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Roman
Martyrology, Complete, in English
2004 Roman
Martyrology IN ENGLISH,
Complete
Semen est sanguis Christianorum
(The blood of Christians is the seed of the Church) Tertullian, Apologeticum,
50
An English
Translation from the Latin
By Geoffrey K. Mondello
Editor, Boston Catholic Journal
For the Original 2004 Martyrologium Romanum in Latin click here
_______________________________________________________
January
2004 Roman Martyrology by Month
(beginning with January on June 12, 2025 and to be completed)
January1st
This Day, the First Day
of January
Octave of the Nativity of the Lord and the day of
His Circumcision, the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God,
Mary, whom the Fathers at the Council of Ephesus acclaimed as the
Theotokos (God-bearer), because from her the Word took flesh and
dwelt among men as the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, to Whom the
Name above every Name has been given.
2. Caesarea in Cappadocia, the laying to rest of Saint
Basil, bishop, whose memorial is celebrated tomorrow.
3. In Campania and Abruzzo, Saint Justin, who is honored
as a bishop, notable for his zeal and for defending the Christian faithful.
4. Rome, Saint Almachius, who, opposing the gladiatorial
games, was slain by the gladiators at the command of Alypius, Prefect
of the City, and was counted among the victorious martyrs.
5. Mount Jura, in the region of Lyon in Gaul, Saint
Eugendus, abbot of Condat, who lived in the monastery from childhood
and promoted the monastic common life with all his zeal.
6. Ruspe in Byzacena, Saint Fulgentius, bishop,
who, after serving as procurator of Byzacena, became a monk, was later
made bishop, and suffered greatly during the Vandal persecution under
the Arians and was twice exiled to Sardinia by King Thrasamund. Finally
restored to his people, he nourished them faithfully with the word of
truth and grace for the rest of his life.
7. Vienne in Burgundy, Saint Clarus, abbot of the
monastery of Saint Marcellus, who provided the monks with an example
of religious perfection.
8. Troyes in Neustria, Saint Frodobert, founder
and first abbot of the monastery of Cellæ.
9. In the monastery of Fécamp in Normandy, the passing of
Saint William, abbot of Saint Benignus of Dijon, who, in the final
period of his life, wisely and firmly governed many monks distributed
among forty monasteries.
10. Souvigny in Burgundy, the passing of Saint Odilo,
abbot of Cluny, who, strict with himself but gentle and merciful
with others, instituted truces in God’s name among those at war, alleviated
the afflicted during famine, and was the first to establish, in his
monasteries, the commemoration of all the faithful departed on the day
after the Feast of All Saints..
11. Gablona in Bohemia, Saint Zdislava, a mother of
a family, who was a great source of comfort to the afflicted.
12. Gualdo Cattaneo in Umbria, blessed Ugolino,
who lived a hermit’s life.
13. Rome, Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi, priest of the
Order of Clerics Regular (Theatines) and cardinal, who, burning with
desire to restore divine worship, spent almost his entire life searching
for and publishing ancient texts and monuments of the sacred liturgy,
and devoted himself to catechizing children.
14. Avrillé near Angers in France, the blessed brothers
John and René Lego, priests and martyrs, who, during the violence
of the French Revolution, were beheaded for refusing to take the impious
oath imposed on the clergy.
15. Rome, Saint Vincent Mary Strambi, bishop of
Macerata and Tolentino, of the Congregation of the Passion, who
governed his dioceses in holiness and, for his fidelity to the Roman
Pontiff, suffered exile.
16. Hasselt near Maastricht on the Meuse in Belgium,
blessed Valentinus Paquay, priest from the Order of Friars Minor,
who gave a wondrous example of Christian charity in prayer, in the ministry
of reconciliation, and in devotion to the Marian Rosary, attaining the
highest from among the least in a spirit of humility.
17. Lviv in Ukraine, blessed Sigismund Gorazdowski,
priest, a Pole by nationality, outstanding in love for his neighbor
and a pioneer in efforts to protect life. He founded the Institute
of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and devoted himself entirely to the
good of the poor and the abandoned.
18. In the Dachau concentration camp near Munich in Bavaria,
Germany, blessed Marian Konopiński, priest and martyr, a Pole
by nationality, who, having endured cruel atrocities inflicted by doctors,
died for the Lord Christ.
____________________________________________________________________________
January 2nd
This Day, the Second
Day of January
Memorial
of
Saints
Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of
the Church. Basil, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,
called great in learning and wisdom, taught monks the meditation
of the Scriptures and labor in obedience and brotherly charity.
He established their way of life according to rules he himself
composed. He instructed the faithful through excellent writings
and stood out for his pastoral care of the poor and sick. He
died on the first of January. Gregory, his friend, bishop of
Sasima, then of Constantinople, and finally of Nazianzus, defended
the divinity of the Word with great fervor, for which reason
he is also called The Theologian. The Church rejoices
in the joint commemoration of these great Doctors.
2. Rome,
the burial of Saint Telesphorus, pope, who, according
to Saint Irenaeus, was the seventh bishop after the Apostles
and achieved a glorious martyrdom.
3. In the territory of Corano,
at the thirtieth milestone from the City, the holy
martyrs Argeus, Narcissus, and Marcellinus.
4. Marseille
in the province of Gaul, Saint Theodore, bishop, who,
having attempted to establish ecclesiastical discipline, was
punished by Kings Childebert and Guntram and was exiled three
times.
5. the monastery
of Bobbio in Emilia, Saint Bladulf, priest and monk,
a disciple of Saint Columban.
6. Milan in Lombardy,
Saint John the Good, bishop, who restored the episcopal
see, exiled to Genoa due to the Lombards, to his city. He was
pleasing to God and to men by his faith and good morals.
7. In the region
of Tulle in Aquitaine, Saint Vincentianus, hermit.
8. Limerick
in Ireland, Saint Mainchin, who is venerated as
a bishop.
9. the monastery
of Corbie in the region of Amiens in Gaul, Saint Adalhard,
abbot, who arranged all things so that each person had enough—neither
having excess nor letting anything be wasted—but that all things
might be kindly given to the praise of God.
10. Maurienne
in Savoy, Saint Airauld, bishop, who, both in the solitude
of Portes and in the episcopal see of Maurienne, combined the
austerity and customs of the Carthusians with the prudence and
counsel of a pastor.
11. Troina
in Sicily, Saint Sylvester, abbot, under the discipline
of the Eastern Fathers.
12. Forlì
in Emilia, blessed Marcolinus Amanni, priest of
the Order of Preachers, who spent his entire life in silence
and solitude, as well as in the service of the poor and in the
care of children, with most humble simplicity.
13. Soncino
in Lombardy, blessed Stephana Quinzani, virgin, of the
Third Order of Saint Dominic, devoted constantly to contemplation
of the Lord’s Passion and to the Christian formation of girls.
14. Angers
in France, the blessed William Repin and Laurent Bâtard,
priests and martyrs, who, during the French turmoil, were
beheaded for their fidelity to the Church.
15. In the city of Lachine
in the Province of Quebec, Canada, blessed Marie-Anne (Mary
Stella) Soureau-Blondin, virgin, who, though herself ignorant
of letters in youth, founded the Congregation of the Sisters
of Saint Anne to educate the children of farmers, always
giving an outstanding example in the ministry of teaching the
young.
|
January 3rd
This Day, the Third Day
of January
Most
Holy Name of Jesus, at which
name alone every knee should bend, in heaven, on earth, and under
the earth, to the glory of the divine majesty.
2. Rome, in the cemetery
of Callistus on the Appian Way, the burial of Saint Antherus,
pope, who, after Pontian the martyr, held the episcopate for
a short time.
3. Nicomedia in Bithynia,
the Saints
Theopemptus and Theonas, who suffered martyrdom during
the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian.
4. Caesarea in Cappadocia,
Saint Gordius, a centurion and martyr, whom Saint
Basil praised as a true rival of the centurion who stood by the
Cross, because he confessed Jesus, the Son of God, during the persecution
of the Emperor Diocletian.
5. Padua in the region
of Venice, the commemoration of Saint Daniel, deacon and
martyr.
6. Parion in the
Hellespont, Saint Theogenes, martyr, who, having been conscripted
under the Emperor Licinius, refused to serve in the military because
of his Christian faith; he was thrown into prison and subjected
to tortures, and finally drowned in the sea.
7. Vienne in Gaul
(modern France), Saint Florentius, bishop, who took part
in the Council of Julia Valentia.
8. Paris in Gaul,
the burial of Saint Geneviève, virgin of Nanterre, who, at
the age of fifteen, received the veil of virgins at the urging of
Saint Germanus, bishop of Auxerre. She encouraged the frightened
citizens during the invasion of the Huns and sustained her fellow
citizens during a time of famine.
9*. Leontini in Sicily,
Saint Lucian, bishop.
10*. In the Monastery of
Mannanam, in the region of Kerala, India, blessed Kuriakose Elias
Chavara, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Carmelites
of Mary Immaculate.
|
January 4th
This Day, the Fourth
Day of January
1. In Moesia,
the holy martyrs Hermes and Caius, one of whom was at Retiaria,
the other at Bononia.
2. In Auvergne
in Aquitaine, Saint Abrunculus, bishop, who, having first
presided over the Church of Langres, fled by night from the threats
of the Burgundians and crossed into the territory of the Arverni,
where he took the seat of Saint Sidonius Apollinaris.
3. Dijon
in Burgundy, Saint Gregory, who, after serving for many years
as count in the region of Autun, was ordained bishop of Langres.
4. Uzès
in Narbonese Gaul, Saint Ferreolus, bishop, who wrote a Rule
for monks and, driven into exile by envy, was recognized after three
years as a true man of God and was joyfully restored to his people.
5. Meaux
in Neustria, Saint Rigomer, bishop.
6. Reims,
also in Neustria, Saint Rigobert, bishop, who, against the
canons, was expelled from his see by Charles Martel, Duke of the
Franks, and lived a life of humility.
