Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 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-August 8th
Roman Martyrology-August 8th- on this date in various years-

The holy martyrs Cyriacus, deacon, Largus, and Smaragdus, with twenty others who suffered on the 16th of March, during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian. Their bodies were buried on the Salarian Way by the priest John, but were on this day translated by Pope St. Marcellus to the estate of Lucina, on the Ostian Way. Afterwards they were brought to the city and placed in the church of St. Mary in Via Lata.

At Anzarba in Cilicia, St. Marinus, an old man who was scourged, racked, and lacerated, and who died by being exposed to wild beasts, in the time of Emperor Diocletian and the governor Lysias.

Also, the holy martyrs Eleutherius and Leonides, who underwent martyrdom by fire.

In Persia, St. Hormisdas, a martyr under King Sapor.

At Cyzicum, on the Hellespont, St. Aemilian, bishop, who ended his life in exile after having suffered much from Emperor Leo for the veneration of holy images.

In Crete, St. Myron, a bishop renowned for miracles.

At Vienne in France, St. Severus, priest and confessor, who undertook a painful journey from India in order to preach the Gospel in that city, and converted a great number of pagans to the faith of Christ by his works 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 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-August 9th
Roman Martyrology-August 9th- on this date in various years-

The vigil of St. Lawrence, martyr.

St. John Baptist-Mary Vianney, priest and confessor, and heavenly patron of all parish priests, whose birthday is remembered on the 4th day of this month.

At Rome, St. Romanus, a soldier, who was moved by the torments of blessed Lawrence to ask for baptism from him. He was immediately prosecuted, scourged, and finally beheaded.

In Tuscany, the birthday of the holy martyrs Secundian, Marcellian, and Verian. In the time of Decius, they were scourged by the exconsul Promotus, then racked and torn with iron hooks. Being burned with fie applied to their sides, they merited the triumphant palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Verona, the holy martyrs Firmus and Rusticus. When they refused to sacrifice to idols and remained constant in confessing Christ, after they had overcome many other torments, they were condemned to be scourged and beheaded by Anolinus, a judge, during the reign of Emperor Maximian.

In Africa, the commemoration of many holy martyrs during the persecution of Valerian. Being exhorted by St. Numidicus, they obtained the palm of martyrdom by being cast into the fire, but Numidicus, although thrown into the flames with the others and overwhelmed with stones, was nevertheless taken out by his daughter. Found half dead, he was restored and deserved afterwards by his virtue to be made priest of the Church of Carthage by blessed Cyprian.

At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Julian, Marcian, and eight others. For having set up the image of our Saviour on the brass gate, they were exposed to many torments, and then beheaded by order of the impious emperor Leo.

At Chalons in France, St. Domitian, 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 August 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-August 10th
Roman Martyrology-August 10th- on this date in various years-

At Rome, on the Tiburtine Way, the birthday of the blessed archdeacon Lawrence, martyred during the persecution of Valerian. After much suffering from imprisonment, from scourging with whips set with iron or lead, from hot metal plates, he at last completed his martyrdom by being slowly consumed on an iron instrument made in the form of a gridiron. His body was buried by blessed Hippolytus and the priest Justin in the cemetery of Cyriaca, in the Agro Verano.

In Spain, the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of our Lady of Ransom, foundress of the Order for the Redemption of Captives. Her feast is celebrated on the 24th of September.

At Rome, the passion of one hundred and sixty-five holy martyrs, who were soldiers under Emperor Aurelian.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who in the persecution of Valerian, under the governor Emilian, were long tormented with diverse and sharp tortures, and obtained the crown of martyrdom by various kinds of deaths.

At Bergamo, St. Asteria, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.

At Carthage, the holy virgins and martyrs Bassa, Paula, and Agathonica.

At Rome, the holy confessor Deusdedit, a labouring man who gave to the poor every Saturday what he had earned during the week.

