Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 22:

CHAPTER XLIII
Of Those Who Are Tardy in Coming to the Work of God or to Table

As soon as the signal for the time of the divine office is heard, let
everyone, leaving whatever he hath in his hands, hasten with all speed, yet with
gravity, that there may be no cause for levity. Therefore, let nothing be
preferred to the Work of God. If at Matins anyone cometh after the Gloria of the
94th psalm, which on that account we wish to be much drawn out and said slowly,
let him not stand in his place in the choir; but let him stand last of all,
or in a place which the Abbot hath set apart for such careless ones, that he
may be seen by him and by all, until, the Work of God being ended, he maketh
satisfaction by public penance. The reason, however, why we think they should
stand in the last place, or apart from the rest, is this, that seen by all
they may amend for very shame. For if they stayed outside the oratory, there
might be one who would go back to sleep, or anyhow would seat himself outside,
indulge in vain gossip, and give a "chance to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm
5:14). Let him go inside, therefore, that he may not lose the whole, and may
amend for the future.

At the day hours, however, whoever doth not arrive for the Work of God after
the verse and the Gloria of the first psalm, which is said after the verse,
let him stand in the last place, according to the rule which we stated above;
and let him not attempt to join the choir of the chanters until he hath made
satisfaction, unless, perchance, the Abbot's permission hath given him leave
to do so, with the understanding that he atone the fault afterwards.

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

In Africa, the holy martyrs Victorian, proconsul of Carthage, and two
brothers from Aquaregia. Also two merchants, both named Frementius, who (as
Bishop Victor Africanus relates) were subjected to the most atrocious torments for
their courageous confession of the Catholic faith, and who were gloriously
crowned martyrs under the Arian king Hunneric, during the persecution of the
Vandals.

Also in Africa, St. Fidelis, martyr.

In the same place, St. Felix and twenty other martyrs.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the holy martyrs Nicon and ninety-nine others.

Likewise, the crowning of the holy martyrs Domitius, Pelagia, Aquila,
Eparchius, and Theodosia.

At Lima in Peru, Archbishop St. Turibius, through whose labours both faith
and ecclesiastical discipline were spread through America.

At Antioch, the priest St. Theodulus.

At Barcelona in Spain, the priest St. Joseph Oriol, pastor of the church of
St. Mary of the Kings, famous for every virtue, especially mortification of
the body, his rule of poverty, and his love towards the poor and the sick.
Because he was known for his miracles both in life and after death, Pope Pius
X placed his name in the number of the saints.

At Caesarea, St. Julian, confessor.

In Campania, St. Benedict, monk, who was shut up in a burning furnace by
the Goths, but who was found uninjured the next day.

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 23:

CHAPTER XLIII
Of Those Who Are Tardy in Coming to the Work of God or to Table (cont.)

If anyone doth not come to table before the verse, so that all may say the verse and pray together and sit down to table at the same time, let him be twice corrected for this, if he failed to come through his own fault and negligence. If he doth not amend after this, let him not be permitted to eat at the common table; but separated from the company of all, let him eat alone, his portion of wine being taken from him, until he hath made satisfaction and hath amended. In like manner let him suffer who is not present also at the verse which is said after the refection.

And let no one presume to take food or drink before or after the appointed time. But if anything should be offered to a brother by the Superior and he refuseth to accept it, and afterwards desireth what at first he refused or anything else, let him receive nothing at all, until he maketh due satisfaction.

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

The Feast of St. Gabriel Archangel, who was sent by God to announce the Incarnation of the Divine Word.

At Rome, the priest St. Epigmenius, who completed his martyrdom by the sword in the persecution of Diocletian, under the judge Turpius.

Also at Rome, in the time of Julian the Apostate, the passion of blessed Pigmenius, a priest, who was killed for the faith of Christ by being drowned in the Tiber.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Mark and Timothy, who were crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Antoninus.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of the holy martyrs Timolaus, Denis, Pausides, Romulus, Alexander, another Alexander, Agapius, and another Denis. They merited the crown of life by being beheaded in the persecution of Diocletian under the governor Urban.

In Morocco, the birthday of the saintly brothers Romulus and Secundus, who suffered for the faith of Christ.

At Trent, the martyrdom of the boy St. Simeon, who was barbarously murdered by the Jews, but who was afterwards glorified by many miracles.

At Synnadas in Phrygia, Bishop St. Agapitus.

At Brescia, the bishop St. Latinus.

In Syria, St. Seleucus, confessor.

In Sweden, the virgin St. Catherine, daughter of St. Bridget.

