Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for 6/28:

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

At Rome, the birthday of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, who suffered martyrdom on the same day, under Emperor Nero. Within the city the former was crucified with his head downwards, and buried in the Vatican, near the Triumphal Way, where he is venerated by the whole world. The latter was put to the sword and buried on the Ostian Way, where he received similar honours.

In Cypus, St. Mary, mother of John, surnamed Mark.

At Argenton in France, St. Marcellus, martyr, who was beheaded for the faith of Christ together with the soldier Anastasius.

At Genoa, the birthday of St. Syrius, bishop.

At Narni, St. Cassius, bishop of that city. St. Gregory relates that he permitted scarcely any day of his life to pass without offering the Victim of propitiation to Almighty God. It was in character with his life for he distributed in alms all he possessed, and his devotion was such that abundant tears flowed from his eyes during the holy Sacrifice. At last, coming to Rome on the birthday of the apostles, as was his yearly custom, after having solemnly celebrated Mass and given the Lord's Body and the kiss of peace to all, he departed for heaven.

In the territory of Sens, St. Benedicta, 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 June 29:

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.

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

The commemoration of the holy apostle Paul.

At Rome, St. Lucina, a disciple of the apostles, who relieved the necessities of the saints with her goods, visited the Christians detained in prison, buried the martyrs, and was laid by their side in a crypt which she herself had constructed.

In the same city, St. Aemiliana, martyr.

The same day, the saints Caius, priest, and Leo, subdeacon.

At Alexandria, the passion of St. Basilides, under Emperor Severus. He protected the saintly virgin Potamioena from the insults of shameless men when he was leading her to execution. He was rewarded for his considerate action, for at the end of three days she appeared to him, placed a crown on his head, not only converting him to Christ, but by her prayers making him, after a short combat, a glorious martyr.

At Limoges in France, St. Martial, bishop, and two priests Alpinian and Austriclinian, whose lives were distinguished for miracles.

In the territory of Vivers, St. Ostian, priest and confessor.

At Salanica, in the district of Vicenza, St. Theobald, priest and hermit, one of the counts of Champagne. He was added to the number of the saints by Alexander III because of his holiness and 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 June 30:

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

The Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

The feast of the most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Mt. Hor, the death of St. Aaron, the first priest of the Levitical order.

At Vienne in France, St. Martin, a bishop who was a disciple of the apostles.

At Sinuessa in Campania the holy martyrs Castus and Secundinus, bishops.

In England, the holy martyrs Julius and Aaron, who suffered after St. Alban in the persecution of Diocletian. In the same country a great number were tortured at that time in different ways and barbarously lacerated, ended their combat, and attained to the joys of the heavenly city.

In Auvergne in France, St. Gall, bishop.

In the diocese of Lyons, the death of St. Domitian, abbot, who was first to lead the life of a monk in that district. After having called together many servants of God to that place, and having gained great renown for virtues and miracles, he was summoned to his fathers at an advanced age.

At Angoulême, St. Eparchius, abbot.

In the diocese of Rheims, St. Theodoric, priest and disciple of the blessed Bishop Remigius.

At Emesa, St. Simeon, surnamed Salus, confessor. He had feigned to be an idiot for the sake of Christ, but God manifested his high wisdom by great 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 July 1:

CHAPTER XXIV
What the Manner of Excommunication Should Be

The degree of excommunication or punishment ought to be meted out according to the gravity of the offense, and to determine that is left to the judgment of the Abbot. If, however, anyone of the brethren is detected in smaller faults, let him be debarred from eating at the common table.

The following shall be the practice respecting one who is excluded from the common table: that he does not intone a psalm or an antiphon nor read a lesson in the oratory until he hath made satisfaction; let him take his meal alone, after the refection of the brethren; thus: if, for instance, the brethren take their meal at the sixth hour that brother will take his at the ninth, and if the brethren take theirs at the ninth, he will take his in the evening, until by due satisfaction he obtaineth pardon.

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

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

At Rome, on the Aurelian Way, the birthday of the holy martyrs Processus and Martinian, who were baptized by the blessed apostle Peter in the Mamertine Prison. After being struck on the mouth, racked, scourged with knotted ropes and whips strung with pieces of metal; after being beaten with rods and exposed to the flames, they were beheaded in the days of Nero, thus obtaining the crown of martyrdom.

Also at Rome, three holy soldiers, who were converted to Christ by the martyrdom of the blessed apostle Paul, and with him merited to be made partakers of the heavenly glory.

