Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

St Catherine of Alexandria (1)The Twenty-Fifth Day of November

At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus.  For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off.  Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians. At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian.  He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius. At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel.  Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven. In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, virgin.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr
St. Erasmus, or Elme, Bishop and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: S. Catharinae Virginis et Martyris ~ Duplex Tempora: Feria Secunda infra Hebdomadam XXIV post Octavam Pentecostes V. Novembris: et in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Alexandríæ sanctæ Catharínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, ob fídei Christiánæ confessiónem, sub Maximíno Imperatóre, in cárcerem trusa, et póstmodum scorpiónibus diutíssime cæsa, tandem cápitis obtruncatióne martyrium complévit.  Ipsíus corpus, in montem Sínai mirabíliter ab Angelis delátum, ibídem, frequénti Christianórum concúrsu, pia veneratióne cólitur. Romæ sancti Móysis, Presbyteris et Mártyris; quem, cum áliis deténtum in cárcere, sanctus Cypriánus per lítteras sæpe est consolátus.  Ipse autem Móyses, cum non tantum advérsus Gentíles, sed étiam advérsus schismáticos et hæréticos Novatiános infrácto ánimo stetísset, demum (ut sanctus Cornélius Papa testátur), in persecutióne Décii, exímio et admirábili martyrio decorátus est. Antiochíæ sancti Erásmi Mártyris. Cæsaréæ, in Cappadócia, pássio sancti Mercúrii mílitis, qui custodiéntis se Angeli patrocínio et bárbaros vicit, et Décii sævítiam superávit; multísque auctus tormentórum trophæis, martyrio coronátus migrávit in cælum. In Æmília, Itáliæ província, sanctæ Jucúndæ Vírginis.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Pakistan: Christian girl of 13 abducted, converted to Islam and forced to marry

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

The Twenty-Third Day of November

The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter.  In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom.  During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built  and named for him. At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons.  After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus. At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian. At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian. At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate.  After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning. At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop. In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor.  Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Clement, Pope and Martyr
St. Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, Confessor
St. Tron, Confessor
St. Daniel, Bishop and Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: S. Clementis Papae et Martyris ~ Semiduplex Tempora: Sabbato infra Hebdomadam VI quae superfuit post Epiphaniam IV. Novembris: Commemoratio S. Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Natális sancti Cleméntis Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, qui, tértius post beátum Petrum Apóstolum, Pontificátum ténuit, et, in persecutióne Trajáni, apud Chersonésum relegátus, ibi, alligáta ad ejus collum ánchora, præcipitátus in mare, martyrio coronátur.  Ipsíus autem corpus, Hadriáno Secúndo Summo Pontífice, a sanctis Cyríllo et Methódio frátribus Romam translátum, in Ecclésia quæ ejus nómine ántea fúerat exstrúcta, honorífice recónditum est. Romæ sanctæ Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; quæ, post eos, jubénte Marco Antoníno Imperatóre, decolláta est pro Christo. Cyzici, in Hellespónto, sancti Sisínii Mártyris, qui in persecutióne Diocletiáni Imperatóris, post multa torménta, gládio cæsus est. Eméritæ, in Hispánia, sanctæ Lucrétiæ, Vírginis et Mártyris; quæ in eádem persecutióne, sub Daciáno Præside, martyrium consummávit. Icónii, in Lycaónia, sancti Amphilóchii Epíscopi, qui, sanctórum Basilíi et Gregórii Nazianzéni in erémo sócius et in Episcopátu colléga, tandem, post multa quæ suscépit pro cathólica fide certámina, sanctitáte et doctrína clarus, quiévit in pace. Agrigénti deposítio sancti Gregórii Epíscopi. In óppido Hasbániæ, in Bélgio, sancti Trudónis, Presbyteri et Confessóris, cujus nómine póstmodum insignítum fuit tum monastérium illic ab eódem Sancto in suis prædiis eréctum, tum ipsum óppidum in eo loco paulátim exstrúctum.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Ref S. Felicitas

7_10_sevenbrothersFelicitas of Rome (c. 101–165) is a saint numbered among the Christian martyrs. Apart from her name, the only thing known for certain about this martyr is that she was buried in the Cemetery of Maximus, on the Via Salaria on a 23 November. However, a legend presents her as the mother of the seven martyrs whose feast is celebrated on 10 July. And the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates their martyrdom on 25 January, Old Calendar (i.e., 7 February, New Calendar). 

