Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 19:

CHAPTER XVI
How the Work of God Is to Be Performed during the Day

As the Prophet saith: "Seven times a day I have given praise to Thee" (Ps 118[119]:164), this sacred sevenfold number will be fulfilled by us in this wise if we perform the duties of our service at the time of Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Complin; because it was of these day hours that he hath said: "Seven times a day I have given praise to Thee" (Ps 118[119]:164). For the same Prophet saith of the night watches: "At midnight I arose to confess to Thee" (Ps 118[119]:62). At these times, therefore, let us offer praise to our Creator "for the judgments of His justice;" namely, at Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Complin; and let us rise at night to praise Him (cf Ps 118[119]:164, 62).

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

For 2011 Septuagesima Sunday, on which the canticle of the Lord, Alleluia, ceaseth to be said.

At Tyre in Phoenicia, the commemoration of many blessed martyrs, whose number is known to God alone. Under Emperor Diocletian, they were put to death after a long and varied series of torments by the military commander Veturius. They first had their bodies torn with scourges, then delivered to several different kinds of beasts. Providence prevented their injury throughout all this, but their martyrdom was granted by means of fire and the sword. Tyrannio, Sylvanus, Peleus, and Nilus, all bishops, and Zenobius, a priest, urged the gloriously assembled multitude to victory, and they all endured the test successfully to win the palm of martyrdom.

At Constantinople, St. Eleutherius, bishop and martyr.

In Persia, in the time of King Sapor, the birthday of St. Sadoth, bishop, and one hundred and twenty-eight others who refused to adore the sun, but who by a cruel death purchased shining crowns.

In the island of Cyprus, the holy martyrs Pothamius and Nemesius.

At Catania in Sicily, St. Leo, bishop, illustrious for virtues and miracles.

The same day, St. Eucherius, bishop of Orleans, who, the more he was oppressed by the calumnies of the envious, the more he impressed them with his miracles.

At Tournai in Belgium, St. Eleutherius, 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 February 20:

CHAPTER XVII
How Many Psalms Are to Be Sung at These Hours

We have now arranged the order of the psalmody for the night and the morning office; let us next arrange for the succeeding Hours. At the first Hour let three psalms be said separately, and not under one Gloria. Let the hymn for the same Hour be said after the verse Deus, in adjutorium (Ps 69[70]:2), before the psalms are begun. Then, after the completion of three psalms, let one lesson be said, a verse, the Kyrie eleison, and the collects.

At the third, the sixth, and the ninth Hours, the prayer will be said in the same order; namely, the verse, the hymn proper to each Hour, the three psalms, the lesson, the verse, the Kyrie eleison, and the collects. If the brotherhood is large, let these Hours be sung with antiphons; but if small, let them be said without a break.

Let the office of Vespers be ended with four psalms and antiphons; after these psalms a lesson is to be recited, next a responsory, the Ambrosian hymn, a verse, the canticle from the Gospel, the litany, the Lord's Prayer, and the collects.

Let Complin end with the saying of three psalms, which are to be said straight on without an antiphon, and after these the hymn for the same Hour, one lesson, the verse, Kyrie eleison, the blessing, and the collects.

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

At Scythopolis in Palestine, St. Severian, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by the Eutychians because he opposed them so zealously.

In Sicily, in the reign of Diocletian, the birthday of seventy-nine holy martyrs, who, by reason of various tortures for their confession of faith, deserved to receive an immortal crown.

At Adrumetum in Africa, during the persecution of the Vandals, the holy martyrs, Verulus, Secundinus, Siricius, Felix, Servulus, Saturninus, Fortunatus, and sixteen others, who were crowned with martyrdom for professing the Catholic faith.

At Damascus, St. Peter Mavimenus, who was killed by some Arabs who visited him in his sickness, because he said to them: "Whoever does not embrace the Christian and Catholic faith is lost, like your false prophet Mohammed."

