Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for September 26:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The first degree of humility, then, is that a man always have the fear of God before his eyes (cf Ps 35[36]:2), shunning all forgetfulness and that he be ever mindful of all that God hath commanded, that he always considereth in his mind how those who despise God will burn in hell for their sins, and that life everlasting is prepared for those who fear God. And whilst he guardeth himself evermore against sin and vices of thought, word, deed, and self-will, let him also hasten to cut off the desires of the flesh.

Martyrology-September 27th
Roman Martyrology-September 27th- on this date in various years-

At Aegea, during the persecution of Diocletian, the birthday of the holy martyrs Cosmas and Damian, brothers. After miraculously overcoming many torments from bonds, imprisonment, fire, crucifixion, stoning, arrows, and from being cast into the sea, they were beheaded. With them are said to have suffered three brothers: Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius.

At Paris, the birthday of St. Vincent de Paul, priest and confessor, founder of the Congregation of the Mission and of the Sisters of Charity, an apostolic man and father to the poor. Pope Leo XIII appointed this saint as the heavenly patron before God of all charitable societies in the world which in any way whatever draw their origin from him. His feast is celebrated on the 19th of July.

At Byblos in Phoenicia, Bishop St. Mark, whom St. Luke calls John, and who was the son of that blessed Mary who is commemorated on the 29th of July.

At Milan, the holy bishop Caius, a disciple of the blessed apostle Barnabas, who passed calmly to rest after suffering severely in the persecution of Nero.

At Rome, St. Epicharis, wife of a senator, who was scourged with leaded whips and then struck with the sword in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Todi in Umbria, under the same Diocletian, the holy martyrs Fidentius and Terence.

At Cordova in Spain, the holy martyrs Adolph and John, brothers, who won the martyrs' crown in the Arabian persecution. Their sister, the blessed virgin Aurea, was inspired by their example to return to the faith and later bravely suffered martyrdom on the 19th of July.

At Sion in Switzerland, St. Florentius, martyr. After his tongue had been cut out, he was put to the sword with blessed Hilary.

At Ravenna, St. Aderitus, bishop and confessor.

At Paris, St. Eleazar, a count.

In Hainault, St. Hiltrude, 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 27:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

Let a man consider that God always seeth him from Heaven, that the eye of God beholdeth his works everywhere, and that the angels report them to Him every hour. The Prophet telleth us this when he showeth God thus ever present in our thoughts, saying: "The searcher of hearts and reins is God" (Ps 7:10). And again: "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men" (Ps 93[94]:11) And he saith: "Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off" (Ps 138[139]:3). And: "The thoughts of man shall give praise to Thee" (Ps 75[76]:11). Therefore, in order that he may always be on his guard against evil thoughts, let the humble brother always say in his heart: "Then I shall be spotless before Him, if I shall keep myself from iniquity" (Ps 17[18]:24).

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

In Bohemia, St. Wenceslas, duke of Bohemia and martyr, renowned for holiness and miracles. Being murdered by the deceit of his brother, he went triumphantly to heaven.

At Rome, St. Privatus, martyr, who was cured of ulcers by blessed Pope Callistus. In the time of Emperor Alexander he was scourged to death with leaded whips for the faith of Christ.

In the same place, St. Stacteus, martyr.

In Africa, the Saints Martial, Lawrence, and twenty other martyrs.

At Antioch in Pisidia, the holy martyrs Mark, a shepherd, Alphius, Alexander, and Zosimus, his brothers; also Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and thirty soldiers, who were converted to Christ upon seeing the miracles of blessed Mark, and were crowned with martyrdom in different places and in diverse manners.

On the same day, under Emperor Decius, the martyrdom of St. Maximus.

At Toulouse, St. Exuperius, bishop and confessor. St. Jerome gives a memorable testimony of this blessed man, relating how severe he was towards himself and how liberal towards others.

At Genoa, St. Solomon, bishop and confessor.

At Brescia, St. Silvinus, bishop.

At Bethlehem of Juda, the holy virgin Eustochium, daughter of blessed Paula, who was brought up at the manger of our Lord with other virgins, and being celebrated for her merits, went to our Lord.

At Fulda near Mayence, St. Lioba, virgin, renowned for 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 September 28:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

We are thus forbidden to do our own will, since the Scripture saith to us: "And turn away from thy evil will" (Sir 18:30). And thus, too, we ask God in prayer that His will may be done in us (cf Mt 6:10). We are, therefore, rightly taught not to do our own will, when we guard against what Scripture saith: "There are ways that to men seem right, the end whereof plungeth into the depths of hell" (Prov 16:25). And also when we are filled with dread at what is said of the negligent: "They are corrupted and become abominable in their pleasure" (Ps 13[14]:1). But as regards desires of the flesh, let us believe that God is thus ever present to us, since the Prophet saith to the Lord: "Before Thee is all my desire" (Ps 37[38]:10).