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 10:

CHAPTER LVII
Of the Artists of the Monastery

If there be skilled workmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, if the Abbot giveth his permission. But if anyone of them should grow proud by reason of his art, in that he seemeth to confer a benefit on the monastery, let him be removed from that work and not return to it, unless after he hath humbled himself, the Abbot again ordereth him to do so. But if any of the work of the artists is to be sold, let them, through whose hands the transaction must pass, see to it, that they do not presume to practice any fraud on the monastery. Let them always be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest, perhaps, the death which these suffered in the body (cf Acts 5:1-11), they and all who practice any fraud in things belonging to the monastery suffer in the soul. On the other hand, as regards the prices of these things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let it always be given a little cheaper than it can be given by seculars, That God May Be Glorified in All Things (1 Pt 4:11).

Martyrology-August 11th
Roman Martyrology-August 11th- on this date in various years-

At Rome, between the two laurels situation about three miles from the city, the birthday of St. Tiburtius, martyr, under the judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefooted on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy, he was put to the sword.

Also at Rome, the holy virgin Susanna, a woman of noble race, and niece of the blessed Pontiff Caius. She merited the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded in the time of Diocletian.

At Assisi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Clare, virgin, the first of the Poor Ladies of the Order of Friars Minor. Being celebrated fro holiness of life and miracles, she was placed among the holy virgins by Pope Alexander IV. Her feast, however, is observed on the day following.

At Comana in Pontus, St. Alexander, bishop, surnamed Carbonarius, who added to a masterful knowledge of philosophy an eminent degree of Christian humility. He was promoted to the See of that church by St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, and became illustrious, not only by preaching, but also by suffering martyrdom by fire.

The same day, the martyrdom of St. Rufinus, Bishop of the Marsi, and his companions, under Emperor Maximinus.

At Evreux in France, St. Thaurinus, bishop. Being made bishop of that city by blessed Pope Clement, he propagated the Christian faith by the preaching of the Gospel, and the many labours he sustained for it. Celebrated for glorious miracles, he fell asleep in the Lord.

At Cambrai in France, St. Gaugericus, bishop and confessor.

In the province of Valeria, St. Equitius, abbot, whose sanctity is attested by blessed Pope Gregory.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Digna, 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 August 11:

CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Manner of Admitting Brethren

Let easy admission not be given to one who newly cometh to change his life; but, as the Apostle saith, "Try the spirits, whether they be of God" (1 Jn 4:1). If, therefore, the newcomer keepeth on knocking, and after four or five days it is seen that he patiently beareth the harsh treatment offered him and the difficulty of admission, and that he persevereth in his request, let admission be granted him, and let him live for a few days in the apartment of the guests.

But afterward let him live in the apartment of novices, and there let him meditate, eat, and sleep. Let a senior also be appointed for him, who is qualified to win souls, who will observe him with great care and see whether he really seeketh God, whether he is eager for the Work of God, obedience and humiliations. Let him be shown all the hard and rugged things through which we pass on to God.

If he promiseth to remain steadfast, let this Rule be read to him in order after the lapse of two months, and let it be said to him: Behold the law under which thou desirest to combat. If thou canst keep it, enter; if, however, thou canst not, depart freely. If he still persevereth, then let him be taken back to the aforesaid apartment of the novices, and let him be tried again in all patience. And after the lapse of six months let the Rule be read over to him, that he may know for what purpose he entereth. And if he still remaineth firm, let the same Rule be read to him again after four months. And if, after having weighed the matter with himself he promiseth to keep everything, and to do everything that is commanded him, then let him be received into the community, knowing that he is now placed under the law of the Rule, and that from that day forward it is no longer permitted to him to wrest his neck from under the yoke of the Rule, which after so long a deliberation he was at liberty either to refuse or to accept.

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

St. Clare, virgin, the first fruits of the Poor Ladies of the Order of Friars Minor, who was called to the everlasting nuptials of the Lamb on the day previous.

The same day, the holy martyrs Porcarius, abbot of the monastery of Lerins, and five hundred monks, who were slain for the Catholic faith by barbarians, and were thus crowned with martyrdom.

At Catania in Sicily, the birthday of St. Euplius, deacon, under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. He was long tortured for the confession of the Lord, and finally obtained the palm of martyrdom by being put to the sword.

