December 3^rd

 

This Day, the Third Day of December

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest of the Society of Jesus, evangelizer of the Indies, who, born in Navarre, being one of the first companions of Saint Ignatius, moved by the ardor of spreading the Gospel, zealously proclaimed Christ to innumerable peoples in India, in the Moluccas and other islands, and then in Japan, converting many to the faith; and at length, in the island of Sancian in China, died, consumed by sickness and labors.

 

2.  Commemoration of Saint Zephaniah, prophet, who, in the days of Josiah, king of Judah, foretold the ruin of the impious on the day of the Lord’s wrath and strengthened the people of the poor and needy in the hope of salvation.

 

3.  At Tangier in Mauretania, Saint Cassian, martyr.

 

4.  At Winchester in England, the deposition of Saint Birinus, who, sent to southern Britain by Pope Honorius, was the first to hold the see of Dorchester and zealously made known the word of salvation to the people of the West Saxons who had not yet believed.

 

5.  At Chur of the Rhaetians among the Swiss, Saint Lucius, hermit.

 

6.  At London in England, blessed Edward Coleman, martyr, who, because of the Catholic faith he had embraced, was falsely accused of conspiracy against King Charles the Second and was hanged at Tyburn, and finally, while still alive, was torn apart with the sword.

 

7.  At Trent in Venetia, blessed John Nepomucene de Tschiderer, bishop, who with evangelical zeal of faith and gentleness administered that Church, and in a time of affliction gave to his flock a wondrous testimony of love.

 

 

---

 

December 4^th

 

This Day, the Fourth Day of December

Saint John of Damascus, priest and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for holiness and learning, who strove vigorously by word and writings against the Emperor Leo the Isaurian for the veneration of sacred images, and, having become a monk in the laura of Saint Sabbas near Jerusalem, composed sacred hymns and there came to rest. His body was laid to rest on this day.

 

2.  Commemoration of Saint Barbara, who is said to have been a virgin and martyr at Nicomedia.

 

3.  At Alexandria in Egypt, Saint Heraclas, bishop, who, a disciple, companion, and successor of Origen in the school, attained a most celebrated reputation and was elected to govern that see.

 

4.  At Sebastopolis in Pontus, Saint Meletius, bishop, who, although already outstanding in the prerogative of learning, was far more illustrious for the virtue of his spirit and the sincerity of his life.

 

5.  At Bologna in Emilia, Saint Felix, bishop, who had been a deacon of the Church of Milan under Saint Ambrose.

 

6.  At Vienne in Gallia Lugdunensis, Saint Aper, priest, who, leaving his homeland, built himself a cell and led a solitary and penitential life.

 

7.  In the district of Bourges in Aquitaine, Saint Sigiramnus, monk, pilgrim, and abbot of Longoreto.

 

8.  At Le Mans in Neustria, Saint Adrehild, or Adra, abbess of the monastery of Saint Mary.

 

9.  In the monastery of Ellwangen in Bavaria, Saint Sola, priest and hermit.

 

10.  At Polybotus in Phrygia, Saint John, surnamed Thaumaturgus [Wonderworker], bishop, who labored greatly for the veneration of sacred Images against the policy of the Emperor Leo the Armenian.

 

11.  In the monastery of Siegburg in Rhenania in Germany, Saint Anno, bishop of Cologne, who, in the reign of Emperor Henry IV, a man of vigorous mind, was held in high honor both in the Church and in public affairs, and took care to have many churches and monasteries built to promote faith and piety.

 

12.  At Salisbury in England, Saint Osmund, bishop, who, having come from Normandy to England with King William, was soon promoted to the episcopate, dedicated the cathedral church, and took care for the administration of the see and for divine worship.

 

13.  At Parma in Emilia, Saint Bernard, bishop, who, as a monk, sought perfection of life, as a cardinal worked for the good of the Church, and finally as bishop always aimed at the salvation of souls.

 

14.  At Siena in Etruria, blessed Peter Pectinari, religious of the Third Order of Saint Francis, remarkable for special charity toward the needy and the sick, and for humility and silence.

 

15.  At Edo in Japan, the blessed martyrs Francis Galvez, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Jerome de Angelis, priest, and Simon Yempo, religious, both of the Society of Jesus, who were consigned to the fire out of hatred for the faith.

 

16.  At Cologne in Rhenania in Prussia, blessed Adolph Kolping, priest, who, ardently concerned for workers and social justice, founded an association of young workers and spread it in many places.

 

17.  At Verona in Italy, Saint John Calabria, priest, who founded the Congregation of the Poor Servants and Handmaids of Divine Providence.

 

 

---

 

December 5^th

 

This Day, the Fifth Day of December

1.  At Theveste in Numidia, the passion of Saint Crispina of Thagora, a matron, who, in the time of Diocletian and Maximian, when she refused to sacrifice to idols, was beheaded by order of the proconsul Anolinus.

 

2.  Near Jerusalem, Saint Sabbas, abbot, who, born in Cappadocia, reached the desert of Judea, where he established a new form of eremitical life in seven monasteries, called lauras, gathering hermits under one superior; in the great laura, afterward distinguished by his name, he spent many years, shining with the example of holiness and striving vigorously for the Chalcedonian faith.

 

3.  In the monastery of Saint Peter of Aquara in Lucania, Saint Lucidus, monk.

 

4.  At Braga in Lusitania, the commemoration of Saint Gerald, bishop, remarkable for restoring divine worship, repairing churches, and promoting ecclesiastical discipline, who died in a place called Bornos while carrying out pastoral visitations in a remote region.

 

5.  At Mantua in Lombardy, blessed Bartholomew Fanti, priest of the Order of Carmelites, who by words and example stirred the hearts of the faithful to the holy love of God and to filial devotion toward Mary, the Mother of God.

 

6.  At London in England, Saint John Almond, priest and martyr, who for more than ten years secretly cared for souls, until under King James the First. At Tyburn, he met the noose because of the priesthood, not ceasing from the very gibbet to distribute alms.

 

7.  At Schwerin in the region of Mecklenburg in Germany, the passing of blessed Nicholas Steno, bishop of Titiopolis, who, born in Denmark, was one of the most famous investigators of the natural world of his time; but having professed the Catholic faith, desiring to serve God in the defense of truth, he was made a priest and then ordained a bishop, devoting all his care to the mission of northern Europe.

 

8.  At Turin in Italy, blessed Philip Rinaldi, priest of the Salesian Society, who worked for the spreading of the faith into mission lands.

 

9.  Near Munich in Bavaria in Germany, blessed Narcissus Putz, priest and martyr, who, when Poland was under foreign rule during wartime, was cast into the detention camp of Dachau because of his steadfastness in the faith, where, worn out by dreadful torments, he died.

 

 

---

 

December 6^rth

 

This Day, the Sixth Day of December

Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Lycia, renowned for holiness and intercession before the throne of divine grace.

 

2.  At Rome, the commemoration of Saint Asella, virgin, who, as Saint Jerome writes, prolonged her life in fasts and prayers even into old age.

 

3.  In Africa, the commemoration of holy martyrs, who, in the time of the Vandal persecution under King Hunneric the Arian, were tortured with the most severe and innumerable punishments for the defense of the Catholic faith; from whose company Dionysia and her son Majoricus are praised, who, although still a youth and fearing the tortures, was strengthened by the gaze and words of his mother, and, having become braver than the rest in the tortures, yielded up his soul.

 

4.  At Brescia in Lombardy, Saint Obitius, who, a knight, converted to God and given to penance, expended his goods for the public good.

 

5.  At Granada in Spain, blessed Peter Pascual, bishop of Jaén, of the Order of Mercy, martyr, who, while visiting his flock to exhort the people in defense of the faith, was captured by the Moors and, held in chains, died.

