Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 13:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

For in his teaching the Abbot should always observe that principle of the Apostle in which he saith: "Reprove, entreat, rebuke" (2 Tm 4:2), that is, mingling gentleness with severity, as the occasion may call for, let him show the severity of the master and the loving affection of a father. He must sternly rebuke the undisciplined and restless; but he must exhort the obedient, meek, and patient to advance in virtue. But we charge him to rebuke and punish the negligent and haughty. Let him not shut his eyes to the sins of evil-doers; but on their first appearance let him do his utmost to cut them out from the root at once, mindful of the fate of Heli, the priest of Silo (cf 1 Sam 2:11-4:18). The well-disposed and those of good understanding, let him correct at the first and second admonition only with words; but let him chastise the wicked and the hard of heart, and the proud and disobedient at the very first offense with stripes and other bodily punishments, knowing that it is written: "The fool is not corrected with words" (Prov 29:19). And again: "Strike thy son with the rod, and thou shalt deliver his soul from death" (Prov 23:14).

Martyrology-September 14th
Roman Martyrology-September 14th- on this date in various years-

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, when Emperor Heraclius, after
defeating King Chosroes, brought it back to Jerusalem from Persia.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, during the persecution of Decius,
blessed Cornelius, pope and martyr. After being banished, he was
scourged with leaded whips and then beheaded with twenty-one others
of both sexes. On the same day were condemned to capital punishment
Caerealis, a soldier, and his wife Sallustia, who had been instructed
in the faith by the same Cornelius.

In Africa, in the time of Emperors Valerian and Gallienus, St.
Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, most renowned for holiness and
learning. It was near the seashore, six miles from the city, that he
completed his martyrdom by beheading, after enduring a most painful
exile. The feast of the Saints Cornelius and Cyprian is kept on the
16th of this month.

At Comana in Pontus, the birthday of St. John, bishop of
Constantinople, confessor and doctor of the Church, surnamed
Chrysostom because of his golden eloquence. He was cast into exile
by a faction of his enemies, but was recalled by a decree of Pope
Innocent I. However, he suffered many evils on the journey at the
hands of the soldiers who guarded him, and he rendered up his soul
unto God. His feast is kept on the 27th of January, on which day his
holy body was translated to Constantinople by Theodosius the
Younger. Pope Pius X declared and appointed this glorious preacher
of the divine Word as heavenly patron of those preaching of holy
things.

At Treves, the holy bishop Maternus, a disciple of the blessed
apostle Peter, who brought to the faith of Christ the inhabitants of
Tongres, Cologne, Treves, and of the neighbouring country.

On the Salarian Way at Rome, during the persecution of Diocletian,
St. Crescentius, the young son of St. Euthymius, whose life was ended
by the sword, under the judge Turpilius.

In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Crescentian, Victor,
Rosula, and Generalis.

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 September 14:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

The Abbot ought always to remember what he is and what he is called, and to know that to whom much hath been entrusted, from him much will be required; and let him understand what a difficult and arduous task he assumeth in governing souls and accommodating himself to a variety of characters. Let him so adjust and adapt himself to everyone -- to one gentleness of speech, to another by reproofs, and to still another by entreaties, to each one according to his bent and understanding -- that he not only suffer no loss in his flock, but may rejoice in the increase of a worthy fold.


Martyrology-September 15th
Roman Martyrology-September 15th- on this date in various years-

The Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The feast of the Seven Sorrows of the same most Blessed Virgin Mary.

At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Nicomedes, priest and martyr. Because he said to those who would compel him to sacrifice: "I offer sacrifice only to the omnipotent God who reigneth in heaven," he was for a long time scourged with leaded whips, and thus passed to the Lord.

At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Emilas, deacon, and Jeremias, who ended their martyrdom in the persecution of the Arabs by being beheaded after a long stay in prision.

In the diocese of Chalons, St. Valerian, martyr, who was suspended on high by the governor Priscus, and tortured with iron hooks. Remaining immovable in the confession of Christ, and continuing joyfully to praise him, he was struck with the sword by order of the same magistrate.

At Adrianople in Thrace, the holy martyrs Maximus, Theodore, and Asclepiodotus, who were crowned under Emperor Maximian.

Also, St. Porphyry, a comedian, who was baptized in jest in the presence of Julian the Apostate, but was suddenly converted by the power of God and declared himself a Christian. By order of the emperor he was thereupon struck with an axe, and thus crowned with martyrdom.