At Augsburg, St. Hilaria, mother of the blessed martyr Afra. Because she watched at the tomb of her daughter she was cast into the fire for the faith of Christ, together with her maidservants Digna, Euprepia, and Eunomia. On the same day there suffered also in that city Quiriacus, Largius, Crescentian, Nimmia, and Juliana, with twenty others.

In Syria, the holy martyrs Marcarius and Julian.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Count Anicetus and his brother Photinus, along with many others, under Emperor Diocletian.

At Faleria in Tuscany, the Saints Gracilian, and Felicissima, virgin, who, for the confession of the faith, first had their mouths bruised with stones, and being afterwards struck with the sword, received the palm of martyrdom.

At Milan, the death of St. Eusebius, bishop and confessor.

At Brescia, St. Herculanus, bishop.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for August 12:

CHAPTER LVIII
Of the Manner of Admitting Brethren (cont.)

Let him who is received promise in the oratory, in the presence of all, before God and His saints, stability, the conversion of morals, and obedience, in order that, if he should ever do otherwise, he may know that he will be condemned by God "Whom he mocketh." Let him make a written statement of his promise in the name of the saints whose relics are there, and of the Abbot there present. Let him write this document with his own hand; or at least, if he doth not know how to write, let another write it at his request, and let the novice make his mark, and with his own hand place it on the altar. When he hath placed it there, let the novice next begin the verse: "Uphold me, O Lord, according to Thy word and I shall live; and let me not be confounded in my expectations" (Ps 118[119]:116). Then let all the brotherhood repeat this verse three times, adding the Gloria Patri.

The let that novice brother cast himself down at the feet of all, that they may pray for him; and from that day let him be counted in the brotherhood. If he hath any property, let him first either dispose of it to the poor or bestow it on the monastery by a formal donation, reserving nothing for himself as indeed he should know that from that day onward he will no longer have power even over his own body.

Let him, therefore, be divested at once in the oratory of the garments with which he is clothed, and be vested in the garb of the monastery. But let the clothes of which he was divested by laid by in the wardrobe to be preserved, that, if on the devil's suasion he should ever consent to leave the monastery (which God forbid) he be then stripped of his monastic habit and cast out. But let him not receive the document of his profession which the Abbot took from the altar, but let it be preserved in the monastery.


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

At Rome, the blessed Hippolytus, martyr, who gloriously confessed the faith, under Emperor Valerian. After enduring other torments, he was tied by the feet to the necks of wild horses, and being cruelly dragged through briars and brambles, and having all his body lacerated, he yielded up his spirit. On the same day suffered also blessed Concordia, his nurse, who being scourged in his presence with leaded whips, went to our Lord, and nineteen others of his household, who were beheaded beyond the Tiburtine Gate, and buried with him in the Agro Verano.

At Imola, the birthday of St. Cassian, martyr. As he refused to worship idols, the persecutor called the boys whom the saint had taught and who hated him, giving them leave to kill him. The torment suffered by the martyr was the more grievous, as the hands which inflicted it, by reason of weakness, rendered death long drawn-out.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Cassian, bishop and martyr, under Emperor Diocletian.

At Burgos in Spain, Saints Centolla and Helena, martyrs.

At Constantinople, St. Maximus, a monk distinguished for learning and for zeal for Catholic truth. Valiantly disputing the Monothelites, he had his hands and tongue torn from him by the heretical emperor Constans, and was banished to Chersonesus, where he breathed his last. At this time, two of his disciples, both named Anastasius, and many others endured divers torments and the hardships of exile.

At Fritzlar in Germany, St. Wigbert, priest and confessor.

At Rome, the birthday of St. John Berchmans, a scholastic of the Society of Jesus, illustrious for his innocence and for his fidelity to the rules of the religious life. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII.

At Poitiers in France, St. Radegund, queen, whose life was renowned for miracles and virtues.

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 13:

CHAPTER LIX
Of the Children of the Noble and of the Poor Who Are Offered

If it happen that a nobleman offereth his son to God in the monastery and the boy is of tender age, let his parents execute the written promise which we have mentioned above; and with the oblation let them wrap that document and the boy's hand in the altar cloth and thus offer him.