 

6.  In the city of Hải Dương in Tonkin, Saint Joseph Nguyễn Duy Khang, martyr, who, a catechist and companion of Saint Jerome Hermosilla the bishop in his journeys, was captured with him in the persecution of Emperor Tự Đức, flogged, held in prison, and finally beheaded.

 

7.  In the village of Picadero de Paterna in the district of Valencia in Spain, blessed Aloysia Maria Frias Canizares, virgin and martyr, who, in a time of persecution against the faith, brought forth the eternal fruit of the contest of faith.

 

 

---

 

December 7^th

 

This Day, the Seventh Day of December

Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church, who fell asleep in the Lord on the day before the Nones of April, but is celebrated especially on this day, when, while still a catechumen and holding the office of prefect of the city, he accepted the governance of the illustrious see. A true shepherd and teacher of the faithful, he especially exercised charity toward all, vigorously defended the freedom of the Church and the doctrine of the true faith against the Arians, and by composing commentaries and hymns devoutly instructed the people in the faith.

 

2.   At Spoleto in Umbria, Saint Sabinus, who is venerated as bishop and martyr.

 

3.  In Syria, Saint Athenodorus, martyr, who, as it is said, under the Emperor Diocletian and the governor Eleusius, was tortured with fire and other punishments, and at last condemned to death by the sword; but when the executioner had fallen, and no one else dared to strike him with the sword, he, praying, fell asleep in the Lord.

 

4.  At Teano in Campania, Saint Urban, bishop.

 

5.  In Palestine, Saint John the Silent, or Hesychast, who, having resigned the bishopric of Colonia in Armenia, in the laura of Saint Sabbas, both in humble service to the brethren and in harsh solitude and silence, led a monastic life.

 

6.  At Évry in the district of Meaux in France, Saint Fare, abbess, who, after having governed her monastery for many years, was finally gathered to the assembly of virgins following the Lamb of God.

 

7.  In the region of Ontario in Canada, the passion of Saint Charles Garnier, priest of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, while pouring the water of baptism upon catechumens, was grievously wounded by some pagans who broke in, and at last, struck by a blow of an axe, died. His memorial is celebrated on the nineteenth day of October with his other companions.

 

8.  At Savona on the coast of Italy, Saint Mary Joseph (Benedicta) Rossello, virgin, who founded the Institute of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy and devoted herself with all zeal to the work of saving souls, trusting in God alone.

 

 

---

 

December 8^th

 

This Day, the Eighth Day of December

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the blessed Virgin Mary, who, truly full of grace and blessed among women, from the foreseen birth and saving death of the Son of God, in the very first instant of her conception, by a singular privilege of God, was preserved immune from all stain of original guilt, as, from an older doctrine indeed handed down, was solemnly defined by Pope Pius the Ninth on this very recurring day as a certain dogma.

 

2.  At Alexandria in Egypt, the commemoration of Saint Macarius, martyr, who, in the time of the Emperor Decius, when he was urged by the judge with many words to deny Christ, but with greater constancy himself professed his faith, was ordered to be burned alive to the end.

 

3.  At Rome in the cemetery of Callistus on the Appian Way, the deposition of Saint Eutychian, pope.

 

4.  At Trier in Gallia Belgica, Saint Eucharius, who is held to have been the first bishop of this city.

 

5.  The commemoration of Saint Patapius, hermit, who, originating from the Thebaid, lived at Constantinople near Blachernae, and was buried in an Egyptian monastery.

 

6.  On Mount Vosges in Burgundy, Saint Romaric, abbot, who, a nobleman of King Theudebert, retired to the monastery of Luxeuil, and afterward founded on his own estate a monastery, over which he himself finally presided.

 

7.  At Vaux-de-Cernay in the countryside of Paris, Saint Theobald of Marly, abbot of the Cistercian Order, who rendered the lowliest services to his brothers.

 

8.  In the region of Ontario in Canada, the passion of Saint Noël Chabanel, priest of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, having vowed to God that he would remain even to death in the mission dear to him among the Hurons, while making a journey in the forest with a certain apostate, was killed by him out of hatred for the faith. His memorial is celebrated on the nineteenth day of October with his companions.

 

9.  At Lima in Peru, blessed Narcisa of Jesus Martillo Moran, virgin, who, bereft of her parents and lacking means of subsistence, after many hardships was received into a convent as a boarder, and gave herself to continual prayer and austere penance.

 

10.  In the village of Picadero de Paterna in the district of Valencia in Spain, blessed Joseph Mary Zabal Blasco, martyr, who, a father of a family, in the persecution against the faith overcame the torments of his passion with fortitude in Christ.

 

11.  In the concentration camp of Dachau near Munich in Bavaria in Germany, blessed Aloysius Liguda, priest of the Society of the Divine Word and martyr, who, when Poland had been invaded during the war, was murdered by the prison guards, having confessed Christ the Lord even to death.

 

 

---

 

December 9^th

 

This Day, the Ninth Day of December

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, who, of the stock of the native Indians, a man endowed with the purest faith, by his humility and fervor brought it about that, in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, a sanctuary was rebuilt on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City, where she appeared to him, and in the Lord he came to rest.

 

2.  At Toledo in Spain, Saint Leocadia, virgin and martyr, remarkable for her confession of Christ.

 

3.  At Pavia in Liguria, Saint Syrus, first bishop of the city.

 

4.  At Nazianzus in Cappadocia, Saint Gorgonia, matron, who was the daughter of Saint Nonna and the sister of Saints Gregory the Theologian and Caesarius, whose virtues Gregory himself wrote down.

 

5.  In the monastery of Genouillac near Périgueux in France, Saint Cyprian, abbot, renowned for his care of the sick.

 

6.  On the River Main in Bavaria in Germany, blessed Liberius Wagner, priest and martyr, who, outstanding in charity, crowned his pastoral care both for Catholics and for dissenters with the shedding of his blood.

 

7.  At Gray in Burgundy, to which he had retired in exile, the passing of Saint Peter Fourier, priest, who chose for himself and wonderfully cared for the very poor parish of Mattaincourt in Lorraine, renewed the Canons Regular of Our Savior, and founded the Institute of the Canonesses Regular of Our Lady for the free education of girls.

 

8.  At Moricone in Sabina in Italy, blessed Bernard Mary of Jesus (Caesar) Silvestrelli, priest of the Congregation of the Passion, who, having been elected superior general, strove vigorously for its growth and spread.

 

9.  In the town of Llombay in the district of Valencia in Spain, blessed Joseph Ferrer Esteve, priest of the Order of Clerics Regular of the Poor Schools and martyr, who was killed by bullets in hatred of the priesthood.

 

10.  In the village of Picadero de Paterna likewise in the district of Valencia, the blessed Richard de los Rios Fabregat, Julian Rodriguez Sanchez, and Joseph Gimenez Lopez, priests of the Salesian Society and martyrs, who, during a persecution against the faith, achieved a noble contest for Christ.

 

 

---

 

December 10^th

 

This Day, the Tenth Day of December

1.  At Mérida in Lusitania, Saint Eulalia, virgin and martyr, who, as it is said, in youthful age did not hesitate to offer her life for the confession of Christ.

 

2.  At Rome in the cemetery of Thraso on the Via Salaria Nova, Saint Maurus, martyr, whom Pope Saint Damasus celebrates as an innocent boy not driven from the faith by any torture.

 

3.  At Ancyra in Galatia, Saint Gemellus, martyr.

 

4.  At Rome near Saint Peter’s, Saint Gregory the Third, pope, who took care to have the Gospel preached to the Germans and adorned the churches of the City with sacred Images against the iconoclasts.

 

5.  In the monastery of Saint Nicholas of Viotorito in Calabria, Saint Luke, bishop of Isola, who labored tirelessly for the good of the poor and the formation of monks.

 

6.  At London in England, the holy martyrs Edmund Gennings, priest, and Swithun Wells, who, in the persecution under Queen Elizabeth the First, were condemned to death, the former because he was a priest, the latter because he had received him into his house; they were hanged before the door of the dwelling and were put to death after being subjected to tortures.