At Metz in France, St. Felix, bishop.

At Brescia, St. Paterius, 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 February 21:

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said

In the beginning let there be said the verse, Deus, in adjutorium meum intende; Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina (Ps 69[70]:2), and the Gloria, followed by the hymn for each Hour. At Prime on Sunday, then, there are to be said four sections of the 118th psalm. At the other Hours, however, namely Tierce, Sext, and None, let three sections of the same psalm be said. But at Prime on Monday let three psalms be said, namely, the first, the second, and the sixth; and thus each day at Prime until Sunday, let three psalms be said each time in consecutive order up to the 19th psalm, yet so that the ninth psalm and the 17th be each divided into two Glorias; and thus it will come about that at the night office on Sundays we always begin with the 20th psalm.

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

The Chair of St. Peter at Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians.

At Faenza in Emilia, the birthday of St. Peter Damian, cardinal bishop of Ostia and confessor. He was a Camaldolese monk, famous for his learning and sanctity, whom Pope Leo XII declared a doctor of the universal Church. His feast is celebrated tomorrow.

At Salamis in Cyprus, St. Aristio, who (says Papias, the next to be mentioned) was one of the seventy-two disciples of Christ.

At Hierapolis in Phrygia, blessed Papias, bishop of that city, who was a companion of Polycarp and a disciple of St. John.

In Arabia, the commemoration of many holy martyrs who were barbarously put to death under Emperor Galerius Maximian.

At Alexandria, St. Abilias, bishop, who was the second shepherd of that city after St. Mark, and who administered his charge with eminent piety.

At Vienne in France, St. Paschasius, bishop, celebrated for his learning and holy life.

At Ravenna, St. Maximian, bishop and confessor.

At Cortona in Tuscany, St. Margaret of the Third Order of St. Francis. By means of commendable penance and fruitful tears, she wiped away the stains of her previous life. Her body miraculously remained incorrupt for more than four centures, giving forth a sweet odour, and producing frequent miracles. It is honoured in that place with great devotion.

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 22:

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said

At Tierce, Sext, and None, on Monday, however, let the nine sections which remain over the 118th psalm be said, three sections at each of these Hours. The 118th psalm having thus been parceled out for two days, namely, Sunday and Monday, let there be sung on Tuesday for Tierce, Sext, and None, three psalms each, from the 119th to the 127th, that is, nine psalms. These psalms will always be repeated at the same Hours in just the same way until Sunday, observing also for all these days a regular succession of the hymns, the lessons, and the verses, so, namely, that on Sunday the beginning is always made with the 118th psalm.

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

The Vigil of St. Matthias the Apostle.

St. Peter Damian, a Camaldolese monk, cardinal bishop of Ostia, confessor and doctor of the Church, who died on the 22nd of February.

At Smyrna, the birthday of St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, by whom he was consecrated bishop of that city, and appointed primate of all Asia. Under Marcus Antonius and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, when the proconsul and all those assembled in the amphitheatre cried out against him, he was delivered to the fire, but since it did not harm him, he received the crown of martyrdom by the sword. With him, twelve others who came from Philadelphia met their death by martyrdom in the same city. The feast of St. Polycarp is kept on the 26th of January.

At Sirmio, blessed Sirenus, monk and martyr. He was arrested by order of Emperor Maximian and beheaded for confessing that he was a Christian.

In the same place, the birthday of seventy-two holy martyrs, who suffered martyrdom in the same city and who took possession of the everlasting kingdom.

In the city of Astorga in Spain, St. Martha, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius and the proconsul Paternus. She was cruelly tortured for the faith of Christ and was finally slain by the sword.

At Constantinople, St. Lazarus, monk. The Iconoclast emperor Theophilus commanded him to be tortured with severe punishments because he had painted some sacred pictures. His hand was burned with a hot iron, but it was healed by the power of God, after which he repainted the holy pictures that had been destroyed. He ended his life in peace.