7. Bruay
on the Scheldt near Valenciennes in Artois, Neustria, Saint Pharaildis,
widow, who, though unwillingly married to a violent man, is
said to have embraced a life of prayer and austerity into old age.
8. Foligno
in Umbria, blessed Angela, who, after the death of her husband
and sons, followed in the footsteps of Saint Francis, dedicated
herself wholly to God, and entrusted to her book of life profound
experiences of the mystical life.
9. Santa
Croce sull’Arno in Etruria, blessed Christiana (Oringa) Menabuoi,
virgin, who founded a monastery under the Rule of Saint Augustine.
10. Durham
in England, blessed Thomas Plumtree, priest and martyr, who,
under Queen Elizabeth I, was condemned to death for his fidelity
to the Catholic Church and, choosing the noose over the axe before
the gallows, bravely underwent the same punishment.
11. Emmitsburg,
in Maryland, United States of America, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,
who, having become a widow, professed the Catholic faith and diligently
worked with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph, whom
she founded, to educate girls and care for poor children.
12. Madrid
in Spain, blessed Emmanuel González García, bishop, who,
as a shepherd after the heart of the Lord, zealously promoted the
devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist and founded the Congregation
of the Missionary Sisters of Nazareth.
|
January 5th
This Day, the Fifth Day of January
1. Alexandria
in Egypt, Saint Syncletica,
virgin, who is said to have led a hermit's life.
2. Carthage,
Saint Deogratias,
bishop, who ransomed many captives brought by the Vandals from the
city of Rome, and gathered them in two large basilicas, which he
had prepared with beds and straw.
3. Rome,
Saint Emiliana,
virgin, aunt of Saint Gregory the Great, who departed to the Lord
shortly after her sister Tharsilla.
4. In Brittany,
Saint Convoyon,
abbot, who founded the Monastery of Saint Savior at Redon, where,
under his discipline and the Rule of Saint Benedict, monks flourished
with remarkable piety; and when the monastery was destroyed by the
Normans, he built a new one at Plelan, where he died at the age
of eighty.
5. London
in England, Saint Edward,
called the Confessor,
king of the English, most beloved by his people for his extraordinary
charity, who secured peace for his kingdom and firmly promoted communion
with the Roman See.
6. Near Valkenburg
in the region of Limburg,
Saint Gerlac,
hermit, noted for his care for the poor.
7. Todi
in Umbria, blessed Roger,
priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who was a disciple of Saint
Francis and a fervent imitator of his way of life.
8. Angers
in France, blessed Francis
Peltier, James Ledoyen, and Peter Tessier, priests and
martyrs, who, during the French turmoil, were beheaded because
they faithfully preserved the priesthood.
9. Philadelphia
in Pennsylvania, United States of America,
Saint John Nepomucene
Neumann, bishop, of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer,
who helped migrants in poverty with support, counsel, and charity,
and was greatly devoted to the Christian education of children.
10. Genoa
in Italy, blessed Mary
Repetto, virgin, of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge
on Mount Calvary, who, hidden from the world, stood out in assisting
the afflicted and uplifting the doubtful with hope of salvation.|
11. Dublin
in Ireland, blessed Charles
of Saint Andrew (John Andrew Houben), priest of
the Congregation of the Passion, diligent minister of the sacrament
of penance.
12. In the city
of Jazlowice in Ukraine,
blessed Marcelina Darowska,
who, after the deaths of her husband and firstborn, dedicated herself
to God and, always concerned for the dignity of family life, founded
the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
of the blessed Virgin Mary to educate girls.
13. Spoleto
in Italy, blessed Peter
Bonilli, priest, founder of the Institute of the Sisters
of the Holy Family, for helping and educating poor girls and
orphans.
14. Zaragoza
in Spain, Saint Genoveva
Torres Morales, virgin, who, having experienced
hardships from childhood and suffering from poor health, founded
the Institute of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
the Holy Angels, to assist women.
|
January 6th
This Day, the Sixth
Day of January
Solemnity
of the Epiphany of the Lord, on which is commemorated
the threefold manifestation of the great God and our Lord Jesus
Christ: Bethlehem, the infant Jesus was adored by the Magi; in the
Jordan, He was baptized by John, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and
called the Son by God the Father; at Cana in Galilee, at a wedding,
by changing water into new wine, He manifested His glory.
2.
Antinoë in Thebaid, the
holy martyrs Julian and
Basilissa.
3. Nantes in Brittany (Minor),
Saint Felix,
bishop, who, serving his fellow citizens with the witness of
his own zeal, rebuilt the cathedral church and continually evangelized
the rural peoples.
4.
Würzburg in Franconia, Germany,
blessed Macarius,
abbot, who was the first to preside over the
Monastery of the Scots in this city.
5. Barcelona
in Catalonia, Spain, Saint
Raymond of Peñafort, whose memorial is celebrated on the
following day.
6.
Famagusta on the island of Cyprus, the passing of
Saint Peter Thomas,
bishop of Constantinople, of the
Order of Carmelites, who fulfilled the mission of papal
legate to the East
7 .
Fiesole in Etruria,
Saint Andrew Corsini,
bishop, of the
Order of Carmelites, notable for his austerity and constant
meditation on the Holy Scriptures, who restored convents ravaged
by plague, wisely governed his church, brought comfort to the poor,
and reconciled those in conflict.
8.
Valencia in Spain,
Saint John of Ribera,
bishop and also viceroy, a devout worshipper of the
Most Holy Eucharist and defender of Catholic truth, who
educated the people through lengthy instruction.
9. Rome,
Saint Charles of Sezze,
religious of the
Order of Friars Minor, who, from childhood forced to earn
his daily bread, led companions to imitate Christ and the Saints,
and finally, as he had long desired, clothed in the Franciscan habit,
devoted himself in adoration before the
Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
10. Also at Rome,
Saint Rafaela Maria of
the Sacred Heart (Rafaela María Porras Ayllón), virgin,
who founded the
Congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
and, judged to be of unsound mind, completed a holy life in trials
and penance.
11.
Marianopolis in the province of Quebec, Canada,
blessed André (Alfred)
Bessette, religious of the
Congregation of Holy Cross, who saw to the construction
there of a remarkable sanctuary in honor of
Saint Joseph.
|
January 7th
This Day, the Seventh
Day of January
Saint
Raymond of Peñafort, priest
of the Order of Preachers , a man outstanding in knowledge
of canon law, who wrote rightly and fruitfully about the Sacrament
of Penance, and, elected Master General of the Order, prepared a
new edition of the Constitutions of the Order, and in extreme old
age peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at Barcelona in Spain.
2. Melitene
in Armenia, Saint Polyeuctus, martyr, a soldier who, when
compelled by an edict of Emperor Decius to sacrifice to the gods,
smashed the idols and, having suffered many tortures, was finally
beheaded, and was baptized in his own shed blood.
3. Nicomedia
in Bithynia, the passion of Saint Lucian, priest of the Church
of Antioch and martyr, renowned for his learning and eloquence,
who, when brought before the tribunal, courageously confessed himself
a Christian under constant questioning and added torments.
4. Passau
in Noricum, Saint Valentine, bishop of Raetia.
5. Pavia
in Liguria, Saint Crispin, bishop.
6. Chur
in Raetia, among the Swiss, Saint Valentinian, bishop, who
helped the poor with his wealth, paid ransom for captives, and generously
gave clothing to the naked.
7. Solignac
near Limoges in Aquitaine, Saint Tillo, who was a disciple
of Saint Eligius, and both a blacksmith and a monk.
8. Constantinople,
Saint Cyrus, bishop, who, having been a monk in Paphlagonia,
was raised to the See of Constantinople, from which he was later
deposed and died in exile.
9. Le
Mans in France, Saint Alderic, bishop, who devoted himself
with all zeal to the worship of God and the
Saints.
10. In a forest
near Ringsted in Denmark, Saint Canute, surnamed Lavard,
martyr, who, as Duke of Schleswig, ruled justly and wisely, fostered
piety, and was killed by enemies jealous of his authority.
11. Palermo
in Sicily, the passing of blessed Matthew Guimerà, bishop
of Agrigento, of the Order of Friars Minor, devoted to and a promoter
of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.
12. Suzuta
in Japan, blessed Ambrose Fernandez, martyr, who originally
went to the East for profit and trade, but was later admitted as
a religious to the Society of Jesus. Afflicted by many hardships,
he died in prison for Christ.
13. In the village
of An Bài in Tonkin, Saint Joseph Tuan, martyr, a father
and farmer, who, kneeling in prayer before a cross he was ordered
to trample, was beheaded under the emperor Tự Đức.
14. Liège
in Belgium, blessed Marie Thérèse (Jeanne) Haze, virgin,
who founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross
for the service of the weak and the poor.
|
January 8th
This Day, the Eighth
Day of January
1. Hierapolis
in Phrygia, Saint Apollinaris, bishop, who flourished in
teaching and holiness under Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
2. In Libya,
the holy martyrs Theophilus, deacon, and Helladius,
who were first torn apart and pierced with very sharp shards, and
finally thrown into the fire, as is told.
3. Beauvais
in Belgic Gaul, the holy martyrs Lucian, Maximian, and Julian.
4. Also, at
Metz in Belgic Gaul, Saint Patient, bishop.
5. In Ripuarian
Noricum, Saint Severinus, priest and monk, who, after
the death of Attila, king of the Huns, came to this region and defended
unarmed peoples, tamed the fierce, converted unbelievers, founded
monasteries, and instructed the uncultivated in religion.
6. Pavia
in Liguria, Saint Maximus, bishop.
7. In the Monastery
of Choziba in Palestine, Saint George, monk and hermit, who
remained enclosed the entire week and joined the brothers in prayer
on Sundays, offering them spiritual guidance and advice to all.
8. In
the region of Aberdeen in Scotland, Saint Nathalan, bishop,
distinguished for his charity toward the poor.