 

7.  Likewise at London, the holy Polydore Plasden and Eustace White, priests, and the blessed Brian Lacy, John Mason, and Sidney Hodgson, martyrs, who in the same year suffered the same punishments at Tyburn, some because they had come to England as priests, others because they had given them assistance.

 

8.  In the same place, at Tyburn, nineteen years later, Saint John Roberts, of the Order of Saint Benedict, and blessed Thomas Somers, priests and martyrs, who, under King James the First, condemned on account of the priesthood, and having embraced sixteen thieves [who were to die with them], were hanged on the same gallows.

 

9.  In the village of Valles in the district of Valencia in Spain, blessed Gonsalvo Viñes Masip, priest and martyr, who, in a time of persecution, achieved a noble contest for Christ.

 

10.  In the village of Picadero de Paterna in the same district of Spain, the blessed martyrs Anthony Martín Hernández, priest, and Augustine Garcia Calvo, religious, of the Salesian Society, who in the same period, on account of the faith of Christ, received the stole of glory.

 

 

---

 

December 11^th

 

This Day, the Eleventh Day of December

Saint Damasus the First, pope, who, in his difficult times, convened several synods against schisms and various heresies to defend the Nicene faith, took care that the sacred books be rendered into Latin by Saint Jerome, and devoutly uncovered the tombs of the martyrs and adorned them with verses.

 

2.  In the district of Amiens in Gallia Belgica, the holy martyrs Victoricus and Fuscian.

 

3.  At Piacenza in Emilia, Saint Sabinus, bishop, who called the crowds to the faith of Christ, established sanctuaries for virgins, and steadfastly defended the Nicene truth.

 

4.  At Constantinople, Saint Daniel, surnamed the Stylite, priest, who, after a life spent in the monastery and many labors endured, following the manner and example of Saint Simeon, was raised onto a column and stood there, broken by no force of cold or heat or winds, for thirty-three years and three months until his death.

 

5.  In the monastery of Himmerod near Trier in Germany, blessed David, monk, whom, though weak in body, Saint Bernard received at Clairvaux and afterward sent with brethren into Germany to found a new monastery, where he devoted himself day and night to prayer and good works.

 

6.  At Siena in Etruria, blessed Francis Lippi, hermit of the Order of Carmelites, renowned for the outstanding austerity of his life.

 

7.  In the district of Camerino in the Piceno of Italy, blessed Hugolin Magalotti, hermit, of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

 

8.  At Tiferno Metaurense, also in the Piceno, blessed Jerome, priest of the Order of the Servants of Mary, who in solitude and silence attained the knowledge of the saints.

 

9.  At Nagasaki in Japan, the blessed martyrs Martin Lumbreras Peralta and Melchior Sánchez Pérez, priests of the Order of Saint Augustine, who, scarcely having entered this city, were apprehended and thrown into a dark cell, and finally consigned to the fire.

 

10.  At London in England, blessed Arthur Bell, priest of the Order of Friars Minor and martyr, who under King Charles the First was condemned to death solely for the priesthood and endured the gallows at Tyburn.

 

11.  At the place called El Saler near Valencia in Spain, blessed Mary of the Column Villalonga Villalba, virgin and martyr, who, while a religious persecution raged, in her martyrdom followed the footsteps of Christ.

 

12.  In the town of La Aldehuela in the region of Madrid, also in Spain, Saint Maravillas of Jesus Pidal y Chico de Guzmán, virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, who founded many monasteries in Spain and in India, uniting the contemplative life with active charity.

 

 

---

 

December 12^th

 

This Day, the Twelfth Day of December

Blessed Mary the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico, whose motherly help a great people humbly implore on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City, where she appeared, and whom they confidently salute as a star in the evangelizing of families of the peoples, of the natives, and of the poor, and as their protector.

 

Commemoration of the holy Alexandrian martyrs Epimachus and Alexander, who, under the emperor Decius, after long imprisonment and various tortures, were at last consumed by fire for the faith of Christ. With them suffered the holy virgins Ammonarion, Mercuria, Dionysia, and another, who, when the judge was ashamed to be overcome by women and hesitated, lest, by tortures inflicted upon them without hearing them, their constancy also be conquered, were immediately ordered to be beheaded.

 

3.  On the island of Cyprus, Saint Spyridon, bishop, a true shepherd of the sheep, whose wondrous deeds were celebrated by the voice of all.

 

4.  At Clonard in Ireland, Saint Finnian, abbot, who, founder of many monasteries, was father and teacher of a great throng of monks.

 

5.  At Quimper in Brittany, Saint Corentin, who is venerated as the first bishop of this city.

 

6.  At Dorat in the district of Limoges in Aquitaine, Saint Israel, priest and canon regular, who was of great assistance to the bishop in the preaching of the word of God.

 

7.  At Neumünster in Holstein, Germany, the natal day of Saint Vicelin, bishop of Oldenburg, who devoted himself greatly to evangelizing the Slavs.

 

8.  At the town of San Gimignano in Etruria, blessed Bartolo Buonpedoni, priest, who, at the age of sixty, stricken with leprosy, laid down the care of his parish and, taking the habit of the Third Order of Saint Francis, enclosed himself in a hospice and patiently attended to all.

 

9.  In the district of Bastia near Assisi in Umbria, blessed Conrad of Offida, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who greatly loved and sought humility and the original poverty of the Order.

 

10.  At Naples in Campania, commemoration of blessed James Capocci, bishop, who, from being a hermit of Saint Augustine, was entrusted with the governance of the Church of Benevento, and later of Naples, which he adorned with wisdom, doctrine, and prudence.

 

11.  At Hue in Annam (Vietnam), Saint Simon Phan Đấc Hóa, martyr, who, a physician and father of a family, outstanding in charity toward the poor, was arrested under the emperor Minh Mạng because he had received missionaries into his home, and after imprisonment and scourging fulfilled his martyrdom by beheading.

 

12.  Near Kraków in Poland, blessed Pius Bartosik, priest of the Order of Conventual Friars Minor and martyr, who, when Poland was subjected to an alien government hostile to God, was broken by tortures in the extermination camp of Oświęcim [Auschwitz] and fulfilled his martyrdom for Christ.

 

 

---

 

December 13^th

 

This Day, the Thirteenth Day of December

Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, who kept a burning lamp in readiness to meet the Bridegroom while she lived, and at Syracuse in Sicily, being brought to death for Christ, merited to enter with Him to the wedding feast and to possess the unfailing light.

 

2.  At Portus Romanus, Saint Ariston, martyr.

 

3.  On the Sulcis Peninsula of Sardinia, Saint Antiochus, martyr.

 

4.  In Armenia, the holy martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes.

 

5.  In northern Neustria, Saint Judoc, priest and hermit, who, the son of Juthael, king of Armorica, and brother of Saint Judicael, left his homeland and withdrew to a hermit’s life so that he would not be compelled to succeed his father.

 

6.  At Cambrai in Austrasia, Saint Aubert, bishop.

 

7.  In the district of Strasbourg in Burgundy, Saint Odile, virgin and first abbess of the monastery of Hohenbourg, founded by her father, Duke Adalric.

 

8.  At Naples in Campania, blessed John (Francis) Marinoni, priest of the Order of Clerics Regular, commonly called Theatines, who, together with Saint Cajetan, devoted himself to the reform of the clergy and the salvation of souls, and favored the Monti di Pietà for the relief of the poor.

 

9.  In the monastery of the Visitation at Moulins in France, the birthday of Saint Jane Frances Frémiot de Chantal, whose memorial is kept on the twelfth day of August.

 

10.  At Fermo in the Piceno of Italy, blessed Anthony Grassi, priest of the Congregation of the Oratory, a man humble and peaceable, who by his example greatly stirred his brethren to observe the rule.

