Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for March 11:

CHAPTER XXXIII
Whether Monks Ought to Have Anything of Their Own

The vice of personal ownership must by all means be cut out in the monastery by the very root, so that no one may presume to give or receive anything without the command of the Abbot; nor to have anything whatever as his own, neither a book, nor a writing tablet, nor a pen, nor anything else whatsoever, since monks are allowed to have neither their bodies nor their wills in their own power. Everything that is necessary, however, they must look for from the Father of the monastery; and let it not be allowed for anyone to have anything which the Abbot did not give or permit him to have. Let all things be common to all, as it is written. And let no one call or take to himself anything as his own (cf Acts 4:32). But if anyone should be found to indulge this most baneful vice, and, having been admonished once and again, doth not amend, let him be subjected to punishment.

Martyrology-March 12th
Roman Martyrology-March 12th-on this date in various years-

At Rome, St. Gregory, pope and eminent doctor of the Church, who on account of his illustrious deeds and the conversion of the English to the faith of Christ, was surnamed the Great, and called the Apostle of England.

In the same place, the death of St. Innocent I, pope and confessor. His feast is celebrated on the 28th of July.

Also at Rome, St. Mamilian, martyr.

At Nicomedia, St. Egdunus, priest, and seven others, who, one by one, on successive days, were strangled in order to terrify those who remained.

In the same city, the passion of the martyr St. Peter, chamberlain to Emperor Diocletian. For openly complaining of the atrocious torments inflicted upon the martyrs, he was, by order of the emperor, first suspended and for a long time scourged, then had salt and vinegar poured on his wounds, and finally was burned on a grate over a slow fire. Thus did he become a true heir of St. Peter's name and faith.

At Constantinople, St. Theophanes, who gave up great riches to embrace the poverty of the monastic state. The impious Leo the Armenian kept him in prison for two years because of his veneration of sacred images, and later sent him into Thrace in exile. There, overwhelmed with afflictions, but famous for miracles, death came upon him.

At Capua, St. Bernard, 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 March 12:

CHAPTER XXXIV
Whether All Should Receive in Equal Measure What Is Necessary

It is written, "Distribution was made to everyone according as he had need" (Acts 4:35). We do not say by this that respect should be had for persons (God forbid), but regard for infirmities. Let him who hath need of less thank God and not give way to sadness, but let him who hath need of more, humble himself for his infirmity, and not be elated for the indulgence shown him; and thus all the members will be at peace.

Above all, let not the evil of murmuring appear in the least word or sign for any reason whatever. If anyone be found guilty herein, let him be placed under very severe discipline.

Martyrology-March 13th
Roman Martyrology-March 13th-on this date in various years-

At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Ruderic, priest, and Solomon.

At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Macedonius, Patricia, his wife, and his daughter Modesta.

At Nicaea in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Theusetas and Horres, his son; Theodore, Nymphodora, Mark, and Arabia, who were all burned to death for Christ.

At Hermopolis in Egypt, the martyr St. Sabinus, who suffered many torments, and at last completed his martyrdom by being cast into a river.

In Persia, St. Christina, virgin and martyr.

At Camerino, St. Ansovinus, bishop and confessor.

In Thebais, the death of St. Euphrasia, virgin.

At Constantinople, the transferral of the body of St. Nicephorus, bishop of that city, and confessor. The body was returned from the island of Propontis in the Proconnesus, where his death occurred on the 5th of June while in exile for his reverence of sacred images. He was buried with honour by Bishop Methodius in the Church of the Holy Apostles on this the anniversary day of his exile.

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 March 13:

CHAPTER XXXV
Of the Weekly Servers in the Kitchen

Let the brethren serve each other so that no one be excused from the work in
the kitchen, except on account of sickness or more necessary work, because
greater merit and more charity is thereby acquired. Let help be given to the
weak, however, that they may not do this work with sadness; but let all have
help according to the size of the community and the circumstances of the
place. If the community is large, let the Cellarer be excused from the
kitchen, or if, as we have said, any are engaged in more urgent work; let
the rest serve each other in charity.

Let him who is to go out of the weekly service, do the cleaning on Saturday.
Let him wash the towels with which the brethren wipe their hands and feet.
Let him who goeth out, as well as him who is to come in, wash the feet of
all. Let him return the utensils of his department to the Cellarer clean and
whole. Let the Cellarer give the same to the one who cometh in, so that he
may know what he giveth and what he receiveth back.

