Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 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-December 22nd
Roman Martyrology-December 22nd-on this date in various years-

At Rome, on the Lavican Way, between the two laurels, the birthday of thirty holy martyrs who were all crowned with martyrdom on the one day in the persecution of Diocletian.

In the same city, St. Flavian, an ex-prefect, the husband of the blessed martyr Dafrosa, and the father of the holy virgin martyrs, Bibiana and Demetria. He was condemned under Julian the Apostate to be branded for Christ, and was exiled to Aquæ Taurinæ, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.

In Egypt, St. Chaeremon, bishop of Nilopolis, and many other martyrs. While the persecution of Decius was raging, some of them were dispersed in flight, and wandering through deserts were killed by wild beasts; others perished by famine, cold, and sickness; others again were murdered by barbarians and robbers, and thus all were crowned with a glorious martyrdom.

At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius, Honoratus, and Florus.

At Alexandria, St. Ischyrion, martyr. Because he despised all the injuries he was made to suffer in attempts to force him to sacrifice to idols, his bowels were pierced with a sharp stake, bringing his death.

At Nicomedia, St. Zeno, a soldier who mocked Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore his jawbones were broken, his teeth knocked out, and his head struck off.

At Chicago, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, foundress of the Congregation of Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, distinguished for charity, humility, and invincible fortitude. Pope Pius XII added her to the catalogue of saints, and named her as the heavenly patroness of all emigrants.

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

At Rome, St. Victoria, virgin and martyr, during the persecution of Emperor Decius. She had been promised in marriage to a pagan named Eugene, but because she had refused to marry him and to offer sacrifice to idols, and because by working many miracles she had brought many virgins to the service of God, the executioner thrust a sword into her heart at the request of her spouse.

At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Migdonius and Mardonius, one of whom was burned alive in the same persecution of Diocletian, and the other died in a pit where he had been thrown. A deacon of St. Anthimus, bishop of Nicomedia, suffered at the same time. He had been arrested by the heathen when he was carrying letters to the martyrs, and being overwhelmed with stones, went to our Lord.

Likewise, the birthday of twenty holy martyrs, whom the persecution of Diocletian made martyrs for the faith of Christ, after subjecting them to the most painful torments.

In Crete, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunicianus, Zeticus, Leomines, Agathopodes, Basilides, and Everistus, who were beheaded after suffering cruel torments in the persecution of Decius.

At Rome, blessed Servulus of whom St. Gregory writes that from his early years to the end of his life he was a paralytic and had remained lying in a porch near St. Clement's Church, and being invited by the chant of angels, he went to enjoy the glory of Paradise. At his tomb frequent miracles are wrought by 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 December 23:

CHAPTER LXV
Of the Prior of the Monastery

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

The Vigil of the Natívity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At Cracow in Poland, the birthday of St. John Cantius, priest and confessor, celebrated for his learning, for his zeal in propagating the faith, and for his virtues and miracles, for which Pope Clement XIII added him to the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 20th of October.

At Spoleto, St. Gregory, priest and martyr. In the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs, exposed on the gridiron and imprisoned, struck on the knees with iron carding instruments, burned on the sides with firebrands, and finally beheaded.

At Tripoli in Phoenicia, the holy martyrs Leucian, Metrobius, Paul, Zenobius, Theotimus, and Drusus.

At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Euthymius, martyr, who sent many before him to martyrdom, and being pierced with a sword, followed them to share their crown.

At Antioch, the birthday of forty holy virgins who suffered martyrdom by divers torments in the Decian persecution.

At Bordeaux, St. Deiphinus, bishop, who was renowned for holiness in the time of Theodosius.

At Rome, the birthday of the holy virgin Tharsilla, aunt of Pope St. Gregory, who writes of her that at the hour of her death she saw Jesus coming to her.

At Treves, St. Irmina, virgin, daughter of King Dagobert.

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 24:

CHAPTER LXVI
Of the Porter of the Monastery

Let a wise old man be placed at the door of the monastery, one who knoweth how to take and give an answer, and whose mature age doth not permit him to stray about.

The porter should have a cell near the door, that they who come may always find one present from whom they may obtain an answer. As soon as anyone knocketh or a poor person calleth, let him answer, "Thanks be to God," or invoke a blessing, and with the meekness of the fear of God let him return an answer speedily in the fervor of charity. If the porter hath need of assistance, let him have a younger brother.