The legend of Saint Symphorosa is very similar and their acts may have been confused. They may even be the same person. This Felicitas is not the same as the North African Felicitas who was martyred with Perpetua.

The feast of Saint Felicitas of Rome is first mentioned in the “Martyrologium Hieronymianum” as celebrated on 25 January. From a very early date her feast as a martyr was solemnly celebrated in the Roman Church on that date, as shown by the fact that on that day Saint Gregory the Great delivered a homily in the Basilica that rose above her tomb. Her body then rested in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria; in that cemetery all Roman itineraries, or guides to the burial-places of martyrs, locate her burial-place, specifying that her tomb was in a church above this catacomb. The crypt where St Felicitas was laid to rest was later enlarged into a subterranean chapel, and was rediscovered in 1885. In the early Middle Ages there was a chapel in honour of St Felicitas in an ancient Roman edifice near the ruins of the Baths of Titus. Some of her relics are in the Capuchin church at Montefiascone, Tuscany. Others are in the church of Santa Susanna in Rome.

Saint Felicitas (also known as Felicity) is said to have been a rich and pious Christian widow who had seven sons. She devoted herself to charitable work and converted many to the Christian faith by her example. This aroused the wrath of pagan priests who lodged a complaint against her with Emperor Marcus Aurelius. These priests asserted the fire of the gods and demanded sacrifice from Felicitas and her children. The Emperor acquiesced to their demand and Felicitas was brought before Publius, the Prefect of Rome. Taking Felicitas aside, he used various pleas and threats in an unsuccessful attempt to get her to worship the pagan gods. He was equally unsuccessful with her seven sons who followed their mother’s example.

Before the Prefect Publius they adhered firmly to their religion, and were delivered over to four judges, who condemned them to various modes of death. The division of the martyrs among four judges corresponds to the four places of their burial. She implored God only that she not to be killed before her sons, so that she might be able to encourage them during their torture and death in order that they would not deny Christ. According to God’s Providence, it so happened. With joy, this wonderful mother accompanied her sons one by one until she had witnessed the death of all seven sons. We are not entirely sure as to how each of them died, but it is said that Januarius, the eldest, was scourged to death; Felix and Philip were beaten with clubs until they expired; Silvanus was thrown headlong down a precipice; and the three youngest, Alexander, Vitalis and Martialis were beheaded. After each execution she was given the chance to denounce her faith. She refused to act against her conscience and so she too suffered martyrdom.

They suffered and entered into eternal rest in Rome about the year 164 She was buried in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria, beside St Silvanus. It is said that she died eight times; once with each of her sons, and finally her own, and their feast day is held on January 25.

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna. The Twenty-First Day of November. The Night of the Moon.

Hierosólymis Præsentátio beátæ Dei Genitrícis Vírginis Maríæ in Templo. In the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Eódem die natális beáti Rufi, de quo sanctus Paulus Apóstolus ad Romános scribit. Also, the birthday of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.

Romæ pássio sanctórum Celsi et Cleméntis. At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.

Rhemis, in Gállia, sancti Albérti, Epíscopi Leodiénsis et Mártyris; qui pro tuénda ecclesiástica libertáte necátus est. At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberty of the Church.

Apud Ostia Tiberína natális sanctórum Mártyrum Demétrii et Honórii. At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.

In Hispánia sanctórum Mártyrum Honórii, Eutychii et Stéphani. In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius, and Stephen.

In Pamphylia sancti Heliodóri Mártyris, in persecutióne Aureliáni, sub Aétio Præside. Post eum vero ipsi tortóres, convérsi ad fidem, in mare demérsi sunt. In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and were cast into the sea.

Romæ sancti Gelásii Papæ Primi, doctrína et sanctitáte conspícui. At Rome, Pope St. Gelasius, distinguished for learning and sanctity.

Verónæ sancti Mauri, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.

