MASS: Audívit Dóminus
LESSON: Isaíæ 58:1-9
GOSPEL: St Matthew 5:43-48; 6:1-4
Today’s Homily: Friday after Ash Wednesday
MASS: Audívit Dóminus
LESSON: Isaíæ 58:1-9
GOSPEL: St Matthew 5:43-48; 6:1-4
Day: February 16, 2024
Faith in Action: Fire in Cebu
Tragic news has emerged from the Philippines, specifically from our Old Roman apostolate in Cebu, where a devastating incident unfolded. It was reported that a massive fire engulfed a congested neighborhood in Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on a fateful Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the complete destruction of approximately 600 houses. The magnitude of this calamity is truly heart-wrenching, as it has left around 20,000 individuals affected and rendered homeless, according to an estimate provided by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.
While there have been no reports of injuries, the residents were unable to salvage their belongings amidst the chaos and destruction caused by the raging flames. Mayor Chan expressed his concern, stating that this could potentially be the largest fire ever recorded in Lapu-Lapu City’s history. The neighborhood, predominantly consisting of houses constructed with lightweight materials, was particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of the fire. Furthermore, some of the houses were situated on stilts near the shores of the Mactan Channel, adding an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
In the face of such adversity, it is heartening to witness the compassionate response from Fr Harold Plaza and the members of the Old Roman apostolate. They have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to extend their support to those who have been left homeless and impoverished by this tragic event. Their efforts in ministering to the affected individuals are a testament to the strength of community and the power of unity in times of crisis.
The repercussions of this devastating fire are far-reaching, leaving a profound impact on the lives of the affected residents. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial that we come together as a society to provide assistance and support to those in need. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but with the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like the Old Roman apostolate, there is hope for a brighter future for the affected community in Cebu.
Relief Donations
We cordially seek your assistance in supporting the Old Roman apostolate in Cebu as they endeavor to provide solace and relief to those impacted. Your gracious contribution towards acquiring vital essentials like sustenance and accommodation will significantly aid their endeavors in distributing aid.
Archbishop Jerome is slated to visit the apostolate in Cebu in February 2024 and will provide a comprehensive account of the apostolate’s activities and progress regarding the prevailing circumstances.
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyConcerning the “Ministers’ Consultation Response”
Update September 2023
✠Jerome will be discussing this matter at a Free Speech Union event on Tuesday, September 26th, at The Sussex Pub, St Catherine’s Terrace, Hove under the title,
“All protected characteristics are equal, but some are more equal than others”
together with fellow co-founders of PSHEBrighton, a support group for parents and allies concerned about the delivery of Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) in local schools.
Update July 2023
The Archbishop has instructed solicitors Doyle Clayton of One Crown Court, Cheapside, London to address a related matter concerning his “cancellation” as an elected Faith Representative for a Third Sector organisation in Brighton & Hove.
Doyle Clayton represents parents, students, teachers and professors in claims regarding discrimination, misconduct and bullying. Practice head Simon Henthorn is ‘professional, knowledgeable and kind – he can be robust when needed, but shows great compassion‘. Peter Daly, who joined from Slater and Gordon in early 2021, has represented clients in some high-profile cases regarding alleged harassment and intimidation over philosophical beliefs. Associate Amara Ahmad focuses on children’s law, specialising in advising on special educational needs and safeguarding.
The Legal 500
Update January 2023
✠Jerome welcomes and regards with interest the latest statement in Parliament made by the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, of the UK Government’s intention to once more attempt to introduce legislation to ban “conversion therapy”. He particularly appreciates the concluding paragraph of the statement; “The legislation must not, through a lack of clarity, harm the growing number of children and young adults experiencing gender related distress, through inadvertently criminalising or chilling legitimate conversations parents or clinicians may have with their children.” He sincerely hopes that unlike last time, the new legislation will be clearer in language and terminology concerning the need to protect victims, prevent abuse and yet permit the normal course of authentic (i.e. harmless) religious praxis.
May 2022
Context
At the end of 2021, ✠Jerome together with ‘Over 2500 Christian Ministers and Pastoral Workers’ signed a public response to the UK Government’s consultation on the then proposed ban of Conversion Therapies.
The “Ministers’ Consultation Response” (MRC full text in footnotes) took the form of a letter with an accompanying ‘background and analysis’ report. The letter expressed a concern that the then proposed Conversion Therapy Ban would (perhaps inadvertently) have the effect of criminalising some ‘normal practices of religion’ which many Christians follow regarding Biblical moral teachings.
