Rule/Martyrology

[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.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 6:

CHAPTER LIV
Whether a Monk Should Receive Letters or Anything Else

Let it not be allowed at all for a monk to give or to receive letters, tokens, or gifts of any kind, either from parents or any other person, nor from each other, without the permission of the Abbot. But even if anything is sent him by his parents, let him not presume to accept it before it hath been make known to the Abbot. And if he order it to be accepted, let it be in the Abbot's power to give it to whom he pleaseth. And let not the brother to whom perchance it was sent, become sad, that "no chance be given to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14). But whosoever shall presume to act otherwise, let him fall under the discipline of the Rule.

Martyrology-December 7th
Roman Martyrology-December 7th-on this date in various years-

The Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 4th of April; his feast is kept on this day, the day on which he assumed the government of the Church of Milan.

At Rome, blessed Eutychian, pope, who with his own hand buried three hundred and forty-two martyrs in various places. He himself was joined with them, crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Numerian, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

At Alexandria, the birthday of blessed Agatho, soldier. In the persecution of Decius, because he prevented some people from mocking the bodies of the martyrs, a sudden clamour was raised against him by the crowd. Being brought before the judge, and persisting in his confession of Christ, he was sentenced to death for his reverence.

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Polycarp and Theodore.

At Tuburbum in Africa, during the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian king Hunneric, St. Servus, martyr, who, being for a very long time beaten with rods, lifted up on high with pulleys, and suddenly dropped on flint-stones with his whole weight, and rubbed over with sharp stones, obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Teano in Campania, St. Urban, bishop and confessor.

At Saintes in France, St. Martin, abbot, at whose tomb frequent miracles have been worked through the power of God.

At Faremoutiers, in the diocese of Meaux, the commemoration of St. Phara, who is also called Burgundofara, abbess and virgin. Her birthday is on the 3rd of April.

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 7:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothing and the Footgear of the Brethren

Let clothing be given to the brethren according to the circumstances of the place and the nature of the climate in which they live, because in cold regions more in needed, while in warm regions less. This consideration, therefore, resteth with the Abbot. We believe, however, that for a temperate climate a cowl and a tunic for each monk are sufficient, -- a woolen cowl for winter and a thin or worn one for summer, and a scapular for work, and stockings and shoes as covering for the feet. Let the monks not worry about the color or the texture of all these things, but let them be such as can be bought more cheaply. Let the Abbot, however, look to the size, that these garments are not too small, but fitted for those who are to wear them.

Let those who receive new clothes always return the old ones, to be put away in the wardrobe for the poor. For it is sufficient for a monk to have two tunics and two cowls, for wearing at night and for washing. Hence, what is over and above is superfluous and must be taken away. So, too, let them return stockings and whatever is old, when they receive anything new. Let those who are sent out on a journey receive trousers from the wardrobe, which, on their return, they will replace there, washed. The cowls and the tunics should also be a little better than the ones they usually wear, which they received from the wardrobe when they set out on a journey, and give back when they return.

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

The Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day, Pius IX solemnly declared her to have been by a singular privilege of God preserved from all stain of original sin.

At Treves, St. Eucharius, a disciple of blessed Peter the Apostle, first bishop of that city.

At Alexandria, St. Macarius, martyr, whose constancy in professing the faith increased with the efforts made by the judge to persuade him to deny Christ. He was finally condemned to be burned alive.

In Cyprus, the holy bishop Sophronius, who was a devoted protector of orphans and widows, and a helper of the poor and oppressed.

In the monastery of Luxeuil in France, St. Romaricus, abbot, who left the highest station at the court of King Theodobert, renounced the world, and surpassed others in the observance of monastic discipline.

At Constantinople, St. Patapius, solitary, renowned for virtues and miracles.

At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina, a virgin, Symphronius, Olympius the tribune and his wife Exuperia and his son Theodulus, whose commemoration is made on the 25th of August.

At Verona, the ordination of St. Zeno, 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 8:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothing and the Footgear of the Brethren (cont.)

For their bedding, let a straw mattress, a blanket, a coverlet, and a pillow be sufficient. These beds must, however, be frequently examined by the Abbot, to prevent personal goods from being found. And if anything should be found with anyone that he did not receive from the Abbot, let him fall under the severest discipline. And that this vice of private ownership may be cut off by the root, let everything necessary be given by the Abbot; namely, cowl, tunic, stockings, shoes, girdle, knife, pen, needle, towel, writing tablet; that all pretence of want may be removed. In this connection, however, let the following sentence from the Acts of the Apostles always be kept in mind by the Abbot: "And distribution was made to every man according as he had need" (Acts 4:35). In this manner, therefore, let the Abbot also have regard for the infirmities of the needy, not for the bad will of the envious. Yet in all his decisions, let the Abbot think of God's retribution.


