Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 2:

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

At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Valerian, the holy martyrs Marinus, soldier, and Asterius, senator. The former was examined by the judge on the charge laid against him by his fellow soldiers of being a Christian, and as he admitted the accusation in a firm tone of voice, he was beheaded, and thus received the crown of martyrdom. His mutilated body was taken by Asterius on his own shoulders, and wrapped in the garment which he himself wore. This service at once gained for Asterius the palm of martyrdom as a reward for the honour which he had given to a martyr.

At Calahorra in Spain, the birthday of the holy martyrs Hermiterius and Cheledonius, soldiers in the army at Leon, a city of Galicia. Upon the approach of persecution they went to Calahorra in order to confess the name of Christ, and after enduring many torments there, they were crowned with martyrdom.

The same day, the passion of the Saints Felix, Luciolus, Fortunatus, Marcia, and their companions.

Also, the sainted soldiers Cleonicus, Eutropius, and Basiliscus, who gloriously triumphed by death on the cross under the governor Asclepias during the persecution of Maximian.

At Brescia, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.

At Bamberg, Empress St. Cunegunda, who preserved her virginity with the consent of her husband, Emperor Henry I. She completed a life rich in meritorious good works with a holy death, and afterward worked many miracles.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 3:

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

At Vilnius in Lithuania, blessed Casimir, confessor, the son of King Casimir, whom Pope Leo X inscribed in the roll of the saints.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, during the perseuction of Valerian, the birthday of St. Lucius, pope and martyr, who was first exiled for the faith of Christ, but being permitted by divine Providence to return to his church, after labouring long against the Novatians, he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His praises have been published by St. Cyprian.

At Nicomedia, in the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the martyr St. Adrian and twenty-three others, who endured martyrdom by having their limbs crushed. Their remains were taken to Byzántium by the Christians, and buried there with reverence and honour. Afterwards the body of St. Adrian was transferred to Rome on the 8th of September, on which day his feast is observed.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, nine hundred holy martyrs who were buried in the cemetery of St. Cecilia.

In Chersonesus, the passion of the saintly bishops, Basil, Eugene, Agathodorus, Elpidius, Aetherius, Capito, Ephrem, Nestor, and Arcadius.

On the same day, St. Caius Palatinus and twenty-seven others who were cast into the sea.

Also, the passion of Saints Archelaus, Cyril and Photius.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 4:

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

At Antioch, the birthday of the martyr St. Phocas, who triumphed over the ageless Serpent after many injuries which he suffered for the Name of the Redeemer. That triumph is still manifested to the people in our day, for if any one stung by a snake touches with faith the door of the martyr's basilica, the power of the venom disappears, and he is immediately cured.

At Caesarea in Palestine, in the persecution of Diocletian, the martyr St. Adrian. He was first exposed to a lion for the faith of Christ, and then slain with the sword by order of the governor Firmilian, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

The same day, the passion of the holy martyrs Eusebius Palatinus and nine others.

At Caesarea in Palestine, in the time of Emperor Severus, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.

Also in Palestine, on the banks of the Jordan, the anchoret St. Gerasimus, who lived in the time of Emperor Zeno.

At Naples, in Campania, the death of St. John Joseph of the Cross, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, and confessor. By emulating the virtues of St. Francis of Assisi and of St. Peter Alcantara , he added great glory to the Seraphic Order. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

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

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, who, on the day following this, received from the Lord the glorious crown of martyrdom.

At Tortona, St. Marcian, bishop and martyr, who was put to death for the sake of Christ by Trajan, and thereby received the crown of immortality.

At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Victor and Victorinus, who were, with Claudian and his wife Bassa, subjected to many torments for a period of three years, after which they were cast into prison, where they ended their pilgrimage of life.

In Cyprus, in the time of Emperor Decius, St. Conon, martyr. He was compelled to run before a chariot, with his feet pierced with nails, and falling to his knees, he died in prayer.

In Syria, the passion of forty-two holy martyrs, who were arrested in Amorium and taken to Syria, where they valiantly endured the test and received the crown of martyrdom.

At Constantinople, St. Evagrius, who was elected Catholic bishop in the reign of Valens, and being exiled by that emperor, later departed for heaven.