On the same day, St. Nicetas, a Goth, who was burned alive for the Catholic faith by order of King Athanaric.

At Marcianapolis in Thrace, St. Melitina, a martyr, in the time of Emperor Antoninus and the governor Antiochus. She was twice led to the temples of the heathens, and since the idols fell to the ground each time, she was hanged and torn, and finally beheaded.

At Toul in France, St. Aper, bishop.

Also, St. Leobinus, bishop of Chartres.

At Lyons in France, St. Albinus, bishop.

On the same day, the death of St. Aichard, abbot.

In France, St. Eutropia, widow.

In Genoa, St. Catherine, a widow, renowned for her contempt of the world and her love of 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 September 15:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

Above all things, that the Abbot may not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls entrusted to him, let him not have too great a concern about fleeting, earthly, perishable things; but let him always consider that he hath undertaken the government of souls, of which he must give an account. And that he may not perhaps complain of the want of earthly means, let him remember what is written: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt 6:33). And again: "There is no want to them that fear Him" (Ps 33[34]:10). And let him know that he who undertaketh the government of souls must prepare himself to give an account for them; and whatever the number of brethren he hath under his charge, let him be sure that on judgment day he will, without doubt, have to give an account to the Lord for all these souls, in addition to that of his own. And thus, whilst he is in constant fear of the Shepherd's future examination about the sheep entrusted to him, and is watchful of his account for others, he is made solicitous also on his own account; and whilst by his admonitions he had administered correction to others, he is freed from his own failings.

Martyrology-September 16th
Roman Martyrology-September 16th- on this date in various years-

The holy martyrs Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, who were mentioned on the 14th of September.

At Chalcedon, the birthday of St. Euphemia, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Diocletian and the proconsul Priscus. For her faith in our Lord she was subjected to tortures, imprisonment, blows, the torment of the wheel, fire, the crushing weight of stones, the teeth of the beasts, scourging with rods, the cutting of sharp saws, and burning pans, all of which she survived. But when she was again exposed to the beasts in the amphitheatre, praying to our Lord to receive her spirit, one of the animals inflicted a bite on her holy body although the rest of them licked her feet, and she yielded her unspotted soul unto God.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Lucy, a noble matron, and Geminian, who were subjected to grievous afflictions and were for a long time tortured by the command of Emperor Diocletian. Finally, being put to the sword, they obtained the glorious victory of martyrdom.

The birthday of St. Martin I, pope and martyr. He had called together a council at Rome and condemned the heretics Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus. By order of the heretical Emperor Constantius he was taken prisoner through a deceit, brought to Constantinople, and exiled to the Chersonese. There he ended his life, worn out with his labours for the Catholic faith and favoured with many virtues. His body was afterwards brought to Rome and buried in the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin. His feast, however, is observed on the 12th of November.

Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. She brought her husband and brother Tiburtius to the faith of Christ and afterwards encouraged them on to martyrdom. Almachius, prefect of the city, after their martyrdom, had her arrested and slain by the sword, after she had endured many trials and had passed through fire unhurt. This was in the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander. Her feast is celebrated on the 22nd of November.

At Heraclea in Thrace, under Emperor Domitian and the governor Sergius, St. Sebastiana, martyr. Being brought to the faith of Christ by the blessed apostle Paul, she was tormented in various ways and finally beheaded.

At Rome, at a place on the Flaminian Way ten miles from the city, the holy martyrs Abundius, a priest, and Abundantius, a deacon, whom Emperor Diocletian ordered to be struck with the sword, together with Marcian, an illustrious man, and his son John, whom they raised from the dead.

At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Rogellus and Servusdeus, who were beheaded after their hands and feet had been cut off.

At Whithorn in Scotland, St. Ninian, bishop and confessor.

In England, St. Edith, virgin, daughter of the English King Edgar. She was consecrated to God in a monastery from her earliest years, and it may be said rather that she never knew the world than that she forsook it.

At Monte Cassino, the blessed Pope Victor III, successor of Pope St. Gregory VII, who shed a fresh lustre on the Apostolic See, and by God's help gained a famous victory over the Saracens. Pope Leo XIII approved and confirmed the veneration given him from time immemorial.