9. Regensburg
in Bavaria, Saint Erhard, who was of Irish origin, and burning
with zeal to spread the Gospel, went to this region where he fulfilled
the office of bishop.
10. Morsel
in Brabant, Saint Gudula, virgin, who devoted herself in
her home to charity and prayer.
11.
Cashel in Ireland, Saint Albert, bishop, English by birth,
and a long-time pilgrim for Christ
12. Venice,
Saint Lawrence Giustiniani, bishop, who enlightened this
Church with the wisdom of reform and doctrine.
13.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England, blessed Edward Waterson,
priest and martyr, who, under Queen Elizabeth I, was condemned to
death for having come to England as a priest and was hanged on the
gallows.
|
January 9th
This Day, the Ninth
Day of January
1. Ancona
in Piceno, Italy, Saint Marcellinus, bishop, who, as Pope
Saint Gregory the Great writes, delivered that city from fire by
divine power.
2. Canterbury
in England, Saint Hadrian, abbot, who, born in Africa, came
to England via Naples in Campania, and, being richly instructed
in both sacred and secular learning, educated a multitude of disciples
with saving knowledge.
3. In Scotland,
Saint Fillan, abbot of the monastery of Saint Andrew, who,
distinguished for his austerity of discipline, lived a life of solitude.
4. On Mount
Olympus in Bithynia, Saint Eustratius, surnamed the Wonderworker,
abbot of the monastery of Abgar.
5. Thénezay
in the district of Poitiers in Aquitaine, Saint Honoratus of
Buzançais, who, being a cattle merchant, gave dowries to the
poor with his own money and was killed by thieves whom he had reproved.
6. Certaldo
in Etruria (Tuscany), blessed Julia della Rena, of the Third
Order of Saint Augustine, who lived solely for God, enclosed in
a small cell near the church.
7. Ancona
in Piceno, Italy, blessed Antonio Fatati, bishop, who was
prudent and calm in all the missions entrusted to him by the Roman
Pontiffs, austere toward himself, and generous toward the poor.
8. Nancy
in France, blessed Marie-Thérèse of Jesus (Alix Le Clerc),
virgin, who, together with Saint Peter Fourier, founded the
Congregation of the Canonesses Regular of Our Lady, under
the Rule of Saint Augustine, to educate girls.
9. Seoul
in Korea, the holy martyrs Agatha Yi, virgin—whose parents
were also crowned with martyrdom—and Teresa Kim, widow, who
were struck with blows in prison for Christ and finally beheaded.
10. Near Munich
in Bavaria, Germany, in the Dachau concentration camp, blessed
Joseph Pawłowski and Casimir Grelewski, priests and martyrs,
who, during the war, were deported from Poland, which had been invaded
by persecutors of the faith, and completed their martyrdom by the
torment of hanging.
|
January 10th
This Day, the Tenth
Day of January
1. Rome,
in the cemetery of Callistus on the Appian Way, Saint Miltiades,
Pope, who, originally from Africa, experienced the restoration
of peace to the Church under Emperor Constantine, but was severely
harassed by the followers of Donatus, and worked wisely to bring
about harmony.
2. In the Thebaid,
Saint Paul, hermit, an early promoter of the monastic life.
3. Nyssa
in Cappadocia, Saint Gregory, bishop, brother of Saint Basil
the Great, renowned for his life and teaching, who, for confessing
the true faith, was driven from his city by the Arian emperor Valens.
4. Jerusalem,
Saint John, bishop, who during times of doctrinal controversy
greatly labored for the Catholic faith and the peace of the Church.
5. Die
in the region of Vienne in Gaul, Saint Petronius, bishop,
who had previously lived a monastic life on the island of Lérins.
6.
Constantinople, Saint Marcian, priest, noted for
his diligent care in adorning churches and aiding the needy.
7. Limoges
in Aquitaine, Saint Valerius, who chose a solitary life.
8.
Melitene in Armenia, Saint Domitian, bishop, who labored
greatly for the conversion of the Persians.
9. Rome,
near Saint Peter’s, the burial of Saint Agatho, Pope, who
preserved the faith intact against the errors of the Monothelites
and promoted the unity of the Church through synods.
10. In the region
of Vivarais, by the Rhône River in Gaul, Saint Arcontius, bishop.
11. In the monastery
of Cuxa in the Pyrenees, Saint Peter Urseolus, who, having
been Doge of Venice, became a monk, lived with notable piety and
austerity, and chose to live in solitude near the monastery.
12. In the monastery
of Cava in Campania, blessed Benincasa, abbot, who sent one
hundred monks to Sicily to populate the newly built monastery of
Montreale.
13. Bourges
in Aquitaine, Saint William, bishop, who, inflamed with a
desire for solitude and contemplation, became a Cistercian monk
at Pontigny, later abbot of Chaalis, and finally bishop of Bourges.
He never relaxed the austerity of monastic life and shone with love
for the clergy, captives, and the afflicted.
14. Amarante
in Portugal, blessed Gundisalvus (Gonzalo), priest of the
Archdiocese of Braga, who, after a long pilgrimage to the Holy Land,
entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), then withdrew into
solitude, helped rebuild a bridge, and guided locals through prayer
and preaching.
15.
Arezzo in Etruria, the death of blessed Pope Gregory X, who,
having been elected from being archdeacon of Liège, strongly fostered
communion with the Greeks and summoned the Second Ecumenical Council
of Lyon to reconcile Christian divisions and recover the Holy Land.
16.
Laurenzana in Lucania, blessed Giles (Bernardine) Di Bello,
a religious of the Order of Friars Minor, who lived reclusively
in a cave.
17. Arequipa
in Peru, blessed Anna of the Angels Monteagudo, virgin of
the Order of Preachers, who offered herself with wisdom and prophetic
insight for the good of the whole city.
18. Perugia
in Italy, Saint Francis de Sales (Léonie) Aviat, virgin,
who dedicated herself with motherly love and industry to helping
young women, and founded the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales.
19. Madrid
in Spain, blessed María de los Dolores Rodríguez Sopeña, virgin,
who gave outstanding witness to Christian charity by drawing near
to the most marginalized of her time, especially in the suburbs
of large cities, and founded the Institute of the Ladies Catechists
and the Work of Doctrines to evangelize and uplift the poor
and working class.
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January 11th
This Day,
the Tenth Day of January
1. Rome, Saint Hyginus,
Pope, who was the eighth to occupy the chair of blessed Peter.
2. In Africa, Saint Salvius, martyr, on whose feast
day Saint Augustine delivered a sermon to the people of Carthage.
3. Tigava in Mauretania, Saint Typasius, a veteran
and martyr, who, being recalled to military service and refusing
to sacrifice to the gods, was beheaded.
4. Caesarea in Palestine, Saint Peter, surnamed Apselamus
or Balsamus, a martyr, who, under the emperor Maximinus, although
often urged by the governor and all those present to have mercy
on his youth, disregarded their exhortations and with courageous
spirit bore witness to his faith in Christ by fire, like the purest
gold.
5. Brindisi in Apulia, of Saint Leucius, who
is venerated as the first bishop of that city.
6. Pavia in Liguria, the translation of Saint Honorata,
a virgin consecrated to God and sister of Saint Epiphanius,
bishop.
7. In the desert of Judea, of Saint Theodosius,
the cenobiarch, who, a friend of Saint Sabas, after a long solitary
life, gathered many disciples as companions and established communal
life in the monasteries he had built. Having suffered much for the
Catholic faith, he finally rested in the peace of Christ at the
age of one hundred.
8. Cividale del Friuli in Venetia, Saint Paulinus,
bishop of Aquileia, who tried to convert the Avars and Slovenes
to the faith, and presented to King Charlemagne a remarkable poem
on the rule of faith.
9. Catania in Sicily, blessed Bernard Scammacca,
priest of the Order of Preachers, who shone especially in mercy
toward the poor and the sick.
10. London in England, of blessed William Carter,
martyr, a married man, who under Queen Elizabeth I, for having
printed a tract on schism, was hanged at Tyburn and brutally dismembered.
11. In the town of Bellegra in Latium, Italy, Saint Thomas
of Cori (Francis Anthony Placidi), priest of the Order of Friars
Minor, notable for the austerity of his life and his preaching,
and a distinguished founder of retreats.
12. Near Gdańsk in Poland, blessed Francis Rogaczewski,
priest and martyr, who, during the occupation of Poland under
a regime hostile to God, was shot to death because of his faith.
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January 12th
This Day, the Twelfth
Day of January
1. In Mauretania,
Saint Arcadius, martyr, who, hiding during the time of persecution,
when a relative of his was arrested in his place, voluntarily surrendered
himself to the judge and refused to sacrifice to the gods. Therefore,
after suffering the most bitter tortures, he completed his martyrdom.
2. Constantinople,
the holy martyrs Tigrius, a priest, and Eutropius, a lector,
who, in the time of Emperor Arcadius, were falsely accused of having
incited the fire by which the principal church and the Senate house
were burned, supposedly in revenge for the exile of Saint John Chrysostom.
Under the prefect Optatus, who was immersed in the superstition
of vain gods and an enemy of the Christian religion, they suffered
martyrdom.
3. Arles
in the province of Gaul, Saint Caesaria, abbess, the sister
of Saint Caesarius the bishop, who wrote a Rule for her and her
sisters, the virgins consecrated to God.
4. Grenoble
in Burgundy, Saint Ferreolus, bishop and martyr, who, while
preaching to the people, was murdered by wicked assassins.
5. Wearmouth
in Northumbria, Saint Benedict Biscop, abbot, who journeyed
to Rome five times, and brought back with him many teachers and
books, so that within the walls of the monastery, monks gathered
under the Rule of Saint Benedict might gain, through their advancement
in knowledge, the true love of Christ for the Church.
