DAILY MARTYROLOGY

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-DECEMBER 31/MARTYROLOGY-JANUARY 1

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for December 31:

CHAPTER LXXIII
Of This, that Not the Whole Observance of Righteousness Is Laid Down in this Rule

Now, we have written this Rule that, observing it in monasteries, we may show that we have acquired at least some moral righteousness, or a beginning of the monastic life.

On the other hand, he that hasteneth on to the perfection of the religious life, hath at hand the teachings of the holy Fathers, the observance of which leadeth a man to the height of perfection. For what page or what utterance of the divinely inspired books of the Old and the New Testament is not a most exact rule of human life? Or, what book of the holy Catholic Fathers doth not loudly proclaim how we may go straight to our Creator? So, too, the collations of the Fathers, and their institutes and lives, and the rule of our holy Father, Basil -- what are they but the monuments of the virtues of exemplary and obedient monks? But for us slothful, disedifying, and negligent monks they are a source for shame and confusion.

Thou, therefore, who hastenest to the heavenly home, with the help of Christ fulfil this least rule written for a beginning; and then thou shalt with God's help attain at last to the greater heights of knowledge and virtue which we have mentioned above.

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

The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the octave of his Nativity.

At Rome, under Emperor Alexander, St. Martina, virgin, who endured various kinds of torments, and being beheaded, received the palm of martyrdom. Her feast is kept on the 30th of this month.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the death of St. Basil the Great, bishop, confessor, and doctor of the Church, renowned for his learning and wisdom and gifted with every virtue, who during the reign of Emperor Valens wonderfully displayed his talents as he defended the Church with great constancy against the Arians and Macedonians. His feast, however, is appropriately kept on the 14th of June, the day on which he was consecrated bishop.

In Tuscany, on Mount Senario, St. Bonfilius, confessor, one of the seven founders of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, having honoured her devoutly, was suddenly called to heaven by her. His feast, with that of his companions, is kept on February 12th.

At Rome, St. Almachius, martyr, who, by the command of Alipius, governor of the city, was killed by the gladiators for saying, "Today is the Octave of our Lord's birth; put an end to the worship of idols, and abstain from unclean sacrifices."

In the same city, on the Appian Way, the crowning with martyrdom of thirty holy soldiers under Emperor Diocletian.

At Spoleto, in the time of Emperor Antoninus, St. Concordius, priest and martyr, who was beaten with clubs, then stretched on the rack, and after a long confinement in prison, where he was visted by an angel, lost his life by the sword.

The same day, St. Magnus, martyr.

In Africa, St. Fulgentius, bishop of Rusp, who suffered much from the Arians, during the persecution of the Vandals, for holding the Catholic faith and teaching an excellent doctrine. After being banished to Sardinia, he was permitted to return to his diocese, where he ended his life by a holy death, leaving a reputation for sanctity and eloquence.

At Chieti in Abruzzo, the birthday of St. Justin, bishop of that city, illustrious for holiness of life and for his miracles.

In the diocese of Lyons, in the monastery of St. Claude, St. Eugendus, abbot, whose life was eminent for virtues and miracles.

At Souvigny in France, St. Odilo, abbot of Cluny, who was the first to prescribe that the commemoration of all the faithful departed should be made in his monasteries the day after the feast of All Saints. This practice was afterwards received and approved by the universal Church.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Vincent Maria Strambi, Bishop of Macerata and Tolentino, of the Order of Passionists, renowned for his pastoral zeal, whom Pope Pius XII numbered among the saints.

At Alexandria, the departure from this world of St. Euphrosyna, virgin, who was renowned in her monastery for the virtue of abstinence, and for the gift of miracles.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 24/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 25

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 24:

CHAPTER V
Of Obedience (cont.)

This obedience, however, will be acceptable to God and agreeable to men then only, if what is commanded is done without hesitation, delay, lukewarmness, grumbling or complaint, because the obedience which is rendered to Superiors is rendered to God. For He Himself hath said: "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Lk 10:16). And it must be rendered by the disciples with a good will, "for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). " For if the disciple obeyeth with an ill will, and murmureth, not only with lips but also in his heart, even though he fulfil the command, yet it will not be acceptable to God, who regardeth the heart of the murmurer. And for such an action he acquireth no reward; rather he incurreth the penalty of murmurers, unless he maketh satisfactory amendment.

Martyrology-May 25th
Roman Martyrology-May 25th- on this date in various years-

At Salerno, the death of blessed Pope Gregory VII, a most zealous protector and champion of Church liberty.

