Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 10:

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

Let the Abbot always bear in mind that he must give an account in the dread judgment of God of both his own teaching and of the obedience of his disciples. And let the Abbot know that whatever lack of profit the master of the house shall find in the sheep, will be laid to the blame of the shepherd. On the other hand he will be blameless, if he gave all a shepherd's care to his restless and unruly flock, and took all pains to correct their corrupt manners; so that their shepherd, acquitted at the Lord's judgment seat, may say to the Lord with the Prophet: "I have not hid Thy justice within my heart. I have declared Thy truth and Thy salvation" (Ps 39[40]:11). "But they contemning have despised me" (Is 1:2; Ezek 20:27). Then at length eternal death will be the crushing doom of the rebellious sheep under his charge.

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

At Rome, St. Hyginus, pope, who suffered a glorious martyrdom in the persecution of Antoninus.

Also at Rome, the birthday of St. Melchiades, who, having suffered much in the persecution of Maximian, went to his rest in the Lord after peace returned to the Church. His feast day is on the 10th of December.

At Fermo in Piceno, St. Alexander, bishop and martyr.

At Amiens in France, St. Salvius, bishop and martyr.

In Africa, blessed Salvius, martyr, on whose birthday St. Augustine preached to the people of Carthage.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Peter, Severus and Leucius.

At Brindisi, St. Leucius, bishop and confessor.

In Judea, St. Theodosius, abbot, born in Cappadocia in the village of Magarisso, who, after having endured great sufferings for the Catholic faith, took his rest in peace at the monastery which he had erected on a lonely hill in the diocese of Jerusalem.

In Thebais, St. Palaemon, abbot, who was the teacher of St. Pachomius.

At Suppentonia, near Mount Soracte, St. Athanasius, monk, and his companions, who were called by a voice from heaven to enter the kingdom of God.

At Pavia, St. Honorata, virgin.

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 January 11:

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

When, therefore, anyone taketh the name of Abbot he should govern his
disciples by a twofold teaching; namely, he should show them all that is good and
holy by his deeds more than by his words; explain the commandments of God to
intelligent disciples by words, but show the divine precepts to the dull and
simple by his works. And let him show by his actions, that whatever he teacheth
his disciples as being contrary to the law of God must not be done, "lest
perhaps when he hath preached to others, he himself should become a castaway"
(1 Cor 9:27), and he himself committing sin, God one day say to him: "Why dost
thou declare My justices, and take My covenant in thy mouth? But thou hast
hated discipline, and hast cast My words behind thee" (Ps 49[50]:16-17). And:
"Thou who sawest the mote in thy brother's eye, hast not seen the beam in
thine own" (Mt 7:3).

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

At Rome, in the time of Emperor Alexander, St. Tatiana, marytr, who had her
flesh torn with iron hooks and combs, was thrown to the beasts and cast into
the fire, but, having received no injury, was beheaded, and thus went to
heaven.

At Constantinople, the Saints Tygrius, priest, and Eutropius, léctor, who,
in the time of Emperor Arcadius, were falsely accused of the fire which
destroyed the principal church and the senate building in order to avenge the
éxile of St. John Chrysostom. They suffered under Optatus, prefect of the city,
who was given to the worship of false gods and a hatred for the Christian
religion.

In Achaia, St. Satyrus, martyr. As he passed before an idol and breathed
upon it, making the sign of the cross upon his forehead, the idol immediately
fell to the ground; for this reason he was beheaded.

On the same day, St. Arcadius, martyr, illustrious for his noble extraction
and miracles.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Zoticus, Rogatus, Modestus, Castulus, and forty
soldiers gloriously crowned.

At Tivoli, St. Zoticus, martyr.

At Ephesus, under Constantine Copronymus, the passion of forty-two holy
monks, who endured martyrdom after being most cruelly tortured for the defence
of sacred images.

At Ravenna, St. John, bishop and confessor.

At Verona, St. Probus, bishop.

In England, St. Benedict, abbot 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 January 12:

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

Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let him not love one more than another, unless it be one whom he findeth more exemplary in good works and obedience. Let not a free-born be preferred to a freedman, unless there be some other reasonable cause. But if from a just reason the Abbot deemeth it proper to make such a distinction, he may do so in regard to the rank of anyone whomsoever; otherwise let everyone keep his own place; for whether bond or free, we are all one in Christ (cf Gal 3:28; Eph 6:8, and we all bear an equal burden of servitude under one Lord, "for there is no respect of persons with God" (Rom 2:11). We are distinguished with Him in this respect alone, if we are found to excel others in good works and in humility. Therefore, let him have equal charity for all, and impose a uniform discipline for all according to merit.

Martyrology-January 13th
Roman Martyrology-January 13th-on this date in various years-

The Octave of the Epiphany of our Lord.