At the conclusion of the consultation process in February 2022 and delivery of the MRC letter to Government offices, over 5000 signatories representing a wide spectrum of Christian denominations and ministries had signed it.
After the MRC letter was made public, several censorious comments regarding its content and notions were voiced, which led to the slanderous vilification of its authors as well as many of the Christian pastors and supporters who had signed it. Unfortunately, this has involved incorrect information about the objectives and motives of the signatories.
Corrections
To counter misinformation, ✠Jerome would like to make the following points clear:
- He wholeheartedly supports a ban of “conversion therapy”.
- He signed the MRC letter because it represented a broadly traditional Christian perspective.
- It was his considered opinion that the proposed draft legislation was “not fit for purpose”.
- He did not sign the letter as Chair of Brighton & Hove Faith in Action. [See image below]
Clarifications
Ref Conversion Therapy
✠Jerome is a firm believer in one of the core values of Christianity, which is the capability of individuals to voluntarily embrace the religion, its teachings, and practices. He strongly believes in the concept of “the primacy of conscience”, which is the principle that an individual should act in accordance with their own conscience. To sum up, ✠Jerome does not approve of “conversion therapy” because it would be in conflict with his conscience and his faith, and he advocates for the banning of it.
Ref traditional Christian teaching
✠Jerome, as an orthodox Catholic bishop, holds to the traditional Catholic belief that the Sacrament of Marriage can only be shared between a male and female and that sexual activity is meant only for those who are married and for the purpose of having children. He does not pass judgement on those who have a different opinion or live a lifestyle that is not in line with traditional Christianity, or on other lawful types of partnerships. The Equalities Act 2010 gives ✠Jerome the right to uphold his beliefs and express them in public.
Not fit for purpose
When discussing the banning of “conversion therapy”, ✠Jerome expressed genuine apprehension about the draft legislation. The legislation could be interpreted in an imprecise manner and could be used to prosecute those educating Sunday School, Madrasa or Chinuch children, hosting homegroups or Bible Studies; providing pastoral support, relationships and marriage counselling; and providing confessional advice or conversion to Christianity or any other religion. ✠Jerome felt these concerns were addressed by the MRC letter while still condemning “conversion therapy”.
Other voices were also critical of the proposed legislation, among them LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, it stated “A ban on conversion practices that doesn’t cover both sexual orientation and gender identity protects nobody.” A concern echoed by Jayne Ozanne, a former Government adviser on LGBTQ+ issues who stated the Bill would create a “loophole of consent” which will continue to put “many lives” at risk. ✠Jerome was concerned that any new legislation should be properly and comprehensively devised. Weighing up the criticism from all ‘sides’ of the debate and considering the feasibility of the draft legislation, particularly with regard to implementation, he concluded that in his opinion it was “not fit for purpose”.
Ref Brighton & Hove Faith in Action
✠Jerome put his name to the letter in his capacity as a Christian pastor, it had nothing to do with his position with BHFA. His action did not breach the organization’s Equality & Diversity Policy nor any existing laws on equality and diversity, such as the Equalities Act 2010. BHFA is a multi-faith organization and does not represent the opinion of any one faith or all faiths. Its primary purpose is to promote good relations between faith groups and statutory agencies in the delivery of social action and community initiatives. ✠Jerome’s actions as a Christian pastor are independent from and should not be conflated with BHFA on any matter.
Conclusion
✠Jerome would highlight the emphasis in the second paragraph of the letter which stated and reflects his own attitude, approach and praxis pastorally;
“In our churches we welcome and show love to many people who have different experience and views, including same-sex attraction and forms of gender transition. We always seek to act in love, with gentleness and respect, for the good of all, and never with any form of coercion or control.”
The Ministers’ Consultation Response 2022
✠Jerome has a personal understanding of the kind of coercive control that is known as “conversion therapy” since he has experienced it himself. He shows true empathy and compassion for others who have been subjected to this kind of manipulation and cruelty, and would never support such practices or allow them to be done to anyone else. He knows that there have been, and still are, a number of destructive and harmful approaches that are considered to be “Christian ministry” and that are rightly considered to be “conversion therapy”. He recognizes the damage that these approaches can cause, and he is firmly against them continuing.