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

On Mount Gargano, the commemoration of the blessed archangel Michael. This festival is kept in memory of the day when, under his invocation, there was consecrated a church, unpretending in its exterior, but endowed with celestial virtue.

At Auxerre, St. Fraternus, bishop and martyr.

In Thrace, the birthday of the holy martyrs Eutychius, Plautus, and Heracleas.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Dadas, a blood relative of King Sapor, Casdoa, his wife, and Gabdelas, his son. After being deprived of their dignities, and subjected to various torments, they were imprisoned for a long time and finally put to the sword.

In Armenia, under King Tiridates, the holy virgin Ripsimis and her martyr companions.

In Persia, under King Sapor, the holy martyr Gudelia. After converting many to the faith, and having refused to adore the sun and the fire, she was subjected to numerous torments. Having the skin torn off her head, and being fastened to a post, she merited an eternal triumph.

At Pontecorvo near Aquino, St. Grimoaldus, priest and confessor.

In Palestine, St. Quiriacus, an anchoret.

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 29:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

We must, therefore, guard thus against evil desires, because death hath his station near the entrance of pleasure. Whence the Scripture commandeth, saying: "Go no after thy lusts" (Sir 18:30). If, therefore, the eyes of the Lord observe the good and the bad (cf Prov 15:3) and the Lord always looketh down from heaven on the children of men, to see whether there be anyone that understandeth or seeketh God (cf Ps 13[14]:2); and if our actions are reported to the Lord day and night by the angels who are appointed to watch over us daily, we must ever be on our guard, brethren, as the Prophet saith in the psalm, that God may at no time see us "gone aside to evil and become unprofitable" (Ps 13[14]:3), and having spared us in the present time, because He is kind and waiteth for us to be changed for the better, say to us in the future: "These things thou hast done and I was silent" (Ps 49[50]:21).

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

In Bethlehem of Juda, the death of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. Excelling in all kinds of learning, he imitated the life of the most approved monks, and disposed of many monstrous heresies with the sword of his doctrine. Having at length reached a very advanced age, he rested in peace and was buried near the manger of our Lord. His body was afterwards transferred to Rome, and placed in the basilica of St. Mary Major.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Francis Borgia, priest and confessor. He was the General of the Society of Jesus, and is memorable for his mortification, gift of prayer, the forsaking of the world, and the refusal of ecclesiastical dignities. His feast is observed on the 10th of October.

At Lisieux in France, the birthday of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Seeing her to be most wonderful for her innocence of life and simplicity, Pope Pius XI placed her name among the holy virgins and appointed her as special patron before God of all missions, decreeing that her feast should be observed on the 3rd of October.

At Rome, the holy martyr Leopardus, of the household of Julian the Apostate. He was beheaded at Rome, and his body afterwards taken to Aix-la-Chapelle.

At Soleure in Switzerland, in the time of Emperor Maximian, the passion of the holy martyrs Victor and Ursus, of the glorious Theban legion. They were subjected to horrible tortures, but a heavenly light shone over them causing the executioners to fall to the ground, and they were delivered. Being then cast into the fire without sustaining any injury, they finally perished by the sword.

At Piacenza, the holy martyr Antoninus, a soldier of the same legion.

On the same day, St. Gregory, bishop of Greater Armenia, who, after many sufferings under Diocletian, rested in peace.

At Canterbury in England, St. Honorius, bishop and confessor.

At Rome, St. Sophia, widow, mother of the holy virgin martyrs Faith, Hope, and Charity.

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 30:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The second degree of humility is, when a man loveth not his own will, nor is pleased to fulfill his own desires but by his deeds carrieth our that word of the Lord which saith: "I came not to do My own will but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jn 6:38). It is likewise said: "Self-will hath its punishment, but necessity winneth the crown."


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

St. Remigius, bishop of Rheims and confessor, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 13th of January, but is commemorated on this day because of the translation of his body.

At Rome, blessed Aretas and five hundred and four other martyrs.

At Tournai in France, St. Piaton, priest and martyr, who went from Rome to France to preach, together with blessed Quinctinus and his companions. Afterwards, his martyrdom was completed in the persecution of Maximian and he passed from earth to heaven.

At Tomis in Pontus, the holy martyrs Priscus, Crescens, and Evagrius.

At Lisbon in Portugal, the holy martyrs Verissimus, and his sisters Maxima and Julia, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Thessalonica, St. Domninus, martyr, under Emperor Maximian.

