Rule/Martyrology

[OmniaInstaurareInChristo]

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 6:

CHAPTER LIV
Whether a Monk Should Receive Letters or Anything Else

Let it not be allowed at all for a monk to give or to receive letters, tokens, or gifts of any kind, either from parents or any other person, nor from each other, without the permission of the Abbot. But even if anything is sent him by his parents, let him not presume to accept it before it hath been make known to the Abbot. And if he order it to be accepted, let it be in the Abbot's power to give it to whom he pleaseth. And let not the brother to whom perchance it was sent, become sad, that "no chance be given to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14). But whosoever shall presume to act otherwise, let him fall under the discipline of the Rule.

Martyrology-December 7th
Roman Martyrology-December 7th-on this date in various years-

The Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church, who fell asleep in the Lord on the 4th of April; his feast is kept on this day, the day on which he assumed the government of the Church of Milan.

At Rome, blessed Eutychian, pope, who with his own hand buried three hundred and forty-two martyrs in various places. He himself was joined with them, crowned with martyrdom under Emperor Numerian, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

At Alexandria, the birthday of blessed Agatho, soldier. In the persecution of Decius, because he prevented some people from mocking the bodies of the martyrs, a sudden clamour was raised against him by the crowd. Being brought before the judge, and persisting in his confession of Christ, he was sentenced to death for his reverence.

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Polycarp and Theodore.

At Tuburbum in Africa, during the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian king Hunneric, St. Servus, martyr, who, being for a very long time beaten with rods, lifted up on high with pulleys, and suddenly dropped on flint-stones with his whole weight, and rubbed over with sharp stones, obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Teano in Campania, St. Urban, bishop and confessor.

At Saintes in France, St. Martin, abbot, at whose tomb frequent miracles have been worked through the power of God.

At Faremoutiers, in the diocese of Meaux, the commemoration of St. Phara, who is also called Burgundofara, abbess and virgin. Her birthday is on the 3rd of April.

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

The Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day, Pius IX solemnly declared her to have been by a singular privilege of God preserved from all stain of original sin.

At Treves, St. Eucharius, a disciple of blessed Peter the Apostle, first bishop of that city.

At Alexandria, St. Macarius, martyr, whose constancy in professing the faith increased with the efforts made by the judge to persuade him to deny Christ. He was finally condemned to be burned alive.

In Cyprus, the holy bishop Sophronius, who was a devoted protector of orphans and widows, and a helper of the poor and oppressed.

In the monastery of Luxeuil in France, St. Romaricus, abbot, who left the highest station at the court of King Theodobert, renounced the world, and surpassed others in the observance of monastic discipline.

At Constantinople, St. Patapius, solitary, renowned for virtues and miracles.

At Rome, the finding of the holy martyrs Nemesis, a deacon, his daughter Lucina, a virgin, Symphronius, Olympius the tribune and his wife Exuperia and his son Theodulus, whose commemoration is made on the 25th of August.

At Verona, the ordination of St. Zeno, 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 December 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-December 9th
Roman Martyrology-December 9th-on this date in various years-

At Carthage, St. Restitutus, bishop and martyr, on whose feast St. Augustine delivered a discourse to the people in which he set forth his praises.

Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Peter, Successus, Bassian, Primitivus, and twenty others.

At Toledo in Spain, the birthday of the holy virgin Leocadia, a martyr in the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. She was condemned to a cruel imprisonment by Dacian, prefect of Spain, and was pining away when, hearing of the barbarous tortures of blessed Eulalia and the other martyrs, she knelt down to pray and yielded up her undefiled spirit to Christ.

At Limoges in Aquitaine, St. Valeria, virgin and martyr.

At Verona, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Proculus, bishop, who was buffeted, scourged with rods, and driven out of the city. Being at length restored to his church, he died in peace.

At Pavia, St. Syrus, first bishop of that city, who was renowned for apostolic signs and virtues.

At Apamea in Syria, blessed Julian, bishop, who flourished in holiness in the time of Severus.

At Gray in Burgundy, St. Peter Fournier, Canon Regular of Our Saviour and the founder of the Canonesses Regular of Our Lady for the education of children. Because of his brilliant virtues and miracles, Leo XIII placed him the catalogue of the Saints.

At Perigueux in France, St. Cyprian, abbot, a man of great sanctity.