At Poitiers in France, the birthday of St. Hilary, bishop and confessor of the Catholic faith which he courageously defended, and for which he was banished for four years to Phrygia, where, among other miracles, he raised a man from the dead. Pius IX declared him a doctor of the Church. His festival is celebrated tomorrow.

At Rheims in France, St. Remigius, bishop and and confessor, who converted the Franks to Christ, and brought Clovis, their king, to the holy font of baptism and instructed him in the mysteries of faith. After he had been bishop for many years, and had distinguished himself by his sanctity and the power of working miracles, he departed this life. His feast is kept on the 1st of October, on which day his holy body was transferred.

At Rome, on the Via Lavicana, the crowning of forty holy soldiers, a reward they merited by confessing the true faith under Emperor Gallienus.

At Cordova, the holy martyrs Gumesind, priest, and Servideus, monk.

In Sardinia, St. Potitus, martyr, who, having suffered much under Emperor Antoninus and the governor Gelasius, was at last put to death by the sword.

At Belgrade in Serbia, the holy martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus, who were severely tormented under Emperor Licinius, and then drowned in the river Danube.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Leontius, bishop, who fought strongly against the heathens in the reign of Licinius, and against the Arians in the reign of Constantine.

At Treves , St. Agritius, bishop.

In the monastery of Verzy in France, St. Viventius, confessor.

At Amasea in Pontus, St. Glaphyra, virgin.

At Milan, in the monastery of St. Martha, blessed Veronica of Binasco, virgin, of the Order of St. Augustine.

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

St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, confessor and doctor of the Church, who entered heaven on the thirteenth day of this month.

At Nola in Campania, the birthday of St. Felix, priest, who (as is related by bishop St. Paulinus), after being subjected to torments by the persecutors, was cast into prison, bound hand and foot, and extended on shells and broken earthenware. In the night, however, his bonds were loosened and he was delivered by an angel. The persecution over, he brought many to the faith of Christ by his exemplary life and teaching, and, renowned for miracles, rested in peace.

In Judea, St. Malachy, prophet.

On Mount Sinai, thirty-eight holy monks killed by the Saracens for the faith of Christ.

In Egypt, in the district of Raithy, forty-three holy monks, who were put to death by the Blemmians for the Christian religion.

At Milan, St. Datius, bishop and confessor, mentioned by pope St. Gregory.

In Africa, St. Euphrasius, bishop.

At Neocaesarea in Pontus, St. Macrina, disciple of St. Gregory the Wonder-Worker, and grandmother of St. Basil, whom she educated in the Christian 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 January 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-January 15th
Roman Martyrology-January 15th-on this date in various years-

St. Paul, the first hermit, who was carried to the home of the blessed on the tenth of this month.

In the diocese of Angers, blessed Maurus, abbot and disciple of St. Benedict. Beginning his discipline in infancy, he made great progress with so able a master, for while he was still under the saint's instruction he miraculously walked upon the water, a prodigy unheard of since the days of St. Peter. Sent later to France by St. Benedict, he built a famous monastery, which he governed for forty years, and after performing striking miracles, he rested in peace.

In Judea, the holy prophets Habacuc and Michaeas, whose bodies were found by divine revelation in the days of Theodosius the Elder.

At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Ephisius, martyr, who, in the persecution of Diocletian and under the judge Flavian, having, by the assistance of God, overcome many torments, was beheaded and ascended to heaven.

At Anagni, St. Secundina, virgin and martyr, who suffered under Emperor Decius.

At Nola in Campania, St. Maximus, bishop.

In Auvergne in France, St. Bonitus, bishop and confessor.

In Egypt, St. Macarius, abbot, disciple of St. Anthony, very celebrated for his life and miracles.

At Alexandria, blessed Isidore, renowned for holiness of life, faith, and miracles.

At Constantinople, St. John Calybita. For some time living unknown to his parents in a corner of their house, and later in a hut on an island in the Tiber, he was recognized by them only at his death. Being renowned for miracles, his body was afterwards taken to Rome and buried on the Island in the Tiber, where a church was subsequently erected in his honour.

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

At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Marcellus I, a martyr for the confession of the Catholic faith. By command of the tyrant Maxentius he was beaten with clubs, then sent to take care of animals, with a guard to watch him. In this servile office, dressed in haircloth, he departed this life.

In Morocco in Africa, the martyrdom of the five Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, Berard, Peter, and Otto who were priests, and Accursius and Adjutus who were lay brothers. For preaching the Catholic faith, and because of their hatred of the Mohammedan Law, after various torments and mockeries by the Saracen king, they were beheaded.

At Rhinocolura in Egypt, the holy bishop St. Melas, who rested in peace after suffering exile and other painful trials for the Catholic faith during the reign of Emperor Valens.

At Arles in France, St. Honoratus, bishop and confessor, whose life was renowned for learning and for miracles.

At Oderzo near Venice, St. Titian, bishop and confessor.

