Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for October 31:

CHAPTER XXIV
What the Manner of Excommunication Should Be

The degree of excommunication or punishment ought to be meted out according to the gravity of the offense, and to determine that is left to the judgment of the Abbot. If, however, anyone of the brethren is detected in smaller faults, let him be debarred from eating at the common table.

The following shall be the practice respecting one who is excluded from the common table: that he does not intone a psalm or an antiphon nor read a lesson in the oratory until he hath made satisfaction; let him take his meal alone, after the refection of the brethren; thus: if, for instance, the brethren take their meal at the sixth hour that brother will take his at the ninth, and if the brethren take theirs at the ninth, he will take his in the evening, until by due satisfaction he obtaineth pardon.

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

The Festival of All Saints, which Pope Boniface IV, after the dedication of the Pantheon, ordained to be kept generally and solemnly every year on the 13th of May, in the city of Rome, in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of the holy martyrs. It was afterwards decreed by Gregory IV that this feast, which was then celebrated in many dioceses, but at different times, should be on this day kept by the whole Church in honour of all the saints.

In Persia, the holy martyrs John, a bishop, and James, a priest, under King Sapor.

At Terracina in Campania, the birthday of St. Caesarius, deacon, who was detained many days in prison, afterwards put into a sack with the priest St. Julian, and then thrown into the sea.

At Dijon, St. Benignus, a priest, who was sent to France by blessed Polycarp to preach the Gospel. After he had been subjected to many grievous torments by the judge Terentius, under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, he was finally condemned to have his neck struck with an iron bar and his body pierced with a lance.

At Damascus, the martyrdom of the Saints Caesarius, Dacius, and five others.

On the same day, St. Mary, a servant girl. Being accused of professing the Christian religion in the time of Emperor Hadrian, she was subjected to cruel scourging, to torture on the rack, and the lacerating of her body with iron hooks, and thus completed her martyrdom

At Tarsus in Cilicia, under Emperor Maximian, the Saints Cyrenia and Juliana.

At Auvergne in France, St. Austremonius, first bishop of Clermont.

At Paris, the death of St. Marcellus, bishop.

At Bayeux, in the reign of the Frankish king Childebert, St. Vigor, bishop.

At Angers in France, the death of the aged holy man, St. Licinius, bishop.

At Tivoli, St. Severinus, monk.

In Gatinais in France, St. Mathurin, 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 1:

CHAPTER XXV
Of Graver Faults

But let the brother who is found guilty of a graver fault be excluded
from both the table and the oratory. Let none of the brethren join
his company or speak with him. Let him be alone at the work enjoined
on him, persevering in penitential sorrow, mindful of the terrible
sentence of the Apostle who saith, that "such a man is delivered over
for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the
day of the Lord" (1 Cor 5:5). Let him get his food alone in such
quantity and at such a time as the Abbot shall deem fit; and let him
not be blessed by anyone passing by, nor the food that is given him.

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

The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed.

At Pettau in Styria, the birthday of St. Victorinus, bishop of that city, who, after publishing many writings, as is attested to by St. Jerome, was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Trieste, blessed Justus, who fulfilled his martyrdom in the same persecution under the governor Manatius.

At Sebaste in Armenia, the Saints Carterius, Styriacus, Tobias, Eudoxius, Agapius, and their companions, martyrs under Emperor Licinius.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpiderphorus, and Anempodistus, with many companions.

In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Publius, Victor, Hermes, and Papias.

At Tarsus in Cilicia, in the reign of Julian the Apostate, St. Eustochium, virgin and martyr, who breathed her last in prayer in the midst of severe torments.

At Laodicea in Syria, St. Theodotus, a bishop powerful in words and adorned with good works and virtues.

At Vienne in France, the bishop St. George.

In the monastery of St. Moritz in Switzerland, St. Ambrose, abbot.

At Cyrus in Syria, St. Marcian, 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 2:

CHAPTER XXVI
Of Those Who without the Command of the Abbot Associate with the Excommunicated

If any brother presume to associate with an excommunicated brother in any way, or to speak with him, or to send him a message, without the command of the Abbot, let him incur the same penalty of excommunication.