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

At Carthage, St. Restitútus, bishop and martyr, on whose feast St. Augustine delivered a discourse to the people in which he set forth his praises.

Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Peter, Successus, Bassian, Primitivus, and twenty others.

At Toledo in Spain, the birthday of the holy virgin Leocadia, a martyr in the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. She was condemned to a cruel imprisonment by Dacian, prefect of Spain, and was pining away when, hearing of the barbarous tortures of blessed Eulalia and the other martyrs, she knelt down to pray and yielded up her undefiled spirit to Christ.

At Limoges in Aquitaine, St. Valeria, virgin and martyr.

At Verona, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Proculus, bishop, who was buffeted, scourged with rods, and driven out of the city. Being at length restored to his church, he died in peace.

At Pavia, St. Syrus, first bishop of that city, who was renowned for apostolic signs and virtues.

At Apamea in Syria, blessed Julian, bishop, who flourished in holiness in the time of Severus.

At Gray in Burgundy, St. Peter Fournier, Canon Regular of Our Saviour and the founder of the Canonesses Regular of Our Lady for the education of children. Because of his brilliant virtues and miracles, Leo XIII placed him the catalogue of the Saints.

At Perigueux in France, St. Cyprian, abbot, a man of great sanctity.

At Nazianzum in Cappadocia, St. Gorgonia, of whose virtues and miracles St. Gregory has written. She was the daughter of blessed Nonna and the sister of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. Caesarius.

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 9:
CHAPTER LVI
Of the Abbot's Table

Let the Abbot's table always be with the guests and travelers. When, however, there are no guests, let it be in his power to invite any of the brethren he desireth. Let him provide, however, that one or two of the seniors always remain with the brethren for the sake of discipline.

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

St. Melchiades, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of January.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Paul the Apostle. The yearly commemoration of this Dedication, together with that of St. Peter, prince of the apostles, is observed on the 18th of November.

Also, the holy martyrs Carpophorus, a priest, and Abundius, a deacon, in the persecution of Diocletian. They were first cruelly beaten with rods, then imprisoned and denied food and drink; being placed on the rack a second time and again thrown into prison, they were finally beheaded.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.

At Lentini in Sicily, the holy martyrs Mercurius and his soldier companions, who were slain by the sword under the governor Tertyllus, in the reign of Emperor Licinius.

At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Gemellus, martyr, who, after severe torments, fulfilled his martyrdom by being crucified in the time of Julian the Apostate.

At Merida in Spain, in the time of Maximian, the martyrdom of the holy virgin Eulalia, who at twelve years of age suffered many torments for the confession of Christ by order of the governor Dacian. She was stretched on the rack, torn with iron claws, had her sides burned with flaming torches, and swallowing the fire she expired.

Also, in the same city, St. Julia, virgin and martyr, the companion of the blessed Eulalia, who would not be separated from her when the latter went to suffer.

At Rome, Pope St. Gregory III, who departed for heaven renowned for his sanctity and good works.

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

At Brescia, St. Deusdedit, bishop.

At Loretto in Piceno, the Translation of the Holy House of Mary the Mother of God, wherein the Word was made flesh. Pope Benedict XV declared the same Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Loretto, to be the chief Patroness before God of all airmen.

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 10:

CHAPTER LVII
Of the Artists of the Monastery

If there be skilled workmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, if the Abbot giveth his permission. But if anyone of them should grow proud by reason of his art, in that he seemeth to confer a benefit on the monastery, let him be removed from that work and not return to it, unless after he hath humbled himself, the Abbot again ordereth him to do so. But if any of the work of the artists is to be sold, let them, through whose hands the transaction must pass, see to it, that they do not presume to practice any fraud on the monastery. Let them always be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest, perhaps, the death which these suffered in the body (cf Acts 5:1-11), they and all who practice any fraud in things belonging to the monastery suffer in the soul. On the other hand, as regards the prices of these things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let it always be given a little cheaper than it can be given by seculars, That God May Be Glorified in All Things (1 Pt 4:11).

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

At Rome, St. Damasus, pope and confessor, who condemned the heresiarch Apollinaris, and restored to his See Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who had been driven from it. He also discovered the bodies of many holy martyrs and composed verses in their honour.

Also at Rome, St. Thrason. He was arrested by order of Maximian for supporting with his goods the Christians who laboured in the baths and at other public works, and those confined in jail. He was crowned with martyrdom with two others, Pontian and prætextatus.

At Amiens in France, the holy martyrs Victoricus and Fuscian, under the same emperor. By order of Governor Rictiovarus, they had iron pins driven into their ears and nostrils, heated nails into their temples, and arrows into their bodies and their eyes torn out. They were beheaded with St. Gentian, their guest, and they passed to the Lord.

In Persia, St. Barbabas, martyr.

In Spain, St. Eutychius, martyr.

At Piacenza, St. Sabinus, bishop, renowned for miracles.

At Constantinople, St. Daniel Stylites.

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