 

11.  In the district of Tjyen-Tiyou in Korea, the holy martyrs Peter Cho Hwa-so, a father of a family, and five companions,² who, when tempted by the mandarin with promises or tortures to abandon the Christian religion, persevered until beheaded.

 

 

---

 

December 14^th

 

This Day, the Fourteenth Day of December

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest of the Order of Carmelites and Doctor of the Church, who, at the urging of Saint Teresa of Jesus, was the first among the brethren of the Order to undertake the reform, which he sustained with countless labors and works as well as with severe trials, and, as his writings bear witness, seeking a life hidden in Christ and consumed with the flame of the love of God, he ascended by the dark night to the mountain of God; at Úbeda in Andalusia, in the region of Spain, he finally rested in the Lord

 

2. At Alexandria in Egypt, the commemoration of the holy martyrs Heron, Ater, and Isidore, with Dioscorus, a boy twelve years of age; the judge, in the persecution of Decius, when he saw the first three, torn with various tortures yet armed with the same constancy of faith, ordered them to be consigned to the fire; but holy Dioscorus, after being scourged in many ways, he ordered to be dismissed.

 

3.  At Apollonia in Bithynia, the holy martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, Callinicus, and companions, who are said to have suffered in the time of the emperor Decius.

 

4.  At Antioch in Syria, Saint Drosida, martyr, whom Saint John Chrysostom affirms to have been burned to death.

 

5.  At Ascalon in Palestine, the holy martyrs Ares, Promus, and Elias, who, when they wished to go from Egypt into Cilicia to visit and assist the confessors of Christ in the persecution of the emperor Maximinus, were apprehended at Caesarea, cruelly deprived of their eyes and feet, and brought to Ascalon, where, by the order of Firmilian the governor, Ares completed his martyrdom by fire, and the others by beheading.

 

6.  At Pavia in Liguria, Saint Pompeius, bishop, who, succeeding Saint Syrus, after a few but peaceful years, departed to the Lord.

 

7.  At Reims in Gallia Belgica, the passion of Saint Nicasius, bishop, who before the doors of the basilica which he himself had founded was slain by the invading pagans, together with his sister Eutropia, a virgin consecrated to Christ, the deacon Florentius, and Jucundus.

 

8.  At Naples in Campania, Saint Agnellus, abbot of the monastery of Saint Gaudiosus.

 

9.  At Poitiers in Aquitaine, Saint Venantius Fortunatus, bishop, who composed the deeds of many saints and celebrated the Holy Cross with polished hymns.

 

10.  At Thérouanne in northern France, Saint Folquin, bishop.

 

11.  At Orvieto in Tuscany, blessed Bonaventure of Pistoia, priest of the Order of the Servants of Mary, who, moved by the preaching of Saint Philip Benizi, assisted him in bringing peace among factions in the cities of Italy.

 

12.  At the place Klifane in the territory of Lebanon, Saint Nimatullah al-Hardini (Joseph Kassab), priest of the Lebanese Maronite Order, who applied himself to the teaching of theology, to the education of the young, and to pastoral work, excelling in the spirit of prayer and penance.

 

13.  At Aachen in Germany, blessed Frances Schervier, virgin, who. for some time in the city, was zealous toward the poor, the sick, and the afflicted, and, serving the needs of the poor, founded the Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Saint Francis.

 

14.  At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Protase (Anthony) Cubells Minguell, religious of the Order of Saint John of God and martyr, who, when persecution raged against the Church, was killed in hatred of the faith.

 

 

---

 

December 15^th

 

This Day, the FifteenthDay of December

1.  Commemoration of Saint Valerian, bishop of Abensa in Africa, who, being more than eighty years old, in the Vandal persecution was required by Genseric, the Arian king, to hand over the vessels of the Church; when he steadfastly refused to do this, he was ordered to be driven out alone beyond the city.  And when it was further commanded that no one should allow him to live either in his house or on his land, he lay for a very long time in the public road under the open sky, and thus, a confessor of the orthodox truth, completed the course of a blessed life.

 

2.  In the territory of Orléans in Gallia Lugdunensis, Saint Maximin, priest, who is considered the first abbot of Micy.

 

3.  In the monastery of Cava in Campania, blessed Marino, abbot, remarkable for his fidelity toward the Roman Pontiff.

 

4.  At Genoa in Liguria, blessed Mary Victoria Fornari, who, having become a widow, founded the Order of the Annunciation.

 

5.  In the same place, Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli, widow, who, devoting herself to the service of the Lord, aided the poor in many ways, helped rural churches, and established and directed the Auxiliary Ladies of Mercy.

 

6.  At Brescia in Lombardy, Saint Mary Crucified of Rosa, virgin, who for the salvation of the soul and body of her neighbor spent her wealth and herself, and founded the Institute of the Handmaids of Charity.

 

7.  At Verona in Venetia, blessed Charles Steeb, priest, who, born at Tübingen, professed the Catholic faith at Verona, was raised to the priesthood, and founded the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy for the care of the afflicted, the needy, and the sick.

 

 

---

 

December 16^th

 

This Day, the Sixteenth Day of December

1.  Commemoration of Saint Haggai, prophet, who, in the time of Zerubbabel, leader of Judah, admonished the people that the house of the Lord should be rebuilt, into which was to come the treasure of all nations.

 

2.  Commemoration of many holy virgins, who, in Africa during the Vandal persecution under Hunneric the Arian king, endured the weight and heat of burning plates of metal, and happily completed the struggle of martyrdom.

 

3.  In Ireland, Saint Bean, hermit.

 

4.  At Cysoing in Artois, a province of Gaul, Saint Eberhard, who, Count of Friuli, founded there a monastery of Canons Regular, in which, some years after his death, he was piously buried.

 

5.  At Vienne in Burgundy, Saint Ado, bishop, who, chosen as bishop from the monastic life, by composing a Martyrology greatly fostered the memory of the Saints.

 

6.  At Seltz near Strasbourg in Lorraine, Germany, Saint Adelaide, who, as empress, possessed toward her household a dignified graciousness, a most upright dignity toward strangers, tireless in charity toward the poor, and of overflowing generosity in honoring the churches of God.

 

7.  In Lucania, Saint Macarius of Collesano, monk, who, outstanding for humility and abstinence, wisely governed various monasteries of Mount Mercury and Latinianus.

 

8.  At Genoa in Liguria, commemoration of blessed Sebastian (Salvatico) de Madiis, priest of the Order of Preachers, who preached the Gospel to the people of the region and advised on regular discipline in the convents.

 

9.  At Turin in the Piedmont, blessed Mary of the Angels (Marianna) Fontanella, virgin of the Order of Carmelites, who was renowned for voluntary penances and the virtue of obedience.

 

10.  At Riva presso Chieri in Italy, blessed Clement Marchisio, priest, who, pastor of this place, founded the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Joseph.

 

11.  In the city of Nowe Miasto in Poland, blessed Honorat of Biala Podlaska (Florentius) Kozminski, priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, who devoted outstanding labor to ministering to penitents, to the preaching of the word of God, and to lifting the spirits of prisoners in jail.

 

12.  Near the city of Mukdahan in Thailand, blessed Philip Siphong Onphitak, martyr, who, a father of a family, after the priest of the village of Song-Khon was driven out, was chosen leader of the Christian community and, when persecution began against Christians, was taken to the bank of the Tum Nok stream and killed by bullets.

 

 

---

 

December 17^th

 

This Day, the Seventeenth Day of December

1.  At Jerusalem, Saint Modestus, bishop, who, after the Holy City had been taken and laid waste by the Persians, restored the monasteries and filled them with monks, and with great labor repaired the sanctuaries destroyed by fire.

 

2.  At Eleutheropolis in Palestine, the passion of fifty holy soldiers, who, in the time of the emperor Heraclius, were slain for the faith of Christ by the Saracens besieging Gaza.