Martyrology-March 14th
Roman Martyrology-March 14th-on this date in various years-

At Rome, in the Veranian Field, St. Leo, bishop and martyr.

Also at Rome, the birthday of forty-seven holy martyrs who were baptized by
the apostle St. Peter while in the Mamertine Prison with St. Paul his fellow
apostle. After an imprisonment of nine months, they all fell by the sword
of Nero for their generous confession of faith.

In the province of Valeria, two saintly monks, who were hanged on a tree by
the Lombards, and although dead, were heard singing psalms even by their
enemies.

In the same persecution, a deacon of the church of Marsico who was beheaded
for the confession of faith.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Peter and Aphrodisius, who received the crown of
martyrdom in the Vandal persecution.

At Carrhae in Mesopotamia, the patrician St. Eutychius and his companions,
who were killed by Evelid, king of Arabia, for the confession of the faith.

At Halberstadt in Germany, the death of blessed Queen Matilda, mother of
Emperor Otto I, renowned for humility and patience.

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 March 14:

CHAPTER XXXV
Of the Weekly Servers in the Kitchen (cont.)

An hour before meal time let the weekly servers receive each a cup of drink and a piece of bread over the prescribed portion, that they may serve their brethren at the time time of refection without murmuring and undue strain. On solemn feast days, however, let them abstain till after Mass.

As soon as the morning office on Sunday is ended, let the weekly servers who come in and who go out, cast themselves upon their knees in the oratory before all, asking their prayers. Let him who goeth out of the weekly service, say the following verse: Benedictus es, Domine Deus, qui adjuvisti me et consolatus se me (Dan 3:52; Ps 85[86]:17). The one going out having said this three times and received the blessing, let the one who cometh in follow and say: Deus in adjutorium meum intende; Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina (Ps 69[70]:2). And let this also be repeated three times by all, and having received the blessing let him enter upon his weekly service.

Martyrology-March 15th
Roman Martyrology-March 15th-on this date in various years-

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the martyrdom of St. Longinus, the soldier who is said to have pierced our Lord's side with a lance.

The same day, the birthday of St. Aristobulus, a disciple of the apostles, who completed by martyrdom a life spent in preaching the Gospel.

In the Hellespont, St. Menignus, a dyer, who suffered under Decius.

In Egypt, St. Nicander, martyr, who sought diligently for the remains of the holy martyrs, and thus merited to be made a martyr himself, under Emperor Diocletian.

At Cordova in Spain, St. Leocritia, virgin and martyr. She suffered various cruel tortures and was beheaded for the faith of Christ during the Arabian persecution.

At Thessalonica, St. Matrona, servant of a Jewess, who, worshipping Christ secretly, and stealing away daily to pray in the church, was detected by her mistress and subjected to many trials. Being at last beaten to death with large clubs, she gave up her pure soul to God in confessing Christ.

At Rieti, the bishop St. Probus, at whose death the martyrs Juvenal and Eleutherius were present.

At Vienna in Austria, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, a priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, renowned for his great devotion in promoting the glory of God and the salvation of souls, and in extending that order. He was canonized by Pope Pius X.

At Capua, the monk St. Speciosus, whose soul his brother saw being taken into heaven, as is recorded by Pope St. Gregory.

At Pairs, the birthday of St. Louise de Marillac, a widow of Le Gras, co-founder with St. Vincent de Paul of the Society of the Daughters of Charity. Outstanding for her virtues and miracles, her name was inscribed on the roll of the saints by Pope Pius XI.

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 March 15:

CHAPTER XXXVI
Of the Sick Brethren

Before and above all things, care must be taken of the sick, that they be served in very truth as Christ is served; because He hath said, "I was sick and you visited Me" (Mt 25:36). And "As long as you did it to one of these My least brethren, you did it to Me" (Mt 25:40). But let the sick themselves also consider that they are served for the honor of God, and let them not grieve their brethren who serve them by unnecessary demands. These must, however, be patiently borne with, because from such as these a more bountiful reward is gained. Let the Abbot's greatest concern, therefore, be that they suffer no neglect.