✠Jerome is adamant that people who have undergone “conversion therapy” should be given the opportunity to speak out about any emotional or mental abuse they may have experienced. He also implores other Christian leaders to give due attention to these stories and not fault the victims for the psychological pain they have endured. Additionally, he is of the strong opinion that any “Christian ministries” that attempt to disguise their damaging practices with euphemisms should be exposed and reprimanded.
All his life, ✠Jerome has been a passionate advocate of civil rights and freedoms. As a former student activist and trade unionist, he has been engaged in struggles for equality and diversity for over three decades. In his ministry, ✠Jerome has been particularly conscientious about applying these principles. In 2009, he walked an 80ft tightrope above the Zippos Circus Big Top to draw attention to The Sussex Beacon, a local HIV/AIDS hospice. Over the years, he has raised money for a variety of charities that attempt to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and other challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, such as mental health and sexual wellbeing.
Previously holding the position of Chair of Churches Together in Central Brighton and presently acting as Chair of Brighton & Hove Faith in Action, ✠Jerome has been striving to bring together people from different religious affiliations and denominations, particularly to work together to tackle social issues. He was an original founder of the Upstanders Network formed to enable people to detect and handle circumstances of prejudice and intimidation in public spaces. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Brighton & Hove Racial Harassment Forum, contributing significantly to creating solutions to assist victims of hate crimes based on faith or ethnicity.
✠Jerome has devoted his life to uniting various kinds of people to further the progress of society. He understands that differing backgrounds and outlooks are to be respected, not relativised. His long-standing commitment to inclusion, and to producing holistic answers to societal issues, is evident to those who have seen him in action. He is demonstrative of the fact that it is possible to hold traditional Christian values and still accept aspects of today’s world without being judgmental and bigoted.
✠Jerome hopes that this explanation would aid those who may have misinterpreted or mistakenly misjudged his purpose for signing the Ministers’ Consultation Response, to understand his stance on the issues and his repeated desire to see a clear and comprehensive legislative ban of “conversion therapy”.
Footnotes
The text of the Consultation document may be read here and a critique of it by the Evangelical Alliance here
An objective appraisal of the letter may be found here in response to criticism by the Anglican Bishop of Oxford
The actual text of the letter, information about the authors and the arguments sent to the Secretary of State may be read here:
Dear-Secretary-of-State-Letter-from-2546-signatories-removed-to-the-consultation-on-banning-conversion-therapyDownload
✠Jerome’s signature as it appeared on the document
Ad Clerum: 16.08.23
Archdiocese of Manila
Ref Circular No.2023 – 64 dated August 16th, wherein the Chancellor of the archdiocese, Fr Isidro T. Marinay issues an “advisory” to the clergy, religious and faithful about “The Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church and similar groups” and goes onto mention “other groups such as the Old Roman Catholic and Old Roman Catholic Church”. The communication goes onto state that these groups are not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and “the sacraments they administer are therefore invalid and illicit”.
Needless to say this is a not a “new” situation, indeed this only states what has often been alleged by ignorant Roman Catholic authorities time and again in different places. However, while we would otherwise agree with them concerning the “invalidity” of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church aka “ICAB”, confirmed by Paul VI in the 1970’s, and other derivative ministers claiming their apostolic succession, we cannot of course agree with the misrepresentation of Old Roman Catholic sacraments.
Illicit/Valid
“Illicit” of course does not necessarily imply “invalidity”, though the Chancellor may have in mind the canonical validity of Confessions and Holy Matrimony to which the Church particularly attaches liciety to the administration of these sacraments, i.e., by the requirement for ministers to possess faculties. However, as I have explained in some detail before, ecclesia supplet the Church supplies jurisdiction to the administration of these sacraments by ministers otherwise perceived to be unauthorised to do so in certain circumstances, see FAQ’s The canonical liciety of Old Roman Catholic sacraments.
It is interesting to note that this circular follows another issued on August 10th No.2023 – 61 entitled “Updated Protocols for liturgical celebrations” wherein the Cardinal Archbishop implores the faithful to return to Sunday Mass obligation and to the churches for sacraments following the COVID19 pandemic situation. Taken together, it is perhaps not unreasonable to assume that the Archdiocese has noticed a significant decline in Sunday Mass attendance and considers other ministries are poaching from their flock.
