Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 31:

CHAPTER XLIX
On the Keeping of Lent

The life of a monk ought always to be a Lenten observance. However, since such virtue is that of few, we advise that during these days of Lent he guard his life with all purity and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the shortcomings of other times. This will then be worthily done, if we restrain ourselves from all vices. Let us devote ourselves to tearful prayers, to reading and compunction of heart, and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore, let us add something to the usual amount of our service, special prayers, abstinence from food and drink, that each one offer to God "with the joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thes 1:6), of his own accord, something above his prescribed measure; namely, let him withdraw from his body somewhat of food, drink, sleep, speech, merriment, and with the gladness of spiritual desire await holy Easter.

Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth and let it be done with his approval and blessing; because what is done without permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vain glory, and not to merit. Therefore, let all be done with the approval of the Abbot.

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

At Rome, the passion of St. Theodora, sister of the illustrious martyr Hermes. She underwent martyrdom in the time of Emperor Adrian, under the judge Aurelian, and was buried at the side of her brother, on the Salarian Way, a short distance from the city.

The same day, St. Venantius, bishop and martyr.

In Egypt, the holy martyrs Victor and Stephen.

In Armenia, the holy martyrs Quinctian and Irenæus.

At Constantinople, under Emperor Leo, St. Macarius, confessor, who ended his life in exile for defending the veneration of sacred images.

At Ard-Patrick in Munster, a province of Ireland, Bishop St. Celsus, who preceded blessed Malachy in that bishopric.

At Grenoble in France, Bishop St. Hugh, who spent many years of his life in solitude, and departed for heaven with a great reputation for miracles.

At Amiens in France, Abbot St. Valery, whose tomb is well known for its frequent 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 April 1:

CHAPTER L
Of Brethren Who Work a Long Distance from the Oratory or Are on a Journey

The brethren who are at work too far away, and cannot come to the oratory at the appointed time, and the Abbot hath assured himself that such is the case -- let them perform the Work of God in the fear of God and on bended knees where they are working. In like manner let those who are sent on a journey not permit the appointed hours to pass by; but let them say the office by themselves as best they can, and not neglect to fulfil the obligation of divine service.

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

At Tours in France, St. Francis of Paula, founder of the Order of Minims. Because he was renowned for virtues and miracles, he was inscribed among the saints by Pope Leo X.

At Caesarea in Palestine, during the persecution of Galerius Maximian, the birthday of the martyr St. Amphian. He reproved the governor Urban for sacrifícing to idols, so his body was cruelly cut in shreds, his feet wrapped in oil-soaked cloths, and set on fire. After these painful torments, he was cast into the sea. Thus through fire and water, he reached his everlasting repose.

In the same city, the passion of St. Theodosia, a virgin of Tyre. In the same persecution, she publicly spoke to the holy confessors as they stood before the tribunal, and begged of them to remember her when they should be with God. She was arrested and led to the governor Urban, at whose order her sides and breasts were deeply lacerated, and she was thrown into the sea.

At Langres in France, Bishop St. Urban.

At Como, St. Abundius, bishop and confessor.

At Capua, Bishop St. Victor, well known for his sanctity and learning.

At Lyons in France, St. Nicetus, bishop of that city, renowned for his life and miracles.

In Palestine, the death of St. Mary of Egypt, called the Sinner.

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 April 2:

CHAPTER LI
Of the Brethren Who Do Not Go Very Far Away

A brother who is sent out on any business and is expected to return to the
monastery the same day, may not presume to eat outside, even though he be
urgently requested to do so, unless, indeed, it is commanded him by his Abbot. If
he act otherwise, let him be excommunicated.

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

At Rome, the birthday of blessed Pope Sixtus the First, martyr, who ruled
the Church with distinction during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and finally
in the reign of Antoninus Pius he gladly accepted temporal death in order to
gain Christ for himself.

At Taormina in Sicily, Bishop St. Pancras, who sealed with a martyr's blood
the Gospel of Christ that the apostle St. Peter had sent him there to preach.


At Tomis in Scythia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Evagrius and
Benignus.

At Tyre, the martyr St. Vulpian, who was sewn up in a sack with a serpent
and a dog and drowned in the sea, during the persecution of Maximian Galerius.

At Thessalonica, the martyrdom of the holy virgins Agape and Chiónia, under
Emperor Diocletian. Because they would not deny Christ, they were first
detained in prison, then cast into the fire where, untouched by the flames, they
gave up their souls to their Creator while praying. Their sister Irene had
been imprisoned with them, but was to die later.