6. In the monastery
of Rievaulx also in Northumbria, Saint Aelred, abbot, who,
raised in the court of the king of Scotland, entered the Cistercian
Order and, as an outstanding teacher of monastic life, zealously
and gently promoted spiritual life and Christian friendship through
his works and writings.
7. León
in Spain, Saint Martin of the Holy Cross, priest and regular
canon, a man truly learned in Sacred Scripture.
8. Palermo
in Sicily, Saint Bernard of Corleone, of the Order of Friars Minor
Capuchin, distinguished for his admirable charity and penance.
9. Marianopolis
in the province of Quebec, Canada, Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys,
virgin, who brought great comfort to settlers and soldiers in
every way, and dedicated great care to the Christian education of
girls; she therefore founded the Congregation of the Sisters
of Notre-Dame.
10. Avrillé
near Angers in France, blessed Anthony Fournier, martyr,
a craftsman, who, during the French turmoil, was killed by being
shot to death for his fidelity to the Church.
11. Caen
in France, blessed Peter Francis Jamet, priest, who, in assisting
the religious Daughters of the Good Savior, devoted himself with
all diligence both during the time of great upheaval and after the
peace of the Church was restored.
12. Viareggio
in Italy, Saint Anthony Mary Pucci, priest of the Order of
the Servants of Mary, who, as pastor for nearly fifty years, labored
especially for the care of children afflicted by poverty or disease.
13. In the village
of Tomhom near Bangkok in Thailand, blessed Nicholas Bunkerd
Kitbamrung, priest and martyr, an outstanding preacher of the
Gospel, who, during a persecution against the Church, was imprisoned
and, while helping fellow prisoners, died gloriously, afflicted
with tuberculosis.
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January 13th
This Day, the Thirteenth
Day of January
Saint
Hilary, bishop and doctor
of the Church, who, having been raised to the See of Poitiers
in Aquitaine, under the Emperor Constantius who was devoted to the
Arian heresy, vigorously defended by his writings the Nicene faith
concerning the Trinity and the divinity of Christ; wherefore he
was exiled for four years to Phrygia. He also composed very famous
commentaries on the Psalms and on the Gospel of Matthew.
2. Singidunum
in Moesia, of the holy martyrs Hermylus and Stratonice,
who, after cruel tortures under the Emperor Licinius, were drowned
in the river Istrus (the lower Danube).
3. Trier
in Belgic Gaul, of Saint Agricius, bishop, who converted
the palace given as a gift by Saint Helena into a church.
4. Likewise
at Reims in Belgica, the burial of Saint Remigius, bishop,
who, after having initiated King Clovis to the sacred font of baptism
and to the sacraments of the faith, converted the people of the
Franks to Christ; and, having passed more than sixty years in the
episcopate, died, distinguished for his holiness.
5. Glasgow
in Scotland, Saint Kentigern, bishop and abbot, who established
his seat there and is said to have founded a great community of
monks according to the pattern of the early Church.
6. Capitolias
in Batanea, of Saint Peter, priest and martyr, who, having
been accused before Walid, prince of the Saracens, because he publicly
taught the faith of Christ along the roads, had his tongue, hands,
and feet cut off and was affixed to a cross, thus he fulfilled the
martyrdom which he had ardently desired.
7. Córdoba
in the region of Andalusia in Spain, of the holy martyrs Gumesindus,
priest, and Servideus, monk, who, having professed themselves
Christians before the Moorish rulers and judges, died for the faith
of Christ
8. In
the monastery of Ilbenstadt in Germany, of Saint Godfrey,
who, being count of Cappenberg, willed that his castle be transformed
into a monastery against the will of his relatives; and, having
taken up the canonical habit, devoted strenuous work to the poor
and the sick.
9. Near
Huy in the region of Liège, of Saint Lutgardis, who, a
widow, dedicated herself to the care of lepers and, having finally
enclosed herself near them, chose that way of life.
10. Milan
in Lombardy, blessed Veronica of Binasco Negroni, virgin,
who, having entered the monastery of Saint Martha under the Rule
of Saint Augustine, ascended to the highest contemplation.
11. In
the city of Nam Dinh in Tonkin, of the holy martyrs Dominic Phạm
Trọng (An) Kham, Luke (Cai) Thin, his son, and Joseph Phạm Trọng
(Cai) Ta, who, under the emperor Tự Đức, preferred to undergo
tortures and death rather than to trample upon the cross.
12. In
the internment camp of Dachau near Munich in Bavaria, Germany,
blessed Emil Szramek, priest and martyr, who, a Pole by nation,
during the storm of war was inhumanely deported to this camp for
having defended the faith of Christ before his persecutors, and,
tortured, died.
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January 14th
This Day, the Fourteenth
Day of January
1. Commemoration
of Saint Potitus, martyr, who, having suffered many things
at Sardica in Dacia, is said finally to have attained martyrdom
by the sword.
2. Antioch
in Syria, Saint Glycerius, deacon and martyr.
3. Nola
in Campania, Saint Felix, priest, who, as Saint Paulinus
recounts, during furious persecutions, was thrown into prison, endured
the most bitter tortures, and, peace having at last been restored,
returned to his people, withdrawing into poverty until old age,
an invincible confessor of the faith.
4. Commemoration
of the holy monks, who at Raithu and on Mount Sinai
were slain for the faith of Christ.
5. Iberia
beyond the Black Sea, Saint Nino, who, though captured as
a Christian, by the holiness of her life gained such reverence and
admiration from all that she drew the queen—whose son she had healed
through her prayers—the king, and the entire nation to the faith
of Christ.
6. Gabala
in Gaul, Saint Firminus, bishop.
7. Clermont
in Aquitaine, Saint Euphrasius, bishop, whose hospitality
is praised by Saint Gregory of Tours.
8. Milan
in Liguria, the death (or burial) of Saint Datius, bishop,
who, in the controversy over the Three Chapters, defended the position
of Pope Vigilius, whom he accompanied to Constantinople, where he
died.
9. Astigi
in Báetica, Saint Fulgentius, bishop, brother of Saints
Leander, Isidore, and Florentina, to whom Isidore dedicated the
treatise “On the Ecclesiastical Offices.”
10. Tagliacozzo
in Abruzzo, blessed Odo of Novara, priest of the Carthusian
Order.
11. Udine
in Venetia, blessed Odoric of Portu Naónis Mattiuzzi,
priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who journeyed through
the regions of the Tartars, Indians, and Chinese as far as the imperial
city of the Chinese, Khanbaliq, widely proclaiming the Gospel and
bringing many to the faith of Christ.
12. Batavia
in Suriname blessed Peter Donders, priest of the Congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer, who with tireless charity cared for lepers,
both in body and soul.
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January 15th
This Day, the Fifteenth
Day of January
1. Anagni
in Latium, Saint Secundina, virgin and martyr.
2. Constantinople,
Saint John Calybites, who, it is said, lived for some time
hidden in a part of his father's house and later in a “kalyba,”
wholly devoted to contemplation and hidden even from the sight of
his own parents, who recognized him only after his death by the
golden codex of the Gospels which they had given to their son.
3. the
monastery of Cluain Credal in Ireland, Saint Ita, virgin,
foundress of the same monastery.
4. Rieti
in the Sabine region, commemoration of Saint Probus, bishop,
of whom Saint Gregory the Great composed a eulogy.
5. Glanfeuil
on the Loire in the territory of Anjou in Gaul, Saint Maurus,
abbot.
6. In
the region of Rouergue, also in Gaul, Saint Tarsicia, virgin
and martyr.
7. Ham
in Brabant, Saint Ablebert, also called Emebert,
bishop of Cambrai.
8. Chartres
in Neustria, Saint Malard, bishop.
9. In
the valley of Anaunia in the territory of Trent, Saint Romedius,
hermit, who, having given his goods to the Church, led a life
of penance in the wilderness which is still called by his name.
10. Lyon
in Gaul, the passing of Saint Bonitus, bishop of the
Arverni (Clermont), who, having been prefect of Marseille, was elevated
to the episcopate in place of his brother Saint Avitus. Ten years
later, having resigned his office, he lived at the monastery of
Manliole and, returning from a pilgrimage to Rome, died at Lyon.
11. Armo
near Reggio Calabria, Saint Arsenius, hermit, distinguished
for prayer and austerity.
12. the
town of Saint-Gilles in Provence, blessed Peter of Castelnau,
priest and martyr, who, having entered the Cistercian monastery
of Fontfroide, was appointed by Pope Innocent III to preach peace
and instruct in the faith in Provence, but was pierced by a lance
by heretics and died.
13. Pievi
in Umbria, blessed James, called “the Almsgiver,”
who, being skilled in law, served as advocate for the poor and oppressed.
14. In
the region of Gualdo, also in Umbria, blessed Angelus,
hermit.
15. In
the city of Fuan in the province of Fujian in China, Saint Francis
Fernandez de Capillas, priest of the Order of Preachers and
martyr, who, having brought the name of Christ to the Philippine
Islands and to Fujian, was imprisoned during the Tartar persecution
and finally beheaded.
16. In
the village of Steyl in the Netherlands, Saint Arnold
Janssen, priest, who founded the Society of the Divine Word
for the propagation of the faith in missions.
16. Berlin
in Germany, blessed Nikolaus Gross, father of a
family and martyr, who, deeply engaged in social concerns, resolutely
opposed the godless regime hostile to human dignity and religion,
so that he might not act against the commandments of God. For this
he was imprisoned and, through the agony of hanging, became a partaker
in the victory of Christ.
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January 16th
This Day, the Sixteenth
Day of January
1. Rome,
in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Via Salaria Nova, the burial
of Saint Marcellus I, Pope, who, as Saint Damasus recounts,
was a true shepherd, grievously harassed by the lapsed for refusing
to relax the penance he had imposed. Denounced to the tyrant by
these same individuals, he was driven from his homeland and died
in exile.
2. Aulon
in Illyricum, Saint Danactes, martyr.