As to their property, let them bind themselves under oath in the same document that they will never give him anything themselves nor through any other person, nor in any way whatever, nor leave a chance for his owning anything; or else, if they refuse to do this and want to make an offering to the monastery as an alms for their own benefit, let them make a donation to the monastery of whatever goods they wish to give, reserving to themselves the income of it, if they so desire. And let everything be so barred that the boy remain in no uncertainty, which might deceive and ruin him (which God forbid) -- a pass we have learned by experience.

Let those who are poor act in like manner. But as to those who have nothing at all, let them simply make the declaration, and with the oblation offer their son in the presence of witnesses.


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

The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At Rome, the birthday of the blessed priest Eusebius, who for the defence of the Catholic faith was shut up in a room of his own house by the Arian emperor Constantius, where constantly persevering in prayer for seven months, he rested in peace. His body was removed by the priests Gregory and Orosius, and buried in the cemetery of Callistus, on the Appian Way.

At Apamea in Syria, St. Marcellus, bishop and martyr, who was killed by the enraged heathen for having pulled down a temple of Jupiter.

At Todi in Umbria, St. Callistus, bishop and martyr.

In Illyria, St. Ursicius, martyr, who was beheaded for Christ after suffering various torments under Emperor Maximian and the governor Aristides.

In Africa, St. Demetrius, martyr.

In the island of Aegina, St. Athanasia, widow, celebrated for monastical observance and the gift 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 August 14:

CHAPTER LX
Of Priests Who May Wish to Live in the Monastery

If a priest asketh to be received into the monastery, let consent not be granted too readily; still, if he urgently persisteth in his request, let him know that he must keep the whole discipline of the Rule, and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor, that it may be as it is written: "Friend, whereunto art thou come" (Mt 26:25)?

It may be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot, and to give the blessing, or to celebrate Mass, but only if the Abbot ordereth him to do so; but if he doth not bid him, let him not presume to do anything under whatever consideration, knowing that he is under the discipline of the Rule, and let him rather give examples of humility to all. But if there is a question of an appointment in the monastery, or any other matter, let him be ranked by the time of his entry into the monastery, and not by the place granted him in consideration of the priesthood.

But if a cleric, moved by the same desire, wisheth to join the monastery, let him too have a middle place, provided he promiseth to keep the Rule and personal stability.

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

The Assumption of the most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

At Cracow in Poland, St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, whom Pope Clement VIII placed in the number of the saints. His feast is observed on the 17th of August.

At Alba Regalis in Hungary, St. Stephen, King of Hungary, who was graced with divine virtues, was the first to convert the Hungarians to the faith of Christ, and was received into heaven by the Virgin Mother of God on the very day of her Assumption. By decree of Pope Innocent XI, his feast is kept on the 2nd of September, on which day the strong city of Buda, by the aid of the holy king, was recovered by the Christian army.

At Rome, on the Appian Way, St. Tarsicius, acolyte. The pagans accosted him as he was carrying the Sacrament of Christ's Body, and began to inquire what it was. But he judged it an unworthy thing to cast pearls before swine. They therefore beat him with sticks and stones until he expired. The sacrilegious searchers examined his body, but found no vestige of the Sacrament of Christ, either in his hands or in his clothes. The Christians took up the body of the martyr, and buried it reverently in the cemetery of Callistus.

At Tagaste in Africa, St. Alipius, bishop, who was the disciple of blessed Augustine, and the companion of his conversion, his colleague in the pastoral charge, his valiant fellow-soldier in disputing heretics, and finally his partner in the glory of heaven.

At Soissons in France, St. Arnulf, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, St. Stanislas Kostka, a native of Poland, confessor of the Society of Jesus, who being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time by the angelic innocence of his life. He was inscribed on the list of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff, Benedict XIII.

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 15:

CHAPTER LXI
How Stranger Monks Are to Be Received

If a monk who is a stranger, arriveth from a distant place and desireth to live in the monastery as a guest, and is satisfied with the customs he findeth there, and doth not trouble the monastery with superfluous wants, but is satisfied with what he findeth, let him be received for as long a time as he desireth. Still, if he should reasonably, with humility and charity, censure or point out anything, let the Abbot consider discreetly whether the Lord did not perhaps send him for that very purpose. If later on he desireth to declare his stability let his wish not be denied, and especially since his life could be known during his stay as a guest.