As I have repeatedly and expressly stated on a variety of occasions to both Old Roman clergy and laity alike, it is imperative that our apostolate so conducts itself that no unnecessary criticism from Roman authorities may be permitted to affect our important work. This particularly includes unseemly debates on social media which, rather than promote the Old Roman cause, provokes commentators to deliberately seek unhelpful interference from Roman authorities. Better to avoid such occasions by dignified silence or referral to authoritative sources.
Of schismatics and apostates
It doesn’t surprise me that the antics of the apostate ICAB group have drawn the ire of the Archdiocese. Neither, unfortunately, does it surprise me that certain actors claiming to be Old Romans have likewise caused consternation. The falsely titled North American Old Roman Catholic Archdiocese of California – Utrecht Succession is well-known to the Roman authorities in the Philippines for notoriously recruiting former rebellious Catholic priests who forsook their vows, avoided seeking rescripts i.e., official release from Rome – to take wives. We also know that among both groups are ex-priests and others accused of embezzlement, fraud, and other notorious crimes including those that “cry to heaven for vengeance”. It is no wonder the Archdiocese should seek to protect their flock from such wolves.
Authentic Old Romans
It has been the constant endeavour of myself and other Old Roman hierarchs, colleagues to distance authentic and orthodox Old Roman Catholicism from such characters as previously described. Through proper and thorough incardination and application requirements, careful discernment and scrutinies, taking up character references, psychometric and psychological assessments and criminal background checks, we have successfully weeded out from among our respective apostolates the nefarious and sacrilegious, the narcissists and fraudsters.
By abiding by and implementing canonical procedures and processes, by following and implementing professional standards, and by being seen to benefit local communities, genuine Old Romans have developed credibility and reliability. This surely was proved when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s government recognised my own episcopal title and HM Passport Office insisting – after establishing the recognition of my ministry ecumenically – to include my episcopal title in my passport.
Wherever we operate we have sought to establish cordial relations with local Roman authorities whenever possible. We have deliberately sought collaboration and partnership with other credible Christian denominations and government and civil authorities in social action and community focused endeavours. We have particularly sought to serve the poor and unappreciated in our societies and otherwise to be of service to our local communities. This has and will continue to improve the regard of our apostolate and distinguish us from the vagantes.
Through scholarly research, open dialogues, the dissemination of accurate information, we have debunked the myths and stereotypes that have plagued the traditional Catholic and particularly Old Roman movement. It is essential to emphasize that our efforts are not driven by nor seek to create division nor rivalry within the broader Catholic community. On the contrary, we seek to foster unity and understanding among all who share the orthodox Catholic faith. Remember that we exist to preserve and maintain for future generations until the proverbial eschaton the reconciliation of Rome and all Catholics with the perennial Catholic Faith, whole and entire and in union with the magisterium of the Apostles and eternal Rome.
We do not associate with anyone who is manifestly apostate, schismatic nor who’s apostolic succession is in anyway questionable. That’s why we have no obvious relations with Old Catholics, Sedevacantists, traditional Anglicans nor anyone whose Orders derive from ICAB. That’s why we keep our distance from others who call themselves or who formerly were Old Roman but have gone astray. We are very clear in our approach and attitude and anyone seeking clarity, if after reading everything on selsey.org should contact me.
In Conclusion
- Avoid all arguments on social media concerning the status of Old Roman sacraments.
- Avoid all arguments on social media concerning Old Roman ecclesiology.
- Avoid using polemical language in discussing other ecclesial groups.
- Refer all arguments and inquiries to authentic Old Roman sources.
- Avoid relativism ref “validity” in discussions concerning groups who clearly espouse schismatic tendencies; remember not everyone who claims to be Catholic IS Catholic.
- Remember patience is a virtue and do not allow yourself to commit misjudgement and imprudence.
Carissimi: Today’s Mass; St Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Aprilis. Luna.
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Aprilis. Luna. The Sixteenth Day of March. The Night of the Moon.