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 24:

CHAPTER XLIV
Of Those Who Are Excommunicated -- How They Make Satisfaction

Whoever is excommunicated for graver faults from the oratory and the table, let him, at the time that the Work of God is celebrated in the oratory, lie stretched, face down in silence before the door of the oratory at the feet of all who pass out. And let him do this until the Abbot judgeth that it is enough. When he then cometh at the Abbot's bidding, let him cast himself at the Abbot's feet, then at the feet of all, that they may pray for him. If then the Abbot ordereth it, let him be received back into the choir in the place which the Abbot shall direct; yet so that he doth not presume to intone a psalm or a lesson or anything else in the oratory, unless the Abbot again biddeth him to do so. Then, at all the Hours, when the Work of God is ended, let him cast himself on the ground in the place where he standeth, and thus let him make satisfaction, until the Abbot again biddeth him finally to cease from this penance.

But let those who are excommunicated for lighter faults from the table only make satisfaction in the oratory, as long as the Abbot commandeth, and let them perform this until he giveth his blessing and saith, "It is enough."

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

The Annunciation of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

At Jerusalem, the commemoration of the good thief who confessed Christ on the cross, and who deserved to hear from him these words: "This day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

At Rome, St. Quirinus, martyr, who after losing his possessions, suffering imprisonment in a dark dungeon, and being cruelly scourged, was put to death with the sword, and thrown into the Tiber. The Christians found his body on the island of Lycaónia (which was thereafter called St. Bartholomew's), and buried it in the Pontian cemetery.

Also at Rome, two hundred and sixty-two holy martyrs.

At Sirmio, the martyrdom of St. Irenæus, bishop. In the time of Emperor Maximian, under the governor Probus, after undergoing bitter torments and a painful imprisonment for may days, he was beheaded.

At Nicomedia, St. Dula, the servant of a soldier, who was killed for the preservation of her chastity, and deserved the crown of martyrdom.

At Laodicea, St. Pelagius, bishop, who after having endured exile and other afflictions for the Catholic faith under Valens, rested in the Lord.

At Indre, an island in the Loire, Abbot St. Hermeland, whose glorious life was commended by outstanding miracles.

At Pistoia, the holy confessors Barontius and Desiderius.

At Montefiascone, St. Lucia Filippini, founder of the Institute of Pious Teachers, from whose surname they are known as Filippines. Having merited greatly by the Christian education of girls and women, especially of the poor, Pope Pius XI enrolled her among the 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 25:

CHAPTER XLV
Of Those Who Commit a Fault in the Oratory

If anyone whilst he reciteth a psalm, a responsory, an antiphon, or a lesson, maketh a mistake, and doth not humble himself there before all by making satisfaction, let him undergo a greater punishment, because he would not correct by humility what he did amiss through negligence. But let children be beaten for such a fault.

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

At Rome, on the Via Lavicana, St. Castulus, martyr, chamberlain in the palace of the emperor. For harbouring Christians, he was three times suspended by the hands, three times cited before the tribunals. As he persevered in the confession of the Lord, he was thrown into a pit, covered with a mass of sand, and thus obtained the crown of martyrdom.

Also at Rome, the crowning of the holy martyrs Peter, Marcian, Jovinus, Thecla, Cassian, and others.

At Pentopolis in Libya, the birthday of the holy martyrs Theodore, bishop, the deacon Irenæus, and the lectors Serapion and Ammonius.

At Sirmio, the holy martyrs Montanus, priest, and Maxima, who were drowned in a river for the faith of Christ.

Likewise, the holy martyrs Quadratus, Theodosius, Emmanuel, and forty others.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Eutychius and others, who died by the sword for the Catholic faith, in the time of Constantine, under the Arian bishop George.

The same day, St. Ludger, bishop of Munster, who preached the Gospel to the Saxons.

At Saragossa in Spain, St. Braulio, bishop and confessor.

At Treves, St. Felix, 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 March 26:

CHAPTER XLVI
Of Those Who Fail in Any Other Matters

If anyone whilst engaged in any work, in the kitchen, in the cellar, in serving, in the bakery, in the garden, at any art or work in any place whatever, committeth a fault, or breaketh or loseth anything, or transgresseth in any way whatever, and he doth not forthwith come before the Abbot and the community, and of his own accord confess his offense and make satisfaction, and it becometh known through another, let him be subjected to a greater correction.

If, however, the cause of the offense is secret, let him disclose it to the Abbot alone, or to his spiritual Superiors, who know how to heal their own wounds, and not expose and make public those of others.

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

St. John Damascene, priest, confessor, and doctor of the Church, whose birthday is commemorated on the 6th of May.

At Drizipara in Hungary, St. Alexander, soldier, in the time of Emperor Maximian. Having overcome many torments for the sake of Christ, and performing many miracles, his martyrdom was completed by beheading.