At Rome, on the Via Nomentana, the birthday of blessed Urban, pope and martyr, by whose exhortation and teaching many persons, among whom were Tiburtius and Valerian, received the faith of Christ and suffered martyrdom for it. He himself endured many afflictions for the Church of God, and was crowned with martyrdom by being beheaded in the perscucution of Alexander Severus.

At Jarrow in England, the death of St. Venerable Bede, priest, confessor and doctor of the Church, well known for his sanctity and scholarship. His feast, however, is celebrated on the 27th day of May.

At Florence, the birthday of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, a virgin of the Order of the Carmelites, who is famed for her holy life. Her feast is observed on the 29th of May.

At Silistria in Bulgaria, the birthday of the holy martyrs Pasicrates, Valentio, and two others crowned with them.

At Milan, Bishop St. Denis, who for the Catholic faith was exiled into Cappadocia by the Arian emperor Constantius, where he yielded his soul to God in a manner almost like that of the martyrs. His revered body was sent to blessed Bishop Ambrose at Milan, by Bishop Aurelius, with the help, it is said, of St. Basil the Great.

At Florence, the birthday of St. Zenobius, bishop of that city, renowned for the sanctity of his life and his glorious miracles.

In England, St. Aldhelm, bishop of Sherburn.

In the territory of Troyes, St. Leo, confessor.

At Paris, St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who devoted her labours for the Christian education of girls. She was added to the list of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI.

At Veroli in Campania, the translation of St. Mary, the mother of James, whose revered body is noted for many miracles.

At Assisi in Umbria, the translation of St. Francis, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 23/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 24

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 23:

CHAPTER V
Of Obedience

The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who, on account of the holy subjection which they have promised, or of the fear of hell, or the glory of life everlasting, hold nothing dearer than Christ. As soon as anything hath been commanded by the Superior they permit no delay in the execution, as if the matter had been commanded by God Himself. Of these the Lord saith: "At the hearing of the ear he hath obeyed Me" (Ps 17[18]:45). And again He saith to the teachers: "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Lk 10:16).

Such as these, therefore, instantly quitting their own work and giving up their own will, with hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were doing, follow up, with the ready step of obedience, the work of command with deeds; and thus, as if in the same moment, both matters -- the master's command and the disciple's finished work -- are, in the swiftness of the fear of God, speedily finished together, whereunto the desire of advancing to eternal life urgeth them. They, therefore, seize upon the narrow way whereof the Lord saith: "Narrow is the way which leadeth to life" (Mt 7:14), so that, not living according to their own desires and pleasures but walking according to the judgment and will of another, they live in monasteries, and desire an Abbot to be over them. Such as these truly live up to the maxim of the Lord in which He saith: "I came not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jn 6:38).

Martyrology-May 24th
Roman Martyrology-May 24th- on this date in various years-

At Antioch, the birthday of St. Manahen, foster-brother of Herod the Tetrach. He was a doctor and prophet under the grace of the New Testament, and his remains now lie in the city of Antioch.

Also, blessed Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, mentioned by the evangelist St. Luke.

At Porto, the birthday of St. Vincent, martyr.

At Nantes in Brittany, in the time of Emperor Diocletian, the blessed martyrs Donatian and Rogatian, brothers, who, because of their constancy in the faith, were sent to prison, stretched on the rack, and lacerated. Finally, they were pierced through with a soldier's lance, and then beheaded.

In Istria, the holy martyrs Zoellus, Servilius, Felix, Silvanus, and Diocles.

Also, the holy martyrs Meletius, who was a military officer, and two hundred and fifty-two of his companions, who achieved their martyrdom by various kinds of deaths.

Also, the holy martyrs Susanna, Marciana, and Palladia, wives of the soldiers just mentioned, who were put to death with their young children.

At Milan, St. Robustian, marytr.

At Brescia, St. Afra, martyr, who suffered under Emperor Hadrian.

In the monastery of Lerins, St. Vincent, a priest eminent for learning and sanctity.

At Morocco in Africa, the passion of blessed John of Prado, priest and martyr of the Order of Friars Minor. While preaching the Gospel, he was bound, imprisoned, and scourged; and after enduring with fortitude many other torments for Christ, fulfilled his martyrdom by fire.

