Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 7:

CHAPTER XXXI
The Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Ought to Be

Let there be chosen from the brotherhood as Cellarer of the monastery a wise man, of settled habits, temperate and frugal, not conceited, irritable, resentful, sluggish, or wasteful, but fearing God, who may be as a father to the whole brotherhood.

Let him have the charge of everything, let him do nothing without the command of the Abbot, let him do what hath been ordered him and not grieve the brethren. If a brother should perchance request anything of him unreasonably let him not sadden the brother with a cold refusal, but politely and with humility refuse him who asketh amiss. Let him be watchful of his own soul, always mindful of the saying of the Apostle: "For they that have ministered well, shall purchase to themselves a good degree" (1 Tm 3:13). Let him provide for the sick, the children, the guests, and the poor, with all care, knowing that, without doubt, he will have to give an account of all these things on judgment day. Let him regard all the vessels of the monastery and all its substance, as if they were sacred vessels of the altar. Let him neglect nothing and let him not give way to avarice, nor let him be wasteful and a squanderer of the goods of the monastery; but let him do all things in due measure and according to the bidding of his Abbot.

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

The Octave of All Saints.

At Rome, on the Lavican Way, three miles from the city, the martyrdom of the Saints Claudius, Nicostratus, Symphorian, Castorius, and Simplicius. They were first sent to prison, then scourged with whips set with metal, but since they could not be made to forsake the faith of Christ, Diocletian ordered them to be thrown into the river.

Also, on the Lavican Way, the birthday of the saintly brothers, Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorinus, called the Four Crowned, who were scourged to death with leaded whips, during the reign of the same emperor. Because their names, known some years afterwards by revelation, could not then be ascertained, it was ordered that their anniversary should be commemorated with the preceding five, under the name of the Four Saints Crowned. This custom was retained by the Church, even after their names had been revealed.

Also at Rome, St. Deusdedit, pope, whose merit was so great that he cured a leper by kissing him.

In the village of Plexem, on the Weser River in Germany, St. Willehad, first bishop of Bremen, who, together with St. Boniface, whose disciple he was, spread the Gospel in Friesland and Saxony.


At Soissons in France, St. Godfrey, bishop of Amiens, a man of great sanctity.

At Verdun in France, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.

At Tours in France, St. Clarus, a priest whose epitaph was written by St. Paulinus.

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 November 8:

CHAPTER XXXI
The Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Ought to Be (cont.)

Above all things, let him be humble; and if he hath not the things to give, let him answer with a kind word, because it is written: "A good word is above the best gift" (Sir 18:17). Let him have under his charge everything that the Abbot hath entrusted to him, and not presume to meddle with matters forbidden him. Let him give the brethren their apportioned allowance without a ruffle or delay, that they may not be scandalized, mindful of what the Divine Word declareth that he deserveth who shall scandalize one of these little ones: "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Mt 18:6).

If the community is large, let assistants be given him, that, with their help, he too may fulfil the office entrusted to him with an even temper. Let the things that are to be given be distributed, and the things that are to be gotten asked for at the proper times, so that nobody may be disturbed or grieved in the house of God.


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

At Rome in the Lateran, the Dedication of the Basilica of the Saviour, which is the Mother and Head of all churches in the city and the world.

At Amasea in Pontus, the birthday of St. Theodore, a soldier, in the time of Emperor Maximian. For the confession of Christ he was severely scourged and sent to prison, where he was comforted by an apparition of our Lord, who exhorted him to act with courage and constancy. He was finally stretched on the rack, lacerated with iron hooks until his bowels were laid bare, then cast into the flames to be burned alive. His glorious deeds have been celebrated in a eulogy by Gregory of Nyssa.

At Tyana in Cappadocia, the martyrdom of St. Orestes under Emperor Diocletian.

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

At Bourges in Aquitaine, St. Ursinus, confessor, who was ordained at Rome by the successors of the apostles and appointed first bishop of that city.

At Naples in Campania, St. Agrippinus, bishop, renowned for miracles.

At Constantinople, the holy virgins Eustolia, a Roman maiden, and Sopatra, the daughter of Emperor Maurice

At Berytus in Syria, the Commemoration of the Image of our Saviour, which, being fastnened to a cross by the Jews, poured out blood so plentifully that the Eastern and Western Churches received abundantly of it.

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 November 9:

CHAPTER XXXII
Of the Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Let the Abbot appoint brethren on whose life and character he can rely, over the property of the monastery in tools, clothing, and things generally, and let him assign to them, as he shall deem proper, all the articles which must be collected after use and stored away. Let the Abbot keep a list of these articles, so that, when the brethren in turn succeed each other in these trusts, he may know what he giveth and what he receiveth back. If anyone, however, handleth the goods of the monastery slovenly or carelessly let him be reprimanded and if he doth not amend let him come under the discipline of the Rule.

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

At Naples in Campania, the birthday of St. Andrew Avellini, Cleric Regular and confessor, celebrated for his sanctity, his zeal in procuring the salvation of souls, and renowned for his miracles. He was inscribed on the catalogue of the Saints by Pope Clement XI.