Romæ pássio sancti Cyríaci Diáconi, qui, post longam cárceris maceratiónem, liquáta pice perfúsus et in catásta exténsus, attráctus étiam nervis et fústibus cæsus, ad últimum, cum Largo et Smarágdo et áliis vigínti, jubénte Maximiáno, cápite truncátus est. Sanctórum vero Cyríaci, Largi et Smarágdi festívitas sexto Idus Augústi recólitur, quo die a beáto Marcéllo Papa córpora eorúndem vigínti trium Mártyrum leváta sunt ac venerabíliter tumuláta. At Rome the martyrdom of the deacon St. Cyriacus, who, after a long imprisonment, had melted pitch poured over him, was stretched on the rack, had his limbs pulled with ropes, was beaten with clubs, and finally was beheaded by order of Maximian, together with Largus, Smaragdus, and twenty others. Their feast, however, is kept on the 8th of August, the day on which these twenty-three martyrs were exhumed by blessed Pope Marcellus and reverently entombed. Aquiléjæ natális beáti Hilárii Epíscopi, et Tatiáni Diáconi, qui, sub Numeriáno Imperatóre et Berónio Præside, post equúleum atque ália torménta, una cum Felíce, Largo et Dionysio, martyrium terminárunt. At Aquileia, in the time of Emperor Numerian and the governor Beronius, the birthday of the holy bishop Hilary, and the deacon Tatian, who were martyred with Felix, Largus, and Denis, after being subjected to the rack and other tortures. In Lycaónia sancti Papæ Mártyris, qui, ob Christi fidem, verbéribus cæsus, úngulis férreis lacerátus, clavátis cálceis incédere jussus est; deínde árbori alligátus, eándem árborem, migrans ad Dóminum, ex stérili réddidit fructuósam. In Lycaonia, the holy martyr Papas, who was scourged for the Christian faith, had his flesh torn with iron hooks, and was compelled to walk with shoes pierced with nails, and was finally bound to a barren tree. In leaving this world to go to God, he rendered this same tree fruitful. Anazárbi, in Cilícia, sancti Juliáni Mártyris, qui, sub Marciáno Præside, diutíssime cruciátus, demum, in sacco una cum serpéntibus inclúsus, in mare demérsus est. At Anazarbum in Cilicia, under the governor Marcian, the martyr St. Julian, who was a long time tortured, then put into a sack with serpents, and cast into the sea. In dicióne Canadénsi sanctórum Mártyrum Joánnis de Brébeuf, Gabriélis Lalemant, Antónii Daniel, Cároli Garnier et Natális Chabanel, Presbyterórum Societátis Jesu, qui in Hurónica Missióne, hac aliísque diébus, post multos labóres et sævíssimos cruciátus, mortem pro Christo fórtiter obiérunt. In the territory of Canada, Saints John de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Anthony Daniel, Charles Garnier, and Noel Chabanel, priests of the Society of Jesus, who in the mission of the Hurons, on this and other days, after many labours and most cruel torments, bravely underwent death for Christ. Ravénnæ sancti Agapíti, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Ravenna, St. Agapitus, bishop and confessor. Colóniæ Agrippínæ sancti Heribérti Epíscopi, sanctitáte célebris. At Cologne, St. Heribert, bishop, celebrated for sanctity. Arvérnis, in Gállia, deposítio sancti Patrícii Epíscopi. In Auvergne, the death of St. Patrick, bishop. In Syria sancti Abrahæ Eremítæ, cujus res gestas beátus Ephræm Diáconus conscrípsit. In Syria, St. Abraham, hermit, whose life has been written by the blessed deacon Ephrem.
Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins. R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.
Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
| March XVI. | ||
| St. Julian of Cilicia, Martyr | ||
| St. Finian, surnamed Lobhar, or the Leper | ||
ORCCE Ordo: Sabbato Quattuor Temporum Quadrigeismæ ~ Feria major
Nota Bene:
Attacks on Memorial Crosses Multiply
Kim Jong-Un Orders Execution Of 33 People For Contact With Christian Missionary
Grieving California mom takes down cross on road after Atheist’s protest
Woman in Sweden Denied Work as Midwife for Refusing to Perform Abortions
Muslim Extremists Sabotaged Church Foundations In A Village Near Okara
Are Middle Eastern Christians Considered Collateral Damage?
Churches Targeted in Bomb Attacks in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Syrian Believers are running out of options
Open Season on Christians in Libya
Syrian Believers are running out of options
Churches Targeted in Bomb Attacks in Zanzibar, Tanzania
U.S. Supreme High Court turns away homeschoolers’ request for asylum
Why Are Christians the World’s Most Persecuted Group?
Why Has Boko-Haram’s Attacks Continued Unchecked?
The Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham’s dhimmi pact for the Christians of Raqqa province
Sudan Arrests Pastor During Sermon, Threatens Him
Mainstream Media Mum on Atrocities Against Christians
Islamist Militia Group in Libya Suspected in Killing of Seven Coptic Christians
Religious Leaders In CAR Calling For Calm : “Churches and mosques must be rid of armed infiltrators”
WRITE TO ENCOURAGE Pastor Behnam Irani imprisoned in Iran
Filmmakers address plight of Middle East Christians
Iowa State removing Bibles from hotel guest rooms
Burma (Myanmar): Ethnic Cleansing of Christian Kachin
Syrian town of Saidnaya battles armed groups
Enquiry Of Increased Violence In CAR
Machine Gun Preacher Raided By FBI
Pakistan Christian Man Allegedly Tortured and Murdered By Police in Islamabad
Two murdered in Russian church shooting
Anti-Christian Violence Detailed in Hearing Calling for Filling of Religious Freedom Post
NIGERIA: Terrorists Brutally Attack Christians While Sparing Muslim Neighbors
Reports of Horrific Torture Of Children In Syria
Kenneth Bae returned to labor camp, sister pleads for his release #BringBackBae
‘Proselytism’ Conviction of Convert from Islam in Morocco Overturned
Central African Republic: Soldiers Lynch Man Minutes After Presidential Address
Who are the Pakistani Taliban?
Grenade Attack on Phillippine Church
How Syrian Christians Are In Danger
Syria’s Catholic Leader Opposes Plans to Bring Refugees to the West
American Detained By North Korea- Free Kenneth Bae
Update: Pastor and Son Killed in Central African Republic as Religious Leaders Try to Keep Peace
Chaos In The Central African Republic, Making Sense & Asking Questions
Nigeria: Battered By Islamic Terror Group – Kill 52, Set 300 Houses Ablaze
Forgive or Forget: Survivors of genocide in the Holocaust, Rwanda & Cambodia
Michigan Mom says School Told Son Not to Bring Bible to School
Syria: Christian Stabbed with Crucifix, Decapitated
Quartodécimo Kaléndas Mártii. Luna.
Quartodécimo Kaléndas Mártii. Luna. The Sixteenth Day of February. The Night of the Moon.
Romæ beáti Onésimi, de quo sanctus Paulus Apóstolus ad Philémonem scribit; quem étiam, post sanctum Timótheum, Ephesiórum Epíscopum ordinávit, prædicationísque verbum illi commisit. Ipse autem Onésimus, vinctus Romam perdúctus ac pro fide Christi lapidátus, primo ibídem sepúltus fuit; inde ad locum ubi Epíscopus fúerat ordinátus, corpus ejus delátum est. At Rome, blessed Onesimus, concerning whom the apostle St. Paul wrote to Philemon. He made him bishop of Ephesus after St. Timothy, and committed to him the office of preaching. Being led a prisoner to Rome, and stoned to death for the faith of Christ, he was first buried there, but his body was afterwards taken to the place where he had been bishop.
In Ægypto sancti Juliáni Mártyris, cum áliis quinque míllibus. In Egypt, St. Julian, martyr, with five thousand other Christians.
Cæsaréæ, in Palæstína, sanctórum Mártyrum Ægyptiórum Elíæ, Jeremíæ, Isaíæ, Samuélis et Daniélis; qui, cum spontánee ministrássent Confessóribus in Cilícia ad metálla damnátis, et inde reverteréntur, sunt comprehénsi, et a Firmiliáno Præside, sub Galério Maximiáno Imperatóre, sævíssime torti, gládio demum percússi sunt. Post eos sanctus Porphyrius, Pámphili Mártyris fámulus, et sanctus Seléucus Cáppadox, qui iterátis certamínibus sæpe vícerant, rursus cruciáti sunt, atque alter incéndio, gládio alter corónam martyrii accepérunt. At Caesarea, in Palestine, the holy martyrs Elias, Jeremias, Isaias, Samuel, and Daniel. These Egyptians of their own accord ministered to the confessors condemned to labour in the mines of Cilicia, but were arrested upon their return, and after being cruelly tortured by the governor Firmilian, under Emperor Galerius Maximian, were put to the sword. After them, St. Porphyry, servant of the martyr Pamphilus, and St. Seleucus the Cappadocian, who had been triumphant in several previous tests, being again tortured, now won the crown of martyrdom, the one by fire, the other by the sword.