The same day, the holy martyrs Ariston, Crescentian, Eutychian, Urbanus, Vitalis, Justus, Felicissimus, Felix, Marcia, and Symphorosa, all of whom were crowned with martyrdom when the persecution of Emperor Diocletian was raging.

At Winchester in England, St. Swithin, bishop, whose sanctity was verified by the gift of miracles.

At Bamberg, the holy bishop Otho, who preached the Gospel to the people of Pomerania, and converted them to the faith.

At Lecce in Apulia, St. Bernardino Realino, confessor, who after practising the legal profession as a judge, entered the Society of Jesus, was ordained to the priesthood, and was renowned for his charity and miracles.

At Tours, the death of St. Monegundes, a pious woman.

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 July 2:

CHAPTER XXV
Of Graver Faults

But let the brother who is found guilty of a graver fault be excluded
from both the table and the oratory. Let none of the brethren join
his company or speak with him. Let him be alone at the work enjoined
on him, persevering in penitential sorrow, mindful of the terrible
sentence of the Apostle who saith, that "such a man is delivered over
for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the
day of the Lord" (1 Cor 5:5). Let him get his food alone in such
quantity and at such a time as the Abbot shall deem fit; and let him
not be blessed by anyone passing by, nor the food that is given him.

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

At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Leo II, confessor, who passed to
heaven filled with merits during the first year of his pontificate.

At Chiusi in Tuscany, in the reign of Emperor Aurelian, the holy
martyrs Irenæus, a deacon, and Mustiola, a matron, who were subjected
to various atrocious tortures and merited the crown of martyrdom.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Trypho and twelve others.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Eulogius and his companions.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Hyacinth, chamberlain of the emperor
Trajan. Accused of being a Christian, he was scourged and thrown
into prison where he died of hunger.

The same day, the holy martyrs Mark and Mucian, who were put to the
sword for Christ. A small boy who cried out to them not to sacrifice
to idols was then whipped, but confessing Christ still more
vehemently, he was put to death with a man named Paul, who had also
exhorted the martyrs.

At Laodicea in Syria, St. Anatolius, a bishop whose writings were
admired not only by religious men, but by philosophers.

At Altino, St. Heliodorus, a bishop distinguished for holiness and
learning.

At Ravenna, St. Dathus, bishop and confessor.

At Edessa in Mesopotamia, the translation of the apostle St. Thomas
from India. His relics were afterwards taken to Ortona.

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 July 3:

CHAPTER XXVI
Of Those Who without the Command of the Abbot Associate with the Excommunicated

If any brother presume to associate with an excommunicated brother in any way, or to speak with him, or to send him a message, without the command of the Abbot, let him incur the same penalty of excommunication.

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

At Estremos in Portugal, the birthday of St. Elizabeth the Widow, queen of Portugal, whom Pope Urban VIII, mindful of her virtues and miracles, placed among the number of the saints. Pope Innocent XII ordered her feast to be kept on the 8th of July.

The holy prophets Osee and Aggaeus.

In the diocese of Bourges, St. Laurian, bishop of Seville and martyr, whose head was taken to Seville in Spain.

In Africa, the birthday of St. Jucundian, a martyr who was drowned in the sea for Christ.

At Sirmium, Saints Innocent and Sebastia, with thirty other martyrs.

At Madaurus in Africa, the martyr Namphanion and his companions, whom he strengthened for the combat and led to the crown of martyrdom.

At Cyrene in Libya, the holy bishop Theodore. In the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Dignian, he was scourged with leaded whips and had his tongue cut out. Finally, however, he died a confessor.

At Augsburg in Germany, St. Uldaric, a bishop illustrious for extraordinary abstinence, liberality, vigilance, and the gift of miracles.

At Tours in France, the translation of St. Martin, bishop and confessor, and the dedication of his basilica, consecrated on the same day that he had been raised to the episcopate some years previously.

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 July 4:

CHAPTER XXVII
How Concerned the Abbot Should Be about the Excommunicated

Let the Abbot show all care and concern towards offending brethren because "they that are in health need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Mt 9:12). Therefore, like a prudent physician he ought to use every opportunity to send consolers, namely, discreet elderly brethren, to console the wavering brother, as it were, in secret, and induce him to make humble satisfaction; and let them cheer him up "lest he be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2 Cor 2:7); but, as the same Apostle saith, "confirm your charity towards him" (2 Cor 2:; and let prayer be said for him by all.