On the same day, the birthday of the holy martyrs Trypho and Respicius, and the virgin Nympha.

At Rome, Pope St. Leo I, confessor and doctor of the Church, surnamed the Great because of his extraordinary merits. During his pontificate the holy Council of Chalcedon was held which condemned Eutyches thruogh his legates, and whose decrees were afterwards given the seal of his authority. After meriting the gratitude of the Church of God and the whole flock of Christ by the many decrees which he issued, and by the many excellent works which he wrote, this good and zealous shepherd rested in peace. His feast is celebrated on the 11th of April.

At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy women Tryphenna and Tryphosa, who profited by the preaching of blessed Paul and the example of Thecla to make great progress in Christian perfection.

At Antioch, Saints Demetrius, bishop, Anian, deacon, Eustosius, and twenty other martyrs.

In the diocese of Agde in France, the holy martyrs Tiberius, Modestus, and Florence, who were subjected to diverse torments and fulfilled their martyrdom in the time of Diocletian.

At Ravenna, St. Probus, a bishop renowned for miracles.

At Orleans in France, St. Monitor, bishop and confessor.

In England, St. Justus, bishop, who was sent by Pope Gregory with Augustine, Mellitus, and others to preach the Gospel in that country. There he went to repose in the Lord, celebrated for his sanctity.

In the town of Melun in France, St. Leo, confessor.

In the island of Paros, St. Theoctistis, 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 November 10:

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

At Tours in France, the birthday of blessed Martin, bishop and confessor, whose life was so renowned for miracles that he received the power to raise three persons from the dead.

At Cotyaeum in Phrygia, during the persecution of Diocletian, the celebrated martyrdom of St. Mennas, an Egyptian soldier, who cast off the military belt and obtained the grace of serving the King of heaven secretly in the desert. Afterwards, coming out publicly and freely declaring himself a Christian, he was first subjected to severe torments; and finally kneeling in prayer, giving thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, he was slain with the sword. After his death he became renowned for many miracles.

At Ravenna, the holy martyrs Valentine, Felician, and Victorinus, who were crowned during the persecution of Diocletian.

In Mesopotamia, St. Athenodorus, martyr, who was subjected to fire and other torments under the same Diocletian and the governor Eleusius. He was at length sentenced to be beheaded, but when the executioner fell to the ground and no other person would dare to strike him with the sword, he passed to his repose in the Lord while praying.

At Lyons in France, St. Veranus, bishop, whose life was illustrious for his faith and his other virtues.

At Constantinople, St. Theodore, abbot of Studium, who fought valiantly for the Catholic faith against the Iconoclasts, and became famed throughout the universal Church.

In the monastery of Grottaferrata, in the Tuscan plain, the holy abbot Bartholomew, a companion of blessed Nilus, whose life he wrote.

In the province of Abruzzi, blessed Mennas, a solitary whose virtues and miracles are mentioned 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 November 11:

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

The Feast of St. Martin I, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on
the 16th day of September.


At Witebsk in Poland, the martyrdom of St. Josaphat, of the Order of St.
Basil, a Polish archbishop and martyr, who was cruelly slain by schismatics
through hatred of Catholic unity and truth. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX,
and his feast is observed on the 16th of November.

At Alcala in Spain, the birthday of St. Didacus, confessor, a member of the
Order of Friars Minor well known for his humility. Pope Sixtus V included
him in the catalogue of the saints and his feast is celebrated on the day
following.

In Asia, the martyrdom of the holy bishops Aurelius and Publius.

At Eschen in Belgium, St. Livinus, bishop and martyr. After converting
many to the faith he was slain by heathens. His body, however, was afterwards
translated to Ghent.

At Gnesen in Poland, the holy hermits and martyrs Benedict, John, Matthew,
Isaac, and Christian. They were savagely attacked by robbers and slain by
the sword while there were at prayer.

In the neighbourhood of Sens, St. Paternus, monk and martyr. He had met
some robbers in a nearby forest, and for attempting to persuade them to amend
their lives, they slew him.

At Avignon, St. Rufus, the first bishop of that city.

At Cologne, the death of St. Cunibert, bishop.

At Tarazona in Aragon, blessed Emilian, a priest favoured with many
miracles. His admirable life was recorded by St. Braulio, bishop of Saragossa.

At Constantinople, St. Nilus, abbot, who resigned as prefect of the city to
become a monk, and during the reign of Theodosius the Younger became
distinguished for his learning and sanctity.

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

[johnwayne11]

In this we are not saying he should allow evils to take root, but the cuts with prudence and charity, as he sees it is best for each one of them, as we have said, and let the loved one goal feared.

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

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

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

St. Didacus, confessor of the Order of Friars Minor, whose birthday occurred on the preceding day.

At Ravenna, the birthday of the holy martyrs Valentine, Salutor, and Victor, who suffered under Emperor Diocletian.

At Aix, in the province of Narbonne, the renowned martyr, blessed Mitrius.