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 September 16:

CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel

Whenever weighty matters are to be transacted in the monastery, let the Abbot call together the whole community, and make known the matter which is to be considered. Having heard the brethren's views, let him weigh the matter with himself and do what he thinketh best. It is for this reason, however, we said that all should be called for counsel, because the Lord often revealeth to the younger what is best. Let the brethren, however, give their advice with humble submission, and let them not presume stubbornly to defend what seemeth right to them, for it must depend rather on the Abbot's will, so that all obey him in what he considereth best. But as it becometh disciples to obey their master, so also it becometh the master to dispose all things with prudence and justice.


Martyrology-September 17th
Roman Martyrology-September 17th- on this date in various years-

The commemoration of the Impression of the Sacred Stigmata which St. Francis, founder of the Order of Friars Minor, received through a wonderful favour of God in his hands, feet, and side, at Mount Alverina in Etruria.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Robert Bellarmine of the Society of Jesus, confessor and cardinal, and also formerly bishop of Capua. He is noted for his holiness, learning, and the many great tasks he performed in defence of the Catholic faith and the Apostolic See. Pope Pius XI bestowed on him the honours of the saints, declared him to be a doctor of the universal Church, and appointed the 13th of May as his feast day.

At Rome, on the road to Tivoli, the birthday of St. Justin, priest and martyr, who distinguished himself by a glorious confession of the faith during the persecution of Valerian and Gallienus. He buried the bodies of the blessed Pontiff Sixtus II, of Lawrence, Hippolytus, and many other saints, and finally completed his martyrdom under Claudius.

Also at Rome, the holy martyrs Narcissus and Crescentio.

At Liege in Belgium, blessed Lambert, bishop of Mæstricht. Through his zeal for religion he rebuked the royal family, and was undeservedly put to death by the guilty, and thus he entered the court of the heavenly kingdom, to enjoy it forever.

At Saragossa in Spain, St. Peter of Arbues, first inquisitor of the faith in the kingdom of Aragon, who received the palm of martyrdom by being barbarously massacred by apostate Jews for courageously defending the Catholic faith, according to the duties of his office. He was added to the list of martyr saints by Pius IX.

In England, the holy martyrs Socrates and Stephen.

At Noyon in France, the holy martyrs Valerian, Macrinus, and Gordian.

At Autun, under Emperor Antoninus and the governor Valerian, St. Flocellus, a boy, who, after many sufferings, was torn to pieces by wild beasts, and thus won the crown of martyrs.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Columba, virgin and martyr.

In Phrygia, St. Ariadne, martyr, under Emperor Hadrian.

On the same day, St. Agathoclia, servant of an infidel woman, who was for a long time subjected by her to blows and other afflictions that she might deny Christ. She was finally presented to the judge and cruelly lacerated, but since she persisted in confessing the faith, they cut off her tongue and threw her into the flames.

At Milan, the death of St. Satyrus, confessor, whose distinguished merits are mentioned by his brother, St. Ambrose.

At Bingen, in the diocese of Mainz, St. Hildegard, virgin.

At Rome, St. Theodora, a matron who zealously ministered to the martyrs in the persecution of Diocletian.

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 September 17:

CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel (cont.)

Therefore, let all follow the Rule as their guide in everything, and let no one rashly depart from it.

Let no one in the monastery follow the bent of his own heart, and let no one dare to dispute insolently with his Abbot, either inside or outside the monastery. If any one dare to do so, let him be placed under the correction of the Rule. Let the Abbot himself, however, do everything in the fear of the Lord and out of reverence for the Rule, knowing that, beyond a doubt, he will have to give an account to God, the most just Judge, for all his rulings. If, however, matters of less importance, having to do with the welfare of the monastery, are to be treated of, let him use the counsel of the Seniors only, as it is written: "Do all things with counsel, and thou shalt not repent when thou hast done" (Sir 32:24).

Martyrology-September 18th
Roman Martyrology-September 18th- on this date in various years-

At Osimo in Piceno, St. Joseph of Cupertino, priest and confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, who was placed among the saints by Clement XIII.

In Chalcis of Greece, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop of Olympius in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre in Phoenicia, most renowned for eloquence and learning. St. Jerome says that he won the martyr's crown at the end of the last persecution.

In the diocese of Vienne, the holy martyr Ferreol, a tribune, who was arrested by order of the impious governor Crispinus, most cruelly scourged, loaded with heavy chains, and cast into a dark dungeon. A miracle broke his bonds and opened the doors of the prison, from which he made his escape, but he was taken again by his pursuers and received the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

Also, the Saints Sophia and Irene, martyrs.