Let a cell be set apart for the sick brethren, and a God-fearing, diligent, and careful attendant be appointed to serve them. Let the use of the bath be offered to the sick as often as it is useful, but let it be granted more rarely to the healthy and especially the young. Thus also let the use of meat be granted to the sick and to the very weak for their recovery. But when they have been restored let them all abstain from meat in the usual manner.

But let the Abbot exercise the utmost care that the sick are not neglected by the Cellarer or the attendants, because whatever his disciples do amiss falleth back on him.

Martyrology-March 16th
Roman Martyrology-March 16th-on this date in various years-

At Rome the martyrdom of the deacon St. Cyriacus, who, after a long imprisonment, had melted pitch poured over him, was stretched on the rack, had his limbs pulled with ropes, was beaten with clubs, and finally was beheaded by order of Maximian, together with Largus, Smaragdus, and twenty others. Their feast, however, is kept on the 8th of August, the day on which these twenty-three martyrs were exhumed by blessed Pope Marcellus and reverently entombed.

At Aquileia, in the time of Emperor Numerian and the governor Beronius, the birthday of the holy bishop Hilary, and the deacon Tatian, who were martyred with Felix, Largus, and Denis, after being subjected to the rack and other tortures.

In Lycaonia, the holy martyr Papas, who was scourged for the Christian faith, had his flesh torn with iron hooks, and was compelled to walk with shoes pierced with nails, and was finally bound to a barren tree. In leaving this world to go to God, he rendered this same tree fruitful.

At Anazarbum in Cilicia, under the governor Marcian, the martyr St. Julian, who was a long time tortured, then put into a sack with serpents, and cast into the sea.

In the territory of Canada, Saints John de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Anthony Daniel, Charles Garnier, and Noel Chabanel, priests of the Society of Jesus, who in the mission of the Hurons, on this and other days, after many labours and most cruel torments, bravely underwent death for Christ.

At Ravenna, St. Agapitus, bishop and confessor.

At Cologne, St. Heribert, bishop, celebrated for sanctity.

In Auvergne, the death of St. Patrick, bishop.

In Syria, St. Abraham, hermit, whose life has been written by the blessed deacon Ephrem.

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 March 16:

CHAPTER XXXVII
Of the Aged and Children

Although human nature is of itself drawn to feel compassion for these life-periods, namely, old age and childhood, still, let the decree of the Rule make provision also for them. Let their natural weakness be always taken into account and let the strictness of the Rule not be kept with them in respect to food, but let there be a tender regard in their behalf and let them eat before regular hours.

Martyrology-March 17th
Roman Martyrology-March 17th-on this date in various years-

At Downpatrick in Ireland, the birthday of St. Patrick, bishop and confessor, who was the first to preach Christ in that country, and who became illustrious by great miracles and virtues.

At Jerusalem, St. Joseph of Arimathea, noble senator and disciple of our Lord,. who took his Body down from the Cross and buried it in his own new sepulchre.

At Rome, the Saints Alexander and Theodore, martyrs.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who, being seized by the worshippers of Serapis, and refusing constantly to adore that idol, were cruelly murdered. Emperor Theodosius, who issued the order, afterwards commanded that the temple of Serapis should be destroyed.

At Constantinople, St. Paul, martyr, who was burned alive by Constantine Copronymus, for defending the veneration of sacred images.

At Chalons in France, St. Agricola, bishop.

At Nivelle in Brabant, St. Gertrude, a virgin of noble birth. Because she despised the world, and during her whole life practised all kinds of good works, she deserved to have Christ for her spouse in 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 March 17:

CHAPTER XXXVIII
Of the Weekly Reader

Reading must not be wanting at the table of the brethren when they are eating. Neither let anyone who may chance to take up the book venture to read there; but let him who is to read for the whole week enter upon that office on Sunday. After Mass and Communion let him ask all to pray for him that God may ward off from him the spirit of pride. And let the following verse be said three times by all in the oratory, he beginning it: Domine, labia mea aperies, et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam (Ps 50[51]:17), and thus having received the blessing let him enter upon the reading.

