Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

CHAPTER LXIX
That in the Monastery No One Presume to Defend Another

Care must be taken that on no occasion one monk try to defend another in the monastery, or to take his part, even though they be closely related by ties of blood. Let it not be attempted by the monks in any way; because such conduct may give rise to very grave scandal. If anyone overstep this rule, let him be severely punished.

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

At Hippo in Africa, the birthday of St. Augustine, bishop and famous doctor of the Church. Converted and baptized by the blessed bishop Ambrose, he defended the Catholic faith with the greatest zeal against the Manicheans and other heretics, and after having sustained many other labours for the Church of God, he went to his reward in heaven. His relics, owing to the invasion of barbarians, were first brought from his own city into Sardinia, and afterwards taken by Luitprand, king of the Lombards, to Pavia, where they were deposited with due honours.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Hermes, an illustrious man, who, as we read in the Acts of blessed Pope Alexander, was first confined in prison, and afterwards fulfilled his martyrdom by the sword, at the time of the judge Aurelian.

At Venosa in Apulia, the passion of Saints Septiminus, Januarius, and Felix. During the reign of Emperor Maximian, the judge Valerian ordered these sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla to be beheaded. Their feast, however, is observed with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren on the first of September.

At Prinde in Auvergne, St. Julian, martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. He was the companion of the blessed tribune Ferreol, and under a military garb he secretly served Christ until arrested by the soldiers, and killed in a barbarous manner by having his throat cut.

At Constance, in Germany, St. Pelagius, martyr, who received the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Numerian and the judge Evilasius.

At Salerno, the holy martyrs Fortunatus, Caius, and Anthes, beheaded under Emperor Diocletian and the proconsul Leontius.

At Constantinople, the holy bishop Alexander, an aged and celebrated man, through whose efficacious prayers Arius, by the judgement of God, burst asunder and his bowels were poured out.

At Saintes, St. Vivian, bishop and confessor.

Also, St. Moses the Ethiopian, who gave up a life of robbery and became a renowned anchoret. He converted many robbers, and led them to a monastery.

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 August 28:

CHAPTER LXX
That No One Presume to Strike Another

Let every occasion for presumption be avoided in the monastery. We decree that no one be permitted to excommunicate or to strike any one of his brethren, unless the Abbot hath given him the authority. But let those who transgress be taken to task in the presence of all, that the others may fear (cf 1 Tm 5:20).

Let all, however, exercise diligent and watchful care over the discipline of children, until the age of fifteen; but even that, within due limits and with discretion. For if anyone should presume to chastise those of more advanced years, without the command of the Abbot, or should be unduly provoked with children, let him be subject to the discipline of the Rule; because it is written: "What thou dost not wish to be done to thee, do not thou to another" (Tb 4:16).


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

The beheading of St. John Baptist, who was put to death by Herod about the feast of Easter. However, his solemn commemoration takes place today, when his venerable head was found for the second time. It was afterwards solemnly carried to Rome, where it is kept in the church of St. Sylvester, near the Campus Martius, and honoured by the people with the greatest devotion.

At Rome, on Mount Aventine, the birthday of St. Sabina, martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, she was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Valiniano in Apulia, the passion of Saints Vitalis, Sator, and Repositus. They were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, and were condemned to death by the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian. Their feast along with that of the other Twelve Holy Brethren is observed on the first of September.

At Rome, St. Candida, virgin and martyr, whose body was transferred to the Church of St. Praxedes by Pope Paschal I.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Hypatius, an Asiatic bishop, and Andrew, a priest, who for the veneration of holy images, under Leo the Isaurian had their beards besmirched with pitch and set on fire, the skin of the heads torn off, and were beheaded.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Nicaeas and Paul.

At Metz in France, St. Adelphus, bishop and confessor.

At Paris, the death of St. Merry, priest.

At Perugia, St. Euthymius, a Roman, who fled from the persecution of Diocletian with this wife and his son Crescentius, and there rested in the Lord.

In England, St. Sebbe, king.

At Smyrna, the birthday of St. Basilla, virgin.

In the vicinity of Troyes, St. Sabina, a virgin, celebrated for virtues 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 August 29:

CHAPTER LXXI
That the Brethren Be Obedient to One Another

The brethren must render the service of obedience not only to the Abbot, but they must thus also obey one another, knowing that they shall go to God by this path of obedience. Hence, granted the command of the Abbot and of the Superiors who are appointed by him (to which we do not permit private commands to be preferred), in other respects let the younger brethren obey their elders with all charity and zeal. But if anyone is found to be obstinate, let him be punished.