In monastério Bobiénsi deposítio sancti Columbáni Abbátis, qui, multórum cœnobiórum Fundátor, plurimórum Monachórum éxstitit Pater, multísque virtútibus clarus, in senectúte bona quiévit. In the monastery of Bobbio, the death of St. Columban, abbot who founded many monasteries and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.

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.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:

November XXI.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Columban of Ireland, Abbot and Confessor
St. Gelasius, Pope and Confessor

Nota Bene:  Ref The Presentation of the BVM

The feast originated as a result of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New, built in 543 by the Byzantines under Emperor Justinian I near the site of the ruined Temple in Jerusalem. This basilica was destroyed by the Sassanid Persians under Khosrau II after the Siege of Jerusalem (614). The first documented celebration of the feast in any calendar is the mention of the Εἴσοδος τῆς Παναγίας Θεοτόκου (Entry of the All-Holy Theotokos, i.e., into the Temple) in the Menologion of Basil II, an 11th-century menology of the Eastern Roman (also known as Byzantine) emperor Basil II.

The feast continued to be celebrated throughout the East, was celebrated in the monasteries of Southern Italy by the ninth century, and was introduced into the Papal Chapel in Avignon in 1372 by decree of Pope Gregory XI. The feast was included in the Roman Missal in 1472, but was suppressed by Pope Pius V in 1568. As a result, it did not appear in the Tridentine Calendar [of 1570]. Pope Sixtus V reintroduced it into the Roman Calendar in 1585. Pope Clement VIII made this feast a greater double in 1597. The feast also continued as a memorial in the Roman Calendar of 1969.

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

St Catherine of Alexandria (1)The Twenty-Fifth Day of November

At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus.  For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off.  Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians. At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian.  He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius. At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel.  Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven. In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, virgin.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr
St. Erasmus, or Elme, Bishop and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: S. Catharinae Virginis et Martyris ~ Duplex Tempora: Feria Secunda infra Hebdomadam XXIV post Octavam Pentecostes V. Novembris: et in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Alexandríæ sanctæ Catharínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, ob fídei Christiánæ confessiónem, sub Maximíno Imperatóre, in cárcerem trusa, et póstmodum scorpiónibus diutíssime cæsa, tandem cápitis obtruncatióne martyrium complévit.  Ipsíus corpus, in montem Sínai mirabíliter ab Angelis delátum, ibídem, frequénti Christianórum concúrsu, pia veneratióne cólitur. Romæ sancti Móysis, Presbyteris et Mártyris; quem, cum áliis deténtum in cárcere, sanctus Cypriánus per lítteras sæpe est consolátus.  Ipse autem Móyses, cum non tantum advérsus Gentíles, sed étiam advérsus schismáticos et hæréticos Novatiános infrácto ánimo stetísset, demum (ut sanctus Cornélius Papa testátur), in persecutióne Décii, exímio et admirábili martyrio decorátus est. Antiochíæ sancti Erásmi Mártyris. Cæsaréæ, in Cappadócia, pássio sancti Mercúrii mílitis, qui custodiéntis se Angeli patrocínio et bárbaros vicit, et Décii sævítiam superávit; multísque auctus tormentórum trophæis, martyrio coronátus migrávit in cælum. In Æmília, Itáliæ província, sanctæ Jucúndæ Vírginis.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Pakistan: Christian girl of 13 abducted, converted to Islam and forced to marry