At Milan, St. Eustorgius, first bishop of that city, highly praised by blessed Ambrose.

At Gortyna in Crete, St. Eumenius, bishop and confessor.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 18:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works

(1) In the first place to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength...
(2) Then, one's neighbor as one's self (cf Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27).
(3) Then, not to kill...
(4) Not to commit adultery...
(5) Not to steal...
(6) Not to covet (cf Rom 13:9).
(7) Not to bear false witness (cf Mt 19:18; Mk 10:19; Lk 18:20).
 8 To honor all men (cf 1 Pt 2:17).
(9) And what one would not have done to himself, not to do to another (cf Tob 4:16; Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31).
(10) To deny one's self in order to follow Christ (cf Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23).
(11) To chastise the body (cf 1 Cor 9:27).
(12) Not to seek after pleasures.
(13) To love fasting.
(14) To relieve the poor.
(15) To clothe the naked...
(16) To visit the sick (cf Mt 25:36).
(17) To bury the dead.
(18) To help in trouble.
(19) To console the sorrowing.
(20) To hold one's self aloof from worldly ways.
(21) To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

Martyrology-September 19th
Roman Martyrology-September 19th- on this date in various years-

At Pozzuoli in Campania, the holy martyrs Januarius, bishop of Benevento; Festus, his deacon, and Desiderius, a lector, together with Sosius, a deacon of the Church of Miseno; Proculus, deacon of Pozzuoli; Eutychius, and Acutius, who were bound and imprisoned and then beheaded during the reign of Diocletian. The body of St. Januarius was brought to Naples and buried in the church with due honours, where even now the blood of the blessed martyr is kept in a vial, and when placed close to his head is seen to become liquid and bubble up as if it were just taken from his veins.

In Palestine, the holy martyrs Peleus, Nilus, and Elias, bishops in Egypt, with many others of the clergy, who were consumed by fire for the sake of Christ during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Nocera, the birthday of the holy martyrs Felix and Constantia, who suffered under Nero.

Also, the holy martyrs Trophimus, Sabbatius, and Dorymedon, senator, under Emperor Probus. By command of the governor Atticus at Antioch, Sabbatius was scourged until he expired. Trophimus was sent to the governor Perennius at Synnada, where he and the senator Dorymedon completed their martyrdom by being beheaded after enduring many torments.

At Eleutheropolis in Palestine, St. Susanna, virgin and martyr. She was the daughter of Arthemius, a pagan priest, and of Martha, a Jewish woman, and after the death of her parents she was converted to the Christian faith. For this she was tortured in various ways, and cast in prison by the prefect Alexander, and there gave up her spirit while at prayer.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Pomposa, virgin and martyr. Because of her fearless witness to Christ she was beheaded in the Arab persecution, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Canterbury, the holy bishop Theodore, who was sent to England by Pope Vitalian, and who was renowned for learning and holiness.

At Tours in France, St. Eustochius, bishop, a man of great virtue.

In the diocese of Langres, St. Sequanus, priest and confessor.

At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Mary de Cervellione, virgin, of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom. She is commonly called Mary of Help on account of the prompt assistance she renders to those who invoke her.

In the village of Druelle, in the diocese of Rodez in France, St. Marie Guillemette Emilie de Rodat, virgin, and foundress of the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family, which was established to teach poor and orphaned girls. Pius XII added her name to the number 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 September 19:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

(22) Not to give way to anger.
(23) Not to foster a desire for revenge.
(24) Not to entertain deceit in the heart.
(25) Not to make a false peace.
(26) Not to forsake charity.
(27) Not to swear, lest perchance one swear falsely.
(28) To speak the truth with heart and tongue.
(29) Not to return evil for evil (cf 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pt 3:9).
(30) To do no injury, yea, even patiently to bear the injury done us.
(31) To love one's enemies (cf Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27).
(32) Not to curse them that curse us, but rather to bless them.
(33) To bear persecution for justice sake (cf Mt 5:10).
(34) Not to be proud...
(35) Not to be given to wine (cf Ti 1:7; 1 Tm 3:3).
(36) Not to be a great eater.
(37) Not to be drowsy.
(38) Not to be slothful (cf Rom 12:11).
(39) Not to be a murmurer.
(40) Not to be a detractor.
(41) To put one's trust in God.
(42) To refer what good one sees in himself, not to self, but to God.
(43) But as to any evil in himself, let him be convinced that it is his own and charge it to himself.