Nicomedíæ sanctæ Juliánæ, Vírginis et Mártyris; quæ, sub Maximiáno Imperatóre, primum a patre suo Africáno gráviter cæsa, deínde ab Evilásio Præfécto, cui núbere recusáverat, várie cruciáta, et póstmodum in cárcerem detrúsa, ubi palam cum diábolo conflíxit, demum, cum flammas ígnium et ollam fervéntem superásset, cápitis decollatióne martyrium consummávit. Ipsíus autem corpus póstea Cumas, in Campánia translátum est. At Nicomedia, St. Juliana, virgin and martyr. Under Emperor Maximian, she was first severely scourged by her own father, Africanus, and then made to suffer many torments by the prefect Evilasius, whom she had refused to marry. Later thrown into prison, she encountered the evil spirit in a visible manner. Finally, because the fiery furnace and a caldron of boiling oil could do her no injury, her martyrdom was fulfilled by beheading. Her body was later transferred to Cumi in Campania.
Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – providing humanitarian relief in Iraq through St George’s Church and Clinic.
Open Doors – The world’s largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places.FOR NEWS OF CONTEMPORARY MARTYRS…
Voice of the Persecuted – Informing the world of Christian persecution, one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet, today.
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Februárii. Luna.
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Februárii. Luna. The Sixteenth Day of January. The Night of the Moon.
Romæ, via Salária, natális sancti Marcélli Primi, Papæ et Mártyris; qui, ob cathólicæ fídei confessiónem, jubénte Maxéntio tyránno, primo cæsus est fústibus, deínde ad servítium animálium cum custódia pública deputátus, et ibídem, serviéndo indútus amíctu cilícino, defúnctus est. At Rome, on the Salarian Way, the birthday of Pope St. Marcellus I, a martyr for the confession of the Catholic faith. By command of the tyrant Maxentius he was beaten with clubs, then sent to take care of animals, with a guard to watch him. In this servile office, dressed in haircloth, he departed this life. Marróchii, in Africa, pássio sanctórum quinque Protomártyrum Ordinis Minórum, scílicet Berárdi, Petri atque Othónis Sacerdótum, Accúrsii et Adjúti Laicórum; qui, ob Christiánæ fídei prædicatiónem ac Mahuméticæ reprobatiónem legis, post vária torménta et ludíbria, a Saracenórum Rege, scissis gládio capítibus, enecáti sunt. In Morocco in Africa, the martyrdom of the five Protomartyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, Berard, Peter, and Otto who were priests, and Accursius and Adjutus who were lay brothers. For preaching the Catholic faith, and because of their hatred of the Mohammedan Law, after various torments and mockeries by the Saracen king, they were beheaded. Rhinocolúræ, in Ægypto, sancti Melæ Epíscopi, qui, sub Valénte exsílium et ália grávia pro fide cathólica passus, in pace quiévit. At Rhinocolura in Egypt, the holy bishop St. Melas, who rested in peace after suffering exile and other painful trials for the Catholic faith during the reign of Emperor Valens. Areláte, in Gállia, sancti Honoráti, Epíscopi et Confessóris; cujus vita tam doctrína quam miráculis fuit illústris. At Arles in France, St. Honoratus, bishop and confessor, whose life was renowned for learning and for miracles. Opitérgii, in Venetórum fínibus, sancti Titiáni, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Oderzo near Venice, St. Titian, bishop and confessor. Fundis, in Látio, sancti Honoráti Abbátis, cujus méminit beátus Gregórius Papa. At Fondi in Lazio, St. Honoratus, abbot, mentioned by Pope St. Gregory. In castro cui nomen Macériæ, ad Altéjam flúvium, in Gállia, sancti Furséi Confessóris; cujus corpus ad monastérium Perónæ póstmodum translátum est. At Froheins, in the diocese of Amiens in France, St. Fursey, confessor, whose body was afterwards transferred to the monastery of Peronne. Romæ sanctæ Priscíllæ, quæ se súaque pio Mártyrum obséquio mancipávit. At Rome, St. Priscilla, who devoted herself and her goods to the service of the martyrs.
Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins. R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.
Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Marcellus, Pope and Martyr
St. Macarius the Elder, of Egypt
St. Honoratus, Archbishop of Arles, Abbot
St. Fursey, Abbot in Ireland
SS. Five Friars, Minors, Martyrs
St. Henry, Hermit
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna
Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Sixteenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.
Sancti Eusébii, Epíscopi Vercellénsis et Mártyris; cujus dies natális Kaléndis Augústi, et Ordinátio décimo octávo Kaléndas Januárii refértur.