And if a brother be punished in any way by the Abbot or by any of his Superiors for even a slight reason or if he perceive that the temper of any of his Superiors is but slightly ruffled or excited against him in the least, let him without delay cast himself down on the ground at his feet making satisfaction, until the agitation is quieted by a blessing. If anyone scorn to do this, either let him undergo corporal punishment, or, if he be obstinate, let him be expelled from the monastery.

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

The feast of St. Rose of St. Mary, virgin of the Third Order of St. Dominic, whose birthday is recalled on the 24th of August.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the martyrdom of the blessed priest Felix, under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. After being racked he was sentenced to death, and as they led him to execution, he met a man who spontaneously declared himself a Christian, and was forthwith beheaded with him. The Christians, not knowing his name, called him Adauctus, because he was added to St. Felix and shared his crown.

Also at Rome, St. Gaudentia, virgin and martyr, with three others.

At Colonia Suffetulana in Africa, sixty blessed martyrs, who were murdered by the furious heathen.

At Bologna, St. Bononius, abbot.

At Rome, St Pammachius, priest, who was noteworthy for learning and sanctity.

At Adrumetum, also in Africa, the Saints Boniface and Thecla, who were the parents of twelve blessed sons, all martyrs.

At Thessalonica, St. Fantinus, confessor, who suffered much from the Saracens, and was driven from his monastery, in which he had lived in great abstinence. After having brought many to the way of salvation, he rested at last at an advanced age.

In the diocese of Meaux, St. Fiacre, confessor.

At Trevi in Lazio, St. Peter, confessor, who was distinguished for many virtues and miracles. He is honoured in that place from which he departed for heaven.

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 August 30:

CHAPTER LXXII
Of the Virtuous Zeal Which the Monks Ought to Have

As there is a harsh and evil zeal which separateth from God and
leadeth to hell, so there is a virtuous zeal which separateth from
vice and leadeth to God and life everlasting.

Let the monks, therefore, practice this zeal with most ardent love;
namely, that in honor they forerun one another (cf Rom 12:10). Let
them bear their infirmities, whether of body or mind, with the utmost
patience; let them vie with one another in obedience. Let no one
follow what he thinketh useful to himself, but rather to another. Let
them practice fraternal charity with a chaste love.

Let them fear God and love their Abbot with sincere and humble
affection; let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and my He lead
us all together to life everlasting.

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

St. Raymund Nonnatus, cardinal and confessor, of the Order of our
Lady of Ransom for the Redemption of Captives. His birthday is
commemorated on the 26th of August.

In Tuscany, on Mount Senario, the birthday of St. Bonajuncta,
confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of Servites of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave up his soul into the hands of the Lord
while he was preaching to his brethren on the Passion of our
Saviour. his feast is kept with that of his companions on the 12th
of February.

At Treves, the birthday of St. Paulinus, a bishop, who was exiled
for the Catholic faith by the Arian emperor Constantius, in the time
of the Arian persecution. By having to change the place of his
exile, which was beyond the limits of Christendom, he became wearied
unto death, and finally, dying in Phrygia, received a crown from the
Lord for his blessed martyrdom.

At Transaco, in the Marches near Lake Fucino, the birthday of the
holy martyrs Caesidius, priest, and his companions, who were crowned
with martyrdom in the persecution of Maximinus.

Also, the holy martyrs Robustian and Mark.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Theodotus, Rufina, and Ammia.
The first two were the parents of the martyr St. Mamas, who was born
in prison, and whom Ammia brought up.

At Auxerre, St. Optatus, bishop and confessor.

In England, St. Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne. When St. Cuthbert,
then a shepherd, saw his soul going up to heaven, he left his sheep
and became a monk. Mention is made of St. Cuthbert on the 20th of
March.

At Nosco, St. Amatus, bishop.

At Athens, St. Aristides, most celebrated for his faith and wisdom,
who presented to Emperor Hadrian a treatise on the Christian
religion, containing the exposition of our doctrine. In the presence
of the emperor, he also delivered a discourse in which he clearly
demonstrated the Jesus Christ is the only God.

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 August 31:

CHAPTER LXXIII
Of This, that Not the Whole Observance of Righteousness Is Laid Down in this Rule

Now, we have written this Rule that, observing it in monasteries, we may show that we have acquired at least some moral righteousness, or a beginning of the monastic life.

