to extremes, lest, while he aimeth to remove the rust too thoroughly, the vessel be broken. Let him always keep his own frailty in mind, and remember that "the bruised reed must not be broken" (Is 42:3). In this we are not saying that he should allow evils to take root, but that he cut them off with prudence and charity, as he shall see it is best for each one, as we have already said; and let him aim to be loved rather than feared.

Let him not be fussy or over-anxious, exacting, or headstrong; let him not be jealous or suspicious, because he will never have rest. In all his commands, whether they refer to things spiritual or temporal, let him be cautious and considerate. Let him be discerning and temperate in the tasks which he enjoineth, recalling the discretion of holy Jacob who saith: "If I should cause my flocks to be overdriven, they would all die in one day" (Gen 33:13). Keeping in view these and other dictates of discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper everything that the strong may still have something to desire and the weak may not draw back. Above all, let him take heed that he keep this Rule in all its detail; that when he hath served well he may hear from the Lord what the good servant heard who gave his fellow-servants bread in season: "Amen, I say to you," He saith,"he shall set him over all his goods" (Mt 24:47).

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

At Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of St. Soter, pope and martyr.

In the same city, Pope St. Caius, who was crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian.

At Smyrna, the Saints Apelles and Lucius, who were among the first disciples of Christ.

The same day, many holy martyrs who, the year following the death of St. Simeon, and on the anniversary of the Passion of our Lord, were put to the sword for the name of Christ throughout Persia, under King Sapor. Among those who then suffered for the faith were the eunuch Azades, a favorite of the king; Milles, a bishop renowned for sanctity and miracles; Bishop Acepsimas with one of his priests named James; also Aithalas and Joseph, priests; Azadan and Abdiesus, deacons, and many other clerics; Mareas and Bicor, bishop, with twenty other bishops, and nearly two hundred and fifty clerics; many monks and consecrated virgins, among whom was the sister of St. Simeon, called Tarbula, with her maid, who were both killed in a most cruel manner by being tied to stakes and sawn asunder.

Also in Persia, Saints Parmenius, Helimenas, and Chrysotelus, priests; Lucas and Mucius, deacons, whose triumph is related in the Acts of Saints Abdon and Sennen.

At Alexandria, the birthday of the martyr St. Leonides, who suffered under Severus.

At Lyons in France, in the persecution of Antoninus Verus, St. Epipodius, who was arrested with his companion Alexander, and after undergoing severe torments, completed his martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Constantinople, Pope St. Agapitus the First, whose sanctity was praised by St. Gregory the Great. His body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried in the Vatican.

At Sens, St. Leo, bishop and confessor.

At Anastasiopolis in Galatia, St. Theodore, a bishop well known for his 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 22:

CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery

It often happeneth indeed, that grave scandals arise in monasteries out of the appointment of the Prior; since there are some who, puffed up with the wicked spirit of pride and thinking themselves to be second Abbots, set up a despotic rule, foster scandals, and excite quarrels in the community, and especially in those places where also the Prior is appointed by the same Bishop or the same Abbots who appointeth his Abbot. How foolish this is can easily be seen; because, from the very beginning of his appointment, matter for pride is furnished him, when his thoughts suggest to him that now he is exempt from the authority of the Abbot, because "thou too hast been appointed by those by whom the Abbot was appointed." From this source arise envy, discord, slander, quarrels, jealousy, and disorders. While the Abbot and the Prior are thus at variance with each other, it must follow that their souls are endangered by this discord and that those who are under them, as long as they humor the parties, go to ruin. The fault of this evil resteth on the heads of those who were the authors of such disorders.

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

The birthday of St. George, whose illustrious martyrdom is honored by the Church of God among the triumphs of the other martyrs.

At Danzig in Prussia, the birthday of St. Adalbert, bishop of Prague, and martyr, who preached the Gospel to the Poles and the Hungarians.

At Valence in France, the holy martyrs Felix, a priest, Fortunatus and Achilleus, deacons, who were sent there to preach the word of God by blessed Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons. They converted the greater portion of that city to the faith of Christ. These martyrs were cast into prison by the commander Cornelius, were for a long time scourged, had their legs crushed, were bound to wheels in motion, and stifled with smoke while stretched on the rack, and finally died by the sword.

At Milan, St. Marolus, bishop and confessor.

At Toul in France, St. Gerard, bishop of that city.

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 23:

CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery (cont.)

We foresee, therefore, that for the preservation of peace and charity it is
best that the government of the monastery should depend on the will of the
Abbot; and if it can be done, let the affairs of the monastery (as we have
explained before) be attended to by deans, as the Abbot shall dispose; so that,
the same office being shared by many, no one may become proud.

If, however, the place require it, or the brotherhood reasonably and with
humility make the request, and the Abbot shall deem it advisable, let the Abbot
himself appoint as Prior whomever, with the advice of God-fearing brethren,
he shall select. But let the Prior reverently do what his Abbot hath enjoined
on him, doing nothing against the will or the direction of the Abbot; for the
higher he is placed above others, the more careful should he be to obey the
precepts of the Rule.

If the Prior be found disorderly or blinded by vainglory, or hath been
proved to be a contemner of the Holy Rule, let him be admonished up to the fourth
time; if he doth not amend, let the correction of the regular discipline be
applied to him. But if he doth not amend even then, let him be deposed from
the office of priorship, and another who is worthy be appointed in his stead.
But if even afterward he be not quiet and submissive in the brotherhood, let
him also be expelled from the monastery. Still, let the Abbot reflect that he
must give an account to God for all his judgments, lest perhaps envy or
jealousy should sear his conscience.

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

At Gruch in Switzerland, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr, of
the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was sent there to preach the Catholic
faith, but was put to death by the heretics. He was numbered among the holy
martyrs by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV.

At Rome, St. Sabas, a military officer, who bravely confessed Christ before
the judge when he was accused of visiting the Christians kept in prison.
For this he was burned with torches and thrown into a cauldron of boiling
pitch, out of which he came uninjured. Seventy men were converted to Christ at
the sight of this miracle, and as they all remained unshaken in the confession
of the faith, they were put to the sword. Sabas, however, completed his
martyrdom by being cast into the river.

At Lyons in France, during the persecution of Antoninus Verus, the birthday
of St. Alexander, martyr. After being imprisoned, he was so lacerated by the
cruelty of those who scourged him, that his ribs and the interior of his
body were exposed to view. Then he was fastened to the gibbet of the cross, on
which he yielded up his blessed soul. Thirty-four others who suffered with
him are commemorated on other days.

At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs
Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus, and four others, all of whom were slain with
the sword after enduring great torments.

In England, the death of St. Mellitus, bishop. He was sent there by St.
Gregory, and he converted to the faith the East Saxons and their king.

At Elvira, in Spain, St. Gregory, bishop and confessor.

In Iona, an island of Scotland, St. Egbert, priest and monk, a man of
admirable humility and continency.

At Rheims in France, the holy virgins Bona and Doda.

At Angers in France, St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, virgin and foundress of
the Institute of the Good Shepherd Sisters, whom Pius XII, Sovereign Pontiff,
enrolled among the number of the saints.


At Milan, the Conversion of St. Augustine, bishop, confessor, and doctor of
the Church, whom the bishop St. Ambrose had instructed in the truth of the
Catholic faith, and baptized on this day.

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