free forum make a forum for free message boards free forum hosting free phpbb forum phpbb create free forum

La misma nada · Site Admin Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 709

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for this day:

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

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

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

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

At Rome, the birthday of St. John of Matha, priest and confessor, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captivesk, whose feast, by decree of Pope Innocent XI, is observed on the 8th of February.

At Marseilles in France, blessed Lazarus, brother of the Saints Mary Magdalene and Martha, of whom we read in the Gospel that our Lord called him his friend and raised him from the dead.

At Eleutheropolis, the holy martyrs Florian, Calanicus, and their fifty-eight companions, who were slain by the Saracens because of the faith of Christ, during the reign of Emperor Haraclius.

In the monastery of Fulda, the holy abbot Sturmius, apostle of Saxony, who was ranked among the saints by Innocent II, in the second Lateran Council.

At Bigarden, near Brussels, St. Wivina, virgin, whose eminent sanctity is attested to by frequent miracles.

At Constantinople, St. Olympias, widow.

At Andenne, at the Seven Churches, blessed Begga, widow, the sister of St. Gertrude.

Also, the translation of St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr, who, the third after the blessed Apostle Peter, governed the Church of Antioch. His body was taken from Rome, where he had suffered martyrdom under Trajan on the 20th of December, and deposited in the church cemetery near the Gate of Daphne at Antioch. St. John Chrysostom, on that solemn occasion, preached the sermon to the people. Afterwards his relics were carried back to Rome and placed with the highest reverence in the church of St. Clement, together with the body of that blessed pope and martyr.

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

La misma nada · Site Admin Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 709

The reading appointed from the Rule of St. Benedict for this day:

CHAPTER LXII
Of the Priests of the Monastery

If the Abbot desireth to have a priest or a deacon ordained, let him select from among his monks one who is worthy to discharge the priestly office.

But let the one who hath been ordained be on his guard against arrogance and pride, and let him not attempt to do anything but what is commanded him by the Abbot, knowing that he is now all the more subject to the discipline of the Rule; and in consequence of the priesthood let him not forget the obedience and discipline of the Rule, but advance more and more in godliness.

Let him, however, always keep the place which he had when he entered the monastery, except when he is engaged in sacred functions, unless the choice of the community and the wish of the Abbot have promoted him in acknowledgment of the merit of his life. Let him know, however, that he must observe the Rule prescribed by the Deans and the Superiors.

If he should otherwise, let him be judged, not as a priest, but as a rebel; and if after frequent warnings he doth not amend, and his guilt is clearly shown, let him be cast forth from the monastery, provided his obstinacy is such that he will neither submit nor obey the Rule.

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

At Philippi in Macedonia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Rufus and Zosimus, who were of the number of disciples by whom the primitive church was founded among the Jews and the Greeks. Their happy martyrdom is mentioned by St. Polycarp in his Epistle to the Philippians.

At Laodicea in Syria, the martyrdom of the Saints Theotimus and Basilian.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Simplicius, and others who suffered in the persecution of Decius and Valerian.

In the same country, St. Moses, martyr.

Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Victurus, Victor, Victorinus, Adjutor, Quartus, and thirty others.

At Mopsuestia in Cilicia, St. Auxentius, bishop, who, being at first a soldier under Licinius, preferred to surrender his military insignia rather than offer grapes to Bacchus. Having been made a bishop, he was renowned for his merit, and died in peace.

At Tours in France, St. Gratian, appointed first bishop of that city by Pope St. Fabian. Celebrated for many miracles, he calmly went to his repose in the Lord.

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

Free Forum