At Bologna, the translation of St. Dominic, confessor, in the time of Pope Gregory IX.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 22/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 23

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 22:

 

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

 

(63) To fulfill daily the commandments of God by works.
(64) To love chastity.
(65) To hate no one.
(66) Not to be jealous; not to entertain envy.
(67) Not to love strife.
(68) Not to love pride.
(69) To honor the aged.
(70) To love the younger.
(71) To pray for one's enemies in the love of Christ.
(72) To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.
(73) And never to despair of God's mercy.

 

Behold, these are the instruments of the spiritual art, which, if they have been applied without ceasing day and night and approved on judgment day, will merit for us from the Lord that reward which He hath promised: "The eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). But the workshop in which we perform all these works with diligence is the enclosure of the monastery, and stability in the community

 

Martyrology-May 23rd
Roman Martyrology-May 23rd- on this date in various years-

 

At Langres in France, the martyrdom of the holy bishop Desiderius, who visited the king to offer entreaties in behalf of his people who were mistreated by the Vandal army. He was immediately condemned to beheading, and willingly presenting his head to receive the blow of the sword, he died for the sheep committed to his charge and departed for heaven. With him suffered many of his flock, who are buried in the same city.

 

In Spain, the holy martyrs Epitacius, a bishop, and Basileus.

 

In the territory of Lyons, St. Desiderius, bishop of Vienne, who was crowned with martyrdom by being stonedd at the order of King Theodoric.

 

In Africa, the holy martyrs Quintian, Lucius, and Julian, who merited eternal crowns by their sufferings, during the persecution of the Vandals.

 

In Cappadocia, the commemoration of the holy martyrs who died by having their legs crushed, in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. Also in Mesopotamia, those martyrs who, at the same time, were suspended in the air with their heads downward, suffocated with smoke, and consumed by a slow fire, thus fulfilling their martyrdom.

 

At Synnada in Phrygia, St. Michael, bishop.

 

The same day, St. Mercurialis, bishop.

 

At Naples in Campania, St. Euphebius, bishop.

 

At Rome, St. John Baptist de Rossi, priest and confessor, a man illustrious for his patience and his zeal in preaching the Gospel to the poor.

 

At Norcia, Saints Eutychius and Florentius, monks, mentioned by the blessed Pope Gregory.

 

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 21/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 22

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 21:

 

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

 

(44) To fear the day of judgment.
(45) To be in dread of hell.
(46) To desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.
(47) To keep death before one's eyes daily.
(48) To keep a constant watch over the actions of our life.
(49) To hold as certain that God sees us everywhere.
(50) To dash at once against Christ the evil thoughts which rise in one's heart.
(51) And to disclose them to our spiritual father.
(52) To guard one's tongue against bad and wicked speech.
(53) Not to love much speaking.
(54) Not to speak useless words and such as provoke laughter.
(55) Not to love much or boisterous laughter.
(56) To listen willingly to holy reading.
(57) To apply one's self often to prayer.
(58) To confess one's past sins to God daily in prayer with sighs and tears, and to amend them for the future.
(59) Not to fulfil the desires of the flesh (cf Gal 5:16).
(60) To hate one's own will.
(61) To obey the commands of the Abbot in all things, even though he himself (which Heaven forbid) act otherwise, mindful of that precept of the Lord: "What they say, do ye; what they do, do ye not" (Mt 23:3).

 

Martyrology-May 22nd
Roman Martyrology-May 22nd- on this date in various years-

 

At Rome, the holy martyrs Faustinus, Timothy, and Venustus.

 

In Africa, the holy martyrs Castus and Aemilius, who met their martyrdom by fire, St. Cyprian says that there were overcome by the first trial, but that in the second God made them victorious, so that those who had first weakened in the face of the fire were made mightier than the flames.

 

At Comana in Pontus, under Emperor Maximian and the governor Agrippa, the holy martyr Basiliscus, who was forced to wear iron shoes pierced with heated nails, and who endured many other trials. He was finally beheaded and thrown into the river, which gained for him the crown of martyrdom.

 

In Corsica, St. Julia, virgin, who won her crown by being crucified.

 

In Spain, St. Quiteria, virgin and martyr.

 

At Ravenna, St. Marcian, bishop and confessor.

 

At Pistoia in Tuscany, the bishop, blessed Attho, of the Order of Vallombrosa.

 

In the diocese of Auxerre, Abbot St. Romanus, who ministered to St. Benedict in his cave. Going later to France, he built a monastery there, and leaving many disciples and imitators of his sanctity, went to rest in the Lord.