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

The Twenty-Third Day of November

The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter.  In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom.  During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built  and named for him. At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons.  After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus. At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian. At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian. At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate.  After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning. At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop. In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor.  Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Clement, Pope and Martyr
St. Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, Confessor
St. Tron, Confessor
St. Daniel, Bishop and Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: S. Clementis Papae et Martyris ~ Semiduplex Tempora: Sabbato infra Hebdomadam VI quae superfuit post Epiphaniam IV. Novembris: Commemoratio S. Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Natális sancti Cleméntis Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, qui, tértius post beátum Petrum Apóstolum, Pontificátum ténuit, et, in persecutióne Trajáni, apud Chersonésum relegátus, ibi, alligáta ad ejus collum ánchora, præcipitátus in mare, martyrio coronátur.  Ipsíus autem corpus, Hadriáno Secúndo Summo Pontífice, a sanctis Cyríllo et Methódio frátribus Romam translátum, in Ecclésia quæ ejus nómine ántea fúerat exstrúcta, honorífice recónditum est. Romæ sanctæ Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; quæ, post eos, jubénte Marco Antoníno Imperatóre, decolláta est pro Christo. Cyzici, in Hellespónto, sancti Sisínii Mártyris, qui in persecutióne Diocletiáni Imperatóris, post multa torménta, gládio cæsus est. Eméritæ, in Hispánia, sanctæ Lucrétiæ, Vírginis et Mártyris; quæ in eádem persecutióne, sub Daciáno Præside, martyrium consummávit. Icónii, in Lycaónia, sancti Amphilóchii Epíscopi, qui, sanctórum Basilíi et Gregórii Nazianzéni in erémo sócius et in Episcopátu colléga, tandem, post multa quæ suscépit pro cathólica fide certámina, sanctitáte et doctrína clarus, quiévit in pace. Agrigénti deposítio sancti Gregórii Epíscopi. In óppido Hasbániæ, in Bélgio, sancti Trudónis, Presbyteri et Confessóris, cujus nómine póstmodum insignítum fuit tum monastérium illic ab eódem Sancto in suis prædiis eréctum, tum ipsum óppidum in eo loco paulátim exstrúctum.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Ref S. Felicitas

7_10_sevenbrothersFelicitas of Rome (c. 101–165) is a saint numbered among the Christian martyrs. Apart from her name, the only thing known for certain about this martyr is that she was buried in the Cemetery of Maximus, on the Via Salaria on a 23 November. However, a legend presents her as the mother of the seven martyrs whose feast is celebrated on 10 July. And the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates their martyrdom on 25 January, Old Calendar (i.e., 7 February, New Calendar). 

The legend of Saint Symphorosa is very similar and their acts may have been confused. They may even be the same person. This Felicitas is not the same as the North African Felicitas who was martyred with Perpetua.

The feast of Saint Felicitas of Rome is first mentioned in the “Martyrologium Hieronymianum” as celebrated on 25 January. From a very early date her feast as a martyr was solemnly celebrated in the Roman Church on that date, as shown by the fact that on that day Saint Gregory the Great delivered a homily in the Basilica that rose above her tomb. Her body then rested in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria; in that cemetery all Roman itineraries, or guides to the burial-places of martyrs, locate her burial-place, specifying that her tomb was in a church above this catacomb. The crypt where St Felicitas was laid to rest was later enlarged into a subterranean chapel, and was rediscovered in 1885. In the early Middle Ages there was a chapel in honour of St Felicitas in an ancient Roman edifice near the ruins of the Baths of Titus. Some of her relics are in the Capuchin church at Montefiascone, Tuscany. Others are in the church of Santa Susanna in Rome.

Saint Felicitas (also known as Felicity) is said to have been a rich and pious Christian widow who had seven sons. She devoted herself to charitable work and converted many to the Christian faith by her example. This aroused the wrath of pagan priests who lodged a complaint against her with Emperor Marcus Aurelius. These priests asserted the fire of the gods and demanded sacrifice from Felicitas and her children. The Emperor acquiesced to their demand and Felicitas was brought before Publius, the Prefect of Rome. Taking Felicitas aside, he used various pleas and threats in an unsuccessful attempt to get her to worship the pagan gods. He was equally unsuccessful with her seven sons who followed their mother’s example.

Before the Prefect Publius they adhered firmly to their religion, and were delivered over to four judges, who condemned them to various modes of death. The division of the martyrs among four judges corresponds to the four places of their burial. She implored God only that she not to be killed before her sons, so that she might be able to encourage them during their torture and death in order that they would not deny Christ. According to God’s Providence, it so happened. With joy, this wonderful mother accompanied her sons one by one until she had witnessed the death of all seven sons. We are not entirely sure as to how each of them died, but it is said that Januarius, the eldest, was scourged to death; Felix and Philip were beaten with clubs until they expired; Silvanus was thrown headlong down a precipice; and the three youngest, Alexander, Vitalis and Martialis were beheaded. After each execution she was given the chance to denounce her faith. She refused to act against her conscience and so she too suffered martyrdom.

They suffered and entered into eternal rest in Rome about the year 164 She was buried in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria, beside St Silvanus. It is said that she died eight times; once with each of her sons, and finally her own, and their feast day is held on January 25.