At Nazianzum in Cappadocia, St. Gorgonia, of whose virtues and miracles St. Gregory has written. She was the daughter of blessed Nonna and the sister of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. Caesarius.

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

St. Melchiades, pope and martyr, whose birthday is mentioned on the 11th of January.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Paul the Apostle. The yearly commemoration of this Dedication, together with that of St. Peter, prince of the apostles, is observed on the 18th of November.

Also, the holy martyrs Carpophorus, a priest, and Abundius, a deacon, in the persecution of Diocletian. They were first cruelly beaten with rods, then imprisoned and denied food and drink; being placed on the rack a second time and again thrown into prison, they were finally beheaded.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Mennas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.

At Lentini in Sicily, the holy martyrs Mercurius and his soldier companions, who were slain by the sword under the governor Tertyllus, in the reign of Emperor Licinius.

At Ancyra in Galatia, St. Gemellus, martyr, who, after severe torments, fulfilled his martyrdom by being crucified in the time of Julian the Apostate.

At Merida in Spain, in the time of Maximian, the martyrdom of the holy virgin Eulalia, who at twelve years of age suffered many torments for the confession of Christ by order of the governor Dacian. She was stretched on the rack, torn with iron claws, had her sides burned with flaming torches, and swallowing the fire she expired.

Also, in the same city, St. Julia, virgin and martyr, the companion of the blessed Eulalia, who would not be separated from her when the latter went to suffer.

At Rome, Pope St. Gregory III, who departed for heaven renowned for his sanctity and good works.

At Vienne in France, St. Sindulph, bishop and confessor.

At Brescia, St. Deusdedit, bishop.

At Loretto in Piceno, the Translation of the Holy House of Mary the Mother of God, wherein the Word was made flesh. Pope Benedict XV declared the same Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Loretto, to be the chief Patroness before God of all airmen.

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

At Rome, St. Damasus, pope and confessor, who condemned the heresiarch Apollinaris, and restored to his See Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who had been driven from it. He also discovered the bodies of many holy martyrs and composed verses in their honour.

Also at Rome, St. Thrason. He was arrested by order of Maximian for supporting with his goods the Christians who laboured in the baths and at other public works, and those confined in jail. He was crowned with martyrdom with two others, Pontian and prætextatus.

At Amiens in France, the holy martyrs Victoricus and Fuscian, under the same emperor. By order of Governor Rictiovarus, they had iron pins driven into their ears and nostrils, heated nails into their temples, and arrows into their bodies and their eyes torn out. They were beheaded with St. Gentian, their guest, and they passed to the Lord.

In Persia, St. Barbabas, martyr.

In Spain, St. Eutychius, martyr.

At Piacenza, St. Sabinus, bishop, renowned for miracles.

At Constantinople, St. Daniel Stylites.

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

At Alexandria, in the time of Decius, the holy martyrs Epimachus and Alexander, who were kept in chains a long time and subjected to various torments, but as they persevered in the faith, they were finally consumed by fire. The feast of St. Epimachus together with that of St. Gordian the martyr is observed on the 10th of May.

At Rome, the holy martyr Synesius, who was ordained lector in the time of blessed Pope Sixtus. Having converted many to Christ, he was accused before Emperor Aurelian, and being put to the sword, received the crown of martyrdom.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Hermogenes, Donatus, and twenty-two others.

At Treves, the holy martyrs Maxentius, Constantius, Crescentius, Justinus, and their companions, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus.

At Alexandria, the holy women Ammonaria, virgin, Mercuria, Dionysia, and another Ammonaria. The first named, after having triumphed over unheard-of kinds of torments, in the persecution of Decius, ended her blessed life by beheading. As to the three others, the judge, being ashamed to be overcome by women, and fearing that by resorting to tortures he would be vanquished by their constancy, ordered them to be beheaded immediately.

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

At Syracuse in Sicily, the birthday of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian. By order of the proconsul Paschasius, she was delivered to profligates, that her chastity might be insulted by the people; but when they attempted to lead her away they were not able to move her, either with ropes or by means of many yoke of oxen. Then having hot pitch, resin, and burning oil applied to her body without being injured, she finally had a sword driven through her throat, and thus completed her martyrdom.