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

St. Joachim, father of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Confessor. His birthday is noted on the 20th of March.

At Rome, St. Titus, deacon, who, when the city was taken by the Goths, was put to death by a barbarous tribune while distributing money to the poor.

At Nicaea in Bithynia, St. Diomede, a physician who underwent martyrdom by being beheaded during the persecution of Diocletian.

In Palestine thirty-three holy martyrs.

At Ferentino in Campania, St. Ambrose, centurion. In the persecution of Diocletian he was subjected to different kinds of tortures, and finally passing through fire without injury, was cast into the waters, and thus reached the place of eternal rest.

At Milan, the death of St. Simplician, bishop, renowned by the testimony of given of him by St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.

At Auxerre, St. Eleutherius, bishop.

At Nicomedia, St. Arsacius, confessor. Under the persecution of Licinius he left the military service, and leading a solitary life, became so famous for working miracles that we read of his expelling the demons and killing a huge dragon by his prayers. Finally he foretold the destruction of the city, and gave up his soul to God in prayer.

In France, near Montpellier, in the province of Narbonne, the death of blessed Roch, confessor, who by the sing of the cross, delivered many cities of Italy from an epidemic. His body was afterwards transferred to Venice, and deposited with the greatest honours in the church dedicated under his invocation.

At Rome, St. Serena, who had been the wife of Emperor Diocletian.

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 16:

CHAPTER LXI
How Stranger Monks Are to Be Received (cont.)

But if during the time that he was a guest he was found to be troublesome and disorderly, he must not only not associate with the monastic body but should even be politely requested to leave, that others may not be infected by his evil life. But if he hath not been such as deserveth to be cast forth, he should not only be admitted to join the brotherhood, if he apply, but he should even be urged to remain, that others may be taught by his example, because we serve one Lord and fight under one King everywhere. If the Abbot recognize him to be such a one he may also place him in a somewhat higher rank.

The Abbot may, however, place not only a monk, but also those of the aforesaid grades of priests and clerics, in a higher place than that of their entry, if he seeth their lives to be such as to deserve it. But let the Abbot take care never to admit a monk of any other known monastery to residence, without the consent of his Abbot or commendatory letters, because it is written: "What thou wilt not have done to thyself, do not to another" (Tb 4:16).

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

The Octave of St. Lawrence, martyr.

St. Hyacinth, confessor of the Order of Preachers, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 15th of August.

At Carthage in Africa, the holy martyrs Liberatus, abbot, Boniface, a deacon, Servus and Rusticus, subdeacons, Rogatus and Septimus, monks, and Maximus, a young child. In the persecution of the Vandals, under King Hunneric, they were subjected to various and unheard-of torments for the confession of the Catholic faith and the defence of one baptism. Finally, being nailed to the wood with which they were to be burned, as the fire was always miraculously extinguished whenever kindled, they were struck with iron bars by order of the tyrant until their brains were dashed out. Thus they ended the glorious series of their combats, and were crowned by our Lord.

In Achaia, St. Myron, priest and martyr, who was beheaded at Cyzicum after undergoing many torments, in the time of Emperor Decius and the governor Antipater.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of St. Mamas, martyr, the son of Saints Theodotus and Rufina, martyrs, who, from childhood to old age, endured a long martyrdom, and at length ended it happily in the reign of Aurelian, under the governor Alexander. He has been highly praised by the holy Fathers Basil and Gregory Nazianzen.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Straton, Philip, and Eutychian, who were condemned to the beasts, but being uninjured by them, ended their martyrdom by fire.

At Ptolemais in Palestine, the holy martyrs Paul and his sister Juliana, virgin, who suffered under Aurelian. They were both punished with various cruel torments and were finally beheaded for their constancy in confessing the name of Christ.

At Rome, Pope St. Eusebius.

At Teramo, St. Anastasius, bishop and confessor.

At Montefalco in Umbria, St. Clare, a nun of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, virgin. In her flesh were renewed the mysteries of the Lord's passion, which the faithful honour with great devotion. Pope Leo XIII solemnly inscribed her in the list of the holy virgins.

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