3. Rhinocorura
in Egypt, Saint Melas, bishop, who, under the Arian emperor
Valens, suffered exile for the orthodox faith and rested in peace.
4. Arles
in the Province of Gaul, Saint Honoratus, bishop, who established
the famous monastery on the island of Lérins and assumed the governance
of the Church of Arles.
5. Tarantaise
in Viennese Gaul, Saint James, bishop, disciple of Saint
Honoratus of Lérins.
6. Oderzo
in Venetia, Saint Titian, bishop.
7. In
the countryside of Tours, in Lugdunensis Gaul, the commemoration
of Saint Leobatius, abbot, who, placed as superior by his
master Saint Ursus in the recently founded monastery of Senaparia,
persevered in great holiness and old age.
8. In
the region of Dombe in the territory of Lyon in Gaul, Saint Trivier,
priest, monk, and finally hermit.
9. Mézeray
on the River Authie in Gaul, Saint Fursey, abbot, who first
lived in Ireland, then in England, and finally in Gaul, where he
founded the monastery of Lagny.
10. Bagno
in Flaminia, Saint Joanna, virgin, who, having been received
into the Order of Camaldolese, shone especially by her obedience
and humility.
11. the
city of Marrakesh in Mauretania, the passion of the holy martyrs
Berard, Otto, Peter, priests, and Accursius and Adjutus,
religious, of the Order of Friars Minor, who were sent by Saint
Francis to preach the Gospel of Christ to the Muslims. They were
captured at Seville, taken to Marrakesh, and by order of the prince
of the Moors, were slain by the sword.
12. Kandy
on the island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, blessed Joseph
Vaz, priest of the Congregation of the Oratory, who, with admirable
zeal, tirelessly confirmed Catholics scattered in the countryside
in the faith and diligently preached the Gospel of salvation.
13. Brescia
in Italy, blessed Joseph Anthony Tovini, who, as a teacher,
founded many Christian schools and promoted the restoration of public
works, always offering in his endeavors examples of prayer and virtue.
14. Valencia
in Spain, blessed Joanna Mary Condesa Lluch, virgin, who,
with prudent charity and the love of sacrifice, gave herself with
humble labor to the aid of the poor, children, and working girls,
and for their care and education founded the Congregation of
the Handmaids of the Immaculate Conception, Protectresses of Working
Women.
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January 17th
This Day, the Seventeenth
Day of January
Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot, who, having been orphaned
of his parents, received the evangelical precepts, distributed all
his goods to the poor, and withdrew into the solitude of the Thebaid
in Egypt, where he began to lead an ascetic life. He labored to
strengthen the Church, supported the confessors of the faith during
the persecution under the emperor Diocletian, and assisted Saint
Athanasius against the Arians. So many disciples did he have that
he was called the father of monks.
2. In
Cappadocia, the holy martyrs Speusippus, Eleusippus, and Melasippus,
brothers, and their grandmother Leonilla.
3. In
Osrhoene, the commemoration of Saint Julian, ascetic, surnamed
by the locals Sabas, that is, the old man, who, although he detested
the noise of the city, left his beloved solitude for a time in order
diligently to refute the followers of the Arian heresy at Antioch.
4. Die
in the region of the Vocontii in Lugdunensian Gaul, Saint
Marcellus, bishop, who, as defender of his city and for preserving
the Catholic faith, was driven into exile by the Arian king Euric.
5. Bourges
in Aquitaine, Saint Sulpicius, surnamed the Pious,
bishop, who, having been promoted from the royal court to
the episcopate, held nothing dearer than the care of the poor.
6. In
Bavaria, blessed Gamelbert, priest, who gave his goods
to Utho, whom he had received from the sacred font so that the monastery
of Metten might be founded.
7. Forcalquier
in the Province of Gaul, Saint Roseline, prioress
of the Charterhouse of Celle-Robaud, who shone with self-denial,
fasting from food and sleep, and great austerity.
8. In
the city of Tocolatlán in Mexico, Saint Januarius Sánchez
Delgadillo, priest and martyr in the Mexican persecution.
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January 18th
This Day, the Eighteenth
Day of January
1.
Carthage, the holy martyrs Successus, Paul, and Lucius, bishops,
who took part in a council held in that city and suffered martyrdom
under the emperor Decius.
2.
Nicaea in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Cosconius, Zeno, and Melanippus.
3.
Foix in Narbonese Gaul, the passing of Saint Volusian, bishop
of Tours, who, taken captive by the Goths, gave back his spirit
to God in exile.
4.
Rome, the commemoration of Saint Prisca, in whose
name a basilica was dedicated to God on the Aventine Hill.
5.
In the monastery of Lure in Burgundy, Saint Deicolus,
abbot, who, an Irishman by birth and disciple of Saint Columban,
is said to have founded that monastery.
6.
Ferrara in Emilia, blessed Beatrice of Este, nun,
who, after the death of her husband and renouncing the principality
of the world, devoted herself to God in a monastery she had founded
under the Rule of Saint Benedict.
7.
Buda in Hungary, Saint Margaret, virgin, daughter
of King Béla IV, who, being vowed to God by her parents for the
liberation of their homeland from the Tartars and entrusted as a
child to the nuns of the Order of Preachers, made religious profession
at the age of twelve and gave herself entirely to the Lord, striving
diligently to become like Christ crucified.
8.
Cremona in Lombardy, blessed Facius, a goldsmith, who migrated
there from his native Verona and was greatly devoted to penance,
pilgrimages, and the consolation of the sick.
9.
Morbegno in the Alps, blessed Andrew Grego of Peschiera,
priest of the Order of Preachers, who traveled on foot throughout
the entire region, living simply among the poor and winning the
hearts of all with brotherly charity.
10.
L’Aquila in the Abruzzo, blessed Christina (Mattea) Ciccarelli,
virgin of the Order of Saint Augustine.
11.
Braunsberg in Prussia, blessed Regina Protmann, virgin,
who, moved by love for the poor, devoted herself intensely to their
service and founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint
Catherine.
12.
Avrillé near Angers in France, the blessed Martyrs Felicité
Pricet, Monique Pichery, Charlotte Lucas, and Victoire Gusteau,
who, during the turmoil of the French Revolution, were shot out
of hatred for the Christian religion.
13.
Cascia in Italy, blessed Maria Teresa (Maria Giovanna) Fasce,
abbess of a monastery of the Order of Saint Augustine, who joined
asceticism and contemplation with devoted care for pilgrims and
the local poor.
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January 19th
This Day, the Nineteenth
Day of January
1.
Smyrna in Asia, the passion of Saint Germanicus, martyr of
Philadelphia, who, in the time of the emperors Marcus Antoninus
and Lucius Aurelius, was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, and preceded
him in martyrdom. Although in the beauty of early youth, he was
condemned by the judge, and by the power of God cast out fear of
bodily weakness, and willingly provoked the beast prepared for him.
2.
Spoleto in Umbria, Saint Pontian, martyr, who, in the time
of the emperor Antoninus, is said to have been severely scourged
for Christ, and was finally pierced by the sword.
3. On the
Via Cornelia, thirteen miles from the city of Rome, in the cemetery
ad Nymphas, the holy martyrs Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum.
4. Commemoration
of Saint Macarius the Great, priest and abbot of the monastery
of Scetis in Egypt, who, dead to the world and to himself, lived
for God alone, which he also taught his disciples.
5. Commemoration
of Saint Macarius, surnamed the Alexandrian, priest and
abbot near Mount Scetis in Egypt.
6.
Laus Pompeia in Liguria, the commemoration of Saint Bassian,
bishop, who, to defend his flock from the still-flourishing
heresy of the Arians, strove vigorously together with Ambrose
of Milan.
7.
Como in Lombardy, SS. Liberata and Faustina, sisters, and virgins,
who founded the monastery of Margaret.
8. In the
district of Dunois near Chartres in Neustria, Saint Launomarus,
abbot of the monastery of Corbie, which he founded in the wilderness
of Pertica.
9.
Ravenna in Flaminia, Saint John, bishop, who, while all Italy
was shaken by the Lombard war, provided excellently for the needs
of the Church, as attested by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who
sent him the Book of Pastoral Rule.
10.
Rouen in Neustria, Saint Remigius, bishop, brother
of King Pepin, who with diligent care ensured that the singing of
the Psalms would be modulated in the Roman manner.
11.
Corfu in Greece, Saint Arsenius, bishop, who was a vigilant
shepherd of his flock and constant in prayer by night.
12.
Seville in Spain, blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, bishop,
who, to promote human society, founded workers’ circles, defended
truth and justice, and opened his home to the poor.
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January 20th
This Day, the Twentieth
Day of January
Saint
Fabian, pope and martyr, who, though a layman, was divinely called to the pontificate, and, offering
a glorious example of faith and virtue, suffered martyrdom in the
persecution of the emperor Decius. Concerning his combat, Saint
Cyprian rejoices, for he had borne unimpeachable and outstanding
witness in governing the Church. His body was laid to rest at Rome
on the Appian Way in the Cemetery of Callistus on this day.
Saint
Sebastian, martyr,
who, born at Milan, as Saint Ambrose recounts, went to Rome when
the persecutions were raging fiercely, and there suffered martyrdom.
Thus, in the city to which he had come as a guest, he obtained a
home of everlasting immortality. His burial also took place at Rome,
in the Catacombs, on this same day.
3. Antinoë in the Thebaid,
Saint Ascla, martyr, who did not fear the threats of the governor,
since he had a greater fear of denying Christ After enduring various
tortures, he was cast into the river.
4. Nicaea in Bithynia, Saint
Neophytus, martyr.
5. In Palestine, Saint Euthymius,
abbot, who, of Armenian birth and consecrated to God from infancy,
went to Jerusalem and, after spending many years in solitude, died
in humility and charity, outstanding in the observance of discipline,
vigorous and joyful to the end of his life.