In the monastery of Medicion in Bithynia, Abbot St. Nicetas, who suffered a
great deal for the veneration of sacred images in the time of Leo the
Armenian, and then died in peace as a confessor near Constantinople.

In England, St. Richard, bishop of Chichester, celebrated for his sanctity
and glorious miracles.

At Faremoutiers, in the district of Meaux, St. Burgundofara, also known as
St. Fara, abbess and 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 April 3:

CHAPTER LII
Of the Oratory of the Monastery

Let the oratory be what it is called, and let nothing else be done or stored there. When the Work of God is finished, let all go out with the deepest silence, and let reverence be shown to God; that a brother who perhaps desireth to pray especially by himself is not prevented by another's misconduct. But if perhaps another desireth to pray alone in private, let him enter with simplicity and pray, not with a loud voice, but with tears and fervor of heart. Therefore, let him who doth not say his prayers in this way, not be permitted to stay in the oratory after the Work of God is finished, as we said, that another may not be disturbed.

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

At Seville in Spain, St. Isidore, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church. He was conspicuous for sanctity and learning, and had brightened all Spain by his zeal for the Catholic faith and his observance of Church discipline.

At Milan, the death of St. Ambrose, bishop and confessor, doctor of the Church. By his zeal, besides other monuments to his learning and miracles, almost all Italy returned to the Catholic faith at the time of the Arian heresy. His feast is properly kept on the seventh of December, on which day he became Bishop of Milan.

At Thessalonica, in the time of Emperor Maximian and the govenor Faustinus, the holy martyrs Agathopodes, a deacon, and Theodulus, a lector, who, for the confession of the Catholic faith, had stones tied to their necks and were drowned in the sea.

At Constantinople, the monk St. Plato. For many years he combated with dauntless courage the heretics bent on destroying sacred images.

In Palestine, the anchoret St. Zosimus, who took care of the funeral of St. Mary of Egypt.

At Palermo, St. Benedict of St. Philadelphus, called the Black because of the darkness of his body, a confessor of the Order of Friars Minor. After becoming outstanding for signs and virtues, he went to rest in the Lord, and was enrolled among the saints by Pope Pius VII.

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 April 4:

CHAPTER LIII
Of the Reception of Guests

Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ, because He will say: "I was a stranger and you took Me in" (Mt 25:35). And let due honor be shown to all, especially to those "of the household of the faith" (Gal 6:10) and to wayfarers.

When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior and the brethren with every mark of charity. And let them first pray together, and then let them associate with one another in peace. This kiss of peace should not be given before a prayer hath first been said, on account of satanic deception. In the greeting let all humility be shown to the guests, whether coming or going; with the head bowed down or the whole body prostrate on the ground, let Christ be adored in them as He is also received.

When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayer, and after that let the Superior, or whom he shall bid, sit down with them. Let the divine law be read to the guest that he may be edified, after which let every kindness be shown him. Let the fast be broken by the Superior in deference to the guest, unless, perchance, it be a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken. Let the brethren, however, keep the customary fast. Let the Abbot pour the water on the guest's hands, and let both the Abbot and the whole brotherhood wash the feet of all the guests. When they have been washed, let them say this verse: "We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple" (Ps 47[48]:10). Let the greatest care be taken, especially in the reception of the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them; whereas regard for the wealthy itself procureth them respect.

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

At Vannes in Brittany, St. Vincent Ferrer, of the Order of Preachers, and confessor. He was mighty in word and deed, and converted many thousands of infidels to Christ.

In Africa, during the persecution of the Arian king Genseric, the holy martyrs who were murdered in the church on Easter day. The lector, while singing "Alleluia" at the lectern, was pierced through the throat by an arrow.

The same day, the martyr St. Zeno, who was covered with pitch, cast into the fire, and wounded by the thrust of a spear, thus gaining the crown of martyrdom.

On the island of Lesbos, the martyrdom of five holy virgins, who were slain by the sword.

At Thessalonica, the virgin St. Irene, who was imprisoned for hiding the sacred books, contrary to the order of Diocletian. She was pierced with an arrow, then burned to death by order of the governor Dulcetius, under whom her sisters Agape and Chionia had previously suffered.