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

At Milan, St. Charles Borromeo, cardinal, bishop of that city, and confessor, who was ranked among the saints by Paul V for the holiness of his life and for his renown for miracles. His feast is observed on the following day.

On the same day, the birthday of St. Quartus, a disciple of the apostles.

At Viterbo, during the persecution of Maximian, the holy martyrs Valentine, a priest, and Hilary, a deacon. For their attachment to the faith of Christ, they were tied to a stone and cast into the Tiber, but being miraculously delivered by an angel, they were beheaded, and thus crowned with the glory of martyrdom.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Germanus, Theophilus, Caesarius, and Vitalis, who nobly endured martyrdom in the Decian persecution.

At Saragossa in Spain, the countless holy martyrs who lay down their lives with admirable fervour for the faith of Christ under Dacian, governor of Spain.

In England, St. Winifred, virgin and martyr.

In the monastery of Clairvaux in France, the death of St. Malachy, bishop of Armagh in Ireland, who won renown in his own days for his many virtues, and whose life was written by Abbot St. Bernard.

On the same day, St. Hubert, bishop of Tongres.

At Vienne in France, St. Domnus, bishop and confessor.

Also, the death of St. Pirmin, bishop of Meaux.

At Urgel in Spain, Bishop St. Hermengaud.

At Rome, St. Sylvia, mother of Pope St. Gregory.

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 3:

CHAPTER XXVII
How Concerned the Abbot Should Be about the Excommunicated

Let the Abbot show all care and concern towards offending brethren because "they that are in health need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Mt 9:12). Therefore, like a prudent physician he ought to use every opportunity to send consolers, namely, discreet elderly brethren, to console the wavering brother, as it were, in secret, and induce him to make humble satisfaction; and let them cheer him up "lest he be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2 Cor 2:7); but, as the same Apostle saith, "confirm your charity towards him" (2 Cor 2:; and let prayer be said for him by all.

The Abbot must take the utmost pains, and strive with all prudence and zeal, that none of the flock entrusted to him perish. For the Abbot must know that he has taken upon himself the care of infirm souls, not a despotism over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the Prophet wherein the Lord saith: "What ye saw to be fat, that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased you threw away" (Ezek 34:3-4). And let him follow the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety-nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek the one that had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such pity, that He was pleased to lay it on His sacred shoulders and thus carry it back to the fold (cf Lk 15:5).

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

St. Charles Borromeo, cardinal, bishop of Milan, and confessor, whose birthday is on the day previous.

At Bologna, the holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. The former was first the servant of the latter, and afterwards his partner and companion in martyrdom. He was subjected by the persecutors to all kinds of torments, so that there was no part of his body without wounds. After having suffered with constancy, he yielded up his soul unto God in prayer. Agricola was put to death by being fastened to a cross with many nails. St. Ambrose relates that being present at the translation, he took the martyr's nails, his glorious blood, and the wood of his cross, and deposited them under consecrated altars.

In the monastery of Cerfroid, in the territory of Meaux, St. Felix of Valois, priest and confessor, and founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, whose feast is celebrated on the 20th of November by order of Pope Innocent XI.

On the same day, the birthday of the Saints Philologus and Patrobas, disciples of the apostle St. Paul.

At Autun, St. Proculus, bishop and martyr.

At Myra in Lycia, under the governor Libanius, the holy martyrs Nicander, a bishop, and Hermes, a priest.

In the district of Vexin in France, St. Clarus, priest and martyr.

At Ephesus, St. Porphyrias, a martyr under Emperor Aurelian.

At Rodez in France, blessed Bishop Amantius, whose life stood out glorious by his sanctity and miracles.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Pierius, priest of Alexandria, who was well versed in the Holy Scriptures, most pure in his life, and highly skilled in Christian philosophy. He taught the people and became famous under Emperors Carus and Diocletian, when Theonas governed the Church of Alexandria. After the persecution, he spent the remainder of his life at Rome, where he died in peace.

In Bithynia, St. Joannicius, abbot.

In Hungary at Alba Regalis, the death of blessed Emeric, confessor, the son of St. Stephen, king of Hungary.

