Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for January 30:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The second degree of humility is, when a man loveth not his own will, nor is pleased to fulfill his own desires but by his deeds carrieth our that word of the Lord which saith: "I came not to do My own will but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jn 6:38). It is likewise said: "Self-will hath its punishment, but necessity winneth the crown."

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

At Turin,the birthday of St. John Bosco, confessor, founder of the Salesian Congregation and of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. Conspicuous for his zeal for souls and for the propagation of the faith, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI.

At Rome, on the road to Ostia, the holy martyrs Cyrus and John, who were beheaded after suffering many torments for the name of Christ.

At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Decius, the birthday of St. Metran, martyr, who, because he refused to utter blasphemous words at the bidding of the pagans, had his body all bruised with blows, and his face and eyes pierced with sharp pointed reeds. He was then driven out of the city and stoned to death.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Saturninus, Thyrsus, and Victor.

Also at Alexandria, the holy martyrs Tharsicius, Zoticus, Cyriacus, and their companions.

At Cyzicum in the Hellespont, St. Triphenes, martyr, who overcame various torments, but was finally killed by a bull, and thus merited the palm of martyrdom.

At Modena, St. Geminian, bishop, made illustrious by his miracles.

In the province of Milan, St. Julius, priest and confessor, in the reign of the emperor Theodosius.

At Naples, St. Francis Xavier-Maria Bianchi, confessor, cleric regular of St. Paul, renowned for miracles, heavenly gifts and an admirable patience, whom Pope Pius XII raised to the supreme honour of sainthood.

At Rome, St. Marcella, widow, whose meritorious deeds are related by St. Jerome.

Also at Rome, blessed Louise Albertonia, a Roman widow, member of the Third Order of St. Francis, distinguished for her virtues.

The same day, the transfer of the revered body of the Evangelist St. Mark from the city of Alexandria in Egypt, then occupied by barbarians, to Venice, and with the greatest honours placed in the large church dedicated to his name.

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 31:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The third degree of humility is, that for the love of God a man subject himself to a Superior in all obedience, imitating the Lord, of whom the Apostle saith: "He became obedient unto death" (Phil 2:8.

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

St. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch and martyr, who gloriously suffered martyrdom on the 20th of December.

At Smyrna, St. Pionius, priest and martyr, who, after writing apologies for the Catholic faith, and after suffering imprisonment in a loathsome dungeon, where by his exhortations he encouraged many of his brethren even to martyrdom, and after enduring excruciating pains from being pierced with nails and laid on a hot fire, ended happily his life for Christ. With him suffered fifteen others.

At Ravenna, the holy bishop Severus, whose great virtues deserved that he should be raised to the episcopate, which action was confirmed with the sign of a dove.

At Trois-Chateaux in France, St. Paul, bishop, whose life was eminent for virtues, and whose death was made precious by miracles.

At Kildare in Ireland, St. Bridget, virgin. Once, when she touched the wood of an altar, it immediately sprouted into life, in testimony of her virginity.

At Castel-Fiorentino in Tuscany, the blessed virgin Veridiana, a recluse of the Order Vallombrosa.

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 February 1:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The fourth degree of humility is, that, if hard and distasteful things are
commanded, nay, even though injuries are inflicted, he accept them with
patience and even temper, and not grow weary or give up, but hold out, as
the Scripture saith: "He that shall persevere unto the end shall be saved"
(Mt 10:22). And again: "Let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the
Lord" (Ps 26[27]:14). And showing that a faithful man ought even to bear
every disagreeable thing for the Lord, it saith in the person of the
suffering: "For Thy sake we suffer death all the day long; we are counted as
sheep for the slaughter" (Rom 8:36; Ps 43[44]:22). And secure in the hope of
the divine reward, they go on joyfully, saying: "But in all these things we
overcome because of Him that hath loved us" (Rom 8:37). And likewise in
another place the Scripture saith: "Thou, O God, hast proved us; Thou hast
tried us by fire as silver is tried; Thou hast brought us into a net, Thou
hast laid afflictions on our back" (Ps 65[66]:10-11). And to show us that we
ought to be under a Superior, it continueth, saying: "Thou hast set men over
our heads" (Ps 65[66]:12). And fulfilling the command of the Lord by
patience also in adversities and injuries, when struck on the one cheek they
turn also the other; the despoiler of their coat they give their cloak also;
and when forced to go one mile they go two (cf Mt 5:39-41); with the Apostle
Paul they bear with false brethren and "bless those who curse them" (2 Cor
11:26; 1 Cor 4:12).