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna. The Twenty-First Day of November. The Night of the Moon.

Hierosólymis Præsentátio beátæ Dei Genitrícis Vírginis Maríæ in Templo. In the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Eódem die natális beáti Rufi, de quo sanctus Paulus Apóstolus ad Romános scribit. Also, the birthday of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.

Romæ pássio sanctórum Celsi et Cleméntis. At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.

Rhemis, in Gállia, sancti Albérti, Epíscopi Leodiénsis et Mártyris; qui pro tuénda ecclesiástica libertáte necátus est. At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberty of the Church.

Apud Ostia Tiberína natális sanctórum Mártyrum Demétrii et Honórii. At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.

In Hispánia sanctórum Mártyrum Honórii, Eutychii et Stéphani. In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius, and Stephen.

In Pamphylia sancti Heliodóri Mártyris, in persecutióne Aureliáni, sub Aétio Præside. Post eum vero ipsi tortóres, convérsi ad fidem, in mare demérsi sunt. In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and were cast into the sea.

Romæ sancti Gelásii Papæ Primi, doctrína et sanctitáte conspícui. At Rome, Pope St. Gelasius, distinguished for learning and sanctity.

Verónæ sancti Mauri, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.

In monastério Bobiénsi deposítio sancti Columbáni Abbátis, qui, multórum cœnobiórum Fundátor, plurimórum Monachórum éxstitit Pater, multísque virtútibus clarus, in senectúte bona quiévit. In the monastery of Bobbio, the death of St. Columban, abbot who founded many monasteries and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.

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.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:

November XXI.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Columban of Ireland, Abbot and Confessor
St. Gelasius, Pope and Confessor

Nota Bene:  Ref The Presentation of the BVM

The feast originated as a result of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New, built in 543 by the Byzantines under Emperor Justinian I near the site of the ruined Temple in Jerusalem. This basilica was destroyed by the Sassanid Persians under Khosrau II after the Siege of Jerusalem (614). The first documented celebration of the feast in any calendar is the mention of the Εἴσοδος τῆς Παναγίας Θεοτόκου (Entry of the All-Holy Theotokos, i.e., into the Temple) in the Menologion of Basil II, an 11th-century menology of the Eastern Roman (also known as Byzantine) emperor Basil II.

The feast continued to be celebrated throughout the East, was celebrated in the monasteries of Southern Italy by the ninth century, and was introduced into the Papal Chapel in Avignon in 1372 by decree of Pope Gregory XI. The feast was included in the Roman Missal in 1472, but was suppressed by Pope Pius V in 1568. As a result, it did not appear in the Tridentine Calendar [of 1570]. Pope Sixtus V reintroduced it into the Roman Calendar in 1585. Pope Clement VIII made this feast a greater double in 1597. The feast also continued as a memorial in the Roman Calendar of 1969.

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

St Catherine of Alexandria (1)The Twenty-Fifth Day of November

At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus.  For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off.  Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians. At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian.  He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius. At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel.  Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven. In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, virgin.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr
St. Erasmus, or Elme, Bishop and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: S. Catharinae Virginis et Martyris ~ Duplex Tempora: Feria Secunda infra Hebdomadam XXIV post Octavam Pentecostes V. Novembris: et in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Alexandríæ sanctæ Catharínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, ob fídei Christiánæ confessiónem, sub Maximíno Imperatóre, in cárcerem trusa, et póstmodum scorpiónibus diutíssime cæsa, tandem cápitis obtruncatióne martyrium complévit.  Ipsíus corpus, in montem Sínai mirabíliter ab Angelis delátum, ibídem, frequénti Christianórum concúrsu, pia veneratióne cólitur. Romæ sancti Móysis, Presbyteris et Mártyris; quem, cum áliis deténtum in cárcere, sanctus Cypriánus per lítteras sæpe est consolátus.  Ipse autem Móyses, cum non tantum advérsus Gentíles, sed étiam advérsus schismáticos et hæréticos Novatiános infrácto ánimo stetísset, demum (ut sanctus Cornélius Papa testátur), in persecutióne Décii, exímio et admirábili martyrio decorátus est. Antiochíæ sancti Erásmi Mártyris. Cæsaréæ, in Cappadócia, pássio sancti Mercúrii mílitis, qui custodiéntis se Angeli patrocínio et bárbaros vicit, et Décii sævítiam superávit; multísque auctus tormentórum trophæis, martyrio coronátus migrávit in cælum. In Æmília, Itáliæ província, sanctæ Jucúndæ Vírginis.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Pakistan: Christian girl of 13 abducted, converted to Islam and forced to marry