At Orvieto, St. Severus, priest and confessor.

At the port of Ghent, St. Bavo, 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 October 1:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The third degree of humility is, that for the love of God a man subject himself to a Superior in all obedience, imitating the Lord, of whom the Apostle saith: "He became obedient unto death" (Phil 2:8.

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

The Feast of the holy Guardian Angels.

At Rome, the martyrdom of St. Modestus, a Sardinian, deacon and martyr, who was racked and burned with fire by Emperor Diocletian. His holy body was afterwards translated to Benevento and buried there in a church named after him.

In the vicinity of Arras, the martyrdom of blessed Leodegarius, bishop of Autun. After being subjected to various insults and torments for the truth, he was put to death by Ebroin, chief minister of Theodoric.

At Nicomedia, St. Eleutherius, soldier and martyr, with innumerable others. They were falsely accused of having set fire to the palace of Diocletian and, by order of this cruel emperor, were barbarously massacred in groups. Some were put to the sword, some consumed by fire, while others were cast into the sea. But the principal one, Eleutherius, after long tortures, being found stronger after each torment, completed his victorious martyrdom by fire, as well-tried gold.

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Primus, Cyril, and Secundarius.

On the same day, St. Gerinus, martyr, brother of blessed Leodegarius, bishop of Autun. He was stoned to death by the same Ebroin.

At Constantinople, St. Theophilus, a monk. He was cruelly scourged by Leo the Isaurian for his defense of holy images, was driven into exile, and there went gloriously to 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 October 2:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The fourth degree of humility is, that, if hard and distasteful things are commanded, nay, even though injuries are inflicted, he accept them with patience and even temper, and not grow weary or give up, but hold out, as the Scripture saith: "He that shall persevere unto the end shall be saved" (Mt 10:22). And again: "Let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord" (Ps 26[27]:14). And showing that a faithful man ought even to bear every disagreeable thing for the Lord, it saith in the person of the suffering: "For Thy sake we suffer death all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter" (Rom 8:36; Ps 43[44]:22). And secure in the hope of the divine reward, they go on joyfully, saying: "But in all these things we overcome because of Him that hath loved us" (Rom 8:37). And likewise in another place the Scripture saith: "Thou, O God, hast proved us; Thou hast tried us by fire as silver is tried; Thou hast brought us into a net, Thou hast laid afflictions on our back" (Ps 65[66]:10-11). And to show us that we ought to be under a Superior, it continueth, saying: "Thou hast set men over our heads" (Ps 65[66]:12). And fulfilling the command of the Lord by patience also in adversities and injuries, when struck on the one cheek they turn also the other; the despoiler of their coat they give their cloak also; and when forced to go one mile they go two (cf Mt 5:39-41); with the Apostle Paul they bear with false brethren and "bless those who curse them" (2 Cor 11:26; 1 Cor 4:12).

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

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, virgin of the Order of Discalced
Carmelites, special patroness of all missions. Her birthday is
commemorated on the 30th day of September.

At Rome, near the place called Ursus Pileatus, St. Candidus, martyr.

Among the ancient Saxons, two holy martyrs of the name of Ewald,
priests who had been preaching in that country. They were seized by
the pagans and put to death. During the night, a great light shone
over the bodies for a long time, pointing out where they were and
also how distinguished were their merits.

Also, the holy martyrs Denis, Faustus, Caius, Peter, Paul, and four
others who had suffered greatly under Decius. In the time of
Valerian, they were long subjected to torments by the governor
Aemilian, and merited the palm of martyrdom.

In Africa, St. Maximian, bishop of Bagaia. Again and again he
suffered great cruelties from the Donatists, was finally cast
headlong from a high tower, and left for dead. He was found by
passers-by, and having been healed by their zealous care, he did not
cease to defend the Catholic faith until he rested in the Lord,
renowned for the glory of his witness to the faith.

At Leon in Spain, St. Froylan, bishop of that city, noted for his
zeal in spreading the monastic life, his generosity to the poor and
other virtues, and for his miracles.

In Belgium, in the diocese of Namur, St. Gerard, abbot.

In Palestine, St. Hesychius, confessor, disciple of St. Hilarion,
and the companion of his travels.

At Savona in Liguria, St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello, foundress of the
Daughters of our Lady of Mercy. Renowned for her charitable works,
Pope Pius XII placed her among the number of holy virgins.

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 October 4:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The fifth degree of humility is, when one hideth from his Abbot none of the evil thoughts which rise in his heart or the evils committed by him in secret, but humbly confesseth them. Concerning this the Scripture exhorts us, saying: "Reveal thy way to the Lord and trust in Him" (Ps 36[37]:5). And it saith further: "Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" (Ps 105[106]:1; Ps 117[118]:1). And the Prophet likewise saith: "I have acknowledged my sin to Thee and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord; and Thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sins" (Ps 31[32]:5).