At Caesarea in Palestine, the martyrdom of the Saints Antoninus, Zebina, Germanus, and the virgin Ennatha. Under Galerius Maximian, Ennatha was scourged and burned alive, while the others, for boldly reproaching the governor Firmilian for his idolatry in sacrificing to the gods, were beheaded.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Arcadius, Paschasius, Probus, and Eutychian, Spaniards who absolutely refused to yield to the Arian perfidy, during the persecution of the Vandals. Accordingly, they were condemned by the Arian king Genseric, driven into exile, and finally, after being subjected to fearful tortures, were put to death in divers manners. At that time there was also seen the constancy of the small boy Paulillus, brother of the Saints Paschasius and Eutychian. Because he could not be turned from the Catholic faith, he was long beaten with rods and sentenced to the lowest servitude.

At Rome, Pope St. Nicholas, distinguished for the apostolic spirit.

At Tours in France, St. Brice, bishop, a disciple of the blessed Bishop Martin.

At Toledo in Spain, St. Eugene, bishop.

In Auvergne in France, St. Quinctian, bishop.

At Cremona, in the duchy of Milan, St. Homobonus, confessor, renowned for miracles, whom Innocent III placed among the saints.

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

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for November 13:

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

St. Josaphat, of the Order of St. Basil, archbishop and martyr of Poland, whose birthday was observed on the 12th of November.

At Gangra in Paphlagonia, St. Hypatius, bishop, who on his way home from the great Council of Nicaea, was attacked with stones by the Novatian heretics, and died a martyr.

At Heraclea in Thrace, the birthday of the holy martyrs Clementinus, Theodotus and Philomenus.

At Alexandria, St. Serapion, martyr, whom the persecutors under Emperor Decius subjected to torments so cruel that all his limbs were disjointed. He became a martyr of Christ by being hurled from the upper part of the house.

At Troyes in France, under Emperor Aurelian, St. Venerandus, martyr.

Also in France, the holy virgin Veneranda, who received the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Antoninus and the governor Asclepiades.

At Emesa in Phoenicia, the martyrdom of many holy women, who were barbarously tortured and massacred for the faith of Christ under Mady, a savage Arabian chief.

At Bologna, St. Jucundus, bishop and confessor.

At Eu in France, St. Laurence, bishop of Dublin.

At Algiers in Africa, blessed Serapion, of the Order of Our Blessed Lady of Ransom. For the redemption of the faithful in captivity and the preaching of the Christian faith, he was the first of his Order to merit the palm of martyrdom, being crucified and torn limb from limb.

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 November 14:

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

At Cologne, St. Albert, surnamed the Great, bishop and confessor of the
Order of Preachers, renowned for his holiness and learning. Pope Pius XI
appointed him as Doctor of the universal Church, and Piius XII appointed him as
heavenly patron of those studying the natural sciences.

Also, the birthday of St. Eugene, bishop of Toledo and martyr, disciple of
blessed Denis the Areopagite. His martyrdom was completed near Paris, and he
received from our Lord a crown for his blessed sufferings. His body was
afterwards translated to Toledo in Spain.

At Nola in Campania, blessed Felix, bishop and martyr, who was renowned for
miracles from his fifteenth year. He completed the combats of his martyrdom
with thirty others, under the governor Marcian.

At Edessa in Mesopotamia, the martyrdom of St. Abibus, deacon, who was torn
with iron hooks and cast into the fire in the time of Emperor Licinius and
the governor Lysanias.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Gurias and Samonas, under Emperor
Diocletian and the governor Antoninus.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Secundus, Fidentian, and Varicus.

At Archingeay, in the neighbourhood of Saintes, the birthday of St. Malo,
bishop of Aleth, in France. He was born in England and from his earliest
years was famed for his miracles.

At Verona, St. Luperius, bishop and confessor.

At Klosterneuburg, near Vienna in Austria, St. Leopold, margrave of that
province of Austria. He was placed on the canon of the saints by Pope Innocent
VIII.

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 November 15:

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

St. Gertrude, virgin, whose birthday is on the 17th of November.

At Edinburgh in Scotland, the birthday of St. Margaret, queen of the Scots and widow, renowned for her love of the poor and her voluntary poverty. Her feast is celebrated on the 10th of June.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Rufinus, Mark, Valerius, and their fellows.

The same day, the holy martyrs Elpidius, Marcellus, Eustochius, and their companions. Elpidius, who was a senator, perseveringly confessed the Christian faith before Julian the Apostate, and, with his companions, was tied to wild horses and dragged by them, thus fulfilling a glorious martyrdom.

At Lyons in France, the birthday of St. Eucherius, bishop and confessor, a man of extraordinary faith and learning. He renounced the senatorial dignity to embrace the religious life, and for a long time voluntarily shut himself up in a cave, where he served Christ in prayer and fasting. Afterwards, through the revelation of an angel, he was solemnly installed in the episcopal chair of the city of Lyons.

At Padua, St. Fidentius, bishop.

At Canterbury in England, St. Edmund, archbishop and confessor, who was sent into exile for having maintained the rights of his church. He died a most holy death at Provins, a town near Sens, and was canonized by Innocent IV.

The same day, the death of St. Othmar, abbot.

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