Martyrology-February 2nd
Roman Martyrology-February 2nd-on this date in various years-

The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, called by the Greeks the
Hypapante (meeting) of the Lord.

At Caesarea in Palestine, St. Cornelius, a centurion, whom the blessed
apostle Peter baptized, and raised to the episcopal dignity in that city.

At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the passion of St. Apronian,, a notary. While
he was yet a heathen, and was leading St. Sisinius out of prison to present
him before the governor Laodicius, he head a voice from heaven saying: Come,
ye blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom which I have prepared for you
from the beginning of the world." At once he believed, was baptized, and
after confessing our Lord, received sentence of death.

Also at Rome, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Felician, Firmus and Candidus.

At Orleans in France , the holy bishop Flosculus.

At Canterbury in England, the birthday of St. Lawrence, bishop, who
succeeded St. Augustine in the government of that church, and converted the
king himself to the faith.

At Prati in Tuscany, St. Catherine de Ricci, a virgin of Florence, member of
the Order of Preachers, famous for a plenitude of heavenly gifts. Pope
Benedict XIV placed her name on the roll of holy virgins.

At Bordeaux in France, St. Joan de Lestonnac, widow, foundress of the
Daughters of the blessed Virgin Mary, renowned for the practice of charity
and the care of her girl pupils, and whom Pope Pius XII raised to the number
of the saints.

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 February 2:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The fifth degree of humility is, when one hideth from his Abbot none of the evil thoughts which rise in his heart or the evils committed by him in secret, but humbly confesseth them. Concerning this the Scripture exhorts us, saying: "Reveal thy way to the Lord and trust in Him" (Ps 36[37]:5). And it saith further: "Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" (Ps 105[106]:1; Ps 117[118]:1). And the Prophet likewise saith: "I have acknowledged my sin to Thee and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord; and Thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sins" (Ps 31[32]:5).

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

At Sebaste in Armenia, in the time of the governor Agricolaus, the passion of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, who, after working many miracles, was scourged for a long time, suspended from a tree where his flesh was lacerated with iron combs. He was then imprisoned in a dark dungeon, thrown into a lake from which he came out safe, and finally, by order of the judge, he and two boys were beheaded. Before him, seven women who were gathering the drops of his blood during his torture, were recognized as Christians, and after undergoing severe torments, were put to death by the sword.

In Africa, St. Celerinus, deacon, who was kept nineteen days in prison burdened with fetters, and who gloriously confessed Christ in the midst of afflictions. By overcoming the enemy with invincible constancy, he shewed to others the road to victory.

In the same place, three holy martyrs who were relatives of the same deacon Celerinus; his father's brother Laurentinus, his mother's brother Ignatius and his grandmother Celerina. They were crowned with martyrdom earlier, and were praised highly in an epistle by blessed Cyprian.

Likewise in Africa, the holy martyrs Felix, Symphronius, Hippolytus, and their companions.

In the town of Gap in France, the holy bishops Tigides and Remedius.

At Lyons in France, Saints Lupicinus and Felix, also bishops.

At Bremen, St. Ansgar, bishop of Hamburg and later of Bremen, who converted the Swedes and the Danes to the faith of Christ. He was appointed Apostolic Delegate of all the North by Pope Gregory IV.

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 February 3:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The sixth degree of humility is, when a monk is content with the meanest and worst of everything, and in all that is enjoined him holdeth himself as a bad and worthless workman, saying with the Prophet: "I am brought to nothing and I knew it not; I am become as a beast before Thee, and I am always with Thee" (Ps 72[73]:22-23).

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

St. Andrew Corsini, Carmelite bishop of Fiesole, confessor, whose birthday is the 6th of January.

At Rome, St. Eutychius, who endured a glorious martyrdom and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus. Pope St. Damasus wrote an epitaph in verse for his tomb.

At Thumis in Egypt, in the persecution of Diocletian, the passion of blessed Philaeus, bishop of that city, and of Philoromus, military tribune, who rejected the exhortations of their relatives and friends to save themselves, offered themselves to death, and so merited immortal palms from God. With them was crowned with martyrdom a numberless multitude of the faithful of the same place, who followed the example of their pastor.

At Fossombrone, the holy martyrs Aquilinus, Geminus, Gelasius, Magnus, and Donatus.

In Marava Kingdom in India, St. John de Britto, priest of the Society of Jesus, who having converted many infidels to the faith, was gloriously crowned with martyrdom.

At Troyes in France, St. Aventin, priest and confessor.

At Pelusium in Egypt, St. Isidore, a monk renowned for merit and learning.