St. Eusebius, bishop of Vercelli and martyr. His birthday is commemorated on the 1st of August and his ordination on the 15th of December.
Sanctórum Trium Puerórum, id est Ananíæ, Azaríæ et Misaélis; quorum córpora apud Babylóniam, sub quodam specu, sunt pósita.
The three young men, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, whose bodies are buried in a cave near Babylon.
Ravénnæ sanctórum Mártyrum Valentíni, magístri mílitum, ejúsque fílii Concórdii, atque Navális et Agrícolæ; qui, in persecutióne Maximiáni, pro Christo passi sunt.
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.
Fórmiis, in Campánia, sanctæ Albínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, sub Décio Imperatóre.
At Mola di Gaeta in Campania, St. Albina, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius.
In Africa pássio plurimárum sanctárum Vírginum, quæ, in persecutióne Wandálica, sub Ariáno Rege Hunneríco, suspéndia, póndera laminásque ignítas perpéssæ, martyrii agónem felíciter consummárunt.
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.
Viénnæ, in Gállia, beáti Adónis, Epíscopi et Confessóris.
At Vienne in France, blessed Ado, bishop and confessor.
In Hibérnia sancti Beáni Epíscopi.
In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop.
Gazæ, in Palæstína, sancti Ireniónis Epíscopi.
At Gaza in Palestine, St. Irenion, bishop.
Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.
| December XVI. | ||
| St. Ado, Archbishop of Vienne, Confessor | ||
| St. Alice, or Adelaide, Empress | ||
| St. Beanus, Bishop in Ireland | ||
FOR NEWS OF CONTEMPORARY MARTYRS…
Open Doors – The world’s largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places.
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – providing humanitarian relief in Iraq through St George’s Church and Clinic.
Voice of the Persecuted – Informing the world of Christian persecution, one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet, today.
Sextodécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna
Sextodécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna . The Sixteenth Day of November. The Night of the Moon.
Sanctæ Gertrúdis Vírginis, cujus natális sequénti die recensétur.
St. Gertrude, virgin, whose birthday is on the 17th of November.
Edimbúrgi, in Scótia, sanctæ Margarítæ Víduæ, Scotórum Regínæ, amóre in páuperes et voluntária paupertáte célebris. Ipsíus tamen festívitas quarto Idus Júnii celebrátur.
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 sanctórum Mártyrum Rufíni, Marci, Valérii et Sociórum.
In Africa, the holy martyrs Rufinus, Mark, Valerius, and their fellows.
Eódem die sanctórum Mártyrum Elpídii, Marcélli, Eustóchii et Sociórum; ex quibus Elpídius, cum esset órdinis Senatórii et coram Juliáno Apóstata Christiánam fidem constantíssime profiterétur, ídeo, primum equis indómitis, una cum Sóciis, alligátus atque pertráctus, deínde, in ignem conjéctus, gloriósum martyrium consummávit.
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.
Lugdúni, in Gállia, natális sancti Euchérii, Epíscopi et Confessóris, viri admirándæ fídei et doctrínæ. Hic, ex nobilíssimo Senatórum órdine ad religiósam vitam habitúmque convérsus, diu, intra septa spelúncæ sponte conclúsus, in oratiónibus et jejúniis Christo servívit; deínde apud præfátam urbem in pontificáli Cáthedra, revelánte Angelo, solémniter collocátus est.
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.
Patávii sancti Fidéntii Epíscopi.
At Padua, St. Fidentius, bishop.
Cantuáriæ, in Anglia, sancti Edmúndi, Epíscopi et Confessóris; qui, pro Ecclésiæ suæ júribus tuéndis in exsílium actus, apud Provínum, Sénonum óppidum, sanctíssime óbiit; et Sanctórum cánoni ab Innocéntio Papa Quarto adscríptus est.
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.
Eódem die deposítio sancti Othmári Abbátis.
The same day, the death of St. Othmar, abbot.
Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.
| November XVI. | ||
| St. Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor | ||
| St. Eucherius, Bishop of Lyons, Confessor | ||
FOR NEWS OF CONTEMPORARY MARTYRS…
Open Doors – The world’s largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places.
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – providing humanitarian relief in Iraq through St George’s Church and Clinic.
Voice of the Persecuted – Informing the world of Christian persecution, one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet, today.