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

The Twenty-Third Day of November

The birthday of Pope St. Clement, who held the sovereign pontificate the third after the blessed apostle Peter.  In the persecution of Trajan, he was banished to Chersonesus, where, being thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck, he was crowned with martyrdom.  During the pontificate of Pope Adrian II, his body was translated to Rome by the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, and buried with honour in the church that had already been built  and named for him. At Rome, St. Felicitas, mother of seven martyred sons.  After them she was beheaded for Christ by order of Emperor Marcus Antoninus. At Cyzicum, in the Hellespont, St. Sisinius, martyr, who after many torments was put to the sword in the persecution of Diocletian. At Merida in Spain, St. Lucretia, virgin and martyr, whose martyrdom was fulfilled in the same persecution, under the governor Dacian. At Iconium in Lycaonia, the holy bishop Amphilochius, who was the companion of St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen in the desert, and their colleague in the episcopate.  After enduring many trials for the Catholic faith, he rested in peace, renowned for holiness and learning. At Girgenti, the death of St. Gregory, bishop. In the town of Hasbein in Belgium, St. Trudo, priest and confessor.  Both the monastery which he had erected on his land, and the town which soon afterwards arose, were later named for him.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Clement, Pope and Martyr
St. Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, Confessor
St. Tron, Confessor
St. Daniel, Bishop and Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: S. Clementis Papae et Martyris ~ Semiduplex Tempora: Sabbato infra Hebdomadam VI quae superfuit post Epiphaniam IV. Novembris: Commemoratio S. Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Nono Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Natális sancti Cleméntis Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, qui, tértius post beátum Petrum Apóstolum, Pontificátum ténuit, et, in persecutióne Trajáni, apud Chersonésum relegátus, ibi, alligáta ad ejus collum ánchora, præcipitátus in mare, martyrio coronátur.  Ipsíus autem corpus, Hadriáno Secúndo Summo Pontífice, a sanctis Cyríllo et Methódio frátribus Romam translátum, in Ecclésia quæ ejus nómine ántea fúerat exstrúcta, honorífice recónditum est. Romæ sanctæ Felicitátis Mártyris, septem filiórum Mártyrum matris; quæ, post eos, jubénte Marco Antoníno Imperatóre, decolláta est pro Christo. Cyzici, in Hellespónto, sancti Sisínii Mártyris, qui in persecutióne Diocletiáni Imperatóris, post multa torménta, gládio cæsus est. Eméritæ, in Hispánia, sanctæ Lucrétiæ, Vírginis et Mártyris; quæ in eádem persecutióne, sub Daciáno Præside, martyrium consummávit. Icónii, in Lycaónia, sancti Amphilóchii Epíscopi, qui, sanctórum Basilíi et Gregórii Nazianzéni in erémo sócius et in Episcopátu colléga, tandem, post multa quæ suscépit pro cathólica fide certámina, sanctitáte et doctrína clarus, quiévit in pace. Agrigénti deposítio sancti Gregórii Epíscopi. In óppido Hasbániæ, in Bélgio, sancti Trudónis, Presbyteri et Confessóris, cujus nómine póstmodum insignítum fuit tum monastérium illic ab eódem Sancto in suis prædiis eréctum, tum ipsum óppidum in eo loco paulátim exstrúctum.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Ref S. Felicitas

7_10_sevenbrothersFelicitas of Rome (c. 101–165) is a saint numbered among the Christian martyrs. Apart from her name, the only thing known for certain about this martyr is that she was buried in the Cemetery of Maximus, on the Via Salaria on a 23 November. However, a legend presents her as the mother of the seven martyrs whose feast is celebrated on 10 July. And the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates their martyrdom on 25 January, Old Calendar (i.e., 7 February, New Calendar). 