 

At Aquino, St. Fulk, confessor.

 

At Auxerre, St. Helen, virgin.

 

At Cassia in Umbria, St. Rita, a widow and nun of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who, after being disengaged from her earthly marriage, loved only her eternal spouse Christ.

 

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 20/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 21

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 20:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works (cont.)

(22) Not to give way to anger.
(23) Not to foster a desire for revenge.
(24) Not to entertain deceit in the heart.
(25) Not to make a false peace.
(26) Not to forsake charity.
(27) Not to swear, lest perchance one swear falsely.
(28) To speak the truth with heart and tongue.
(29) Not to return evil for evil (cf 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pt 3:9).
(30) To do no injury, yea, even patiently to bear the injury done us.
(31) To love one's enemies (cf Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27).
(32) Not to curse them that curse us, but rather to bless them.
(33) To bear persecution for justice sake (cf Mt 5:10).
(34) Not to be proud...
(35) Not to be given to wine (cf Ti 1:7; 1 Tm 3:3).
(36) Not to be a great eater.
(37) Not to be drowsy.
(38) Not to be slothful (cf Rom 12:11).
(39) Not to be a murmurer.
(40) Not to be a detractor.
(41) To put one's trust in God.
(42) To refer what good one sees in himself, not to self, but to God.
(43) But as to any evil in himself, let him be convinced that it is his own and charge it to himself.

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

St. Valens, bishop, who was put to death along with three children.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Secundus, a priest, and others, whom the Arian bishop George ordered to be barbarously slain during the holy days of Pentecost, under Emperor Constantius.

In Morocco, the birthday of the holy martyrs Timothy, Polius, and Eutychius, deacons, who merited to be crowned together for spreading the word of God in that region.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Polyeuctus, Victorinus, and Donatus.

At Cordova, the martyr St. Secundinus.

The same day, the holy martyrs Synesius and Theopompus.

At Caesarea Philippi, the holy martyrs Nicostrátus and Antiochus, tribunes, with other soldiers.

At Alexandria, the commemoration of the saintly bishops and priests, who were banished by the Arians, and merited to be numbered among the holy confessors.

At Nice in France, St. Hospitius, confessor, distinguished by the virtue of abstinence and the spirit of prophecy.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 19/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 20

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 19:

CHAPTER IV
The Instruments of Good Works

(1) In the first place to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength...
(2) Then, one's neighbor as one's self (cf Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27).
(3) Then, not to kill...
(4) Not to commit adultery...
(5) Not to steal...
(6) Not to covet (cf Rom 13:9).
(7) Not to bear false witness (cf Mt 19:18; Mk 10:19; Lk 18:20).
 8 To honor all men (cf 1 Pt 2:17).
(9) And what one would not have done to himself, not to do to another (cf Tob 4:16; Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31).
(10) To deny one's self in order to follow Christ (cf Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23).
(11) To chastise the body (cf 1 Cor 9:27).
(12) Not to seek after pleasures.
(13) To love fasting.
(14) To relieve the poor.
(15) To clothe the naked...
(16) To visit the sick (cf Mt 25:36).
(17) To bury the dead.
(18) To help in trouble.
(19) To console the sorrowing.
(20) To hold one's self aloof from worldly ways.
(21) To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

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

At Aquila in Abruzzi, St. Bernardin of Siena, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who added to the glory of Italy by his preaching and his example.

At Rome, St. Plautilla, wife of a consul, sister of the consul Flavius Clemens, and mother of the holy virgin Flavia Domitilla, both martyrs. She was baptized by the apostle St. Peter, and after giving an example of all the virtues, she rested in peace.

Also at Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of St. Basilla, virgin, who was of a royal family and betrothed to a nobleman. When she refused to marry him, he accused her of being a Christian. Emperor Gallienus gave orders that she should accept the person to whom she had been engaged, or die by the sword. Being informed of this, and answering that she had for her spouse the King of kings, she was pierced with a sword.

At Nimes in France, St. Baudelius, martyr. Being arrested, but refusing to sacrifice to idols, and remaining immovable in the faith of Christ, despite blows and tortures, he gained the palm of martyrdom by his praiseworthy death.

At Edessa near Aegea in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Thalaleus, Asterius, Alexander, and their companions, who suffered under Emperor Numerian.

In Thebais, St. Aquila, martyr to the faith, whose body was torn with iron combs.

At Bourges in France, St. Austregisil, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. Theodore, bishop.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 18/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 19

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 18:

 

CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel (cont.)