In the monastery at Palma, in the diocese of Majorca, the birthday of St. Catherine Thomas, Canoness Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, whom Pope Pius XI, in the fiftieth year of his priesthood, placed among the number of virgin 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 April 5:

CHAPTER LIII
Of the Reception of Guests

Let the kitchen of the Abbot and the guests be apart, that the brethren may not be disturbed by the guests who arrive at uncertain times and who are never wanting in the monastery. Let two brothers who are able to fulfil this office well go into the kitchen for a year. Let help be given them as they need it, that they may serve without murmuring; and when they have not enough to do, let them go out again for work where it is commanded them. Let this course be followed, not only in this office, but in all the offices of the monastery -- that whenever the brethren need help, it be given them, and that when they have nothing to do, they again obey orders. Moreover, let also a God-fearing brother have assigned to him the apartment of the guests, where there should be sufficient number of beds made up; and let the house of God be wisely managed by the wise.

On no account let anyone who is not ordered to do so, associate or speak with guests; but if he meet or see them, having saluted them humbly, as we have said, and asked a blessing, let him pass on saying that he is not allowed to speak with a guest.

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

At Milan, the passion of St. Peter, a martyr belonging to the Order of Preachers, who was slain by the heretics for his Catholic faith. His feast, however, is kept on the 29th of April.

In Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and confessor. Together with his brother, the bishop St. Cyril, whose birthday was the 14th of February, he converted many of the Slav races and their rulers to the faith of Christ. Their feast is celebrated on the 7th day of July.

In Macedonia, the holy martyrs Timothy and Diogenes.

In Persia, one hundred and twenty holy martyrs.

At Ascalon in Palestine, the passion of St. Platonides and two other martyrs.

At Carthage, St. Marcellin, who was slain by the heretics for defending the Catholic faith.

In Denmark, St. William, an abbot renowned for his saintly life 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 April 6:

CHAPTER LIV
Whether a Monk Should Receive Letters or Anything Else

Let it not be allowed at all for a monk to give or to receive letters, tokens, or gifts of any kind, either from parents or any other person, nor from each other, without the permission of the Abbot. But even if anything is sent him by his parents, let him not presume to accept it before it hath been make known to the Abbot. And if he order it to be accepted, let it be in the Abbot's power to give it to whom he pleaseth. And let not the brother to whom perchance it was sent, become sad, that "no chance be given to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14). But whosoever shall presume to act otherwise, let him fall under the discipline of the Rule.

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

At Rouen, the birthday of St. John Baptist de la Salle, priest and confessor. He was prominent in the education of youth, especially those who were poor, for which he was acclaimed both by religious and civil society. He was the founder of the Society of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Pius XII, Supreme Pontiff, declared him patron of all those who teach children and young people. His feast is celebrated on the 15th of May.

In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Epiphanius bishop, Donatus, Rufinus and thirteen others.


At Alexandria, St. Peleusius, priest and martyr.

At Sinope, in Pontus, two hundred holy martyrs.

In Cilicia, under the prefect Maximus, St. Calliopius, martyr. After undergoing other torments, he was fastened to a cross with his head downward, and thus gained the noble crown of martyrdom.


At Nicomedia, St. Cyriacus and ten other martyrs.


At Verona, St. Saturninus, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, St. Hegesippus, who lived close to the time of the apostles. He came to Rome while Anicetus was pope, and remained until the time of Eleutherius. He wrote a history of the Church, from the Passion of our Lord to his own time, in a simple style, to make clear the character of those whose life he imitated.

In Syria, in the time of Valens, St. Aphraates, an anchoret, who defended the Catholic faith against the Arians by the power of 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 April 7:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothing and the Footgear of the Brethren

Let clothing be given to the brethren according to the circumstances of the place and the nature of the climate in which they live, because in cold regions more in needed, while in warm regions less. This consideration, therefore, resteth with the Abbot. We believe, however, that for a temperate climate a cowl and a tunic for each monk are sufficient, -- a woolen cowl for winter and a thin or worn one for summer, and a scapular for work, and stockings and shoes as covering for the feet. Let the monks not worry about the color or the texture of all these things, but let them be such as can be bought more cheaply. Let the Abbot, however, look to the size, that these garments are not too small, but fitted for those who are to wear them.

Let those who receive new clothes always return the old ones, to be put away in the wardrobe for the poor. For it is sufficient for a monk to have two tunics and two cowls, for wearing at night and for washing. Hence, what is over and above is superfluous and must be taken away. So, too, let them return stockings and whatever is old, when they receive anything new. Let those who are sent out on a journey receive trousers from the wardrobe, which, on their return, they will replace there, washed. The cowls and the tunics should also be a little better than the ones they usually wear, which they received from the wardrobe when they set out on a journey, and give back when they return.

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

The commemoration of Saints Herodian, Asyncritus, and Phlegon who are mentioned by blessed Paul the Apostle in his Letter to the Romans.