 

3.  In Brittany, Saint Judicael, who greatly promoted peace between the Bretons and the Franks, and, having laid down the office of king, is said to have spent his life in the monastery of Saint Méen.

 

4.  At Andenne in Brabant, Saint Begga, widow, who, after the murder of her husband, founded the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the Rules of Saints Columban and Benedict.

 

5.  In the monastery of Fulda in Austrasia, Saint Sturm, abbot, who, a disciple of Saint Boniface, evangelized Saxony and, at the command of his master, took care to have this celebrated monastery rebuilt, and was its first abbot.

 

6.  On Mount Mercury in Lucania, Saint Christopher of Collesano, monk, who, together with his whole family, devoted himself earnestly to spreading the monastic life.

 

7.  Near Brussels in Brabant of Lorraine, Saint Vivina, first abbess of the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Bigards.

 

8.  At Rome on the Caelian Hill, Saint John of Matha, priest, who, a Frenchman by birth, founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Ransom of Captives.

 

9.  At Barcelona in Spain, Saint Joseph Manyanet y Vives, priest, who, in order that all families might be made perfect after the example of that holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Nazareth, founded the Congregations of the Sons and of the Daughters of the Holy Family.

 

10.  In the village of Don Benito near Badajoz in Spain, blessed Matilda of the Sacred Heart Téllez Robles, virgin, who, seeing in her neighbor the image of Christ Himself, gave herself with kindness and diligence, especially to the material and spiritual help of the poor, and founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church.

 

11.  At Rome, at Saint Sabina on the Aventine, blessed Hyacinth (Henry) Cormier, priest, who, as Master General, prudently governed the Order of Preachers, greatly fostering theological and spiritual studies.

 

 

---

 

December 18^th

 

This Day, the Eighteenth Day of December

1.  At Jerusalem, Saint Modestus, bishop, who, after the Holy City had been taken and laid waste by the Persians, restored the monasteries and filled them with monks, and with great labor repaired the sanctuaries destroyed by fire.

 

2.  At Eleutheropolis in Palestine, the passion of fifty holy soldiers, who, in the time of the emperor Heraclius, were slain for the faith of Christ by the Saracens besieging Gaza.

 

3.  In Brittany, Saint Judicael, who greatly promoted peace between the Bretons and the Franks, and, having laid down the office of king, is said to have spent his life in the monastery of Saint Méen.

 

4.  At Andenne in Brabant, Saint Begga, widow, who, after the murder of her husband, founded the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the Rules of Saints Columban and Benedict.

 

5.  In the monastery of Fulda in Austrasia, Saint Sturm, abbot, who, a disciple of Saint Boniface, evangelized Saxony and, at the command of his master, took care to have this celebrated monastery rebuilt, and was its first abbot.

 

6.  On Mount Mercury in Lucania, Saint Christopher of Collesano, monk, who, together with his whole family, devoted himself earnestly to spreading the monastic life.

 

7.  Near Brussels in Brabant of Lorraine, Saint Vivina, first abbess of the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Bigards.

 

8.  At Rome on the Caelian Hill, Saint John of Matha, priest, who, a Frenchman by birth, founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Ransom of Captives.

 

9.  At Barcelona in Spain, Saint Joseph Manyanet y Vives, priest, who, in order that all families might be made perfect after the example of that holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Nazareth, founded the Congregations of the Sons and of the Daughters of the Holy Family.

 

10.  In the village of Don Benito near Badajoz in Spain, blessed Matilda of the Sacred Heart Téllez Robles, virgin, who, seeing in her neighbor the image of Christ Himself, gave herself with kindness and diligence, especially to the material and spiritual help of the poor, and founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church.

 

11.  At Rome, at Saint Sabina on the Aventine, blessed Hyacinth (Henry) Cormier, priest, who, as Master General, prudently governed the Order of Preachers, greatly fostering theological and spiritual studies.

 

 

 

December 18^th

This Day, the Eighteenth Day of December

1.  Commemoration of Saint Malachi, prophet, who, after the return from the Babylonian exile, announced the great day of the Lord and His coming into the temple, and foretold that a pure offering would always and everywhere be made to His name.

 

2.  In Africa, commemoration of the holy martyrs Namphamon, Miggin, Sanam, and Lucita, who, as attested by Maximus of Madaura, a pagan, in a letter written to Saint Augustine, were held in great veneration by the Christian people.

 

3.  At Tours in Gallia Lugdunensis, Saint Gatian, the first bishop, who is said to have been sent to that city from the city of Rome, and was buried in the cemetery of the Christians in that same town.

 

4.  At Killaloe in Ireland, Saint Flannan, bishop.

 

5.  In the monastery of Heidenheim in Bavaria, Saint Winebald, abbot, who, English by birth, followed Saint Boniface with his brother Saint Willibald, and helped in evangelizing the peoples of Germany.

 

6.  On the hill of Gò-Voi in Tonkin [Vietnam], the holy martyrs Paul Nguyễn Văn Mỹ, Peter Trương Văn Dương, and Peter Vũ Văn Truật, catechists, who, steadfast in the faith under the emperor Minh Mạng, were strangled.

 

7.  At Borgaro near Turin in Italy, blessed Nemesia (Giulia) Valle, virgin of the Institute of the Sisters of Charity, who, outstanding in the education of the young and in guiding them in the love of the Gospel, ran continually in the way of the Lord’s commandments through love of her neighbor.

 

 

---

 

December 19^th

 

This Day, the Nineteenth  Day of December

 

1.  At Rome, in the cemetery of Pontian on the Via Portuensis, the deposition of Saint Anastasius the First, pope, a man of richest poverty and apostolic solicitude, who firmly opposed heretical doctrines.

 

2.  At Auxerre in Gallia Lugdunensis, Saint Gregory, bishop.

 

3.  At the Charterhouse of Casotto in the Piedmont, blessed William of Fenolis, religious, who had previously led the eremitical life.

 

4.  At Avignon in Provence of Gaul, blessed Urban the Fifth, pope, who, raised from being a monk to the chair of Peter, immediately turned his mind especially to bringing the Apostolic See back to the City and to restoring the unity of the Church.

 

5.  At the place of Bac-Ninh in Tonkin, the holy martyrs Francis Xavier Hà Trọng Mậu and Dominic Bùi Văn Úy, catechists; Thomas Nguyễn Văn Đệ, tailor; and Augustine Nguyễn Văn Mới and Stephen Nguyễn Văn Vinh, farmers, of whom one was a neophyte and the other still a catechumen; all of whom, refusing to trample upon the cross, suffered prison and tortures, and at last, by order of the emperor Minh Mạng, were strangled.

 

6.  In the town of Slonim in Poland, blessed Mary Eve of Providence Noiszewska and blessed Mary Martha of Jesus Wolowska, virgins of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and martyrs, who, during the wartime occupation of Poland, were killed by bullets for keeping the faith.

 

 

---

 

December 20^th

 

This Day, the Twentieth Day of December

1.   At Rome, near the cemetery of Callistus on the Via Appia, the deposition of Saint Zephyrinus, pope, who governed the Roman Church for eighteen years and entrusted to Saint Callistus, his deacon, the task of establishing the cemetery of the Roman Church on the Via Appia.

 

2.   Likewise at Rome, on the Via Salaria Vetus, in the cemetery ad Septem Palumbas, Saint Liberalis, martyr, who is said once to have held the office of consul in the world.

 

3.   At Antioch in Syria, Saint Philogonius, bishop, who, by the will of God, was called from being a lawyer to govern this Church, and together with Saint Alexander the bishop and their companions, was the first to enter into combat for the Catholic faith against Arius; distinguished in merits, he rested in the Lord, and Saint John Chrysostom celebrated him with splendid praise.

 

4.   In the Jura mountains of Switzerland, by the river Doubs, Saint Ursicinus, who, a disciple of Saint Columban, first lived the eremitical life in solitude, and, once discovered, inspired many to that same manner of life.