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

At Assisi in Umbria, the birthday of St. Francis, cleric and confessor, founder of three orders: the Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. His life, filled with holy deeds and miracles, were written by St. Bonaventure.

At Corinth, the birthday of the Saints Crispus and Caius, who are mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians.

At Athens, St. Hierotheus, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul.

At Damascus, St. Peter, bishop and martyr, who was accused before the king of the Agarenians of teaching the faith of Christ. His tongue, hands, and feet were cut off, and being fastened to a cross, his martyrdom was fulfilled.

At Alexandria, the holy priests and deacons Caius, Faustus, Eusebius, Chaeremon, Lucius, and their companions. Some of them were martyred in the persecution of Valerian; others, for serving the martyrs, received the reward of martyrs.

In Egypt, the holy martyrs Mark and Marcian, brothers, and an almost countless number of both sexes and of all ages, who merited the blessed crown of martyrdom, some after being scourged, others when they had suffered horrible torment, and others after being delivered to the flames. Some were cast into the sea, some others were beheaded; many were starved to death; many were fastened to gibbets; and others again were suspended by the feet with their heads downward.

At Bologna, St. Petronius, bishop and confessor, celebrated for learning, miracles, and sanctity.

At Paris, St. Aurea, 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 October 4:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The sixth degree of humility is, when a monk is content with the meanest and worst of everything, and in all that is enjoined him holdeth himself as a bad and worthless workman, saying with the Prophet: "I am brought to nothing and I knew it not; I am become as a beast before Thee, and I am always with Thee" (Ps 72[73]:22-23).

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

At Messina in Sicily, the birthday of the holy martyrs Placidus, a monk who was a disciple of the blessed Abbot Benedict, and of his brothers Eutychius and Victorinus, and the virgin Flavia, their sister; also of Donatus, Firmatus, a deacon, Faustus, and thirty other monks, who were murdered for the faith of Christ by the pirate Manuchas.

At Smyrna, the birthday of blessed Thraseas, bishop of Eumenia, who ended his career through martyrdom.

At Auxerre, the death of the saintly deacon Firmatus and the virgin Flaviana, his sister.

At Treves, the holy martyrs Palmatius and his companions, who suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus.

Also, under Emeperor Diocletian and the proconsul Domitius, St. Charitina, virgin. She was exposed to the fire and thrown into the sea, but escaping uninjured, her hands and feet were cut off and her teeth torn out, and finally she yielded up her spirit in prayer.

At Ravenna, St. Marcellinus, bishop and confessor.

At Valence in France, St. Apollinaris, a bishop, renowned in life for virtues and in death for miracles and prodigies.

Also, St. Attilanus, bishop of Zamora, who was ranked among the saints by Pope Urban II.

At Rome, St. Galla, widow, daughter of the consul Symmachus. After the death of her husband, she remained for many years near the church of St. Peter, devoted to prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and other pious works. Her most happy death has been described by Pope St. Gregory.

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 October 5:

CHAPTER VII
Of Humility (cont.)

The seventh degree of humility is, when, not only with his tongue he declareth, but also in his inmost soul believeth, that he is the lowest and vilest of men, humbling himself and saying with the Prophet: "But I am a worm and no man, the reproach of men and the outcast of the people" (Ps 21[22]:7). "I have been exalted and humbled and confounded" (Ps 87[88]:16). And also: "It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Ps 118[119]:71,73).

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

In the Monastery De Torre, in the diocese of Squillace in Calabria, St. Bruno, confessor, founder of the Order of the Carthusians.

At Laodicea, the blessed bishop and martyr Sagar, one of the first disciples of the apostle Paul.

At Auxerre, St. Romanus, bishop and martyr.

At Capua, the birthday of the holy martyrs Marcellus, Castus, Aemilius, and Saturninus.

At Treves, the commemoration of innumerable martyrs, who were put death for the faith in various manners, under the governor Rictiovarus, in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Agen in France, the birthday of St. Faith, virgin and martyr, by whose example blessed Caprasius was aroused to martyrdom, and by martyrdom happily fulfilled his own trial.

Also, St. Erotis martyr, who, aflame with love for Christ, triumphed over the flames of fire.

At Oderzo, in the neighbourhood of Venice, St. Magnus, bishop, whose body rests at Venice.

At Naples in Campania, the death of St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a nun of the Third Order of St. Francis. Because of her reputation for virtues and the working of miracles, she was placed among the holy virgins by Pope Pius IX.

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