If it can be done, the monastery should be so situated that all the necessaries, such as water, the mill, the garden, are enclosed, and the various arts may be plied inside of the monastery, so that there may be no need for the monks to go about outside, because it is not good for their souls. But we desire that this Rule be read quite often in the community, that none of the brethren may excuse himself of ignorance.

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

In the 5199th year of the creation of the world, from the time when in the beginning God created heaven and earth; from the flood, the 2957th year; from the birth of Abraham, the 2015th year; from Moses and the going-out of the people of Israel from Egypt, the 1510th; from the anointing of David as king, the 1032nd year; in the 65th week according to the prophecy of Daniel; in the 194th Olympiad; from the founding of the city of Rome, the 752nd year; in the 42nd year of the rule of Octavian Augustus, when the whole world was at peace, in the sixth age of the world: Jesus Christ, the eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by His most merciful coming, having been conceived by the Holy Ghost, and nine months having passed since His conception (A higher tone of voice is now used, and all kneel) was born in Bethlehem of Juda of the Virgin Mary, having become man.


In the same higher tone of voice and in the tone of the Passion:

THE NATIVITY of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

That which follows is said in the customary tone of the Martyrology, and all arise.

The same day, the birthday of St. Anastasia, who, in the time of Diocletian, first suffered a severe and harsh imprisonment on the part of her husband Publius, in which, however, she was much consoled and encouraged by the confessor of Christ, Chrysogonus. Afterwards she was thrown into prison again by order of Florus, prefect of Illyria; and finally, having her hands and feet stretched, she was tied to stakes with a fire kindled about her, in the midst of which she ended her martyrdom on the island of Palmária, whither she had been brought with two hundred men and seventy women, who have made martyrdom a glorious thing by the various kinds of death they so valiantly endured.

At Barcelona in Spain, St. Peter Nolasco, confessor and founder of the Order of our Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives, renowned for virtue and miracles. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of January.

At Rome, in the cemetery of Apronian, St. Eugenia, virgin, the daughter of blessed Philip, martyr. In the time of Emperor Gallienus, after displaying many signs and virtues, gathering to Christ holy choirs of virgins, and after long trials under Nicetius, prefect of the city, she was finally put to the sword.

At Nicomedia, many thousand martyrs, who had assembled for divine service on our Lord's Natívity. When Emperor Diocletian ordered the doors of the church to be closed, fire to kindled here and there, a vessel with incense to be put before the entrance, and a man to cry out that those who wished to escape from the fire should come out and burn incense to Jupiter, all with one voice answered that they preferred to die for Christ. They were consumed in the fire, and thus merited to be born in heaven on the day on which Christ vouchsafed to be born on earth for the salvation of the world.

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 25:

CHAPTER LXVII
Of the Brethren Who Are Sent on a Journey

Let the brethren who are to be sent on a journey recommend themselves to the prayers of all the brotherhood and of the Abbot. And after the last prayer at the Work of God, let a commemoration always be made for the absent brethren.

On the day that the brethren return from the journey, let them lie prostrate on the floor of the oratory at all the Canonical Hours, when the Work of God is finished, and ask the prayers of all on account of failings, for fear that the sight of evil or the sound of frivolous speech should have surprised them on the way.

And let no one presume to relate to another what he hath seen or heard outside of the monastery, because it is most hurtful. But if anyone presume to do so, let him undergo the penalty of the Rule. In like manner let him be punished who shall presume to go beyond the enclosure of the monastery, or anywhere else, or to do anything, however little, without the order of the Abbot.

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

At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Stephen, the first martyr, who was stoned to death by the Jews shortly after the Ascension of our Lord.

At Rome, St. Marinus, a man of senatorial rank. In the time of Emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was arrested for the Christian religion, racked and torn with iron claws like a slave, then thrown into a boiling cauldron; but being delivered because the fire became like a dew, he was exposed to the beasts without being injured by them, and finally being led to the altar, the idols of which toppled over at his prayer, he was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the triumph of martyrs.

Likewise at Rome, on the Appian Way, the death of Pope St. Denis, who sustained many labours for the Church, and was renowned for his doctrinal writings.

In the same city, St. Zosimus, pope and confessor.

In Mesopotamia, St. Archelaus, bishop, famous for learning and holiness.

At Majuma, in Palestine, St. Zeno, bishop.