 

5.   In the monastery of Exilensis in the region of Castile in Spain, Saint Dominic, abbot, who, formerly a hermit, restored this monastery when it was almost ruined, renewed its discipline, and exalted the divine praise day and night.

 

6.   At Torre del Greco near Naples in Campania, blessed Vincent Romano, priest, who, as pastor, devoted his whole heart to the education of boys and to caring for the needs of workers and fishermen.

 

7.   In the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Germany, blessed Michael Piaszczynski, priest and martyr, who, Polish by birth, imprisoned in foreign captivity for the faith, passed to heavenly glory through torture.

 

 

---

 

December 21^st

 

This Day, the Twenty-first Day of December

1.   Saint Peter Canisius, priest of the Society of Jesus and Doctor of the Church, who, sent into Germany, labored vigorously for many years by preaching and writing to defend and strengthen the Catholic faith, among which works his book entitled “Catechism” stands out; at Freiburg in Switzerland, he at last rested from his labors.

 

2.   Commemoration of Saint Micah, prophet, who in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, by his preaching defended the oppressed, condemned idols and wickedness, and announced to the chosen people—come forth from the days of eternity—that a leader would be born in Bethlehem of Judah who would shepherd Israel in the strength of the Lord.

 

3.   In Lycia, Saint Themistocles, martyr, who, in the time of the emperor Decius, is said to have offered himself in place of Saint Dioscorus, who was sought to be killed, and, having been tortured on the rack, scourged, and beaten with clubs, gained the crown of martyrdom.

 

4.   At Monte Cerignone in Flaminia, blessed Dominic Spadafora, priest of the Order of Preachers, who labored diligently in the ministry of preaching.

 

5.   At Hanoi in Tonkin [Vietnam], the passion of Saints Andrew Dũng-Lac and Peter Trưỏng Van Thi, priests and martyrs, who, when they refused the order to trample upon the cross, completed the struggle by beheading. Their memorial is celebrated on the twenty-fourth day of November.

 

6.   At Koblenz in the Rhineland of Germany, blessed Peter Friedhofen, religious, who, having first worked as a chimney sweep, later founded the Congregation of the Brothers of Mercy of Mary Help of Christians, for which, with a calm and peaceful spirit, he endured many insults and trials.

 

 

---

 

December 22^nd

 

This Day, the Twenty-second Day of December

1.  Commemoration of the holy martyrs Chaeremon, bishop of Nilopolis, and many others in Egypt, of whom some, when the persecution of the emperor Decius was raging, were scattered in flight and, wandering in the deserts, were killed by wild beasts; others, consumed by hunger, cold, and sickness; others, finally, were slain by barbarians and robbers — so that all, by a different manner of death, were crowned with the same glory of martyrdom.

 

2.  Likewise, commemoration of Saint Ischyrion, martyr in Egypt, who, at the same time, when he had scorned to sacrifice despite insults and injuries, was run through the middle of his body with a sharp stake and put to death.

 

3.  At Rome, on the Via Labicana, in the cemetery ad Duas Lauros, the holy thirty martyrs, all of whom were crowned on one day.

 

4.  In the region of Raithu in Egypt, the holy forty-three monks, who for the Christian religion were killed by the Blemmyes.

 

5.  At Utrecht in Gelderland of Lorraine, Saint Hunger, bishop.

 

6.  At London in England, blessed Thomas Holland, priest of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, carrying out the ministry in secret, under King Charles the First was condemned to death and, strangled by the noose, gave up his spirit.

 

7.  At Chicago in Illinois of the United States of North America, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, who founded the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and, with outstanding charity, devoted every labor to the care of migrants.

 

 

---

 

December 23^rd

 

This Day, the Twenty-third Day of December

Saint John of Kęty, priest, who, having been ordained, fulfilled the office of teaching for many years in the Academy of Kraków, and then undertook the pastoral care of the parish of Olkusz.  There, uniting right faith with virtues, he became an example of piety and charity toward his neighbor for his fellow workers and disciples, and on the day after this, at Kraków in Poland, he departed to the joys of heaven.

 

2.  At Gortyna on the island of Crete, the ten holy martyrs Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pontius, Agathopus, Basilides, and Evaristus, who, in the persecution of the emperor Decius, when ordered to sacrifice at the dedication of the temple of Fortune, publicly resisted, suffered torments, and were beheaded.

 

3.  At Rome, commemoration of Saint Servulus, who, from early age lying paralyzed in a portico near the church of Saint Clement, as Saint Gregory the Great writes, strove always to give thanks to God in his suffering, and whatever he collected from alms he distributed to the poor.

 

4.  At Chartres in Gaul, Saint Ivo, bishop, who restored the order of canons and accomplished and wrote much for the concord of priesthood and empire and for the welfare of the Church.

 

5.  At Brixen in the territory of Trent, blessed Hartmann, bishop, who, formerly a canon regular, prudently, and faithfully governed that Church.

 

6.  In Iceland, Saint Thorlac, bishop of Skálholt, who devoted himself to reforming the morals of clergy and people.

 

7.  At Canterbury in England, commemoration of Saint John Stone, priest of the Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine and martyr, who, a vigorous champion of the Catholic faith, under King Henry the Eighth, completed his martyrdom on the gallows.

 

8.  At Valencia in Spain, blessed Nicholas, surnamed the Factor, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who, inflamed with the most ardent charity of God, was rapt in ecstasies.

 

9.  At Montreal in Canada, Saint Marie-Marguerite d’Youville, religious, who, having become a widow and mother of a family, piously raised two sons to the priesthood and devoted all her strength to caring for the sick, the elderly, and the afflicted of every kind, for whom she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity.

 

10.  At São Paulo in Brazil, blessed Anthony of Saint Anne Galvão de França, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who devoted himself fruitfully to preaching and the ministry of penance, and founded the Recolhimento de Luz (“Retreat of Light”), where he guided the community of Sisters with the highest spiritual moderation.

 

11.  In the district of Tjyen-Tiyon in Korea, Saint Joseph Cho Yun-ho, martyr, who, a young man following in the footsteps of Saint Peter Cho Hwa-so, his father, was killed by blows for the name of Christian.

 

12.  In the district of Valencia in Spain, blessed Paul Meléndez Gonzalo, martyr, who, a father of a family, while persecution raged against the faith, cleaving to the footsteps of Christ, through His grace came to the eternal kingdom.

 

 

---

 

December 24^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-fourth Day of December

1.   Commemoration of all the holy ancestors of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham, the son of Adam — that is, the fathers who were pleasing to God and were found just, and who died according to faith, having received no promises but seeing them from afar and greeting them — from whom Christ was born according to the flesh, who is over all things, God, blessed forever.

 

2.   At Bordeaux in Aquitaine, Saint Delphinus, bishop, who was closely united in friendship with Saint Paulinus of Nola and gave vigorous effort to warding off the errors of Priscillian.

 

3.   At Rome, commemoration of Saint Tarsilla, virgin, whose continual prayer, seriousness of life, and singular abstinence her nephew, Saint Gregory the Great, praises.

 

4.   At Trier in Austrasia, Saint Irmina, abbess of the monastery of Oeren, who, a matron consecrated to God, gave to Saint Willibrord the small monastery she had founded in her estate at Echternach and enriched it from her own goods.

 

5.   At Kraków in Poland, the birthday of Saint John of Kęty, whose memorial is kept on the day before this.

 

6.   At Bologna in Emilia, blessed Bartholomew Mary Dal Monte, priest, who in many regions of Italy preached the word of God to the Christian people and clergy, and founded the Pious Work of Missions for the same purpose.

 

7.   At Comonte near Bergamo in Lombardy, Saint Paola Elisabetta (Costanza) Cerioli, who, all her children having died prematurely, was left a widow and devoted her wealth and strength to instructing country boys and orphans without hope for the future; and, founding the Institute of Sisters and the Congregation of Fathers and Brothers of the Holy Family, she attained in the Lord the joys of motherhood.