At Brescia, St. Felix, bishop.

At Rome, St. Polycarp, priest, who with blessed Sebastian converted many to the faith of Christ, and by his exhortation led them to the glory of martyrdom.

At Seville in Spain, St. Florentius, confessor.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Romana, virgin, who was baptized by Pope St. Sylvester, led a life of holiness in dens and caves, and wrought glorious miracles.

In England, St. Milburga, virgin, the daughter of the king of Mercia.

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 23:

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said (cont.)

Let Vespers be sung daily with the singing of four psalms. Let these psalms
begin with the 109th to the 147th, excepting those which are set aside for the
other Hours; namely, from the 117th to the 127th, and the 133d, and the
142d. All the rest are to be said at Vespers; and as the psalms fall three short,
those of the aforesaide psalms which are found to be longer, are to be
divided; namely, the 138th, the 143d, and the 144th. But because the 116th is
short, let it be joined to the 115th. The order of the psalms for Vespers having
thus been arranged let the rest, namely, the lessons, the responsories, the
hymns, the verses, and the canticles, be said as we have directed above.

At Complin, however, let the same psalms be repeated every day; namely, the
4th, the 90th, and the 133d.

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

In Judea, the birthday of St. Matthias the Apostle. After the Ascension of
our Lord, the Apostles chose him, by lot, to fill the place of Judas the
traitor, and he suffered martyrdom for the preaching of the Gospel.

At Rome, St. Primitiva, martyr.

At Rouen, the passion of St. Praetextatus, bishop and martyr.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Sergius, martyr, of whose life a beautiful
account still exists.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Montanus, Lucius, Julian, Victoricus, Flavian,
and their companions. They were disciples of St. Cyprian and suffered
martyrdom under Emperor Valerian.

At Treves, St. Modestus, bishop and confessor.

At Stylo in Calabria, St. John Therestus, noted for his sanctity, and his
high regard for the monastic life.

In England, St. Ethelbert, ruler of Kent, converted to the faith of Christ
by the English bishop, St. Augustine.

At Jerusalem, the finding for the first time of the head of St. John the
Baptist, Precursor of 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 24:

CHAPTER XVIII
In What Order the Psalms Are to Be Said (cont.)

Having arranged the order of the office, let all the rest of the psalms which remain over, be divided equally into seven night offices, by so dividing such of them as are of greater length that twelve fall to each night. We especially impress this, that, if this distribution of the psalms should perchance displease anyone, he arrange them if he thinketh another better, by all means seeing to it that the whole Psalter of one hundred and fifty psalms be said every week, and that it always start again from the beginning at Matins on Sunday; because those monks show too lax a service in their devotion who in the course of a week chant less than the whole Psalter with is customary canticles; since we read, that our holy forefathers promptly fulfilled in one day what we lukewarm monks should, please God, perform at least in a week.

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

In Egypt, under Emperor Numerian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Victorinus, Victor, Nicephorus, Claudian, Dioscorus, Serapion, and Papias. After patiently enduring extreme tortures, the first two were beheaded for the confession of the faith, Nicephorus was laid on a heated gridiron, placed over the fire, then thoroughly hacked with a knife; Claudian and Dioscorus were burned at the stake; Serapion and Papias were slain with the sword.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Donatus, Justus, Herenas, and their companions.

At Constantinople, St. Tharasius, bishop, a man of great learning and piety. There exists a letter defending sacred images, written to him by Pope Hadrian I.

At Nazianzus, St. Caesarius, who was the son of blessed Nonna, and whom his brother, blessed Gregory the Theologian, says he saw among the hosts of the blessed.

In the monastery of Heidenheim, in the Eichstadt diocese in Germany, St. Walburga, virgin. She was the daughter of St. Richard, king of England, and sister of St. Willebald, bishop of Eichstadt.