At Treves, St. Modesta, 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 4:

CHAPTER XXVIII
Of Those Who Having Often Been Corrected Do Not Amend

If a brother hath often been corrected and hath even been excommunicated for a fault and doth not amend, let a more severe correction be applied to him, namely, proceed against him with corporal punishment.

But if even then he doth not reform, or puffed up with pride, should perhaps, which God forbid, even defend his actions, then let the Abbot act like a prudent physician. After he hath applied soothing lotions, ointments of admonitions, medicaments of the Holy Scriptures, and if, as a last resource, he hath employed the caustic of excommunication and the blows of the lash, and seeth that even then his pains are of no avail, let him apply for that brother also what is more potent than all these measures: his own prayer and that of the brethren, that the Lord who is all-powerful may work a cure in that brother.

But if he is not healed even in this way, then finally let the Abbot dismiss him from the community, as the Apostle saith: "Put away the evil one from among you" (1 Cor 5:13); and again: "If the faithless depart, let him depart" (1 Cor 7:15); lest one diseased sheep infect the whole flock.

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

St. Zachary, priest and prophet, the father of blessed John Baptist, Forerunner of our Lord.

Also, St. Elizabeth, mother of the same most holy Forerunner.

At Terracina in Campania, the birthday of the holy martyrs Felix, a priest, and Eusebius, a monk. The latter buried the holy martyrs Julian and Caesarius, and converted to the faith of Christ many whom the priest St. Felix baptized. They were arrested together, and both were led to the tribunal of the judge, who could not succeed in intimidating them; they were shut up in prison, and as they refused to offer sacrifice, were beheaded that same night.

At Emesa in Phoenicia, during the persecution of Decius, the holy martyrs Galation and his wife Epistemis, who were scourged, had their hands, feet, and tongue mutilated, and finally fulfilled their martyrdom by beheading.

Also, the holy martyrs Dominus, Theotimus, Philotheus, Silvanus, and their companions, under Emperor Maximinus.

At Milan, St. Magnus, bishop and confessor.

At Brescia, St. Dominator, bishop.

At Treves, St. Fibitius, first an abbot and then bishop of that city.

At Orleans in France, St. lætus, priest and confessor.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 5:

CHAPTER XXIX
Whether Brethren Who Leave the Monastery Ought to Be Received Again

If a brother, who through his own fault leaveth the monastery or is expelled, desireth to return, let him first promise full amendment of the fault for which he left; and thus let him be received in the last place, that by this means his humility may be tried. If he should leave again, let him be received even a third time, knowing that after this every means of return will be denied him.

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

At Barcelona in Spain, St. Severus, bishop and martyr, who had his head pierced with a spike, and thus received the crown of martyrdom for the sake of the Catholic faith.

At Tunis in Africa, the birthday of St. Felix, martyr, who, having confessed Christ, was sent to prison. His sentence had been deferred, but the next day he was found dead, as is related by St. Augustine when he was expounding on a psalm to the people on the feast of the saint.

At Theopolis, which is Antioch, ten holy martyrs who are said to have suffered at the hands of the Saracens.

In Phrygia, St. Atticus, martyr.

At Berg in Flanders, the death of St. Winoc, abbot, who was renowned for virtues and miracles, and for a long time was servant to the brethren subject to him.

At Fondi in Lazio, St. Felix, monk.

At Limoges in Aquitaine, St. Leonard, confessor, disciple of the blessed bishop Remigius, who was born of a noble family but chose to lead a solitary life. He was celebrated for holiness and miracles, but his virtue shone particularly in the deliverance of captives.

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 7:

CHAPTER XXXI
The Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Ought to Be

Let there be chosen from the brotherhood as Cellarer of the monastery a wise man, of settled habits, temperate and frugal, not conceited, irritable, resentful, sluggish, or wasteful, but fearing God, who may be as a father to the whole brotherhood.