On the other hand, he that hasteneth on to the perfection of the religious life, hath at hand the teachings of the holy Fathers, the observance of which leadeth a man to the height of perfection. For what page or what utterance of the divinely inspired books of the Old and the New Testament is not a most exact rule of human life? Or, what book of the holy Catholic Fathers doth not loudly proclaim how we may go straight to our Creator? So, too, the collations of the Fathers, and their institutes and lives, and the rule of our holy Father, Basil -- what are they but the monuments of the virtues of exemplary and obedient monks? But for us slothful, disedifying, and negligent monks they are a source for shame and confusion.

Thou, therefore, who hastenest to the heavenly home, with the help of Christ fulfil this least rule written for a beginning; and then thou shalt with God's help attain at last to the greater heights of knowledge and virtue which we have mentioned above.

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

In the province of Narbonne, St. Giles, abbot and confessor. A town which later arose in the place where he had built his monastery and where he died was named after him.

At Sentiano, in the district of Apulia, the passion of Saints Donatus and a second Felix who were the sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla. After they had endured various torments under the judge Valerian in the reign of Emperor Maximian, they were condemned to be beheaded on this day. Today also is kept the festival of the others of the Twelve Holy Brethren, whose birthdays are noted in their proper place. The bodies of these Twelve Holy Brethren were later translated to Benevento where they are honourably enshrined.

In Palestine, the Saints Joshua and Gideon.

At Jerusalem, blessed Anna, prophetess, whose sanctity is revealed in the Gospel.

At Capua, on the Via Aquaria, St. Priscus, martyr, who was formerly one of the disciples of Christ.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Terentian, bishop and martyr. Under Emperor Hadrian, by order of the proconsul Laetian, he was racked, scourged with whips set with metal, and finally having had his tongue cut out, he ended his martyrdom by undergoing capital punishment.

At Heraclea, under the tyrant Licinius, St. Ammon, deacon, and forty holy virgins whom he instructed in the faith and led with him to the glory of martyrdom.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Vincent and Laetus.

At Piombino in Tuscany, St. Regulus, martyr, who went thither from Africa, and consummated his martyrdom under Totila.

At Capua, St. Priscus, bishop. He was one of those priests who were subjected to various trials for the Catholic faith during the persecution of the Vandals. Being put in an old ship on the coast of Africa, they reached the shores of Campania, and separating, they were placed at the head of various churches, and thus greatly extended the Christian religion. The companions of Priscus were Castrensis, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of February, Tammarius, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Mark, Augustus, Elpidius, Canion, and Vindonius.

At Sens, St. Lupus, bishop and confessor, of whom it is related that on a certain day, while he stood at the holy altar in the presence of the clergy, a gem fell from heaven into the consecrated chalice which he was using.

At Rheims in France, St. Sixtus, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, who consecrated him the first bishop of that city. He received the crown of martyrdom under Nero.

At Le Mans in France, St. Victorinus, bishop.

At Aquino, St. Constantius, a bishop renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.

In Baden, in the province of Constance, St. Verena, 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 September 1:

PROLOGUE

Listen, O my son, to the precepts of thy master, and incline the ear of thy heart, and cheerfully receive and faithfully execute the admonitions of thy loving Father, that by the toil of obedience thou mayest return to Him from whom by the sloth of disobedience thou hast gone away.

To thee, therefore, my speech is now directed, who, giving up thine own will, takest up the strong and most excellent arms of obedience, to do battle for Christ the Lord, the true King.

In the first place, beg of Him by most earnest prayer, that He perfect whatever good thou dost begin, in order that He who hath been pleased to count us in the number of His children, need never be grieved at our evil deeds. For we ought at all times so to serve Him with the good things which He hath given us, that He may not, like an angry father, disinherit his children, nor, like a dread lord, enraged at our evil deeds, hand us over to everlasting punishment as most wicked servants, who would not follow Him to glory.


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

St. Stephen, king of Hungary and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August.

At Rome, the holy martyr Maxima, who confessed Christ with St. Ansanus in the persecution of Diocletian, and yielded up her soul while being beaten with rods.

At Pamiers in France, St. Antoninus, martyr, whose relics are kept with great veneration in the church of Palencia, in Spain.

Also, the holy martyrs, Diomedes, Julian, Philip, Eutychian, Hesychius, Leonides, Philadelphus, Menalippus, and Pantagapas. Their martyrdoms were completed, some by fire, some water, others by the sword or by the cross.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Zeno, and his sons Concordius and Theodore.

At Lyons in France, St. Elpidius, bishop and confessor.

In Piceno, another St. Elpidius, an abbot. A town bearing his name glories in the possession of his holy body.

On Mount Soracte, Abbot St. Nonnosus, who by his prayers moved a rock of huge proportions, and was renowned for other miracles.