At Moulins in France, the birthday of St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, widow, foundress of the Nuns of the Visitation of St. Mary, distinguished by the nobility of her birth, by the holiness she constantly displayed in four different states of life, and by the gift of miracles. She was placed among the saints by Clement XIII. Her holy body was taken to Annecy in Savoy and buried with great pomp in the first church of her order. by order of Clement XIV, her feast is kept by the whole Church on the 21st of August.

In Armenia, the martyrdom of the holy martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes, in the persecution of Diocletian. Eustratius was the first subjected alone to barbarous torments under Lysias. Then he was conducted to Sebaste, where he was tortured together with Orestes under the governor Agricolaus, and being cast into a furnace, yielded up his soul; but Orestes being laid on a bed of heated iron, rendered his soul unto God. The others were made to endure most grievous torments among the Arabraci, under the governor Lysias, and fulfilled their martyrdom in different ways. Their relics were afterwards carried to Rome and placed with due honours in the church of St. Apollinaris.

At Sardinia, in the island of Sulci, the martyrdom of St. Antiochus, under Emperor Hadrian.

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

In the parts of Ponthieu in France, St. Judoc, priest and confessor.

In the territory of Strasbourg, St. Otilie, 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 December 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-December 14th
Roman Martyrology-December 14th-on this date in various years-

At Ubeda in Spain, the birthday of St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and the companion of St. Teresa in the reform of the Carmelites. Pope Benedict XIII placed him on the list of the saints, and Pope Pius XI declared him a doctor of the universal Church. His feast, however, is observed on the 24th of November.

At Rheims in France, holy Bishop Nicasius, his sister, the virgin Eutropia, and their companions, martyrs, who were put to death by barbarians hostile to the Church.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Heron, Arsenius, Isidore, and the boy Dioscorus. In the persecution of Decius, the first three were subjected to all the refinements of cruelty by the judge, who, seeing them displaying the same constancy, ordered that they should be cast into the fire. But Dioscorus, after repeated scourgings, was set free by the intervention of Providence to the great consolation of the faithful.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Drusus, Zosimus, and Theodore.

On the same day, the martyrdom of Saints Justus and Abundius, who were cast into the flames in the time of Emperor Numerian and the governor Olybrius, but escaping all injury, they were smitten with the sword.

In the island of Cyprus, the birthday of blessed Spiridion, bishop. He was one of those confessors who were condemned by Galerius Maximian to labour in the mines, after suffering the loss of his right eye and cutting of the sinews of his left knee. This prelate was renowned for the gift of prophecy and glorious miracles, and in the Council of Nicea he confounded a heathen philosopher, who had insulted the Christian religion, and brought him to the faith.

At Bergamo, St. Viator, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. Pompey, bishop.

At Naples in Campania, St. Agnellus, abbot. Illustrious for the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the city besieged by enemies.

At Milan, St. Matronian, hermit.

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

The Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Irenaeus, Anthony, Theodore, Saturninus, Victor, and seventeen others who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Valerian.

In Africa, the martyrdom of Saints Faustinus, Lucius, Candidus, Cælian, Mark, Januarius, and Fortunatus.

In the same country, the holy bishop Valerian, who, being upwards of eighty years of age, in the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian king Genseric, was asked to deliver the vessels of the Church, and as he constantly refused, an order was issued to drive him all alone out of the city, and all persons were forbidden to allow him to stay in their houses or on their land. For a long time he remained lying on the public road, in the open air, and thus in the confession and defence of Catholic truth he ended his blessed life.

In the territory of Orleans, St. Maximin, confessor.

Among the Iberians across the Euxine Sea, St. Christiana, a maidservant, who by virtue of her miracles led that people to the faith of Christ, in the time of Constantine.

At Vercelli, the ordination of St. Eusebius, bishop and martyr.

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

St. Eusebius, bishop of Vercelli and martyr. His birthday is commemorated on the 1st of August and his ordination on the 15th of December.

The three young men, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, whose bodies are buried in a cave near Babylon.

At Ravenna, the holy martyrs Valentine, an officer of the army, Concordius, his son, Navalis, and Agricola, who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Maximian.

At Mola di Gaeta in Campania, St. Albina, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius.

In Africa, many holy virgins who reached a happy end of their martyrdom in the persecution of the Vandals under the Arian king Hunneric by having heavy weights tied to them and burning plates of metal applied to their bodies.

At Vienne in France, blessed Ado, bishop and confessor.

In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop.

At Gaza in Palestine, St. Irenion, bishop.

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