At Rome, St. Theodore, sacristan of the church of St. Peter, who is mentioned by blessed Pope 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 December 26:

CHAPTER LXVIII
If a Brother Is Commanded to Do Impossible Things

If, perchance, any difficult or impossible tasks be enjoined on a brother, let him nevertheless receive the order of him who commandeth with all meekness and obedience. If, however, he see that the gravity of the task is altogether beyond his strength, let him quietly and seasonably submit the reasons for his inability to his Superior, without pride, protest, or dissent. If, however, after his explanation the Superior still insisteth on his command, let the younger be convinced that so it is good for him; and let him obey from love, relying on the help of God.

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

At Ephesus, the birthday of St. John, apostle and evangelist. After writing his gospel, and after enduring exile and writing the divine Apocalypse, he lived until the time of Emperor Trajan and founded and governed the churches of all Asia. Worn out with age, he died in the sixty-eighth year after the passion of our Lord and was buried near Ephesus.

At Constantinople, the holy confessors Theodore and Theophanes, brothers, who were brought up from their childhood in the monastery of St. Sabas. Afterwards, they strove zealously for the veneration of holy images against Leo the Armenian, and at his command they were scourged and banished. After his death they again firmly opposed Emperor Theophilus, who was imbued with the same impiety, and were scourged a second time and driven into exile, where Theodore died in prison. Theophanes, after peace had at length been restored to the Church, was made bishop of Nicaea, and there, famous for his glorious witness of the faith, rested in the Lord.

At Alexandria, St. Maximus, bishop, well known and renowned by reason of his confession.

At Constantinople, St. Niceras, virgin, who was renowned for sanctity in the time of Emperor Arcadius.

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 27:

CHAPTER LXIX
That in the Monastery No One Presume to Defend Another

Care must be taken that on no occasion one monk try to defend another in the monastery, or to take his part, even though they be closely related by ties of blood. Let it not be attempted by the monks in any way; because such conduct may give rise to very grave scandal. If anyone overstep this rule, let him be severely punished.

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

In Bethlehem of Juda, the birthday of the Holy Innocents, who were slain for Christ by Herod the king.

At Lyons in France, the birthday also of St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva and confessor. Because of his burning zeal for the conversion of heretics and his learning, Pope Alexander VII placed him among the number of the saints, and his feast is observed on the 29th of January, on which day his holy body was translated from Lyons to Annecy in Savoy. Pope Pius IX decreed him a doctor of the universal Church, and Pope Pius XI constituted him the heavenly patron of all Catholic writers who explain, promote, or defend Christian doctrine by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular.

At Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyrs Eutychius, priest, and Domitian, deacon.

In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Castor, Victor, and Rogatian.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Indes, a eunuch, Domna, Agapes, and Theophila, virgins, and their companions, who, after long trials, attained to the crown of martyrdom by various kinds of death, during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Neocaesarea in Pontus, St. Troadius, martyr, in the persecution of Decius. During his trial St. Gregory Thaumáturgus appeared to him in spirit and encouraged him to undergo martyrdom.

At Arábissus in Lower Armenia, St. Caesarius, martyr, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.

At Rome, St. Domnio, priest.

In the monastery of Lerins in France, St. Anthony, a monk famed 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 December 28:

CHAPTER LXX
That No One Presume to Strike Another

Let every occasion for presumption be avoided in the monastery. We decree that no one be permitted to excommunicate or to strike any one of his brethren, unless the Abbot hath given him the authority. But let those who transgress be taken to task in the presence of all, that the others may fear (cf 1 Tm 5:20).

Let all, however, exercise diligent and watchful care over the discipline of children, until the age of fifteen; but even that, within due limits and with discretion. For if anyone should presume to chastise those of more advanced years, without the command of the Abbot, or should be unduly provoked with children, let him be subject to the discipline of the Rule; because it is written: "What thou dost not wish to be done to thee, do not thou to another" (Tb 4:16).

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

At Canterbury in England, the birthday of St. Thomas, bishop and martyr, who, for the defence of justice and ecclesiastical immunity, was struck with the sword in his own basilica by a faction of wicked men, and thus went to Christ as martyr.

At Jerusalem, holy David, king and prophet.