 

Therefore, let all follow the Rule as their guide in everything, and let no one rashly depart from it.

 

Let no one in the monastery follow the bent of his own heart, and let no one dare to dispute insolently with his Abbot, either inside or outside the monastery. If any one dare to do so, let him be placed under the correction of the Rule. Let the Abbot himself, however, do everything in the fear of the Lord and out of reverence for the Rule, knowing that, beyond a doubt, he will have to give an account to God, the most just Judge, for all his rulings. If, however, matters of less importance, having to do with the welfare of the monastery, are to be treated of, let him use the counsel of the Seniors only, as it is written: "Do all things with counsel, and thou shalt not repent when thou hast done" (Sir 32:24).

 

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

 

For 2013 The day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came down upon the disciples at Jerusalem in the form of fiery tongues.

 

The birthday of St. Peter of Moroni who, while leading the life of an anchoret, was created Sovereign Pontiff and called Celestine V. He later abdicated the pontificate, and led a religious life in solitude, where, renowned for virtues and miracles, he went to the Lord.

 

At Rome, the saintly virgin Pudentiana, who, after numberless tribulations, after burying with respect many martyrs, and distributing all her goods to the poor for Christ's sake, departed from this world to go to heaven.

 

In the same city, St. Pudens, senator, father of the virgins Pudentiana and Praxedes. He was clothed with Christ in baptism by the apostles, and preserved the robe of innocence unspotted until he received the crown of life.

 

Also at Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of the Saints Calocerus and Parthenius, eunuchs. The former was chamberlain of the wife of Emperor Decius, and the latter chief officer in another department. Because they refused to offer sacrifice to idols they were tortured in many cruel ways, and finally when their necks were broken with cudgels, they gave up their souls to God.

 

At Nicomedia, the martyr St. Philoterus, son of the proconsul Pacian, who after suffering much under Emperor Diocletian, received the crown of martyrdom.

 

In the same city, six holy virgins and martyrs. The principal one, named Cyriaca, having boldly reproved Maximian for his impiety, was severely scourged and lacerated, and then consumed by fire.

 

At Canterbury in England, St. Dunstan, bishop.

 

In Brittany, St. Ivo, priest and confessor, who for the love of Christ, defended the interests of orphans, widows and the poor.

 

At Fucecchio in Etruria, St. Theophilus of Curte, confessor and priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who was canonized by Pope Pius XI.

 

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 17/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 18

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 17:

 

CHAPTER III
Of Calling the Brethren for Counsel

 

Whenever weighty matters are to be transacted in the monastery, let the Abbot call together the whole community, and make known the matter which is to be considered. Having heard the brethren's views, let him weigh the matter with himself and do what he thinketh best. It is for this reason, however, we said that all should be called for counsel, because the Lord often revealeth to the younger what is best. Let the brethren, however, give their advice with humble submission, and let them not presume stubbornly to defend what seemeth right to them, for it must depend rather on the Abbot's will, so that all obey him in what he considereth best. But as it becometh disciples to obey their master, so also it becometh the master to dispose all things with prudence and justice.

 

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

 

For 2013 The Vigil of Pentecost.

 

At Camerino, the holy martyr Venantius, who, at fifteen years of age, along with ten others, ended a glorious ordeal by being beheaded under Emperor Decius and the governor Antiochus.

 

The birthday of St. John I, pope and martyr, who was called to Ravenna by the Arian king of Italy, Theodoric, and died there after being in prison a long time for the true faith. His feast, however, is celebrated on the 27th of May, the day on which his revered body was taken to Rome and buried in the basilica of St. Peter, prince of the apostles.

 

At Spoleto, St. Felix, a bishop who obtained the palm of martyrdom under Emperor Maximian.

 

At Heraclea in Egypt, Bishop St. Potamon, first a confessor under Maximian Galerius, and afterwards, a martyr under Emperor Constantius, and the Arian governor Philagrius. Athanasius and Epiphanius, Fathers of the Church, have sung the praises of this holy man.

 

In Egypt, St. Dioscorus, a lector, who was subjected by the governor to many and diverse torments, such as the tearing off of his nails and the burning of his sides with torches; but a light from heaven having prostrated the executioners, the saint's martyrdom was finally ended by having red-hot metal plates applied to his body.