Martyrology-September 20th
Roman Martyrology-September 20th- on this date in various years-

The vigil of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Eustace, and Theopistes, his wife, with their two sons, Agapitus and Theopistus. Under Emperor Hadrian they were condemned to be cast to the beasts, but by the power of God they were uninjured by them, so they were shut up in a heated brazen ox, and thus completed their martyrdom.

At Cyzicum, on the sea of Marmora, the birthday of the holy martyrs Evilasius and the virgin Fausta, in the time of Emperor Maximian. Fausta's head was shaved to shame her, and she was hung up and tortured by Evilasius, then a pagan priest. But when he wished to have her body cut in two, the executioners could not inflict any injury upon her. Amazed at this prodigy, Evilasius believed in Christ and was cruelly tortured by order of the emperor; at the same time Fausta had her head bored through and her whole body pierced with nails. She was then laid on a heated gridiron, and being called by a celestial voice, went in company with Evilasius to enjoy the blessedness of heaven.

In Phrygia, the holy martyrs Denis and Privatus.

Also St. Priscus, martyr, whose body was pierced throughout with daggers, after which he was beheaded.

At Pergen in Pamphylia, the Saints Theodore, his mother Philippa, and their fellow martyrs, in the time of Emperor Antoninus.

At Carthage, under Emperor Maximian, St. Candida, virgin and martyr. After her body was lacerated by whips she was crowned with martyrdom.

At Milan, St. Clicerius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, the translation of the body of St. Agapitus I, pope and confessor, from the city of Constantinople, in which he died on the 22nd 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 September 20:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

(44) To fear the day of judgment.
(45) To be in dread of hell.
(46) To desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.
(47) To keep death before one's eyes daily.
(48) To keep a constant watch over the actions of our life.
(49) To hold as certain that God sees us everywhere.
(50) To dash at once against Christ the evil thoughts which rise in one's heart.
(51) And to disclose them to our spiritual father.
(52) To guard one's tongue against bad and wicked speech.
(53) Not to love much speaking.
(54) Not to speak useless words and such as provoke laughter.
(55) Not to love much or boisterous laughter.
(56) To listen willingly to holy reading.
(57) To apply one's self often to prayer.
(58) To confess one's past sins to God daily in prayer with sighs and tears, and to amend them for the future.
(59) Not to fulfil the desires of the flesh (cf Gal 5:16).
(60) To hate one's own will.
(61) To obey the commands of the Abbot in all things, even though he himself (which Heaven forbid) act otherwise, mindful of that precept of the Lord: "What they say, do ye; what they do, do ye not" (Mt 23:3).

Martyrology-September 21st
Roman Martyrology-September 21st- on this date in various years-

The birthday of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist, who suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia while engaged in preaching. The Gospel written by him in Hebrew was found by his own revelation during the time of Emperor Zeno, together with the relics of the blessed apostle Barnabas.

In the land of the Saar, the holy prophet Jonas, who was buried in Geth.

In Ethiopia, St. Iphigenia, virgin, who was baptized and consecrated to God by the blessed apostle Matthew, and who ended her holy life in peace.

At Rome, St Pamphilius, martyr.

On the Claudian Way, twenty miles from Rome, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, the martyrdom of St. Alexander, bishop. For the faith of Christ he was loaded with fetters, scourged, tortured, burned with torches, torn with iron hooks, exposed to the beasts, and cast into the flames, but having overcome all these torments, he was finally beheaded, and thus attained the glory of eternal life. His body was afterwards carried into the city by blessed Pope Damasus on the 26th of November.

In Cyprus, St. Isacius, bishop and martyr.

In Phoenicia, St. Eusebius, martyr, who of his own accord went to the prefect and declared himself a Christian. He was subjected by him to many torments, and finally beheaded.

In Cyprus, St. Meletius, bishop and confessor.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 21:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

(63) To fulfil daily the commandments of God by works.
(64) To love chastity.
(65) To hate no one.
(66) Not to be jealous; not to entertain envy.
(67) Not to love strife.
(68) Not to love pride.
(69) To honor the aged.
(70) To love the younger.
(71) To pray for one's enemies in the love of Christ.
(72) To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.
(73) And never to despair of God's mercy.