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 25:

CHAPTER XIX
Of the Manner of Reciting the Psalter

We believe that God is present everywhere and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the bad in every place (cf Prov 15:3). Let us firmly believe this, especially when we take part in the Work of God. Let us, therefore, always be mindful of what the Prophet saith, "Serve ye the Lord with fear" (Ps 2:11). And again, "Sing ye wisely" (Ps 46[47]:8. And, "I will sing praise to Thee in the sight of the angels" (Ps 137[138]:1). Therefore, let us consider how it becometh us to behave in the sight of God and His angels, and let us so stand to sing, that our mind may be in harmony with our voice.

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

At Pergen in Pamphylia, during the persecution of Decius, the birthday of blessed Nestor, bishop, who praying night and day for the safety of the flock of Christ, was put under arrest. Because he confessed the Name of the Lord with great zeal and freedom, he was cruelly tortured on the rack by order of Pollio the governor. When he still courageously proclaimed that he would remain ever faithful to Christ, he was crucified, and thus triumphantly went to heaven.

In the same place, the passion of Saints Papias, Diodorus, Conon, and Claudian, who preceded St. Nestor to martyrdom.

Also, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Felix, and twenty-seven others.

At Alexandria, Bishop St. Alexander, an aged man held in great honour, who succeeded blessed Peter as bishop of that city. He expelled Arius, one of his priests, from the Church because he was tainted with heretical impiety and convicted in the face of divine truth. Later on he was one of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers who condemned him in the Council of Nicaea.

At Bologna, the bishop St. Faustinian. His preaching strengthened and multiplied the faithful of that church when it was so much afflicted during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Gaza in Palestine, St. Porphyry, bishop, in the time of Emperor Arcadius. He overthrew the idol Marna and its temple, and after many sufferings, went to his rest in the Lord.

At Florence, St. Andrew, bishop and confessor.

In the province of Champagne in France, St. Victor, confessor, about whom eulogies have been written by St. Bernard.

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 26:

CHAPTER XX
Of Reverence at Prayer

If we do not venture to approach men who are in power, except with humility and reverence, when we wish to ask a favor, how much must we beseech the Lord God of all things with all humility and purity of devotion? And let us be assured that it is not in many words, but in the purity of heart and tears of compunction that we are heard. For this reason prayer ought to be short and pure, unless, perhaps it is lengthened by the inspiration of divine grace. At the community exercises, however, let the prayer always be short, and the sign having been given by the Superior, let all rise together.

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

At Isola, in the province of Abruzzi, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, confessor and cleric of the Passionist Congregation. Having been known for his merits during his short life, and after death renowned for miracles, Pope Benedict XV enrolled him in the canon of the saints.

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs, Alexander, Abundius, Antigonus, and Fortunatus.

At Alexandria, the passion of St. Julian, martyr. Although he was so afflicted with gout that he could neither walk nor stand, he was taken before the judge with two servants, who carried him in a chair. One of these denied his faith, but the other, named Eunus, persevered with Julian in confessing Christ. Both were set on camels, led through the whole city, scourged, and then burned alive in the presence of all the people.

In the same city, St. Besas, a soldier. He had rebuked those who insulted the martyrs just mentioned, and so was denounced before the judge. Because he continued to proclaim his attachment to the faith he was beheaded.

At Seville in Spain, the birthday of St. Leander, bishop of that city, and of St. Florentina, virgin. By his preaching and zeal the Visigoths, with the help of King Recared, were converted from the Arian heresy to the Catholic faith.

At Constantinople, in the time of Emperor Leo, the holy confessors Basil and Procopius, who fought courageously in behalf of the veneration of sacred images.