In Illyria, the Saints Philetus, senator, his wife Lydia, and their sons Macedon and Theoprepides; also Amphilochius, an officer in the army, and Chronides, a notary, who were put to death for the confession of Christ after suffering many things.

In Persia, in the reign of King Sapor, the holy martyrs Zanitas, Lazarus, Marotas, Narses, and five others, who were barbarously slain, having merited the martyr's palm.

At Salzburg in Austria, St. Rupert, bishop and confessor, who spread the Gospel extensively in Bavaria and Austria.

In Egypt, the hermit St. John, a man of great sanctity, who, among other virtues, was filled with the spirit of prophecy, and predicted to Emperor Theodosius his victories over the tyrants Maximus and Eugene.

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 27:

CHAPTER XLVII
Of Giving the Signal for the Time of the Work of God

Let it be the Abbot's care that the time for the Work of God be announced both by day and by night; either to announce it himself, or to entrust this charge to a careful brother that everything may be done at the proper time.

Let those who have been ordered, intone the psalms or the antiphons in their turn after the Abbot. No one, however, should presume to sing or read unless he is able so to perform this office that the hearers may be edified; and let it be done with humility, gravity, and reverence by him whom the Abbot hath ordered.


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

For 2010 Palm Sunday, when our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the prophecy of Zacharias, entered into Jerusalem, seated upon the foal of an ass, and was met by the multitude bearing palms.

St. John Capistrano, confessor, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who is mentioned on the 23rd of October.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of the holy martyrs Priscus, Malchus, and Alexander. In the persecution of Valerian, they were living the suburbs of Caesarea, but knowing that in the city the heavenly crown of martyrdom was to be gained, and burning with the divine ardour of faith, they went to the judge of their own accord, rebuked him for shedding in torrents the blood of the faithful, and were immediately condemned to be devoured by beasts for the Name of Christ.

At Tarsus in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Castor and Dorotheus.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Rogatus, Succéssus, and sixteen others.

At Norcia, Abbot St. Spes, a man of extraordinary patience, whose soul at its departure from this life (as Pope St. Gregory relates) was seen by all his brethren to ascend to heaven in the shape of a dove.

At Chalons in France, the death of St. Guntram, king of the Franks, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, despising the ostentation of the world, and who bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor.

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 28:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work

Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading. Hence, we believe that the time for each will be properly ordered by the following arrangement; namely, that from Easter till the calends of October, they go out in the morning from the first till about the fourth hour, to do the necessary work, but that from the fourth till about the sixth hour they devote to reading. After the sixth hour, however, when they have risen from table, let them rest in their beds in complete silence; or if, perhaps, anyone desireth to read for himself, let him so read that he doth not disturb others. Let None be said somewhat earlier, about the middle of the eighth hour; and then let them work again at what is necessary until Vespers.

If, however, the needs of the place, or poverty should require that they do the work of gathering the harvest themselves, let them not be downcast, for then are they monks in truth, if they live by the work of their hands, as did also our forefathers and the Apostles. However, on account of the faint-hearted let all things be done with moderation.

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

At Heliopolis in Lebanon, under Julian the Apostate, St. Cyril, deacon and martyr, whose body was opened and his liver taken out by the heathens who devoured it like wild beasts.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Jonas and Barachisius, under the Persian king Sapor. Jonas was put under the pressure of a vice, his bones broken, and cut asunder; Barachisius was suffocated by burning pitch being poured into his throat.

At Nicomedia, the passion of the holy martyrs Pastor, Victorinus, and their companions.

In Africa, under the Arian king Genseric, during the persecution of the Vandals, the holy confessors Armogastes, a count, Mascula, Archimimus, and Saturus, master of the king's household. After enduring many severe torments, as well as insults, for the confession of the truth, they completed their tests with glory.

In the town of Asti, St. Secundus, martyr.

In the monastery of Luxeuil, the death of Abbot St. Eustasius, a disciple of St. Columban, who had under his guidance nearly six hundred monks. Eminent in sanctity, he was also renowned for 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 29:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work (cont.)

From the calends of October till the beginning of Lent, let them apply themselves to reading until the second hour complete. At the second hour let Tierce be said, and then let all be employed in the work which hath been assigned to them till the ninth hour. When, however, the first signal for the hour of None hath been given, let each one leave off from work and be ready when the second signal shall strike. But after their repast let them devote themselves to reading or the psalms.

During the Lenten season let them be employed in reading from morning until the third hour, and till the tenth hour let them do the work which is imposed on them. During these days of Lent let all received books from the library, and let them read them through in order. These books are to be given out at the beginning of the Lenten season.