On the same day, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Evodius and Hermogenes, brothres, and Callista, their sister. Mention is made of them that they died on the 25th of April in the city of Syracuse in Italy.

At Lyons in France, the translation of St. Justus, bishop and confessor, and Viator, his servant, whose birthdays occur on the 14th of October and the 21st of October.

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 September 2:

PROLOGUE (cont.)

Let us then rise at length, since the Scripture arouseth us, saying: "It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep" (Rom 13:11); and having opened our eyes to the deifying light, let us hear with awestruck ears what the divine voice, crying out daily, doth admonish us, saying: "Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Ps 94[95]:. And again: "He that hath ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches" (Rev 2:7). And what doth He say? -- "Come, children, hearken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Ps 33[34]:12). "Run whilst you have the light of life, that the darkness of death overtake you not" (Jn 12:35).

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

Pope St. Pius X, whose birthday is mentioned on the 20th of August.

At Corinth the birthday of St. Phoebe, mentioned by the blessed apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.

At Capua, the holy martyrs Aristaeus, bishop, and Antoninus, a young boy.

Also, the birthday of the holy martyrs Aigulphus, abbot of Lerins, and the monks, his companions, who, after their tongues were cut off and their eyes plucked out, were killed with the sword.

Also, the holy martyrs Zeno and Chariton. The one was cast into a cauldron of melted lead, the other into a burning furnace.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Sandal the martyr.

At Aquileia, the holy virgins and martyrs Euphemia, Dorothy, Thecla, and Erasma. Under Nero, after enduring many torments, they were slain with the sword and buried by St. Hermagoras.

At Nicomedia, the passion of St. Basilissa, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Alexander. At the age of nine years, after having, through the power of God, overcome scourging, fire, and the beasts - ”by which she converted the governor to the faith of Christ - she at length gave up her soul to God while at prayer outside the city.

At Toul in France, St. Mansuetus, bishop and confessor.

At Milan, the death of St. Auxanus, bishop.

The same day, St. Simon Stylites the Younger.

At Rome, the translation of St. Serapia, virgin and martyr, who suffered on the 29th of July.

Also at Rome, the raising to the Sovereign Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great. This incomparable man, being forced to take that burden upon himself, sent forth from the exalted throne brighter rays of sanctity upon the world.

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 September 3:

PROLOGUE (cont.)
And the Lord seeking His workman in the multitude of the people, to whom He proclaimeth these words, saith again: "Who is the man that desireth life and loveth to see good days" (Ps 33[34]:13)? If hearing this thou answerest, "I am he," God saith to thee: "If thou wilt have true and everlasting life, keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile; turn away from evil and do good; seek after peace and pursue it" (Ps 33[34]:14-15). And when you shall have done these things, my eyes shall be upon you, and my ears unto your prayers. And before you shall call upon me I will say: "Behold, I am here" (Is 58:9).

What, dearest brethren, can be sweeter to us than this voice of the Lord inviting us? See, in His loving kindness, the Lord showeth us the way of life.

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

On Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the holy lawgiver and prophet Moses.

At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Candida, who was the first to meet St. Peter when he came to that city, and being baptized by him afterwards ended her holy life in peace.

At Treves, St. Marcellus, bishop and martyr.

At Ancyra in Galatia, the birthday of three saintly boys, Rufinus, Silvanus, and Vitalicus, martyrs.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Magnus, Castus and Maximus.

At Chalons in France, under Emperor Antoninus, St. Marcellus, martyr. Being invited to a profane banquet by the governor Priscus, he scorned to partake of the meats that were served, and reproved with great freedom all persons present for worshipping idols. For this, with unheard-of cruelty, the same governor had him buried alive up to the waist. After persevering for three days in praising God, he yielded up his undefiled spirit.

On the same day, St. Thamel, previously a pagan priest, and his companions, martyrs under Emperor Hadrian.

Also, the holy martyrs Theodore, Oceanus, Ammian, and Julian, who had their feet cut off, and completed their martyrdom by being thrown into the fire, in the time of Emperor Maximian.

At Rome, St. Boniface I, pope and confessor.

At Rimini, St. Marinus, deacon.

At Palermo, the birthday of St. Rosalia, virgin, a native of that city, born of the royal blood of Charlemagne. For the love of Christ, she forsook the princely court of her father, and led a saintly life alone in mountains and caverns.

At Viterbo, the translation of St. Rose the Virgin, of the Third Order of St. Francis, during the pontificate of Pope Alexander 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 September 4:

PROLOGUE (cont.)

Therefore, having our loins girt with faith and the performance of good works, let us walk His ways under the guidance of the Gospel, that we may be found worthy of seeing Him who hath called us to His kingdom (cf 1 Thes 2:12).