Behold, these are the instruments of the spiritual art, which, if they have been applied without ceasing day and night and approved on judgment day, will merit for us from the Lord that reward which He hath promised: "The eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). But the workshop in which we perform all these works with diligence is the enclosure of the monastery, and stability in the community

Martyrology-September 22nd
Roman Martyrology-September 22nd- on this date in various years-

St. Thomas of Villanova, of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, archbishop of Valencia and confessor, whose birthday is the 8th of September.

At St. Maurice, near Sion in Switzerland, the birthday of the holy Theban martyrs Maurice, Exuperius, Candidus, Victor, Innocent, and Vitalis, with their companions of the same legion, whose martyrdom for the faith during the time of Maximian filled the world with the glory of their sufferings.

At Rome, the martyrdom of the holy virgins and martyrs Digna and Emerita, under Valerian and Gallienus. Their relics are kept in the church of St. Marcellus.

At Ratisbon in Bavaria, St. Emmeramus, bishop and martyr, who patiently endured a most cruel death for the sake of our Lord, in order to set others free.

At Arpajon, near Paris, St. Jonas, priest and martyr, who went to France along with St. Denis. After he was scourged by the order of the prefect Julian, his martyrdom was ended by the sword.

At Antinopolis in Egypt, the holy martyrs Irais, an Alexandrian virgin, and her companions. Having gone out to draw water at a near-by fountain, and seeing a boat loaded with Christian confessors, she immediately left her vessel and joined them. She was conducted to the city with them, and after many torments she was the first to have her head struck off. After her, priests, deacons, virgins, and all others underwent the same kind of death.

At Rome, Pope St. Felix IV, who laboured exceedingly for the Catholic faith.

At Meaux, blessed Sanctinus, bishop, a disciple of St. Denis the Areopagite, by whom he was consecrated bishop of that city, and was the first to preach the Gospel there.

In the territory of Coutances, St. Lanto, bishop.

At Mount Glonna in France, the holy priest Florentius.

In the territory of Bourges, St. Sylvanus, confessor.

At Laon in France, St. Salaberga, abbess.

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 September 22:

CHAPTER V
Of Obedience

The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who, on account of the holy subjection which they have promised, or of the fear of hell, or the glory of life everlasting, hold nothing dearer than Christ. As soon as anything hath been commanded by the Superior they permit no delay in the execution, as if the matter had been commanded by God Himself. Of these the Lord saith: "At the hearing of the ear he hath obeyed Me" (Ps 17[18]:45). And again He saith to the teachers: "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Lk 10:16).

Such as these, therefore, instantly quitting their own work and giving up their own will, with hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were doing, follow up, with the ready step of obedience, the work of command with deeds; and thus, as if in the same moment, both matters -- the master's command and the disciple's finished work -- are, in the swiftness of the fear of God, speedily finished together, whereunto the desire of advancing to eternal life urgeth them. They, therefore, seize upon the narrow way whereof the Lord saith: "Narrow is the way which leadeth to life" (Mt 7:14), so that, not living according to their own desires and pleasures but walking according to the judgment and will of another, they live in monasteries, and desire an Abbot to be over them. Such as these truly live up to the maxim of the Lord in which He saith: "I came not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jn 6:38).

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

At Rome, St. Linus, pope and martyr, who governed the Roman Church next after the blessed apostle Peter. He was crowned with martyrdom and was buried on the Vatican Hill beside the same apostle.

At Iconium in Lycaonia, St. Thecla, virgin and martyr, who was brought to the faith by the apostle St. Paul. Under Emperor Nero, she was victorious over the flames and the beasts to which she was exposed for the faith of Christ. After many combats endured for the instruction of others, she went to Seleucia, where she ended her days in peace. Her memory has been eulogized by the holy Fathers.

In Spain, the holy women Xantippa and Polyxena, who were disciples of the apostles.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Andrew, John, Peter and Anthony.

At Ancona, St. Constantius, sacristan of the church, renowned for the gift of miracles.

In Campania, the commemoration of the blessed Sosius, deacon of the church of Miseno. The holy bishop Januarius, upon seeing a flame arise from his head as he was reading the Gospel in the church, foretold that he would be a martyr. Not many days after, when he was thirty years of age, he and the holy bishop suffered martyrdom by beheading.

At Scicy in the district of Coutances in France, the commemoration of St. Paternus, bishop of Avranches and confessor, whose birthday is recalled on the 16th of April.

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