The legend of Saint Symphorosa is very similar and their acts may have been confused. They may even be the same person. This Felicitas is not the same as the North African Felicitas who was martyred with Perpetua.

The feast of Saint Felicitas of Rome is first mentioned in the “Martyrologium Hieronymianum” as celebrated on 25 January. From a very early date her feast as a martyr was solemnly celebrated in the Roman Church on that date, as shown by the fact that on that day Saint Gregory the Great delivered a homily in the Basilica that rose above her tomb. Her body then rested in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria; in that cemetery all Roman itineraries, or guides to the burial-places of martyrs, locate her burial-place, specifying that her tomb was in a church above this catacomb. The crypt where St Felicitas was laid to rest was later enlarged into a subterranean chapel, and was rediscovered in 1885. In the early Middle Ages there was a chapel in honour of St Felicitas in an ancient Roman edifice near the ruins of the Baths of Titus. Some of her relics are in the Capuchin church at Montefiascone, Tuscany. Others are in the church of Santa Susanna in Rome.

Saint Felicitas (also known as Felicity) is said to have been a rich and pious Christian widow who had seven sons. She devoted herself to charitable work and converted many to the Christian faith by her example. This aroused the wrath of pagan priests who lodged a complaint against her with Emperor Marcus Aurelius. These priests asserted the fire of the gods and demanded sacrifice from Felicitas and her children. The Emperor acquiesced to their demand and Felicitas was brought before Publius, the Prefect of Rome. Taking Felicitas aside, he used various pleas and threats in an unsuccessful attempt to get her to worship the pagan gods. He was equally unsuccessful with her seven sons who followed their mother’s example.

Before the Prefect Publius they adhered firmly to their religion, and were delivered over to four judges, who condemned them to various modes of death. The division of the martyrs among four judges corresponds to the four places of their burial. She implored God only that she not to be killed before her sons, so that she might be able to encourage them during their torture and death in order that they would not deny Christ. According to God’s Providence, it so happened. With joy, this wonderful mother accompanied her sons one by one until she had witnessed the death of all seven sons. We are not entirely sure as to how each of them died, but it is said that Januarius, the eldest, was scourged to death; Felix and Philip were beaten with clubs until they expired; Silvanus was thrown headlong down a precipice; and the three youngest, Alexander, Vitalis and Martialis were beheaded. After each execution she was given the chance to denounce her faith. She refused to act against her conscience and so she too suffered martyrdom.

They suffered and entered into eternal rest in Rome about the year 164 She was buried in the catacomb of Maximus on the Via Salaria, beside St Silvanus. It is said that she died eight times; once with each of her sons, and finally her own, and their feast day is held on January 25.

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

Undécimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna. The Twenty-First Day of November. The Night of the Moon.

Hierosólymis Præsentátio beátæ Dei Genitrícis Vírginis Maríæ in Templo. In the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Eódem die natális beáti Rufi, de quo sanctus Paulus Apóstolus ad Romános scribit. Also, the birthday of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans.

Romæ pássio sanctórum Celsi et Cleméntis. At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.

Rhemis, in Gállia, sancti Albérti, Epíscopi Leodiénsis et Mártyris; qui pro tuénda ecclesiástica libertáte necátus est. At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberty of the Church.

Apud Ostia Tiberína natális sanctórum Mártyrum Demétrii et Honórii. At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.

In Hispánia sanctórum Mártyrum Honórii, Eutychii et Stéphani. In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius, and Stephen.

In Pamphylia sancti Heliodóri Mártyris, in persecutióne Aureliáni, sub Aétio Præside. Post eum vero ipsi tortóres, convérsi ad fidem, in mare demérsi sunt. In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and were cast into the sea.

Romæ sancti Gelásii Papæ Primi, doctrína et sanctitáte conspícui. At Rome, Pope St. Gelasius, distinguished for learning and sanctity.

Verónæ sancti Mauri, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Verona, St. Maur, bishop and confessor.

In monastério Bobiénsi deposítio sancti Columbáni Abbátis, qui, multórum cœnobiórum Fundátor, plurimórum Monachórum éxstitit Pater, multísque virtútibus clarus, in senectúte bona quiévit. In the monastery of Bobbio, the death of St. Columban, abbot who founded many monasteries and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.