6. Worcester in England, Saint
Wulfstan, bishop, who, raised from the cloister to this episcopal
see, united monastic customs with pastoral zeal, showing great care
for visiting parishes, promoting the building of churches, encouraging
learning, and denouncing abuses such as the slave trade.
7. Coltevalenza in Etruria,
blessed Benedict Ricasoli, hermit of the Congregation of Vallumbrosa.
8. In Finland, Saint Henry,
bishop and martyr, who, born in England, took up the governance
of the Church of Uppsala and diligently labored to evangelize the
Finns; finally, he was cruelly murdered by a man whom he had attempted
to correct according to ecclesiastical discipline.
9. Messina in Sicily, Saint
Eustochia Calafato, virgin and abbess of the Order of Saint
Clare, who devoted herself zealously to restoring the original discipline
of religious life and to fostering the following of Christ in the
spirit of Saint Francis.
10. Seoul in Korea, Saint Stephen
Min Kuk-ka, martyr, catechist, who was beheaded in prison for
the Christian faith.
11. Cesaura near Naples in Campania,
Italy, blessed Mary Christina of the Immaculate Conception (Adelaide)
Brando, virgin, who devoted her life to the Christian education
of children and founded the Congregation of the Expiatory Victims
of Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, greatly promoting Eucharistic
adoration.
12. In the monastery of Mount
Saint Bernard near Leicester in England, blessed Cyprian (Michael)
Iwene Tansi, priest of the Cistercian Order, who, born in the
territory of Onitsha in Nigeria, embraced the Christian faith in
his youth despite family opposition. Ordained a priest, he devoted
himself zealously to pastoral care, and later, becoming a monk,
he was deemed worthy to complete his holy life with a holy death.
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January 21st
This Day, the Twenty-first
Day of January
Memorial
of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr, who, still a young girl, bore the supreme testimony of faith
in Rome and consecrated the title of virginity by martyrdom; for
she overcame both age and tyrant, gained the greatest admiration
among the nations, and acquired even greater glory before God. On
this day, the burial of her body is celebrated.
2. Commemoration of Saint Publius,
bishop of Athens, who bore witness to Christ through martyrdom.
3. Tarragona in Hispania Citerior,
the passion of the holy martyrs Fructuosus, bishop, and Augurius
and Eulogius, his deacons, who, under the emperors Valerian
and Gallienus, after confessing the faith before the procurator
Aemilian, were brought into the amphitheater, where, after the bishop
had offered a prayer in a clear voice for the peace of the Church
in the presence of the faithful, they were thrown into the flames,
and kneeling, completed their martyrdom in prayer.
4. Troyes in Lugdunensis Gaul
Saint Patroclus, martyr.
5. Pavia in Liguria, Saint
Epiphanius, bishop, who, during the time of barbarian invasions,
labored intensely for the reconciliation of peoples, the redemption
of captives, and the restoration of the city itself, which had been
destroyed.
6. In the mountains around Lake
Zurich in Switzerland, Saint Meinrad, priest, who, first
living a cenobitic life and later as a hermit, was killed by robbers.
7. On Mount Mercury in Lucania,
Saint Zacharias, called “the Angelic,” a master of
cenobitic monastic life.
8. In London, England, blessed
Edward Stransham and Nicholas Wheeler, priests and martyrs,
who, under Queen Elizabeth I, were condemned to death for being
priests and suffered martyrdom at Tyburn.
9. In London, England, Saint
Alban Roe, of the Order of Saint Benedict, and blessed Thomas
Green, priests and martyrs, who, under King Charles I, the one
after seventeen years in prison, the other after fourteen, both
worn out by old age, were hanged together at Tyburn for Christ.
10. In the monastery of Benigánim
in the region of Valencia, Spain, blessed Josefa María of Saint
Agnes, virgin, of the Discalced Augustinian Order.
11. In Valle Guidonis in France,
blessed priests Jean-Baptiste Turpin du Cormier and thirteen
companions, martyrs, who, for their steadfast loyalty to the
Catholic Church during the French upheaval, were beheaded.
12. In the region of Daegu in
Korea, Saint John Yi Yun-il, martyr, who, a father of
a family, farmer, and catechist, remained steadfast in the Christian
faith, enduring beatings and dislocations of his limbs, and attained
martyrdom with a peaceful spirit by beheading. He was one of the
last victims of the great persecution carried out in that nation.
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January 22nd
This Day, the Twenty-second
Day of January
Saint Vincent, deacon of Caesaraugusta and martyr, who, in the persecution of
Emperor Diocletian, having endured prisons, hunger, the rack, and
red-hot plates, flew unconquered to the reward of martyrdom in heaven
at Valentia in Carthaginian Spain.
2. Likewise,
the commemoration of Saint Valerius, bishop of Caesaraugusta
in Tarraconensian Spain, who took part in the First Council of Elvira
and, together with Saint Vincent, was brought to Valencia and sent
into exile.
3. Novara
in Liguria, Saint Gaudentius, who is considered the first
bishop of that see.
4. Sergiopolis
in Persia, the passion of Saint Anastasius, monk and martyr,
who, after many torments which he suffered in Caesarea of Palestine,
was afflicted with many punishments by Chosroes, king of the Persians,
and, after seventy companions, was suffocated near a river and beheaded.
5. In
the monastery of Romans along the Isère River in the Alps, the burial
of Saint Bernard, bishop of Vienne, who, having left the
army of Emperor Charlemagne for the army of Christ, gave to the
poor the wealth received from his father and built two monasteries,
Ambronay and Romans, where he spent the course of his life.
6. Sora
in Latium, Saint Dominic, abbot, who founded monasteries
in various regions of Italy and brought others back to regular life
through the spirit of his reform.
7. Pisa
in Etruria, blessed Maria Mancini, who, twice widowed and
having lost all her children, at the encouragement of Saint Catherine
of Siena, began a communal life in the monastery of Saint Dominic,
over which she presided for ten years.
8. Como
in Lombardy, blessed Anthony della Chiesa, priest of the
Order of Preachers, who restored regular life in several houses
of the Order, treating human weakness with gentleness and correcting
it with firmness.
9. London
in England, blessed William Patenson, priest and martyr,
who, under Queen Elizabeth I, was condemned to death for the priesthood;
even in prison, he reconciled six fellow inmates to the Church and
at last completed his martyrdom, being cut in pieces at Tyburn.
10. In
Tonkin, SS Francis Gil de Federich and Matthew Alonso de Leziniana,
priests of the Order of Preachers and martyrs, who, under
the rule of Trịnh Doanh, after steadfast preaching of the Gospel
even in chains, were struck with the sword and underwent a glorious
death for Christ
11. Rome,
Saint Vincent Pallotti, priest, founder of the Society
of the Catholic Apostolate, who, through his writings and works,
encouraged all the baptized in Christ to diligently fulfill their
vocation in service to the Church.
12. Bordeaux
in France, blessed William Joseph Chaminade, priest, who,
exercising pastoral zeal boldly and in secret for a long time, worked
to gather the faithful laity to promote devotion to the blessed
Virgin Mary and foreign missions, for which he also founded the
Institute of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and the
Society of Mary.
13. In
the region of Junín in the Andes in Argentina, blessed
Laura Vicuña, virgin, who, born in the city of Santiago in Chile
and a student in the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of
Christians, offered her life to God at the age of thirteen for the
conversion of her mother.
14. Castel
Gardo in Italy, blessed Joseph Nascimbeni, priest, founder
of the Institute of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family.
15. Vienna
in Austria, blessed Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattmann, who,
as a father of a family, bore witness to the Gospel in both family
and civil life by the holiness of his life and works, honored the
name and dignity of physician in truly Christian manner, and served
the sick with great charity, founding hospitals for them, where,
having cast aside all vanity, he welcomed only the poor and needy.
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January 23rd
This Day, the Twenty-third
Day of January
1.
Caesarea in Mauretania, the holy martyrs Severian and Aquila,
husband and wife, who were burned with fire.
2.
Rome, on the Via Nomentana in the Major Cemetery, Saint Emerentiana,
martyr.
3.
Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyrs Clement, bishop, and Agathangelus.
4.
Teano in Campania, the commemoration of Saint Amasius,
bishop.
5.
Toledo in Spain, Saint Ildephonsus, bishop, who, being
a monk and head of a monastery, was elected bishop and wrote many
books with brilliant eloquence, composed notable liturgical prayers,
and with wondrous zeal of devotion honored the blessed Mary, Mother
of God and ever Virgin.
6.
Dompierre in the region of Besançon in Burgundy, Saint
Maimbodus, who, born in Ireland, became a pilgrim and hermit,
and is said to have been killed by robbers.
7.
Seoul in Korea, Saint Andrew Chong (Tyong) Hwa-gyong,
catechist and martyr, who, by helping Saint Bishop Lawrence
Imbert, made his home a refuge for Christians; for this reason,
he was severely beaten and finally strangled in prison.
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January 24th
This Day, the Twenty-fourth
Day of January
Memorial
of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church,
a true shepherd of souls, who brought many of our separated brethren
back into full communion with the Catholic Church. Through his inspired
writings, he taught Christians the beauty of devotion and the love
of God. Together with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, he founded
the Order of the Visitation. Living humbly in Lyon, he peacefully
surrendered his soul to God on December 28th, and on this day was
laid to rest in Annecy.
2. Foligno in Umbria, the commemoration
of Saint Felician, honored as the first bishop of
that region, a faithful guardian of the flock entrusted to him.
3. In the countryside of Troyes
in Gaul, the memory of Saint Sabinian, martyr, who bore witness
to Christ through the shedding of his blood.
4. Antioch in Syria, the passion
of Saint Babylas, bishop, who, during the persecution of
Emperor Decius, after frequently glorifying God by his sufferings
and torments, received a glorious end to his life while in iron
chains, with which he ordered his body to be buried. Together with
him are also said to have suffered three boys, Urban, Prilidian,
and Epolonus, whom he had instructed in the faith of Christ.