At Arles in France, the birthday of St. Trophimus, mentioned by St. Paul in his Epistle to Timothy. Being ordained bishop by that apostle, he was the first sent to preach the gospel of Christ in that city. From his preaching, as from a fountain, according to the expression of Pope St. Zosimus, all France received the waters of salvation.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Callistus, Felix, and Boniface.

In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Dominic, Victor, Primian, Lybosus, Saturninus, Crescentius, Secundus, and Honoratus.

At Constantinople, St. Marcellus, abbot.

In the country of Hiesmes in France, St. Ebruif, abbot and confessor, in the time of King Childebert.

At Vienne in France, the commemoration of St. Crescens, bishop and martyr. He was a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and was the first bishop of that city. His birthday is mentioned on the 27th of June.

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 29:

CHAPTER LXXI
That the Brethren Be Obedient to One Another

The brethren must render the service of obedience not only to the Abbot, but they must thus also obey one another, knowing that they shall go to God by this path of obedience. Hence, granted the command of the Abbot and of the Superiors who are appointed by him (to which we do not permit private commands to be preferred), in other respects let the younger brethren obey their elders with all charity and zeal. But if anyone is found to be obstinate, let him be punished.

And if a brother be punished in any way by the Abbot or by any of his Superiors for even a slight reason or if he perceive that the temper of any of his Superiors is but slightly ruffled or excited against him in the least, let him without delay cast himself down on the ground at his feet making satisfaction, until the agitation is quieted by a blessing. If anyone scorn to do this, either let him undergo corporal punishment, or, if he be obstinate, let him be expelled from the monastery.

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

At Rome, the birthday of St. Felix I, pope and martyr, who governed the Church during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. His feast day is celebrated on the 30th of May.

At Spoleto, the birthday also of the holy martyrs Sabinus, bishop, Exuperantius and Marcellus, deacons, and also Venustian, governor, along with his wife and sons, under Emperor Maximian. Marcellus and Exuperantius were first racked, then severely beaten with rods; afterwards being torn with iron hooks, and burned in the sides, they fulfilled their martyrdom. Not long after, Venustian was put to the sword with his wife and sons. St. Sabinus, after having his hands cut off, and being a long time confined in prison, was scourged to death.
The martyrdom of these saints is commemorated on the same day, although it occurred at different times.

At Alexandria, the Saints Mansuetus, Severus, Appian, Donatus, Honorius, and their martyr companions.

At Thessalonica, St. Anysia, martyr.

Likewise, St. Anysius, bishop of the same city.

At Milan, St. Eugene, bishop and confessor.

At Ravenna, St. Liberius, bishop.

At Aquila, in Abruzzi, St. Rainer, 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 30:

CHAPTER LXXII
Of the Virtuous Zeal Which the Monks Ought to Have

As there is a harsh and evil zeal which separateth from God and
leadeth to hell, so there is a virtuous zeal which separateth from
vice and leadeth to God and life everlasting.

Let the monks, therefore, practice this zeal with most ardent love;
namely, that in honor they forerun one another (cf Rom 12:10). Let
them bear their infirmities, whether of body or mind, with the utmost
patience; let them vie with one another in obedience. Let no one
follow what he thinketh useful to himself, but rather to another. Let
them practice fraternal charity with a chaste love.

Let them fear God and love their Abbot with sincere and humble
affection; let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and my He lead
us all together to life everlasting.

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

At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Silvester I, confessor, who baptized Emperor Constantine the Great, and confirmed the council of Nicaea. After performing many other holy deeds, he rested in peace.

At Rome, on the Salarian Way, in the cemetery of Priscilla, the holy martyrs Donata, Paulina, Rustica, Nominanda, Serotina, Hilaria, and their companions.

At Sens, the blessed Sabinian, bishop, and Poténtian. They had been sent there to preach by the Roman Pontiff, and that metropolitan church was illustrated by their confession and martyrdom.

At Catania in Sicily, the passion of the Saints Stephen, Pontian, Attalus, Fabian, Cornelius, Sextus, Flos, Quinctian, Minervinus, and Simplician.

At Sens, St. Columba, virgin and martyr, who, after having triumphed over fire, was beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian.

On the same day, St. Zoticus, a Roman priest who went to Constantinople and undertook the work of caring for orphans.

At Ravenna, St. Barbatian, priest and confessor.

At La Louvesc, in the diocese of Vienne in Dauphine, the death of St. John Francis Regis, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He was a man of great love and patience in securing the salvation of souls.

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