At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Maximian Galerius, the martyr St. Aedesius, brother of the blessed Apphian. Because he publicly reproved the wicked judge who delivered to corruptors virgins consecrated to God, he was arrested by the soldiers, exposed to the most severe torments, and thrown into the sea for the sake of Christ our Lord.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Januarius, Maxima, and Macaria.

At Carthage, the martyr St. Concessa.

At Corinth, Bishop St. Denis, who instructed not only the people of his own city and province by the learning and charm with which he preached the word of God, but also the bishops of other cities and provinces by the letters he wrote to them. His devotion to the Roman Pontiffs was such that he was accustomed to read their letters publicly in the church on Sundays. He lived in the time of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus.

At Tours in France, the holy bishop Perpetuus, a man of great sanctity.

At Ferentino in Campania, Bishop St. Redemptus, who was mentioned by Pope St. Gregory.

At Como, St. Amantius, 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 April 8:

CHAPTER LV
Of the Clothing and the Footgear of the Brethren (cont.)

For their bedding, let a straw mattress, a blanket, a coverlet, and a pillow be sufficient. These beds must, however, be frequently examined by the Abbot, to prevent personal goods from being found. And if anything should be found with anyone that he did not receive from the Abbot, let him fall under the severest discipline. And that this vice of private ownership may be cut off by the root, let everything necessary be given by the Abbot; namely, cowl, tunic, stockings, shoes, girdle, knife, pen, needle, towel, writing tablet; that all pretence of want may be removed. In this connection, however, let the following sentence from the Acts of the Apostles always be kept in mind by the Abbot: "And distribution was made to every man according as he had need" (Acts 4:35). In this manner, therefore, let the Abbot also have regard for the infirmities of the needy, not for the bad will of the envious. Yet in all his decisions, let the Abbot think of God's retribution.

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

In Judea, St. Mary Cleophas, whom St. John the Evangelist calls the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and says that she stood at her side beneath the Cross of Jesus.

At Antioch, St. Prochorus who was one of the first seven deacons. Renowned for faith and miracles, he received the crown of martyrdom.

At Rome, the birthday of the holy martyrs Demetrius, Concessus, Hilary, and their companions.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Eupsychius, martyr, who was persecuted under Julian the Apostate for having overthrown the temple of Fortune.

In Africa the holy Massylitan Martyrs, on whose birthday was written a tract by St. Augustine.

At Sirmio, seven holy virgins and martyrs, who purchased eternal life together at the price of their own blood.

At Amida in Mesopotamia, St. Acatius, bishop, who even melted down and sold the sacred vessels in order to ransom captives.

At Rouen, St. Hugh, bishop and confessor.

In the city of Die, in France, St. Marcellus, bishop, celebrated for miracles.

At Mons in Hainaut, blessed Waltrude, renowned for holiness and miracles.

At Rome, the transferring of the body of St. Monica, mother of the bishop St. Augustine. It was brought from Ostia to Rome, under the Sovereign Pontiff, Martin V, and buried with due honours in the church 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 April 9:

CHAPTER LVI
Of the Abbot's Table

Let the Abbot's table always be with the guests and travelers. When, however,
there are no guests, let it be in his power to invite any of the brethren he
desireth. Let him provide, however, that one or two of the seniors always remain
with the brethren for the sake of discipline.

Martyrology-April 10th
Roman Martyrology-April 10th-on this date in various years-

At Babylon, the prophet Ezechiel, who was put to death by a judge of the people
of Israel because he reproved him for worshipping idols. He was buried in the
sepulchre of Sem and Arphaxad, ancestors of Abraham. Many people were in the
habit of going to his tomb to pray.

At Rome, the birthday of many holy martyrs, whom Pope St. Alexander baptized
while he was in prison. The prefect Aurelian had them all put in an old ship,
taken to the deep sea, and drowned with stones tied to their necks.

At Alexandria, during the persecution of Maximian, the holy martyrs Apollonius,
a priest, and five others who were drowned in the sea.


In Africa, under Emperor Decius and the prefect Fortunian, the holy martyrs
Terence, Africanus, Pompey, and their companions, who were scourged, racked and
subjected to other torments. Their martyrdom ended by beheading.


At Ghent in Flanders, St. Macarius, bishop of Antioch, celebrated for virtues
and miracles.


At Valladolid in Spain, St. Michael of the Saints, confessor, of the Order of
Discalced Trinitarians for the Redemption of Captives, a man known for his
upright life, his peni­tential spirit, and his great love of God. He was placed
on the roll of the saints by Pope Pius IX.

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