At Fondi in Lazio, St. Honoratus, abbot, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.

At Froheins, in the diocese of Amiens in France, St. Fursey, confessor, whose body was afterwards transferred to the monastery of Peronne.

At Rome, St. Priscilla, who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the martyrs.

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

In Thebais, St. Anthony, abbot and spiritual guide of many monks, who was most celebrated for his life and miracles of which St. Athanasius has written a detailed account. His holy body was found by a divine revelation during the reign of Emperor Justinian and brought to Alexandria, where it was buried in the church of St. John Baptist.

At Langres in France, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, the Saints Speusippus, Eleusippus, and Meleusippus, born at one birth, were crowned with martyrdom together with their grandmother Leonilla.

At Bourges in Aquitaine, the death of St. Sulpice, surnamed Pius, whose life and precious death were approved by glorious miracles.

At Rome, in the monastery of St. Andrew, the blessed monks Anthony, Merulus, and John, of whom Pope St. Gregory speaks in his writings.

At Edessa in Mesopotamia, in the time of Emperor Valens, St. Julian Sabas the Elder, who miraculously restored the Catholic faith at Antioch, although it was almost destroyed in that city.

At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Diodorus, priest, and Marian, deacon, and their companions. They suffered martyrdom on the 1st of December during the pontificate of Pope St. Stephen.

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

The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, who established the Holy See at Rome.

In the same place, under Emperor Claudius, the passion of St. Prisca, virgin and martyr, who, after undergoing many torments, was crowned with martyrdom.

In Pontus, the birthday of the holy martyrs Mosseus and Ammonius, soldiers, who were first condemned to work in the metal mines, then cast into the fire.

In the same country, St. Athenogenes, an aged divine, who, on the point of being martyred by fire, joyfully sang a hymn, which he left in writing to his disciples.

At Tours in France, St. Volusian, bishop, who was made captive by the Goths, and in exile gave up his soul unto God.

In the monastery of Lure in Burgundy, St. Deicola, abbot, a native of Ireland and a disciple of St. Columban.

At Tours in France, St. Leobard, anchoret, a man of wonderful abstinence and humility.

At Como, St. Liberata, virgin.

At Buda in Hungary, St. Margaret, virgin, from the royal family of Arpad, and a nun of the Order of St. Dominic, endued with the virtues of chastity and a burning penitence. The Supreme Pontiff, Pius XII, added her to the list 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 January 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-January 19th
Roman Martyrology-January 19th-on this date in various years-

At Rome, on the Cornelian Road, the holy martyrs Marius and his wife Martha, with their sons Audifax and Abachum, noble Persians, who came to Rome through devotion in the time of Emperor Claudius. After they had been beaten with rods, tormented on the rack and with fire, lacerated with iron hooks, and had endured the cutting off of their hands, Martha was put to death in the place called Nympha; the others were beheaded and cast into the fire.

Also St. Canute, king and martyr.

At Smyrna, under Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, the birthday of blessed Germanicus, martyr, who, in the bloom of youth, being strengthened by the grace of God, and banishing all fear, provoked the beast which, by order of the judge, was to devour him. Being ground by its teeth, he deserved to be incorporated into the true Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, for whom he died.

In Africa., the holy martyrs Paul, Gerontius, Januarius, Saturninus, Successus, Julius, Catus, Pia, and Germana.

At Spoleto, in the days of Emperor Antoninus, the passion of St. Pontian, martyr, who was barbarously scourged for Christ by the command of the judge Fabian, and then compelled to walk barefoot on burning coals. As he was uninjured by the fire, he was put on the rack, was torn with iron hooks, then thrown into a dungeon, where he was comforted by the visit of an angel. He was afterwards exposed to the lions, had melted lead poured over him, and finally died by the sword.

At Lodi in Lombardy, St. Bassian, bishop and confessor, who, in conjunction with St. Ambrose, courageously combatted the heretics.

At Worcester, England, St. Wulstan, bishop and confessor, conspicuous for merits and miracles. He was ranked among the saints by Innocent III.

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

At Rome, the birthday of St. Fabian, pope, who suffered martyrdom in the time of Decius, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

Also at Rome, in the catacombs, the martyr St. Sebastian. He was commander of the first cohort under Emperor Diocletian, and for professing Christianity he was bound to a tree in the center of a vast field, shot with arrows by the soldiers, and beaten with clubs until he expired.

At Nicea in Bithynia, St. Neophytus, martyr, who in the fifteenth year of his age, was scourged, cast into a furnace, and exposed to wild beasts. As he remained uninjured, and constantly confessed the faith of Christ, he was at last killed with the sword.

At Cesena, St. Maur, bishop, renowned for virtues and miracles.

In Palestine, in the time of Emperor Marcian, the birthday of St. Euthymius, abbot, who flourished in the Church, full of zeal for Catholic discipline, and gifted with miracles.

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