The Abbot must take the utmost pains, and strive with all prudence and zeal, that none of the flock entrusted to him perish. For the Abbot must know that he has taken upon himself the care of infirm souls, not a despotism over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the Prophet wherein the Lord saith: "What ye saw to be fat, that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased you threw away" (Ezek 34:3-4). And let him follow the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety-nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek the one that had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such pity, that He was pleased to lay it on His sacred shoulders and thus carry it back to the fold (cf Lk 15:5).

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

At Cremona in Italy, St. Anthony-Mary Zacharias, confessor, founder of the Clerks Regular of St. Paul and also of the Angelic Virgins. Distinguished for all the virtues and for miracles, he was placed among the saints by Pope Leo XIII. His body is venerated in the Church of St. Barnabas at Milan.

At Rome, St. Zoe, martyr, wife of the blessed martyr Nicostratus. While praying at the tomb of the apostle St. Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors, cast into a dark dungeon, then hanged on a tree by her neck and hair, and suffocated by a loathsome smoke, finally yielding up her soul in the confession of the Lord.

At Jerusalem, St. Athanasius, a deacon, who was apprehended by the heretics for defending the Council of Chalcedon, and after experiencing all kinds of torments, was finally put to the sword.

In Syria, the birthday of St. Domitius, martyr, who confers many favours on the people of that country by his miracles.

In Sicily, the holy martyrs Agatho and Triphina.

At Tomis in Scythia, the holy martyrs Marinus, Theodotus, and Sedopha.

At Cyrene in Libya, St. Cyrilla, martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian. She held burning coals with incense on her hand for a long time, lest by shaking off the coals she should seem to offer incense to the idols. She was afterwards cruelly scourged, and went to her Spouse adorned with her own blood.

At Treves, St. Numerian, bishop and confessor.

At San Severino in Piceno, St. Philomena, 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 July 5:

CHAPTER XXVIII
Of Those Who Having Often Been Corrected Do Not Amend

If a brother hath often been corrected and hath even been excommunicated for a fault and doth not amend, let a more severe correction be applied to him, namely, proceed against him with corporal punishment.

But if even then he doth not reform, or puffed up with pride, should perhaps, which God forbid, even defend his actions, then let the Abbot act like a prudent physician. After he hath applied soothing lotions, ointments of admonitions, medicaments of the Holy Scriptures, and if, as a last resource, he hath employed the caustic of excommunication and the blows of the lash, and seeth that even then his pains are of no avail, let him apply for that brother also what is more potent than all these measures: his own prayer and that of the brethren, that the Lord who is all-powerful may work a cure in that brother.

But if he is not healed even in this way, then finally let the Abbot dismiss him from the community, as the Apostle saith: "Put away the evil one from among you" (1 Cor 5:13); and again: "If the faithless depart, let him depart" (1 Cor 7:15); lest one diseased sheep infect the whole flock.

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

The Octave of the holy apostles Peter and Paul.

In Jerusalem, the holy prophet Isaias. During the reign of King Manasses he was put to death by being sawn in two and was buried beneath the oak of Rogel, near a running stream.

At Fiesole in Tuscany, St. Romulus, bishop and martyr, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who commissioned him to preach the Gospel. After announcing Christ in many parts of Italy, he returned to Fiesole, and was crowned with martyrdom along with other Christians in the reign of Domitian.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Tranquillinus, martyr, father of Saints Mark and Marcellianus, who had been converted to Christ by the preaching of the martyr St. Sebastian. Baptized by the blessed priest Polycarp, he was ordained priest by Pope St. Caius. As he prayed at the tomb of blessed Paul on the octave of the apostles, he was arrested and stoned to death by the pagans, and thus completed his martyrdom.

At London in England, on Tower Hill, St. Thomas More, chancellor of the entire realm, who was beheaded by order of King Henry VIII for the defence of the Catholic faith and the primacy of blessed Peter.

In Campania, St. Dominica, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Diocletian. For having destroyed idols, she was condemned to the beasts, but being left uninjured by them, she was beheaded and departed for heaven. Her body is kept with great veneration at Tropea in Calabria.

The same day, St. Lucia, martyr, a native of Campania. Being arrested and severely tortured by the lieutenant-governor Rictiovarus, she converted him to Christ. To them were added Antoninus, Severinus, Diodorus, Dion, and seventeen others who shared their sufferings and their crowns.