If we desire to dwell in the tabernacle of His kingdom, we cannot reach it in any way, unless we run thither by good works. But let us ask the Lord with the Prophet, saying to Him: "Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle, or who shall rest in Thy holy hill" (Ps 14[15]:1)?

After this question, brethren, let us listen to the Lord answering and showing us the way to this tabernacle, saying: "He that walketh without blemish and worketh justice; he that speaketh truth in his heart; who hath not used deceit in his tongue, nor hath done evil to his neighbor, nor hath taken up a reproach against his neighbor" (Ps 14[15]:2-3), who hath brought to naught the foul demon tempting him, casting him out of his heart with his temptation, and hath taken his evil thoughts whilst they were yet weak and hath dashed them against Christ (cf Ps 14[15]:4; Ps 136[137]:9); who fearing the Lord are not puffed up by their goodness of life, but holding that the actual good which is in them cannot be done by themselves, but by the Lord, they praise the Lord working in them (cf Ps 14[15]:4), saying with the Prophet: "Not to us, O Lord, not to us; by to Thy name give glory" (Ps 113[115:1]:9). Thus also the Apostle Paul hath not taken to himself any credit for his preaching, saying: "By the grace of God, I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10). And again he saith: "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17).

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

Saint Lawrence Justinian, first patriarch of Venice and confessor, who on this day unwillingly ascended the episcopal throne. His birthday is the 8th of January.

In the suburbs of Rome, blessed Victorinus, bishop and martyr, in the time of Nerva Trajan. Being renowned for sanctity and miracles, he was elected bishop of Amiterno by the whole populace, but afterwards he was banished, with other servants of God, to Contigliano, where fetid sulphurous waters spring forth, and was suspended with his head downward by order of the judge Aurelian. Having for the name of Christ endured this torment for three days, he was gloriously crowned and went victoriously to our Lord. His body was taken away by the Christians and buried with due honours at Amiterno.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Urbanus, Theodore, Menedemus, and their companions of ecclesiastical rank, seventy-seven in number, who were put in a ship by the command of Emperor Valens, and burned on the sea for the Catholic faith.

At Porto, the birthday of St. Herculanus, martyr, who was scourged and beheaded in the reign of Emperor Gallus because of the Christian faith.

At Capua, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Arcontius, and Donatus.

On the same day, St. Romulus, prefect of Trajan's court. For reproving the cruelty of the emperor towards Christians, he was scourged with rods and beheaded.

At Melitine in Armenia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the martyrdom of the holy soldiers Eudoxius, Zeno, Macarius, and their companions to the number of eleven hundred and four, who threw away their military belts and were put to death for the confession of Christ.

In the neighbourhood of Terouanne, in the monastery of Sithiu, in France, St. Bertinus, abbot.

At Toledo in Spain, St. Obdulia, 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 September 5:

PROLOGUE (cont.)

Hence, the Lord also saith in the Gospel: "He that heareth these my words and doeth them, shall be likened to a wise man who built his house upon a rock; the floods came, the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock" (Mt 7:24-25). The Lord fulfilling these words waiteth for us from day to day, that we respond to His holy admonitions by our works. Therefore, our days are lengthened to a truce for the amendment of the misdeeds of our present life; as the Apostle saith: "Knowest thou not that the patience of God leadeth thee to penance" (Rom 2:4)? For the good Lord saith: "I will not the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and live" (Ezek 33:11).

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

In Palestine, the prophet Zachary, who returned in his old age from Chaldea to his own country, and lies buried near the prophet Aggeus.

In the Hellespont, St. Onesiphorus, disciple of the apostles, of whom St. Paul speaks in his Letter to Timothy. He was severely scourged with St. Porphyry, by order of the proconsul Adrian, and being dragged by wild horses, gave up his soul unto God.

In Africa, in the persecution of the Vandals, the holy bishops Donatian, præsidius, Mansuetus, Germanus, and Fusculus, who were most cruelly scourged and sent into exile by order of the Arian king Hunneric, because they proclaimed the Catholic truth. Among them was one named lætus, also a bishop, a courageous and very learned man, who was burned alive after a long imprisonment in a loathsome dungeon.

At Alexandria, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Valerius, the holy martyrs Faustus, a priest, Macarius, and ten companions, who received the martyr's crown by being beheaded for the name of Christ.

In Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Cottidus, deacon, Eugene, and their companions.

At Verona, St. Peronius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, the holy abbot Eleutherius, a servant of God, who, according to the testimony of Pope St. Gregory, raised a dead man to life by his prayers and tears.

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