 

8.   At Annaya in Lebanon, the birthday of Saint Sharbel (Joseph) Makhlouf, whose memorial is celebrated on the twenty-fourth day of July.

 

 

---

 

December 25^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-fifth Day of December

After countless ages from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created heaven and earth and formed man in His own image; and also after many ages, since the Most High set the bow in the clouds after the flood, as a sign of covenant and peace; from the migration of Abraham, our father in faith, from Ur of the Chaldeans, in the twenty-first century; from the going forth of the people of Israel out of Egypt, under the leadership of Moses, in the thirteenth century; from the anointing of David as king, about the thousandth year; in the sixty-fifth week, according to the prophecy of Daniel; in the one hundred ninety-fourth Olympiad; from the founding of the City, in the seven hundred fifty-second year; in the forty-second year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus; the whole world being composed in peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and the Son of the eternal Father, wishing to consecrate the world by His most merciful coming, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed after His conception, is born in Bethlehem of Judah from the Virgin Mary, having become man: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

 

 

2.  At Rome, the commemoration of Saint Anastasia, martyr at Sirmium in Pannonia.

 

3.  Likewise at Rome, in the cemetery of Apronianus on the Via Latina, Saint Eugenia, martyr.

 

3.  Likewise at Rome on the Via Latina, the holy martyrs Jovinus and Basileus.

 

5.   In the monastery of Cluny in Burgundy, in Gaul, blessed Peter the Venerable, abbot, who ruled the monastic Order by the precepts of its former observance and composed many treatises.

 

6.  At Sanseverino in Picenum of Italy, blessed Bentivoglio de’ Bonis, priest of the Order of Minims, an outstanding preacher.

 

7.  In the city of Unzen in Japan, blessed Michael Nakashima, religious of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, being a catechist, for the sake of the faith of Christ, was plunged into boiling water and attained the crown of martyrdom.

 

8.  At Rome, blessed Mary of the Apostles (Mary Teresa) von Wüllenweber, virgin, German by nationality, who, enkindled with missionary ardor, founded at Tivoli in Latium the Institute of the Sisters of the Divine Savior.

 

9.  At Kraków in Poland, Saint Albert (Adam) Chmielowski, religious, who, renowned for his art as a painter, devoted himself to the poor, striving to be good to them in all things, and founded the Congregations of Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis serving the poor.

 

 

---

 

December 26^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-sixth Day of December

Feast of Saint Stephen, the Protomartyr, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, who, first of the seven deacons whom the Apostles chose as helpers in the ministry, also first of the disciples of the Lord shed his blood at Jerusalem, bearing witness on behalf of Jesus Christ, whom he affirmed he saw standing in glory at the right hand of the Father, and he was overwhelmed with stones, praying for his persecutors.

2. At Rome, in the cemetery of Callistus on the Via Appia, Saint Dionysius, pope, who, after the persecution of the emperor Valerian, consoled the brethren either grieving with letters and by his presence, or redeemed captives from tortures by ransom, or taught the ignorant the doctrines of the faith, excelling in every virtue.

3. Commemoration of Saint Zeno, bishop of Maiuma in Palestine, who rebuilt a basilica with his kinsmen Saints Eusebius, Nestabius, and Zeno, martyrs, and even to the end of his life practiced the work of a weaver, that he might earn his livelihood and aid the poor.

4. At Rome on the Via Tiburtina, near blessed Lawrence, the deposition of Saint Zosimus, pope.
 

5. At Sardis in Lydia, Saint Euthymius, bishop and martyr, who, on account of the veneration of sacred images, was afflicted with exile by the emperor Michael the iconoclast, and finally, under the emperor Theophilus, was cruelly beaten with ox sinews and completed his martyrdom.

6. At Madrid in Spain, Saint Vincentia Maria Lopez Vicuña, virgin, who founded and spread the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, so that aid of soul and body might be provided to girls separated from their families and assigned to domestic service.
 

7. In the village of Song-Khon in Thailand, the blessed martyrs Agnes Phila and Lucia Khambang, virgins of the Sisters Lovers of the Cross, as well as Agatha Phutta, Cecilia Butsi, Bibiana Hampai, and Maria Phon, who, refusing to deny the Christian faith, were killed with bullets in the cemetery of the village.

8. Near the place Dragali in Montenegro, blessed Secondo Pollo, priest of Vercelli, who, performing the office of chaplain of soldiers during the Second World War, while attending a dying soldier, was himself gravely wounded and a little later, having lost blood, gave up his spirit to God.

 

 

---

 

December 27^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-seventh Day of December

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, who, the son of Zebedee, with his brother James and Peter was a witness of the Transfiguration, as also of the Passion of the Lord, and from the Lord Himself at the cross received Mary as his mother.  In the Gospel and in other writings he shows himself as a theologian, who, having been deemed worthy to contemplate the glory of the Word made flesh, announced what he saw.

 

2.  Commemoration of Saint Fabiola, a Roman widow, who, as Saint Jerome attests, turned her penance toward the benefit of the poor and brought it to perfection.

 

3.  At Apamea in Bithynia, the passion of Saint Theodore, monk of the laura of Saint Sabas in Palestine, priest and martyr, who, at Constantinople with his brother Saint Theophanes, for the defense of sacred Images, endured beatings, imprisonment, exile, and also the branding on his forehead, for which reason he was called Graptus, and died in prison.

 

4.  At Liendo in Cantabria on the coast of Spain, blessed Alaphrid Parte, priest of the Order of the Clerics Regular of the Pious Schools and martyr, who, in time of persecution, because he was a priest, was led to a glorious martyrdom.

 

5.  Likewise, in a vessel in the strait of the sea before Liendo in Spain, blessed Joseph Mary Corbin Ferrer, martyr, who fought a noble contest for Christ.

 

 

---

 

December 28^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-eighth Day of December

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs. The boys who in Bethlehem of Judah were killed by the impious king Herod, so that with them the infant Jesus, whom the Magi had adored, might perish, and who, honored as martyrs from the earliest ages of the Church, are the first fruits of all who would pour out their blood for God and the Lamb.

 

2.  At Alexandria in Egypt, Saint Theonas, bishop, who was the teacher and predecessor of Saint Peter the martyr.

 

3.  Commemoration of Saint Antony, monk, who lived a solitary life and, as an old man, retired to the monastery of Lérins in Provence, where, kindly and learned, he died piously.

 

4.  At Matelica in Picenum of Italy, blessed Mattia de’ Nazarei, abbess of the Order of Poor Clares.

 

5.  At Lyon in Gaul, the natal day of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva, whose memory is celebrated on the day of his death at Annecy, the twenty-fourth of January.

 

6.  At Rome, Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, priest, who strove vigorously for the liberty of the Church, and, having been cast into prison, did not cease to lead sinners back to the right way, especially through devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Christ, in whose honor he founded the Congregations of Missionaries and of Sisters.

 

7.  At Naples in Italy, blessed Catherine Volpicelli, virgin, who, continually devoted to the assistance of the poor and the sick, founded the Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, taking care that Christian charity might always be expressed by activity adapted to the needs of the times.

 

8.  At Kyiv in Ukraine, blessed Gregory Khomysyn, bishop of Stanislaviv and martyr, who, in time of persecution against the faith, merited to recline at the banquet of the heavenly Lamb.

 

 

---

 

December 29^th

 

This Day, the Twenty-ninth Day of December

Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr, who, for the defense of justice and of the Church, was forced into exile from the see of Canterbury and from the very kingdom of England, and after six years having returned to his homeland still endured many things, until, in the cathedral church, struck with the sword by the agents of King Henry the Second, he departed to Christ.

 

2.  Commemoration of Saint David, king and prophet, who, the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, found favor before God and was anointed with holy oil by the prophet Samuel, so that he might rule the people of Israel; he transferred the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord into the city of Jerusalem, and the Lord Himself soon swore to him that his seed would remain forever, because from him Jesus Christ, according to the flesh, was to be born.