At Sempringham in England, St. Gilbert, priest and confessor, who founded a religious order at Sempringham.

In the town of Amatrice, in the diocese of Rieti, the death of St. Joseph of Leonissa, a Capuchin priest who suffered greatly from the Mohammedans. As he was celebrated for his apostolic labours and miracles, he was placed on the list of holy confessors by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIV.

At Bremen, the commemoration of St. Rembert, who was a disciple of St. Ansgar, and on this day took his place as bishop of Hamburg and Bremen, the day after the death of his master.

At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. Jane de Valois, Queen of France, foundress of the Order of Sisters of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, renowned for her piety and singular devotion to the Cross, whom Pope Pius XII added to the catalogue of saints.

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 February 4:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The seventh degree of humility is, when, not only with his tongue he declareth, but also in his inmost soul believeth, that he is the lowest and vilest of men, humbling himself and saying with the Prophet: "But I am a worm and no man, the reproach of men and the outcast of the people" (Ps 21[22]:7). "I have been exalted and humbled and confounded" (Ps 87[88]:16). And also: "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Ps 118[119]:71,73).

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

At Catana in Sicily, in the time of Emperor Decius and the judge Quinctian, the birthday of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr. After being buffeted, imprisoned, tortured, racked, dragged over pieces of earthenware and burning coals, and having her breasts cut away, she completed her sacrifice in prison while engaged in prayer.

At Nagasaki in Japan, the passion of twenty-six martyrs. Three priests, one cleric, and two lay brothers were members of the Order of Friars Minor; one cleric was of the Society of Jesus, and seventeen belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis. All of them, placed upon crosses for the Catholic faith, and pierced with lances, gloriously died in praising God and preaching that same faith. Their names were added to the roll of saints by Pope Pius IX.

In Pontus, during the persecution of Maximian, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, some of whom had molten lead poured on them, others had sharp reeds thrust under their nails, and were often horribly tormented in many other ways. Thus, by their glorious suffering, they deserved to receive at the hands of God palms of victory and their crowns.

At Alexandria, during the persecution of Decius, St. Isidore, martyr, who was beheaded for the faith of Christ by Numerian, general of the army.

At Vienne, blessed Avitus, bishop and confessor, whose faith, labours, and admirable learning protected France against the ravages of the Arian heresy.

At Sabion in the Tyrol, St. Genuinus, bishop, whose illustrious life abounded in miracles. His revered body was afterwards taken to Brixen where a shrine was erected in his honour.

At Brixen, St. Albinus, bishop, who moved the Episcopal See from Sabion to that city, and there, eminent by virtue of his miracles, passed to the Lord.

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 February 5:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The eighth degree of humility is, when a monk doeth nothing but what is
sanctioned by the common rule of the monastery and the example of his elders.

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

St. Titus, confessor and bishop of Crete, whose birthday is on the fourth
of January.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of St. Dorothy, virgin and martyr,
who was stretched on the rack, then scourged for a long time with the boughs
of a palm tree, and finally condemned to capital punishment by Sapricius,
governor of the province. Her noble confession of Christ converted a lawyer
named Theophilus, who also was tortured in a barbarous manner, and finally put
to death by the sword.


At Emessa in Phoenicia, in the time of Emperor Maximian, St. Silvanus,
bishop, who, after having governed that church for forty years, was delivered to
the beasts with two other Christians, and having his limbs all mangled,
received the crown of martyrdom.

The same day, the holy martyrs Caturninus, Theophilus, and Revocata.

In Auvergne in France, St. Atholian, martyr.

At Arras in France, St. Vedast, bishop of that city. The glory of his life
and death is attested by many miracles.

At Elnon in France, St. Amand, bishop of Maestricht, who was renowned for
his miracles during his life and in death. In the town which was named after
him, he lived and died in a monastery that he had built.

At Bologna, St. Guarinus, bishop of Palestrina and cardinal, conspicuous
for his holiness of life.

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 February 6:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The ninth degree of humility is, when a monk withholdeth his tongue from speaking, and keeping silence doth not speak until he is asked; for the Scripture showeth that "in a multitude of words there shall not want sin" (Prov 10:19); and that "a man full of tongue is not established in the earth" (Ps 139[140]:12).

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

St. Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese monks, whose birthday is the 19th of June, but celebrated today because of the transference of his body.

At London, England, the birthday of blessed Augulus, bishop, who ended the course of his life by martyrdom, and deserved to receive an eternal recompense.

In Phrygia, St. Adaucus, martyr, an Italian of noble birth, who was honoured by the emperors with almost every dignity. While he was still discharging the office of quæstor, he was judged worthy of the crown of martyrdom for his defence of the faith.