5. Cingoli in Picenum, Italy,
Saint Exuperantius, bishop, who faithfully shepherded his people
and is venerated for his holiness and pastoral zeal.
6. Binago near Milan in Lombardy,
blessed Paula Gambara Costa, widow, a member of the Third
Order of Saint Francis, who bore patiently the trials of a difficult
marriage, led her husband to conversion, and shone with remarkable
charity toward the poor.
7. In London, England, the blessed
memory of the martyrs William Ireland, a Jesuit priest,
and John Grove, his devoted servant, who, falsely accused
of treason under King Charles II, gave their lives for Christ at
Tyburn, steadfast in faith and courage.
8. In the village of Sainville,
in the region of Chartres, France, blessed Marie Poussepin, virgin,
who, desiring to assist pastors in their sacred ministry, to educate
young girls, and to care for the poor and the sick, founded the
Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the blessed
Virgin Mary.
9. In the village of Pratulin,
in the Siedlce region of Poland, the blessed memory of Vincent
Lewoniuk and twelve companions, martyrs, who, unmoved by threats
or promises, refused to abandon the Catholic Church. When they would
not hand over the keys to their parish, they were slain without
arms or mortally wounded, offering their lives in fidelity to the
faith.
10. Rome, blessed Timothy (Joseph)
Giaccardo, priest, who, as a member of the Society of Saint
Paul, formed many disciples to proclaim the Gospel to the modern
world, wisely using the means of social communication to bring Christ
to all.
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January 25th
This Day, the Twenty-fifth
Day of January
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle,
who, while journeying to Damascus, still breathing threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord, was gloriously revealed to by
Jesus Himself on the road. Christ chose him, filled him with the
Holy Spirit, and sent him to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to
the nations, suffering much for the name of Christ.
2. Commemoration
of Saint Ananias, who, as a disciple of the Lord in Damascus,
baptized the newly converted Paul.
3. Pozzuoli
in Campania, Saint Artemas, martyr.
4. Carthage,
Saint Agileus, martyr, on whose heavenly birthday Saint Augustine
preached a sermon in his basilica in honor of him.
5. Nazianzus
in Cappadocia, the heavenly birth of Saint Gregory, bishop,
whose feast is observed on January 2nd.
6. Commemoration
of Saint Bretannio, bishop of Tomis in Scythia, who flourished
in holiness and zeal for the Catholic faith, and stood firm against
the Arian Emperor Valens.
7. Tabennisi
in the Thebaid of Egypt, Saint Palaemon, hermit, who, devoted
to prayer and severe austerities, became the spiritual master of
Saint Pachomius.
8. In
the region of Auvergne in Aquitaine, the holy martyrs Praejectus,
bishop, and Amarinus, man of God, who were both slain
by powerful men of the same city.
9. Marchiennes
in Flanders, Saint Poppo, abbot of Stavelot and Malmedy,
who spread Cluniac observance through many monasteries of Lotharingia.
10. Ulm
in Swabia, Germany, blessed Henry Suso, priest of the Order
of Preachers, who patiently bore countless sufferings and illnesses,
composed a treatise on Eternal Wisdom, and fervently preached the
sweet name of Jesus.
11. Amando
in Piceno, Italy, blessed Anthony Migliorati, priest of the
Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine.
12. Mantua
in Lombardy, blessed Archangela (Eleanora) Girlani, virgin
of the Carmelite Order, prioress of the Parma convent and foundress
of the Mantuan monastery.
13. Tortosa
in Spain, blessed Emmanuel Domingo y Sol, priest, who founded
the Society of Priestly Workers to promote vocations to the
priesthood.
14. Alessandria
in Italy, blessed Mary Antonia (Teresa) Grillo, religious sister,
who, after being widowed, compassionately cared for the poor in
their needs, sold everything she had, and founded the Congregation
of the Little Sisters of Divine Providence.
15. In
the Dachau concentration camp near Munich in Bavaria, Germany,
blessed Anthony Świadek, priest and martyr, who, during wartime,
bore steadfast witness to the faith and received the imperishable
crown before those who denied every form of human and Christian
dignity.
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January 26th
This Day, the Twenty-sixth
Day of January
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops,
who were disciples and close collaborators of the Apostle Saint
Paul in his apostolic labors. Timothy was entrusted with the Church
of Ephesus, and Titus with the Church of Crete. To them are addressed
epistles that offer wise admonitions for the instruction of both
pastors and the faithful.
2. Hippo
Regius in Numidia, Saint Theogenes, martyr, about whom Saint
Augustine preached a sermon.
3. Near
Bethlehem in Judea, the passing of Saint Paula, widow, who,
of the most noble senatorial lineage, renounced the world, distributed
her wealth to the poor, and with her daughter, the blessed virgin
Eustochium, withdrew to the cave of the Lord’s Nativity.
4. In
Jerusalem, SS Xenophon and Mary, and their sons John and
Arcadius, who, having given up senatorial rank and great possessions,
are said to have embraced monastic life in the Holy City with equal
fervor of spirit.
5. Cîteaux
in Burgundy, Saint Alberic, abbot, who was among the first
monks from Molesme to come to the New Monastery, and who, when elected
abbot, governed it with great diligence and care, striving to uphold
the monastic way of life as a true lover of the Rule and of his
brethren.
6. Nidaros
in Norway, Saint Augustine (Eystein) Erlandsson, bishop,
who zealously defended and greatly strengthened the Church entrusted
to him, especially against the opposition of secular rulers.
7. Angers
in France, blessed Mary de la Dive, martyr, who, after being
widowed, was beheaded during the upheaval of the French Revolution
for her steadfast fidelity to the Church.
8. Near
Munich in Bavaria, Germany, blessed Michael Kozal, auxiliary
bishop of Włocławek and martyr, who, for defending the
faith and the liberty of the Church, was imprisoned for three years
with unwavering patience under the nefarious regime of the Nazis
in the extermination camp at Dachau, where he ultimately consummated
his martyrdom.
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January 27th
This Day, the Twenty-seventh
Day of January
Saint Angela Merici, virgin, who first took the habit of the Third Order of Saint
Francis and gathered young girls whom she instructed in works of
charity. Later, under the name of Saint Ursula, she founded a religious
institute of women, entrusting to them the mission of cultivating
a life of Christian perfection in the world and of guiding young
girls in the ways of the Lord. last, she gave her soul to
God in Brescia, in Lombardy.
2.
Sora in Latium, the commemoration of Saint Julian, martyr,
who is said to have suffered during the reign of Emperor Antoninus.
3.
Le Mans in Gaul, Saint Julian, who is held to be the first
bishop of that city.
4.
Mariana on the island of Corsica, the commemoration of Saint
Devota, virgin and martyr.
5. In the
monastery of Bodac in the region of Sisteron in Gaul, Saint Marius,
abbot.
6.
Rome, near Saint Peter’s, the repose of Saint Vitalian, pope,
who showed particular zeal for the salvation of the English people.
7.
Ternand in Burgundy, the passing of Saint Theoderic, bishop
of Orléans, who died on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles.
8.
Chartres in Gaul, the passing of Saint Gildwin, deacon of
Dol in Brittany, who, though elected bishop while still a youth,
humbly refused so great an honor in the presence of Pope Saint Gregory
VII as unworthy, and, returning from Rome, fell ill with fever in
this region and completed his earthly pilgrimage.
9.
Thérouanne in Gaul, blessed John, bishop, a regular canon
who took up the see of the Morini, where he opposed simoniacs for
over thirty years and founded eight monasteries for both canons
and monks.
10.
Riva San Vitale, near Como in Lombardy, blessed Manfred Settala,
priest and hermit.
11.
Angers in France, blessed Rosalie du Verdier de la Sorinière,
virgin and martyr of the Monastery of Calvary in that same city,
who, during the turmoil of the French Revolution, was condemned
to death out of hatred for the Christian religion.
12.
Near Mengo in Uganda, the passion of Saint John Mary, called
Muzei or “the Elder” because of his maturity of soul, a servant
of the king who, having become Christian, refused to flee from persecution.
Of his own accord he declared his faith in Christ before the chief
minister of King Mwanga, and for that, was beheaded, becoming the
final victim of that persecution.
13.
In the town of Gilet, in the province of Valencia, Spain, Saint
Henry de Osso y Cervelló, priest, who, to promote the education
of girls, founded the Society of Saint Teresa. After being
separated from the congregation, he spent the rest of his life in
a Friars Minor convent.
14.
Kaunas in Lithuania, blessed George Matulaitis, bishop of
Vilnius and later apostolic delegate to Lithuania, who founded
the Congregation of Marian Clerics and the Congregation of
the Poor Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the blessed Virgin
Mary.
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January 28th
This Day, the Twenty-eighth
Day of January
Memorial
of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest of the Order of Preachers and Doctor of the Church,
who, endowed with the highest gifts of intellect, imparted his
extraordinary wisdom to others through prayer and writings.
While on his way to the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons,
to which he had been summoned by blessed Pope Gregory X himself,
he passed away on the 7th of March in the monastery of Fossanova
in Latium, and many years later, on this very day, his body
was transferred to Toulouse.
2. the monastery of Réome near
Langres in Neustria, Saint John, priest and man devoted to
God, who gathered monks under the Rule of Saint Macarius.
3. Commemoration of Saint James,
hermit in Palestine, who, in a spirit of penance, spent a long
time hidden within a tomb.
4. Cuenca in New Castile, Spain,
Saint Julian, bishop, who, being the second bishop after
the city was recovered from the Moors, greatly illumined the Church.
He gave the Church’s goods to the poor and sustained his daily needs
by the work of his hands.
5. Near San Frediano close to
Pisa in Etruria, blessed Bartholomew Aiutamicristo, religious
of the Camaldolese Order.
6. In the village of Plévin,
in Brittany, France, blessed Julian Maunoir, priest of the
Society of Jesus, who dedicated himself completely for forty-two
years to missionary work both in countryside and cities throughout
the province.