Let him have the charge of everything, let him do nothing without the command of the Abbot, let him do what hath been ordered him and not grieve the brethren. If a brother should perchance request anything of him unreasonably let him not sadden the brother with a cold refusal, but politely and with humility refuse him who asketh amiss. Let him be watchful of his own soul, always mindful of the saying of the Apostle: "For they that have ministered well, shall purchase to themselves a good degree" (1 Tm 3:13). Let him provide for the sick, the children, the guests, and the poor, with all care, knowing that, without doubt, he will have to give an account of all these things on judgment day. Let him regard all the vessels of the monastery and all its substance, as if they were sacred vessels of the altar. Let him neglect nothing and let him not give way to avarice, nor let him be wasteful and a squanderer of the goods of the monastery; but let him do all things in due measure and according to the bidding of his Abbot.

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

The Octave of All Saints.

At Rome, on the Lavican Way, three miles from the city, the martyrdom of the Saints Claudius, Nicostratus, Symphorian, Castorius, and Simplicius. They were first sent to prison, then scourged with whips set with metal, but since they could not be made to forsake the faith of Christ, Diocletian ordered them to be thrown into the river.

Also, on the Lavican Way, the birthday of the saintly brothers, Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorinus, called the Four Crowned, who were scourged to death with leaded whips, during the reign of the same emperor. Because their names, known some years afterwards by revelation, could not then be ascertained, it was ordered that their anniversary should be commemorated with the preceding five, under the name of the Four Saints Crowned. This custom was retained by the Church, even after their names had been revealed.

Also at Rome, St. Deusdedit, pope, whose merit was so great that he cured a leper by kissing him.

In the village of Plexem, on the Weser River in Germany, St. Willehad, first bishop of Bremen, who, together with St. Boniface, whose disciple he was, spread the Gospel in Friesland and Saxony.


At Soissons in France, St. Godfrey, bishop of Amiens, a man of great sanctity.

At Verdun in France, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.

At Tours in France, St. Clarus, a priest whose epitaph was written by St. Paulinus.

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 8:

CHAPTER XXXI
The Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Ought to Be (cont.)

Above all things, let him be humble; and if he hath not the things to give, let him answer with a kind word, because it is written: "A good word is above the best gift" (Sir 18:17). Let him have under his charge everything that the Abbot hath entrusted to him, and not presume to meddle with matters forbidden him. Let him give the brethren their apportioned allowance without a ruffle or delay, that they may not be scandalized, mindful of what the Divine Word declareth that he deserveth who shall scandalize one of these little ones: "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Mt 18:6).

If the community is large, let assistants be given him, that, with their help, he too may fulfil the office entrusted to him with an even temper. Let the things that are to be given be distributed, and the things that are to be gotten asked for at the proper times, so that nobody may be disturbed or grieved in the house of God.


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

At Rome in the Lateran, the Dedication of the Basilica of the Saviour, which is the Mother and Head of all churches in the city and the world.

At Amasea in Pontus, the birthday of St. Theodore, a soldier, in the time of Emperor Maximian. For the confession of Christ he was severely scourged and sent to prison, where he was comforted by an apparition of our Lord, who exhorted him to act with courage and constancy. He was finally stretched on the rack, lacerated with iron hooks until his bowels were laid bare, then cast into the flames to be burned alive. His glorious deeds have been celebrated in a eulogy by Gregory of Nyssa.

At Tyana in Cappadocia, the martyrdom of St. Orestes under Emperor Diocletian.

At Thessalonica, under Emperor Maximian, St. Alexander, martyr.

At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. Ursinus, confessor, who was ordained at Rome by the successors of the apostles and appointed first bishop of that city.

At Naples in Campania, St. Agrippinus, bishop, renowned for miracles.

At Constantinople, the holy virgins Eustolia, a Roman maiden, and Sopatra, the daughter of Emperor Maurice

At Berytus in Syria, the Commemoration of the Image of our Saviour, which, being fastnened to a cross by the Jews, poured out blood so plentifully that the Eastern and Western Churches received abundantly of it.

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 9:

CHAPTER XXXII
Of the Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Let the Abbot appoint brethren on whose life and character he can rely, over the property of the monastery in tools, clothing, and things generally, and let him assign to them, as he shall deem proper, all the articles which must be collected after use and stored away. Let the Abbot keep a list of these articles, so that, when the brethren in turn succeed each other in these trusts, he may know what he giveth and what he receiveth back. If anyone, however, handleth the goods of the monastery slovenly or carelessly let him be reprimanded and if he doth not amend let him come under the discipline of the Rule.