Let the deepest silence be maintained that no whispering or voice be heard except that of the reader alone. But let the brethren so help each other to what is needed for eating and drinking, that no one need ask for anything. If, however, anything should be wanted, let it be asked for by means of a sign of any kind rather than a sound. And let no one presume to ask any questions there, either about the book or anything else, in order that no cause to speak be given [to the devil] (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14), unless, perchance, the Superior wisheth to say a few words for edification.

Let the brother who is reader for the week take a little bread and wine before he beginneth to read, on account of Holy Communion, and lest it should be too hard for him to fast so long. Afterward, however, let him take his meal in the kitchen with the weekly servers and the waiters. The brethren, however, will not read or sing in order, but only those who edify their hearers.

Martyrology-March 18th
Roman Martyrology-March 18th-on this date in various years-

At Jerusalem, St. Cyril, bishop, who suffered many injuries from the Arians for the faith. Often exiled from his church, he at length rested in peace with a great reputation for sanctity. A magnificent testimony of the purity of his faith is given by the first ecumenical Council of Constantinople in a letter to Pope Damasus.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the birthday of the blessed Bishop Alexander, who, from his own city in Cappadocia, where he was bishop, coming to Jerusalem to visit the holy places, took upon himself, by divine revelation, the government of that church in place of the aged Narcissus. Sometime afterwards, when he had become venerable by his age and gray hair, he was led to Caesarea and shut up in prison, where he completed his martyrdom for the confession of Christ during the persecution of Decius.

At Augsburg, St. Narcissus, bishop, who was the first to preach the Gospel in the Tyrol. Afterwards, setting out for Spain, he converted many to the faith of Christ at Gerona, and there, along with the deacon Felix, he received the palm of martyrdom during the persecution of Diocletian.

At Nicomedia, ten thousand holy martyrs, who were put to the sword for the confession of Christ.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Trophimus and Eucarpius.

In England, St. Edward, king, who was assassinated by order of his treacherous stepmother, and became celebrated for many miracles.

At Lucca in Tuscany, the birthday of the holy bishop Fridian, who was illustrious by the power of working miracles.

At Mantua, St. Anselm, bishop and confessor.

At Cagliari in Sardinia, St. Salvatore of Orte, confessor, a member of the Order of Friars Minor, who was numbered among the heavenly saints by Pope Pius XI, because he was graced with every virtue and had been given by God the gift of performing outstanding 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 March 18:

CHAPTER XXXIX
Of the Quantity of Food

Making allowance for the infirmities of different persons, we believe that for the daily meal, both at the sixth and the ninth hour, two kinds of cooked food are sufficient at all meals; so that he who perchance cannot eat of one, may make his meal of the other. Let two kinds of cooked food, therefore, be sufficient for all the brethren. And if there be fruit or fresh vegetables, a third may be added. Let a pound of bread be sufficient for the day, whether there be only one meal or both dinner and supper. If they are to eat supper, let a third part of the pound be reserved by the Cellarer and be given at supper.

If, however, the work hath been especially hard, it is left to the discretion and power of the Abbot to add something, if he think fit, barring above all things every excess, that a monk be not overtaken by indigestion. For nothing is so contrary to Christians as excess, as our Lord saith: "See that your hearts be not overcharged with surfeiting" (Lk 21:34).

Let the same quantity of food, however, not be served out to young children but less than to older ones, observing measure in all things.

But let all except the very weak and the sick abstain altogether from eating the flesh of four-footed animals.

Martyrology-March 19th
Roman Martyrology-March 19th-on this date in various years-

In Judea, the birthday of St. Joseph, spouse of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius IX, yielding to the desires and prayers of the whole Catholic world, declared him Patron of the Universal Church.

At Sorrento, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Quinctilla, Quartilla, Mark, and nine others.

At Nicomedia, St. Pancharius, a Roman, who apostatized for the sake of Emperor Diocletian, but by the persuasion of his mother and sister immediately returned to the true faith. Because of his subsequent constancy in it, he was beaten with clubs and beheaded, obtaining thus the crown of martyrdom.

The same day, the holy Bishops Apollonius and Leontius.

At Ghent in Flanders, Saints Landoald, a Roman priest, and the deacon Amantius, who were sent to preach the Gospel by Pope St. Martin. They faithfully fulfilled this apostolic appointment, and after their deaths became renowned for their miracles.