At Nettuno in Lazio, St. Maria Goretti, a most devout young girl, who was savagely murdered for the defence of her virginity, and whom Pope Pius XII solemnly added to the catalogue of holy martyrs.

In the vicinity of Treves, St. Goar, priest 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 July 6:

CHAPTER XXIX
Whether Brethren Who Leave the Monastery Ought to Be Received Again

If a brother, who through his own fault leaveth the monastery or is expelled, desireth to return, let him first promise full amendment of the fault for which he left; and thus let him be received in the last place, that by this means his humility may be tried. If he should leave again, let him be received even a third time, knowing that after this every means of return will be denied him.

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

The holy bishops Cyril and Methodius, whose respective birthdays are on the 14th of February and the 6th of April.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Claudius, a notary, Nicostratus, an assistant prefect, Castorius, Victorinus, and Symphorian, who had been brought to the faith of Christ by St. Sebastian, and baptized by the blessed priest Polycarp. While they were engaged in searching for the bodies of the holy martyrs, the judge Fabian had them arrested, and for ten days he tried to shake their constancy by threats and flatteries, but being utterly unable to succeed, he ordered them to be thrice tortured, then thrown into the sea.

At Durazzo in Macedonia, the holy martyrs Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius, Papius, Saturninus, and Germanus, all natives of Italy. In the persecution of Trajan they took refuge in the town of Durazzo where they saw the saintly bishop Astius hanging on a cross for the faith of Christ. They then publicly declared themselves to be Christians, when, by order of the governor, they were arrested and cast into the sea.

At Brescia, St. Apollonius, bishop and confessor.

At Eichstadt in Germany, St. Willibald, the first bishop of that city. He was the son of St. Richard, king of England, and brother of St. Walburga, virgin. He laboured with St. Boniface in preaching the Gospel and converted many nations to Christ.

In Auvergne, St. Illidius, bishop.

At Urgal in Spain, St. Odo, bishop.

In England, St. Hedda, bishop of the West Saxons.

At Alexandria, the birthday of St. Pantænus, a man of apostolic manner, filled with wisdom. He had such an affection and love for the word of God, and was so inflamed with the ardour of faith and devotion, that he set out to preach the Gospel of Christ to the nations living in the farthest districts of the East. Returning at last to Alexandria, he rested in peace, in the time of Antoninus Caracalla.

At Faremoutier, in the neighbourhood of Meaux, St. Ethelburga, virgin, daughter of the English king.

At Perugia, blessed Pope Benedict XI, a native of Treviso, of the Order of Preachers, who in the brief space of his pontificate greatly promoted the peace of the Church, the restoration of discipline, and the spread of religion.

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 July 7:

CHAPTER XXX
How Young Boys Are to Be Corrected

Every age and understanding should have its proper discipline. Whenever, therefore, boys or immature youths or such as can not understand how grave a penalty excommunication is, are guilty of a serious fault, let them undergo severe fasting or be disciplined with corporal punishment, that they may be corrected.

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

St. Elisabeth, widow, queen of Portugal, whose birthday is observed on the 4th of July.

In Asia Minor, the Saints Aquilla and his wife Priscilla, of whom mention is made in the Acts of the Apostles.

At Wurtzburg in Germany, St. Kilian, bishop, who was commissioned by the Roman Pontiff to preach the Gospel. After having converted many to Christ, he was put to death along with his companions Colman, a priest, and Totnan, a deacon.

At Porto, fifty holy martyrs, all soldiers, who were led to the faith by the martyrdom of St. Bonosa, and baptized by the blessed Pope Felix. They were put to death in the persecution of Aurelian.

In Palestine, in the reign of Diocletian, St. Procopius, martyr, who was brought from Scythopolis to Caesarea, and upon his first resolute answer was beheaded by the judge Fabian.

At Constantinople, the holy Abrahamite monks, who resisted Emperor Theophilus by defending the veneration of sacred images, and suffered martyrdom.

At Spina Lamberti in Emilia, Pope St. Adrian III, famous for his zeal in reconciling the Eastern to the Roman Church, and renowned for his miracles. His body was taken to the monastery of Nonantola and buried with honours in the Church of St. Sylvester.

At Treves, St. Auspicius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, blessed Eugene II, pope. Having gained a great reputation for sanctity and prudence in his government of the monastery of Saints Vincent and Anastasius, he was raised to the Sovereign Pontificate and ruled the universal Church in much holiness. Pope Pius IX approved and confirmed the veneration paid to him.

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