 

3.  At Arles in Provence of Gaul, Saint Trophimus, who is held to have been the first bishop of this city.

 

4.  At Carthage, Saint Liberius, bishop of Vaga and martyr, who, in the Council of Carthage concerning the baptism of heretics, asserted: “In the Gospel Christ said: I am the truth, and not: I am custom.”

 

5.  At Milan in Liguria, Saint Martinian, bishop.

 

6.  At Constantinople, Saint Marcellus, abbot of the monastery of the Acoemetae on the Bosporus, in which the chanting of psalms was carried on day and night without any interruption whatsoever.

 

7.  At Ouche in Neustria, Saint Ebrulf, abbot of the monastery of Saint-Evroul, in the time of King Childebert.

 

8.  At Palermo in Sicily, blessed Gerard Cagnoli, religious of the Order of Minors, who first and for a long time remained in the eremitical life.

 

9.  At London in England, blessed William Howard, martyr, Viscount Stafford who,  professed the Catholic faith, and on account of this, falsely accused of conspiracy against King Charles the Second, was struck with the axe for Christ and died.

 

10.  At Seoul in Korea, Saints Benedict Hyõn Kyõng-nyõn, widow and catechist, and six companions,⁴ martyrs, who, for the Christian name, were afflicted with many torments and put to death by beheading.

 

11.  In the city of Paterna in the district of Valencia of Spain, blessed Joseph Aparicio Sanz, priest and martyr, who, when the persecution against the faith was raging, poured out his blood for Christ.

 

12.  In the village of Picadero de Paterna likewise in the district of Valencia, the blessed martyrs Henry John Requena, priest, and Joseph Perpiñá Nácher, who completed a noble contest for Christ.

 

13.  In the village of San Miguel de los Reyes in the same district, blessed John Baptist Ferreres Boluda, priest of the Society of Jesus and martyr, who, in the same persecution, imitating the Passion of Christ, was deemed worthy to obtain the illustrious palm.

 

 

---

 

December 30^th

 

This Day, the Thirtieth Day of December

1.  At Rome, in the cemetery of Callistus on the Via Appia, the deposition of Saint Felix the First, pope, who ruled the Roman Church under the emperor Aurelian.

 

2.  At Bonnonia in Moesia, Saint Hermes, exorcist and martyr.

 

3.  Commemoration of Saint Anysius, bishop of Thessalonica, who flourished in the time of the emperor Theodosius, having been appointed by the Roman Pontiffs as apostolic vicar in Illyricum, and was heaped with praise by Saint Ambrose.

 

4.  At Tours in Lugdunensian Gaul, Saint Perpetuus, bishop, who rebuilt the basilica of Saint Martin and many others in honor of the saints, and established in his Church the practice of fasts and vigils.

 

5.  At Aosta in the Graian Alps, Saint Iucundus, bishop.

 

6.  At Flavigny in the territory of Beauvais in Neustria, Saint Geremarus, abbot of the monastery of this place, which he founded.

 

7.  At Evesham in England, Saint Egwin, bishop, who founded the monastery of that place.

 

8.  In the Vestini of Italy, Saint Ranieri, bishop of Forcone, whose virtue in the administration of goods Pope Alexander the Second praised.

 

9.  At Canne in Apulia, Saint Roger, bishop.

 

10.  At the town of Fragalà in Sicily, Saint Lawrence, monk under the rule of the Easterners, notable for the austerity of his life and for unwearied preaching.

 

11.  At Palestrina in Latium, blessed Margaret Colonna, virgin, who, preferring poverty for Christ to riches and pleasures of the world, served according to the Rule of Saint Clare, which she professed.

 

12.  At Genoa in Liguria of Italy, blessed Eugenia Ravasco, virgin, who founded the Institute of the Sisters Daughters of the Most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to whose care she entrusted the instruction of girls, as well as the needs of the sick and of very young children.

 

13.  In the district of Pancalieri near Turin in Italy, blessed John Mary Boccardo, priest, who, amid many labors expended for the care of the aged and the sick and the Christian instruction of children, founded the Congregation of the Poor Sisters Daughters of Saint Cajetan.

 

 

---

 

December 31^st

 

This Day, the Thirty-first Day of December

Saint Sylvester the First, pope, who for many years piously ruled the Church, in the time when Constantine the Augustus built venerable basilicas and the Council of Nicaea acclaimed Christ the Son of God. On this day at Rome, in the cemetery of Priscilla, his body was laid to rest.

 

2.  Likewise at Rome, in the cemetery of the Jordani on the Via Salaria Nova, the holy martyrs Donata, Paulina, Rogata, Dominanda, Serotina, Saturnina, and Hilaria.

 

3.  At Sens in Lugdunensian Gaul, Saint Columba, virgin and martyr.

 

4.  At Constantinople, Saint Zoticus, priest, who took upon himself the care of feeding orphans.

 

5.  At Jerusalem, Saint Melania the Younger, who, with her husband Saint Pinian, departed from the city of Rome and set out for the Holy City; and there she among the women consecrated to God and he among the monks pursued the religious life, and both rested in a holy death.

 

6.  At Ravenna in Flaminia, Saint Barbatus, priest.

 

7.  At Lausanne among the Swiss, Saint Marius, bishop, who transferred the See from Avenches to that place, rebuilt many churches, and was a defender of the poor.

 

8.  In the district of La Louvesc, in the mountains near Le Puy in Gaul, Saint John Francis Regis, priest of the Society of Jesus, who, by preaching and celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, traveling through the mountains and rural districts of the place, unceasingly cared for the renewal of the Catholic faith in the souls of the inhabitants.

 

9.  At the castle of Mercuès near Cahors in southern Gaul, the passing of blessed Alain de Solminihac, bishop of Cahors, who, by pastoral visitations, strove to provide for the correction of the morals of the people, and with apostolic zeal endeavored in every way to renew the Church committed to him.

 

10.  At Paris in Gaul, Saint Catherine Labouré, virgin of the Daughters of Charity, who venerated in a special way the Immaculate Mother of God and was distinguished by simplicity, charity, and patience.

_____________________

 

1.  Among whom: Saints Emilius the physician, Dativa, Leontia, Tertius, Boniface of Sibida, Servius, and Victrix.

2. Whose names are: Saints Peter Yi Myong-so and Bartholomew Chong Mun-ho, fathers of families; Peter Son Son-ji, father of a family and catechist; Joseph Peter Han Chae-kwon, formerly a catechist; Peter Chong Won-ji, a youth.

3. Among whom: Saints John, Paul, another John, another Paul, Photinus, Zitas, Eugenius, Muselius, John, Stephen, Theodore, John, another Theodore, the son of the preceding, George, Theopemptus, another George, Sergius, another George, another Theodore, Cyriacus, another John, Zitas, Philoxenus, another George, another John, another George — all from the cohort of the Scythians; Theodosius, Epiphanius, John, Theodore, Sergius, George, Thomas, Stephen, Conon, another Theodore, Paul, another John, another George, another John, another John, Paulinus, Caiumas, Abramius, Marmises, [and] Marinus — all from the cohort of the Volunteers.

4. Whose names [are]: Saints Peter Ch'oe Ch'ang-hub, catechist; Barbara Cho Chung-i, widow of Saint Sebastian Nam I-gwan; Magdalene Han Yong-i, widow; Elizabeth Chong Chong-hye, virgin, daughter of Saint Cecilia Yu So-sa and sister of Saint Paul Chong Hasang; Barbara Ko Sun-i, wife of Saint Augustine Pak Chong-won; Magdalene Yi Yong-dog, virgin, sister of Saint Catherine Yi.

 

2004 Roman Martyrology by Month (to be completed)

\ Copyright © 2025 Geoffrey K. Mondello, Boston Catholic Journal. All rights reserved.