Above all, let one or two of the seniors be appointed to go about the monastery during the time that the brethren devote to reading and take notice, lest perhaps a slothful brother be found who giveth himself up to idleness or vain talk, and doth not attend to his reading, and is unprofitable, not only to himself, but disturbeth also others. If such a one be found (which God forbid), let him be punished once and again. If he doth not amend, let him come under the correction of the Rule in such a way that others may fear. And let not brother join brother at undue times.

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

At Rome, on the Appian Way, the martyrdom of the tribune blessed Quirinus, who had been baptized with all his household by Pope St. Alexander when he was imprisoned in their house. Under Emperor Adrian, he was delivered to the judge Aurelian, and because he persevered in the confession of faith, his tongue was torn out, he was stretched on the rack, his hands and feet were cut off, and the sword completed his course of martyrdom.

At Thessalonica, the birthday of the holy martyrs Domninus, Victor, and their companions.

At Constantinople, in the time of Constantius, the commemoration of many holy martyrs of the Catholic communion, whom the heresiarch Macedonius put to death by unheard-of kinds of torments. Among other tortures, they were burned with red-hot irons, and the breasts of Christian women were cut away between the lids of coffers.

At Senlis in France, the death of St. Regulus, bishop of Arles.

At Orleans in France, Bishop St. Pastor.

At Syracuse, St. Zosimus, bishop and confessor.

On Mount Sinai, Abbot St. John Climacus.

At Aquileria in Spain, the confessor St. Peter Regulátus, priest of the Order of Friars Minor. He was born in Valladolid, and restored the regular discipline in the Spanish monasteries. Pope Benedict XIV placed him on the roll of saints.

At Aquino, St. Clinius 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 March 30:

CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the Daily Work (cont.)

On Sunday also let all devote themselves to reading, except those who are appointed to the various functions. But if anyone should be so careless and slothful that he will not or cannot meditate or read, let some work be given him to do, that he may not be idle.

Let such work or charge be given to the weak and the sickly brethren, that they are neither idle, nor so wearied with the strain of work that they are driven away. Their weakness must be taken into account by the Abbot.

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

At Thecua in Palestine, the holy prophet Amos, whom the priest Amasias frequently had scourged. Ozias, that priest's son, pierced his head at the temples with an iron spike. Being carried half dead to his own country, he died there, and was buried with his family.

In Persia, during the reign of King Isdegerdes, the deacon St. Benjamin. Because he would not stop preaching the word of God, he had a sharp reed forced under his nails, a thorny stake driven through his body, and thus completed his martyrdom.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Anesius, Felix, Cornelia, and their companions.

At Rome, the virgin St. Balbina, daughter of the blessed martyr Quirinus. She was baptized by Pope Alexander, and she chose Christ as her spouse in her virginity. After overcoming the world, she was buried at her father's side on the Appian Way.

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 31:

CHAPTER XLIX
On the Keeping of Lent

The life of a monk ought always to be a Lenten observance. However, since such virtue is that of few, we advise that during these days of Lent he guard his life with all purity and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the shortcomings of other times. This will then be worthily done, if we restrain ourselves from all vices. Let us devote ourselves to tearful prayers, to reading and compunction of heart, and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore, let us add something to the usual amount of our service, special prayers, abstinence from food and drink, that each one offer to God "with the joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thes 1:6), of his own accord, something above his prescribed measure; namely, let him withdraw from his body somewhat of food, drink, sleep, speech, merriment, and with the gladness of spiritual desire await holy Easter.

Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth and let it be done with his approval and blessing; because what is done without permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vain glory, and not to merit. Therefore, let all be done with the approval of the Abbot.

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

For 2010 The Lord's Supper, when Christ Jesus, the day before he was crucified for our salvation, gave to his disciples the mysteries of his Body and Blood, to be celebrated by them.

At Rome, the passion of St. Theodora, sister of the illustrious martyr Hermes. She underwent martyrdom in the time of Emperor Adrian, under the judge Aurelian, and was buried at the side of her brother, on the Salarian Way, a short distance from the city.

The same day, St. Venantius, bishop and martyr.

In Egypt, the holy martyrs Victor and Stephen.

In Armenia, the holy martyrs Quinctian and Irenæus.

At Constantinople, under Emperor Leo, St. Macarius, confessor, who ended his life in exile for defending the veneration of sacred images.

At Ard-Patrick in Munster, a province of Ireland, Bishop St. Celsus, who preceded blessed Malachy in that bishopric.

At Grenoble in France, Bishop St. Hugh, who spent many years of his life in solitude, and departed for heaven with a great reputation for miracles.

At Amiens in France, Abbot St. Valery, whose tomb is well known for its frequent miracles.

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