 

At Ancyra in Galatia, the martyr St. Theodotus, and the holy virgins Thecusa, his aunt, Alexandra, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta. They were at first taken to a place of debauchery, but the power of God prevented them from evil, and they later had stones fastened to their necks and were plunged into a lake. For gathering the remains and burying them honorably, Theodotus was arrested by the governor, and after having been horribly lacerated, was put to the sword, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.

 

At Upsal in Sweden, St. Eric, king and martyr.

 

At Rome, St. Felix, confessor of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, celebrated for his evangelical simplicity and charity. He was inscribed on the roll of the saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XI.

 

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 16/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 17

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 16:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

Above all things, that the Abbot may not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls entrusted to him, let him not have too great a concern about fleeting, earthly, perishable things; but let him always consider that he hath undertaken the government of souls, of which he must give an account. And that he may not perhaps complain of the want of earthly means, let him remember what is written: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt 6:33). And again: "There is no want to them that fear Him" (Ps 33[34]:10). And let him know that he who undertaketh the government of souls must prepare himself to give an account for them; and whatever the number of brethren he hath under his charge, let him be sure that on judgment day he will, without doubt, have to give an account to the Lord for all these souls, in addition to that of his own. And thus, whilst he is in constant fear of the Shepherd's future examination about the sheep entrusted to him, and is watchful of his account for others, he is made solicitous also on his own account; and whilst by his admonitions he had administered correction to others, he is freed from his own failings.

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

At Villareal in Spain, St. Paschal of the Order of Friars Minor, confessor. He was a man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance, whom Pope Leo XIII declared to be the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and of societies formed to honour the Most Blessed Sacrament.

At Noyon in France, the holy martyrs Heradius, Paul, and Aquilinus, with two others.

At Chalcedon, the holy martyrs Solochan and his companions.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Adrion, Victor, and Basilla.

Also St. Restituta, virgin and martyr, who was subjected to various kinds of tortures in Africa by the judge Proculus, in the reign of Valerian, and then put in a boat filled with pitch and oakum, to be burned to death on the sea. But the flame turned on those who kindled it, and the saint yielded her soul to God in prayer. Her body was, by Divine Providence, carried in the boat to the island of Ischia, near Naples, where it was received by the Christians with great veneration. A church was afterwards erected in her honour at Naples by Constantine the Great.

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

[Timothy David Whitney]

RULE-MAY 15/MARTYROLOGY-MAY 16

 

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for May 15:

CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be (cont.)

The Abbot ought always to remember what he is and what he is called, and to know that to whom much hath been entrusted, from him much will be required; and let him understand what a difficult and arduous task he assumeth in governing souls and accommodating himself to a variety of characters. Let him so adjust and adapt himself to everyone -- to one gentleness of speech, to another by reproofs, and to still another by entreaties, to each one according to his bent and understanding -- that he not only suffer no loss in his flock, but may rejoice in the increase of a worthy fold.

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

At Gubbio, St. Ubaldus, bishop and confessor renowned for his miracles.

At Auxerre, the passion of St. Peregrinus, first bishop of that city. He was sent into France with other clerics by the blessed Pope Sixtus II, and having accomplished his work of preaching the Gospel, he was condemned to capital punishment, and merited for himself an everlasting crown.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Audas, a bishop, seven priests, nine deacons and seven virgins, who endured various kins of torments under King Isdegerdes, and thus gloriously completed their martyrdom.

At Prague in Bohemia, St. John Nepomucene, a canon of the cathedral church, who, being tempted in vain to betray the secret of confession, was cast into the River Moldau, and thus won the palm of martyrdom.

In Isauria, the birthday of the holy martyrs Aquilinus and Victorian.

At Uzalis in Africa, the holy martyrs Felix and Gennadius.

In Palestine, the martyrdom of the holy monks massacred by the Saracens in the monastery of St. Sabbas.

At Janow, near Pinsk in Lithuania, St. Andrew Bobola, priest of the Society of Jesus, who having suffered many kinds of torments at the hands of the schismatics, was crowned with an illustrious martyrdom.

At Amiens in France, St. Honoratus, bishop.

At Le Mans in France, St. Domnolus, bishop.

At Mirandola in Aemilia, St. Possidius, bishop of Calamae, and disciple of St. Augustine, of whose glorious life he wrote a history.

In the monastery of Enachduin in Ireland, the death of St. Brendan, abbot of Clonfert.

At Treves in France, St. Fidolus, confessor.

At Frejus in France, St. Maxima, virgin, who died in peace with a reputation for many virtues.

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