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.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:

November XXI.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Columban of Ireland, Abbot and Confessor
St. Gelasius, Pope and Confessor

Nota Bene:  Ref The Presentation of the BVM

The feast originated as a result of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New, built in 543 by the Byzantines under Emperor Justinian I near the site of the ruined Temple in Jerusalem. This basilica was destroyed by the Sassanid Persians under Khosrau II after the Siege of Jerusalem (614). The first documented celebration of the feast in any calendar is the mention of the Εἴσοδος τῆς Παναγίας Θεοτόκου (Entry of the All-Holy Theotokos, i.e., into the Temple) in the Menologion of Basil II, an 11th-century menology of the Eastern Roman (also known as Byzantine) emperor Basil II.

The feast continued to be celebrated throughout the East, was celebrated in the monasteries of Southern Italy by the ninth century, and was introduced into the Papal Chapel in Avignon in 1372 by decree of Pope Gregory XI. The feast was included in the Roman Missal in 1472, but was suppressed by Pope Pius V in 1568. As a result, it did not appear in the Tridentine Calendar [of 1570]. Pope Sixtus V reintroduced it into the Roman Calendar in 1585. Pope Clement VIII made this feast a greater double in 1597. The feast also continued as a memorial in the Roman Calendar of 1969.

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris. Luna.

romanmartyrology

St Catherine of Alexandria (1)The Twenty-Fifth Day of November

At Alexandria, St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, in the time of Emperor Maximinus.  For the confession of the Christian faith she was cast into prison, endured a long scourging with whips set with metal, and finally ended her martyrdom by having her head cut off.  Her body was miraculously carried by angels to Mount Sinai, where pious veneration is paid to it by great gatherings of Christians. At Rome, St. Moses, priest and martyr, who, along with others detained in prison, was often consoled by the letters of St. Cyprian.  He withstood with unbending courage not only the heathen, but also the Novatian schismatics and heretics, and according to the words of Pope St. Cornelius, he was finally crowned with a martyrdom which fills the mind with admiration in the persecution of Decius. At Antioch, St. Erasmus, martyr. At Caesarea in Cappadocia, St. Mercury, a soldier, who vanquished the barbarians and triumphed over the cruelty of Decius through the protection of his guardian angel.  Finally, having acquired great glory from his sufferings, he was crowned with martyrdom and went to reign forever in heaven. In Emilia, a province of Italy, St. Jucunda, virgin.

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

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr
St. Erasmus, or Elme, Bishop and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: S. Catharinae Virginis et Martyris ~ Duplex Tempora: Feria Secunda infra Hebdomadam XXIV post Octavam Pentecostes V. Novembris: et in Anglia; Commemoratio infra octavam: S. Edmundi, Regis et Confessoris

Séptimo Kaléndas Decémbris.  Luna.

Alexandríæ sanctæ Catharínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, ob fídei Christiánæ confessiónem, sub Maximíno Imperatóre, in cárcerem trusa, et póstmodum scorpiónibus diutíssime cæsa, tandem cápitis obtruncatióne martyrium complévit.  Ipsíus corpus, in montem Sínai mirabíliter ab Angelis delátum, ibídem, frequénti Christianórum concúrsu, pia veneratióne cólitur. Romæ sancti Móysis, Presbyteris et Mártyris; quem, cum áliis deténtum in cárcere, sanctus Cypriánus per lítteras sæpe est consolátus.  Ipse autem Móyses, cum non tantum advérsus Gentíles, sed étiam advérsus schismáticos et hæréticos Novatiános infrácto ánimo stetísset, demum (ut sanctus Cornélius Papa testátur), in persecutióne Décii, exímio et admirábili martyrio decorátus est. Antiochíæ sancti Erásmi Mártyris. Cæsaréæ, in Cappadócia, pássio sancti Mercúrii mílitis, qui custodiéntis se Angeli patrocínio et bárbaros vicit, et Décii sævítiam superávit; multísque auctus tormentórum trophæis, martyrio coronátus migrávit in cælum. In Æmília, Itáliæ província, sanctæ Jucúndæ Vírginis.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

Nota Bene:  Pakistan: Christian girl of 13 abducted, converted to Islam and forced to marry