At Lyons, St. Baldomer, subdeacon and man of God, whose tomb is graced by many miracles.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for February 27:

CHAPTER XXI
Of the Deans of the Monastery

If the brotherhood is large, let brethren of good repute and holy life be chosen from among them and be appointed Deans; and let them take care of their deaneries in everything according to the commandments of God and the directions of their Abbot. Let such be chosen Deans as the Abbot may safely trust to share his burden. Let them not be chosen for their rank, but for the merit of their life and their wisdom and knowledge; and if any of them, puffed up with pride, should be found blameworthy and, after having been corrected once and again and even a third time, refuseth to amend, let him be deposed, and one who is worthy be placed in his stead. We make the same regulation with reference to the Prior.

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

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs Macarius, Rufinus, Justus, and Theophilus.

At Alexandria, the passion of the Saints Caerealis, Pupulus, Caius, and Serapion.

In the same city, in the reign of Emperor Valerian, the commemoration of the holy priests, deacons, and many others. When a most deadly epidemic was raging, they willingly met their death by ministering to the sick. The religious sentiment of the pious faithful has generally venerated them as martyrs.

At Rome, St. Hilary, pope and confessor.

In the territory of Lyons, in the Jura Mountains, the death of St. Romanus, abbot, who first had led the life of a hermit there. His reputation for virtues and miracles brought under his guidance many monks.

At Papia, the transfer, ordered by the Lombard King Luitprand, of the body of St. Augustine, bishop, away from the island of Sardinia.

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 28:

CHAPTER XXII
How the Monks Are to Sleep

Let the brethren sleep singly, each in a separate bed. Let them receive the bedding befitting their mode of life, according to the direction of their Abbot. If it can be done, let all sleep in one apartment; but if the number doth not allow it, let them sleep in tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a light be kept burning constantly in the cell till morning.

Let them sleep clothed and girded with cinctures or cords, that they may be always ready; but let them not have knives at their sides whilst they sleep, lest perchance the sleeping be wounded in their dreams; and the sign having been given, rising without delay, let them hasten to outstrip each other to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and decorum. Let the younger brethren not have their beds beside each other, but intermingled with the older ones; and rising to the Work of God, let them gently encourage one another on account of the excuses of the drowsy.

CHAPTER XXIII
Of Excommunication for Faults

If a brother is found stubborn or disobedient or proud or murmuring, or opposed to anything in the Holy Rule and a contemner of the commandments of his Superiors, let him be admonished by his Superiors once and again in secret, according to the command of our Lord (cf Mt 18:15-16). If he doth not amend let him be taken to task publicly before all. But if he doth not reform even then, and he understandeth what a penalty it is, let him be placed under excommunication; but if even then he remaineth obstinate let him undergo corporal punishment.

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

At Rome, two hundred and sixty holy martyrs condemned for the name of Christ. Claudius ordered them to dig sand beyond the Salarian Gate, then to have soldiers in the amphitheatre shoot them with arrows.

Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Leo, Donatus, Abundantius, Nicephorus, and nine others.

At Marseilles in France, the holy martyrs Hermes and Adrian.

At Heliopolis, St. Eudocia, martyr in the persecution of Trajan. She was baptized by Bishop Theodotus, and being fortified for the combat, was put to the sword at the command of Vincent the governor, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

On the same day, St. Antonina, martyr. For deriding the gods of the heathen, in the persecution of Diocletian, she was, after various torments, shut up in a cask and drowned in a marsh near the city of Cea.

At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Felix III, ancestor of St. Gregory the Great, who relates of him that he appeared to St. Tharsilla, his niece, and called her to the kingdom of heaven.

At Kaiserswerdt, Bishop St. Swidbert, who, in the time of Pope Sergius, preached the Gospel among the Frisians, Batavians, and other Germanic peoples.

At Angers in France, St. Albinus, bishop and confessor, a man of most eminent virtue and piety.

At Le Mans in France, St. Siviard, abbot.

At Perugia, the transferral of the body of St. Herculanus, bishop and martyr, who was beheaded by order of Totila, king of the Goths. Forty days after the decapitation, Pope St. Gregory relates that the head had been rejoined to the body as if it had never been touched by the sword.

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