7. In the city of Maokou,
in Guizhou Province, China, SS Agatha Lin Zhao, virgin,
Jerome Lu Tingmei, and Laurence Wang Bing, martyrs, catechists
who, having been denounced as Christians during the reign of Emperor
Wenzongxian, were at last beheaded.
8. In the city of Daijiazhuang,
in southern Shandong Province, China, Saint Joseph Freinademetz,
priest of the Society of the Divine Word, who labored untiringly
in the work of evangelization in that region.
9. In the city of Picassent,
in the Valencia region of Spain, blessed María Aloysia Montesinos
Orduña, virgin and martyr, who, during a time of fierce persecution
against the faith, became a partaker in Christ’s victory through
martyrdom.
10. In the detention camp of
Kharsk, near Tomsk in Siberia, Russia, blessed Olympia
(Olha) Bida, virgin of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint
Joseph and martyr, who, under a regime of persecution against the
faith, endured all adversities for the love of Christ
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January 29th
This Day, the Twenty-ninth
Day of January
1.
Edessa in Osrhoene, the holy martyrs Sarbelus, a priest, and
Bebaia, his sister, who were brought to baptism by Saint Barsimeus,
bishop, and are said to have suffered for Christ
2.
Rome, on the Nomentan Way, in the cemetery of Maius, the holy
martyrs Papias and Maurus, soldiers.
3.
Perugia in Umbria, Saint Constantius, bishop.
4.
Antioch in Syria, the holy martyrs Juventinus and Maximinus,
who were crowned with martyrdom under Julian the Apostate, emperor.
5.
Trier in Belgic Gaul, Saint Valerius, bishop, who was the
second to occupy that see.
6. Near Antioch
in Syria, Saint Aphraates, hermit, who, born and educated
among the Persians and following the path of the Magi, converted
to the Lord at Bethlehem. Seeking Edessa, he withdrew to a small
dwelling outside the walls, and finally at Antioch he defended the
Catholic faith against the Arians through preaching and writings.
7. In Britain
Minor, Saint Gildas, surnamed “the Wise”, abbot, who
wrote about the downfall of Britain, mourning the calamities of
his people and reproving the depravity of the rulers and clergy.
He is said to have founded the monastery of Rhuys facing the sea
and to have died on the island of Houat.
8.
Bourges in Aquitaine, Saint Sulpicius Severus, bishop, formerly
a senator of Gaul, whose wisdom, pastoral care, and zeal for restoring
discipline Saint Gregory of Tours praised.
9.
Florence in Etruria, blessed Villana de’ Botti, a housewife,
who, renouncing worldly life, obtained the habit of the Sisters
of the Penitents of Saint Dominic and stood out for her meditation
on the crucified Christ and her austere way of life, even begging
alms for the poor along the roads.
10. In the
city of Białystok in Poland, blessed Bolesława Maria Lament,
virgin, who, amid political upheavals, founded the Congregation
of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family to promote the
unity of Christians, aid the abandoned, and provide Christian instruction
to girls.
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January 30th
This Day, the Thirtieth
Day of January
1. Jerusalem, Saint Matthias,
bishop, who, after suffering much for Christ, finally rested
in peace.
2. Edessa in Osrhoene, Saint
Barsimeus, bishop, who, for the faith of Christ, is said to
have been scourged under Emperor Decius, but, after the persecution
ended, was released from prison and devoted the remainder of his
life with great diligence to governing the Church entrusted to him.
3. Rome, the commemoration of
Saint Martina, under whose name Pope Donus dedicated a basilica
in the Roman Forum.
4. Chelles on the Marne in the
region of Paris in Gaul, Saint Bathildis, queen, who founded
monasteries following the Rule of Saint Benedict in the tradition
of Luxeuil; after the death of her husband, Clovis II, she assumed
the governance of the kingdom of the Franks, and during her son’s
reign, spent her last years in religious observance under a strict
rule.
5. Maubeuge in Neustria, Saint
Aldegundis, abbess, during the time of King Dagobert.
6. Pavia in Lombardy, Saint
Armentarius, bishop, who solemnly placed the body of Saint Augustine,
translated by King Liutprand, in the Basilica of Saint Peter in
the Golden Heaven (in Coelo Aureo).
7. The martyrdom of Saint Theophilus,
surnamed “the Youth”, who was a commander of a Christian fleet.
Captured by enemies in Cyprus and brought before Harun, the supreme
prince of the Saracens, he could not be swayed to deny Christ either
by gifts or threats, and was beheaded by the sword.
8. Burgos in Old Castile, Spain,
Saint Adelelm, abbot, who converted the chapel of Saint John
together with a guesthouse into a monastery.
9. Dublin in Ireland, the death
of blessed Francis Taylor, martyr, a family man, who suffered
seven years in prison for the Catholic faith, and, afflicted by
tribulations and old age, completed his martyrdom under King James
I.
10. Viterbo in Tuscany, Saint
Hyacintha Mariscotti, virgin of the Third Order Regular of Saint
Francis, who, after fifteen years spent in vain pleasures, embraced
a most austere conversion and inspired confraternities to console
the elderly and to adore the Holy Eucharist.
11. Turin in Piedmont, blessed
Sebastian Valfrè, priest of the Congregation of the Oratory,
who dedicated himself entirely to helping the poor, the sick, and
those imprisoned, and by his friendship and fervent charity brought
many to Christ.
12. Seoul in Korea, Saint Paul
Ho Hyob, martyr, and soldier, who was arrested for professing
the faith and subjected to torture. Though he seemed to falter from
weakness, he repented and immediately reaffirmed the faith of Christ
before the judge. After a long imprisonment, beaten by blows, he
died.
13. In Tonkin, Saint Thomas Khuông,
priest and martyr, who, in the persecution under Emperor Tự
Đức, bravely professed himself a Christian, was imprisoned, and,
kneeling before the cross, was beheaded.
14. Guadalajara in Mexico,
Saint David Galván, priest and martyr, who, during the Mexican
persecution, for defending the sanctity of marriage, was shot without
trial by a soldier and thus obtained a glorious crown.
15. Malonne in Belgium, Saint
Mucian Mary (Aloysius) Wiaux, a Brother of the Christian Schools,
who dedicated nearly his entire life with great constancy and tireless
joy to the education of youth.
16. In the Abbey of Saint
Benedict at Maredsous, also in Belgium, blessed Columba (Joseph)
Marmion, who, born in Ireland, became a priest and later
abbot in the Order of Saint Benedict, and shone as the spiritual
father of the monastery and guide of souls through the holiness
of his life, spiritual teaching, and eloquence.
17. In the village of Torrent
in Spain, blessed Carmela García Moyón, martyr, a fervent
teacher of Christian doctrine, who, during the religious persecution,
was burned alive for faith in Christ
18. In the city of Gdeszyn in
Poland, blessed Sigismund Pisarski, priest and martyr, who,
during the war, was shot and killed in his parish for not renouncing
the faith in the face of his persecutors.
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January 31st
This Day, the Thirty-first
Day of January
Memorial
of Saint John Bosco, priest, who endured a difficult childhood
and, once ordained a priest, dedicated all his strength to the education
of youth. He founded the Salesian Society and, with the help
of Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello, the Institute of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Christians, to teach young people both useful
skills and Christian living. Turin in Italy, on this day,
after accomplishing many works, he peacefully departed to the eternal
banquet.
2. Corinth in Achaia, the holy
martyrs Victorinus, Victor, Nicephorus, Claudius, Diodorus, Serapion,
and Papias, who are said to have completed their martyrdom under
the emperor Decius, suffering various tortures.
3. Commemoration of Saint Metranus,
martyr of Alexandria in Egypt, who, under Emperor Decius, when
he refused, despite the command of pagans, to utter impious words,
was savagely beaten by bystanders and killed outside the city, crushed
with stones.
4. Also at Alexandria, the
holy martyrs Cyrus and John, who, for confessing Christ, after
many tortures, were beheaded.
5. Modena in Emilia, Saint
Geminianus, bishop, who led his church away from the error of
the Arians to the orthodox faith.
6. In Persia, the passion of
Saint Abraham, bishop of Arbela, who, under King Shapur of the
Persians, was beheaded because he refused to worship the sun.
7. Novara in Liguria, Saint
Julius, priest.
8. Rome, commemoration of Saint
Marcellina, widow, who, as Saint Jerome records, by despising
wealth and nobility, became more noble through poverty and humility.
9. Ferns in Ireland,
Saint M’eadoc (or Aidan), bishop, who founded monasteries there
and was renowned for his great austerity.
10. In the region of Constance
in Neustria, Saint Waldus, bishop of Évreux.
11. On Mount Saint Victor near
Regensburg in southern Bavaria, Saint Eusebius, who was born
in Ireland, journeyed for Christ, became a monk at the monastery
of Saint Gall, and finally lived as a hermit.
12. Rome, blessed Ludovica
Albertoni, who, after devoutly raising her children in Christian
morals and the death of her husband, joined the Third Order of Saint
Francis and, from being wealthy, became exceedingly poor, assisting
the poor.
13. Naples in Campania, Saint
Francis Xavier Mary Bianchi, priest of the Order of Clerics
Regular of Saint Paul, endowed with mystical gifts, who led many
to live under the grace of the Gospel.
14. In Korea, the holy martyrs
Augustine Pak Chong-won, catechist, and five companions, who,
after enduring many sufferings, professed the Christian faith with
fearless courage and glorified God by being beheaded.
Omnes
sancti Mártyres, oráte pro nobis.
(“All ye Holy Martyrs, pray for us,”
from the Litaniae Sanctorum, the Litany of the Saints)
2004 Roman Martyrology by Month (to be completed)
“Scio
opera tua ... quia modicum habes virtutem, et servasti verbum
Meum, nec non negasti Nomen Meum”
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Copyright © 2025 Geoffrey
K. Mondello, Boston Catholic Journal. All rights reserved.
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