Martyrology-November 10th
Roman Martyrology-November 10th-on this date in various years-

At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Andrew Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor, celebrated for his sanctity, his zeal in procuring the salvation of souls, and renowned for his miracles. He was inscribed on the catalogue of the Saints by Pope Clement XI.

On the same day, the birthday of the holy martyrs Trypho and Respicius, and the virgin Nympha.

At Rome, Pope St. Leo I, confessor and doctor of the Church, surnamed the Great because of his extraordinary merits. During his pontificate the holy Council of Chalcedon was held which condemned Eutyches thruogh his legates, and whose decrees were afterwards given the seal of his authority. After meriting the gratitude of the Church of God and the whole flock of Christ by the many decrees which he issued, and by the many excellent works which he wrote, this good and zealous shepherd rested in peace. His feast is celebrated on the 11th of April.

At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy women Tryphenna and Tryphosa, who profited by the preaching of blessed Paul and the example of Thecla to make great progress in Christian perfection.

At Antioch, Saints Demetrius, bishop, Anian, deacon, Eustosius, and twenty other martyrs.

In the diocese of Agde in France, the holy martyrs Tiberius, Modestus, and Florence, who were subjected to diverse torments and fulfilled their martyrdom in the time of Diocletian.

At Ravenna, St. Probus, a bishop renowned for miracles.

At Orleans in France, St. Monitor, bishop and confessor.

In England, St. Justus, bishop, who was sent by Pope Gregory with Augustine, Mellitus, and others to preach the Gospel in that country. There he went to repose in the Lord, celebrated for his sanctity.

In the town of Melun in France, St. Leo, confessor.

In the island of Paros, St. Theoctistis, 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 10:

CHAPTER XXXIII
Whether Monks Ought to Have Anything of Their Own

The vice of personal ownership must by all means be cut out in the monastery by the very root, so that no one may presume to give or receive anything without the command of the Abbot; nor to have anything whatever as his own, neither a book, nor a writing tablet, nor a pen, nor anything else whatsoever, since monks are allowed to have neither their bodies nor their wills in their own power. Everything that is necessary, however, they must look for from the Father of the monastery; and let it not be allowed for anyone to have anything which the Abbot did not give or permit him to have. Let all things be common to all, as it is written. And let no one call or take to himself anything as his own (cf Acts 4:32). But if anyone should be found to indulge this most baneful vice, and, having been admonished once and again, doth not amend, let him be subjected to punishment.


Martyrology-November 11th
Roman Martyrology-November 11th-on this date in various years-

At Tours in France, the birthday of blessed Martin, bishop and confessor, whose life was so renowned for miracles that he received the power to raise three persons from the dead.

At Cotyaeum in Phrygia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the celebrated martyrdom of St. Mennas, an Egyptian soldier, who cast off the military belt and obtained the grace of serving the King of heaven secretly in the desert. Afterwards, coming out publicly and freely declaring himself a Christian, he was first subjected to severe torments; and finally kneeling in prayer, giving thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, he was slain with the sword. After his death he became renowned for many miracles.

At Ravenna, the holy martyrs Valentine, Felician, and Victorinus, who were crowned during the persecution of Diocletian.

In Mesopotamia, St. Athenodorus, martyr, who was subjected to fire and other torments under the same Diocletian and the governor Eleusius. He was at length sentenced to be beheaded, but when the executioner fell to the ground and no other person would dare to strike him with the sword, he passed to his repose in the Lord while praying.

At Lyons in France, St. Veranus, bishop, whose life was illustrious for his faith and his other virtues.

At Constantinople, St. Theodore, abbot of Studium, who fought valiantly for the Catholic faith against the Iconoclasts, and became famed throughout the universal Church.

In the monastery of Grottaferrata, in the Tuscan plain, the holy abbot Bartholomew, a companion of blessed Nilus, whose life he wrote.

In the province of Abruzzi, blessed Mennas, a solitary whose virtues and miracles are mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.

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