At Bologna, St. Basil, bishop, who was ordained by Pope St. Sylvester, and who governed the church entrusted to his care with great holiness, both by word and example.

At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Ollegar, who was first a canon and afterwards bishop of Barcelona and archbishop of Tarragona.

At Viterbo, blessed Rose, a virgin of the Third Order of St. Francis.

At Ghent in Flanders, St. Collette, virgin, who at first professed the rule of the Third Order of St. Francis, and afterwards, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, restored the pristine discipline to a great number of monasteries of Nuns of the Second Order. Because she was graced with heavenly virtues, and performed innumerable miracles, she was inscribed on the roll of saints by Pope Pius VII.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

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

In the monastery of Fossanova, near Terracina in Campania, St. Thomas Aquinas, confessor and doctor of the Church, a member of the Order of Preachers, famous for his noble family, for the sanctity of his life, and for his knowledge of theology. Pope Leo XIII declared him the heavenly patron of all Catholic schools.

At Carthage, the birthday of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs. St. Augustine relates that Felicity being with child, her execution was deferred , according to the law, until after her delivery. He states that while she was in labour, she mourned, and when cast to the beasts, she rejoiced. With them suffered Satyrus, Saturninus, Revocatus, and Secundulus, the last of whom died in prison; the others were delivered to the beasts, all during the reign of Severus. The feast of Saints Perpetua and Felicity was celebrated yesterday.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the passion of St. Eubulus, who was a companion of St. Adrian. Two days after the latter's death, he was mangled by the lions and put to death by the sword. He was the last of all those who received the crown of martyrdom in that city.

At Nicomedia, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was driven into exile for the veneration of sacred images, and died there.

At Pelusium in Egypt, St. Paul, bishop, who died in exile for the same cause.

At Brescia, St. Gaudiosus, bishop and confessor.

In Thebais, St. Paul, surnamed the Simple.

At Florence in Etruria, St. Teresa Margaret Redi, virgin, a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, of such admirable purity and simplicity that Pope Pius XI solemnly enrolled her on the scroll of holy virgins.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 7:

CHAPTER XXX
How Young Boys Are to Be Corrected

Every age and understanding should have its proper discipline. Whenever, therefore, boys or immature youths or such as can not understand how grave a penalty excommunication is, are guilty of a serious fault, let them undergo severe fasting or be disciplined with corporal punishment, that they may be corrected.

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

At Granada in Spain, St. John of God, founder of the Order of Brothers Hospitallers, famed for his mercy to the poor, and his contempt of self. Pope Leo XIII appointed him as heavenly patron of the sick and of all hospitals.

At Nicomedia, St. Quinctilis, bishop and martyr.

In Africa, the martyred Saints Cyril, bishop, Rogatus, Felix, another Rogatus, Beata, Herenia, Felícitas, Urban, Silvanus, and Mamillus.

At Antinous, a city of Egypt, the birthday of the holy martyrs Apollonius, deacon, and Philemon. They firmly refused to sacrifice to the idols, and when arrested and brought to the judge they had their heels pierced, were barbarously dragged through the city, at last completing their martyrdom by being slain by the sword.

In the same place, the passion of Saints Arian, governor, Theoticus, and three others, whom the judge put to death by drowning in the sea. Their bodies, however, were brought back by some dolphins.

At Carthage, St. Pontius, deacon of the blessed Cyprian, bishop, who remained until death in exile with him, and composed an excellent history of his life and martyrdom. By ever glorifying God in his own sufferings, he merited the crown of life.

At Toledo in Spain, the death of blessed Julian, bishop and confessor, most celebrated for his sanctity and learning.

In England, St. Felix, bishop, who converted the East Angles to the faith.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 8:

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

At Rome, St. Frances, widow, renowned for her noble family, holy life, and the gift of miracles.

At Sebaste in Armenia, under the governor Agricolaus, in the time of Emperor Licinius, the birthday of forty holy soldiers of Cappadocia. After being chained down in foul dungeons, after having their faces bruised with stones, and being condemned to spend the night naked, in the open during the coldest part of winter, on a frozen lake where their bodies were benumbed and covered with ice, they completed their martyrdom by having their limbs crushed. The most noteworthy among them were Cyrion and Candidus. Their glorious triumph has been celebrated by St. Basil and other Fathers in their writings. Their feast is kept tomorrow.