In the city of Pinna, the birthday of blessed John, a man of great sanctity, who came from Syria into Italy, and there founded a monastery. After being the spiritual guide for many of God's servants for forty-four years, he rested in peace.

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 March 19:

CHAPTER XL
Of the Quantity of Drink

"Every one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner and another after that" (1 Cor 7:7). It is with some hesitation, therefore, that we determine the measure of nourishment for others. However, making allowance for the weakness of the infirm, we think one hemina of wine a day is sufficient for each one. But to whom God granteth the endurance of abstinence, let them know that they will have their special reward. If the circumstances of the place, or the work, or the summer's heat should require more, let that depend on the judgment of the Superior, who must above all things see to it, that excess or drunkenness do not creep in.

Although we read that wine is not at all proper for monks, yet, because monks in our times cannot be persuaded of this, let us agree to this, at least, that we do not drink to satiety, but sparingly; because "wine maketh even wise men fall off" (Sir 19:2). But where the poverty of the place will not permit the aforesaid measure to be had, but much less, or none at all, let those who live there bless God and murmur not. This we charge above all things, that they live without murmuring.

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

In Judea, St. Joachim, the father of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. His feast day is on the 16th of August.

In Asia, the birthday of St. Archippus, fellow-labourer of the apostle St. Paul, who is mentioned by him in his epistles to Philemon and the Colossians.

In Syria, the holy martyrs Paul, Cyril, Eugene, and four others.

On the same day, the Saints Photina, a Samaritan, and her sons Joseph and Victor; also, Sebastian, a military officer, Anatolius, and Photius; Photides, Parasceves, and Cyriaca, sisters, all of whom were put to death for the confession of the faith.

At Amisus in Paphlagonia, seven holy women, Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia, and Theodosia, who were put to death for the confession of the faith. They were followed by Dephuta and her sister.

At Apollonia, Bishop St. Nicetas, who died in exile where he had been sent for upholding the veneration of sacred images.

In the monastery of Fontanelle in France, St. Wulfran, bishop of Sens, who resigned his bishopric, and after having performed miracles, departed out of this life.

In England, the death of St. Cuthbert, bishop of Lindisfarne, who from his childhood until his death was renowned for good works and miracles.

At Sienna in Tuscany, blessed Ambrose of the Order of Preachers, celebrated for sanctity, eloquence, 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 March 20:

CHAPTER XLI
At What Times the Brethren Should Take Their Refection

From holy Easter till Pentecost let the brethren dine at the sixth hour and take supper in the evening. From Pentecost on, however, during the whole summer, if the monks have no work in the fields and the excess of the heat doth not interfere, let them fast on Wednesday and Friday until the ninth hour; but on the other days let them dine at the sixth hour. This sixth hour for dinner is to be continued, if they have work in the fields or the heat of the summer is great. Let the Abbot provide for this; and so let him manage and adapt everything that souls may be saved, and that what the brethren do, they may do without having a reasonable cause to murmur. From the ides of September until the beginning of Lent let them always dine at the ninth hour. During Lent, however, until Easter, let them dine in the evening. But let this evening hour be so arranged that they will not need lamp-light during their meal; but let everything be finished whilst it is still day. But at all times let the hour of meals, whether for dinner or for supper, be so arranged that everything is done by daylight.

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

At Monte Cassino, the birthday of the holy abbot St. Benedict, who restored and wonderfully extended the monastic discipline in the West, where it had almost been destroyed. His life, brilliant in virtues and miracles, was written by Pope St. Gregory.

At Catania, St. Birillus, who was consecrated bishop by St. Peter. After converting many gentiles to the faith, he died in extreme old age.

At Alexandria, under Emperor Constantine and the governor Philagrius, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who were murdered by the Arians and the heathens, being attacked by them while they were in church on Good Friday.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Philemon and Domninus.

At Alexandria, blessed Serapion, anchoret and bishop of Thmuis, a man of great virtue, who was driven into exile by the enraged Arians, where he departed to heaven.

In the territory of Lyons, St. Lupicinus, abbot, whose life was brilliant with the glory of holiness and miracles.

In the village of Ranft, near Sachseln in Switzerland, St. Nicholas of Flue, a family man who became an anchoret, famed for his most ardent penítence and contempt for the world, and known by the Swiss as the father of the fatherland. He was numbered among the saints by Pope Pius XII.

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