Also, many holy martyrs, citizens of this same city of which Adaucus was mayor. As they were all Christians, and persisted in the confession of the faith, they were burned to death by Emperor Galerius Maximian.

At Heraclea, in the reign of Licinius, St. Theodore, a military officer, who was beheaded after undergoing many torments, and went victoriously to heaven.

In Egypt, St. Moses, a venerable bishop, who first led a solitary life in the desert, and afterwards, at the request of Mauvia, queen of the Saracens, converted to the faith the greater part of that barbarous people. Being made a bishop, and rich in merits, he peacefully went to his reward.

At Lucca in Tuscany, the death of St. Richard, king of England. He was the father of St. Willebald, bishop of Eichstadt, and of St. Walburga, virgin.

At Bologna, St. Juliana, widow.

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 February 7:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The tenth degree of humility is, when a monk is not easily moved and quick for laughter, for it is written: "The fool exalteth his voice in laughter" (Sir 21:23).

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

St. John of Matha, priest and confessor, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the redemption of captives, who went to repose in the Lord on the 17th of December.

At Somascha, in the district of Bergamo, the birthday of St. Jerome Emilian, confessor, who was the founder of the Congregation of Somascha. Illustrious both during his life and after death for many miracles, he was inscribed in the roll of the saints by Pope Clement XIII. Pope Pius XI chose and declared him to be the heavenly patron of orphans and abandoned children. His feast is celebrated on the 20th of July.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Paul, Lucius, and Cyriacus.

In Lesser Armenia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Denis, Aemilian, and Sebastian.

At Constantinople, the birthday of the holy martyrs, monks of the monastery of Dius. While bringing the letter of Pope St. Felix against Acacius, they were barbarously killed for their defence of the Catholic faith.

In Persia, in the time of King Cabades, the commemoration of the holy martyrs, who were put to death by various kinds of torments on account of their Christian faith.

At Alexandria, under Emperor Decius, the martyr St. Cointha, whom the pagans seized, led to the idols, and urged to adore them. As she refused with horror, they put her feet in chains, and dragged her through the streets of the city, mangling her body in a most barbarous manner.

At Pavia, St. Juventius, bishop, who laboured with zeal in preaching the Gospel.

At Milan, the death of St. Honoratus, bishop and confessor.

At Verdun in France, St. Paul, a bishop renowned for his miracles.

At Muret, near Limoges, the birthday of the abbot St. Stephen, founder of the order of Grandmont, celebrated for his virtues and miracles.

In the monastery of Vallombrosa, blessed Peter, cardinal and bishop of Albano, a member of the Congregation of Vallombrosa of the Order of St. Benedict. He was surnamed Igneus because he passed through fire unharmed.

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 February 8 :

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility
(cont.)

The eleventh degree of humility is, that, when a monk speaketh, he speak
gently and without laughter, humbly and with gravity, with few and sensible
words, and that he be not loud of voice, as it is written: "The wise man is
known by the fewness of his words."

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

St. Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, confessor and doctor of the Church.
His birthday was mentioned on the 28th of January.

At Alexandria, in the reign of Decius, the birthday of St. Apollonia,
virgin, who had all her teeth broken out by the persecutors; then, having
constructed and lighted a pyre, they threatened to burn her alive unless she
uttered with them certain ímpious words. Deliberating a while within
herself, she suddenly slipped from their grasp, and prompted by the greater fire
of the Holy Ghost within her, she rushed voluntarily into the fire which they
had prepared. Those responsible for her death were struck with terror at
the sight of a woman who was more willing to die than they to kill her.

At Rome, the passion of the holy martyrs Alexander and thirty-eight
others crowned with him.

In the village of Lamelum in Africa, the holy martyrs Primus and Donatus,
deacons, who were killed by the Donatists as they guarded the altar in the
church.

At Solum in Cyprus, the holy martyrs Ammonius and Alexander.

At Antioch, under Emperor Valerian, St. Nicephorus, martyr, who was
beheaded and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

In the monastery of Fontanelle in France, St. Ansbert, bishop of
Rouen.

At Canossa in Apulia, St. Sabinus, bishop and confessor.
Blessed Pope Gregory tells that he was endowed with the spirit of prophecy and
the power of miracles. After he had become blind, when a cup of poison was
offered to him by a servant who was bribed, he knew it by divine instinct.
He, however, declared that God would punish the one who had bribed the servant,
and, making the sign of the cross, he drank the poison without anxiety and
without harmful effect.

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