At Nyssa, the death of St. Gregory, the son of Saints Basil and Emmelia, and the brother of Saints Basil the Great, bishop, and Peter, bishop of Sebaste, and Macrina, virgin. His life and his great learning brought him fame. He was driven from his own city for having defended the Catholic faith during the reign of the Arian emperor Valens.

At Barcelona in Spain, Bishop St. Pacian, distinguished by his life and preaching. He ended his career in extreme old age, in the time of Emperor Theodosius.

At Bologna, St. Catherine, virgin, of the Second Order of St. Francis, illustrious for the holiness of her life. Her body is greatly honoured in 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 March 9:

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

The forty holy martyrs whose birthday was commemorated yesterday.

At Apamea in Phrygia, during the persecution of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Verus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Caius and Alexander. They were crowned with a glorious martyrdom, as is related by Apollinaris, bishop of Hierapolis, in his book against the Cataphrygian heretics.

In Persia, the passion of forty-two holy martyrs.

At Corinth, the holy martyrs Codratus, Denis, Cyprian, Anectus, Paul, and Créscens, who were slain with the sword in the persecution of Decius and Valerian, under Jason, the governor.

In Africa, St. Victor, martyr, on whose feast day St. Augustine delivered a sermon to his people.

At Rome, St. Simplicius, pope and confessor.

At Jersusalem, St. Macarius, bishop and confessor, at whose exhortation the holy places were purged by Constantine the Great and St. Helen, his mother, and beautified by sacred basilicas.

At Paris, the death of Abbot St. Droctoveus, who was a disciple of the saintly Bishop Germanus.

In the monastery of Bobbio, St. Attala, abbot, renowned 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 March 10:

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

At Sardis, St. Euthymius, bishop, who was sent into exile by the Iconoclast emperor Michael for the veneration of sacred images. Afterwards, in the reign of Theophilus, he was barbarously beaten with knotted clubs, which completed his martyrdom.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Eulogius, priest, who deserved to be associated with the martyrs of that city because, in writing of their trials for the faith, he had envied their happiness. On account of his own fearless and intrepid confession of Christ, he was scourged and beaten with rods, and finally beheaded during the Saracen persecution.

At Carthage, the holy martyrs Heraclius and Zosimus.

At Alexandria, the passion of Saints Candidus, Piperion, and twenty others.

At Laodicea in Syria, during the persecution of Diocletian, the holy martyrs Trophimus and Thalus, who obtained their crowns of glory after many severe torments.

At Antioch, the Commemoration of many holy martyrs, some of whom by order of Emperor Maximian were laid on red hot gridirons, not to be burned to death, but to continue their suffering a longer time; others were subjected to different horrible torments, and won the palm of martyrdom.

Also, Saints Gorgonius and Firmus.

At Jerusalem, Bishop St. Sophronius.

At Milan, St. Benedict, bishop.

In the diocese of Amiens, St. Firmin, abbot.

At Carthage, St. Constantine, confessor.

At Babucum in Campania, St. Peter, confessor, who was renowned 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 March 11:

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-March 12th
Roman Martyrology-March 12th-on this date in various years-

At Rome, St. Gregory, pope and eminent doctor of the Church, who on account of his illustrious deeds and the conversion of the English to the faith of Christ, was surnamed the Great, and called the Apostle of England.

In the same place, the death of St. Innocent I, pope and confessor. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of July.

Also at Rome, St. Mamilian, martyr.

At Nicomedia, St. Egdunus, priest, and seven others, who, one by one, on successive days, were strangled in order to terrify those who remained.

In the same city, the passion of the martyr St. Peter, chamberlain to Emperor Diocletian. For openly complaining of the atrocious torments inflicted upon the martyrs, he was, by order of the emperor, first suspended and for a long time scourged, then had salt and vinegar poured on his wounds, and finally was burned on a grate over a slow fire. Thus did he become a true heir of St. Peter's name and faith.

At Constantinople, St. Theophanes, who gave up great riches to embrace the poverty of the monastic state. The impious Leo the Armenian kept him in prison for two years because of his veneration of sacred images, and later sent him into Thrace in exile. There, overwhelmed with afflictions, but famous for miracles, death came upon him.

At Capua, St. Bernard, bishop and confessor.

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