Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

In the province of Narbonne, Saint Giles, Abbot and Confessor, after whom the town that grew around the monastery he founded and where he completed his earthly course is named.

At Sentiano in Apulia, the passion of the holy Martyrs Donatus and another Felix, sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla. Under the judge Valerian, during the reign of Emperor Maximian, they were ordered to be beheaded after various torments. Their feast is celebrated today along with the commemoration of the other twelve brothers, whose birthdays are observed on their respective days. The bodies of these twelve brothers were later transferred to Benevento, where they are honorably kept.

In Palestine, the Saints Joshua and Gideon.

At Jerusalem, Blessed Anna the Prophetess, whose sanctity is proclaimed in the Gospel.

At Capua, on the Aquarian Way, Saint Priscus, Martyr, who was one of the early disciples of Christ.

At Todi in Umbria, Saint Terentian, Bishop and Martyr, who, under Emperor Hadrian, was tortured on the rack and with scorpions by order of the proconsul Laetian, had his tongue cut out, and finally was condemned to beheading, thus completing his martyrdom.

At Heraclea in Thrace, Saint Ammon, Deacon, and forty holy Virgins, whom he instructed in the faith and led to the glory of martyrdom under the tyrant Licinius.

In Spain, the holy Martyrs Vincent and Laetus.

At Populonia in Tuscany, Saint Regulus, Martyr, who came from Africa and completed his martyrdom there under Totila.

At Capua, Saint Priscus, Bishop, one of the priests who, during the Vandal persecution, suffered various afflictions for the Catholic faith and, being placed on an old ship, arrived at the shores of Campania. There, dispersed and appointed to various churches, they marvelously propagated the Christian religion. His companions included Castrensis, whose birthday is commemorated on the eleventh of February, Tammarus, Rosius, Heraclius, Secundinus, Adjutor, Marcus, Augustus, Elpidius, Canion, and Vindonius.

At Sens, Blessed Lupus, Bishop and Confessor, of whom it is related that one day, while standing at the sacred altar in the presence of the clergy, a gem fell from heaven into his holy chalice.

At Reims in France, Saint Sixtus, the first Bishop of that city.

At Le Mans in France, Saint Victor, Bishop.

At Aquino, Saint Constantius, Bishop, renowned for the gift of prophecy and many virtues.

At Aquis Duras, in the territory of Constance in Germany, Saint Verena, Virgin.

St. Giles, Abbot

St. Giles, Athenian hermit in France, founded a great abbey. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, patron of the disabled. He died c. 710.

St. Giles (Aegidius) was born at Athens about the year 640. He left his homeland and traveled to France, where he lived as a hermit in a forest near the mouth of the Rhône.

According to legend, he was nourished by the milk of a hind. When the king's hunters pursued the deer, an arrow intended for the animal struck Giles instead. The king, impressed by his holiness, founded a monastery at the spot, with Giles as abbot.

The abbey of Saint-Gilles became one of the great pilgrimage centers of medieval France. He died about 710 and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, invoked as the patron of the disabled and nursing mothers.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The birthday of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, Cardinal and Confessor, of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the Redemption of Captives, whose entry into heaven is commemorated on the twenty-fourth of August.

At Mount Senario in Etruria, the birthday of Saint Bonajuncta, Confessor, one of the seven Founders of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary. While speaking to his brethren about the Passion of the Lord, he gave up his spirit into the hands of God. The feast of these seven Founders is celebrated on the eleventh of February.

At Trier, the birthday of Saint Paulinus, Bishop, who, during the Arian persecution, was exiled by the Arian Emperor Constantius for his Catholic faith. He was worn out by being moved from one place of exile to another, even beyond the bounds of Christendom, until he died in Phrygia and received the crown of blessed suffering from the Lord.

At Transaquae, by Lake Fucino in the Marsi region, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Caesidius, Priest, and his companions, who were crowned with martyrdom during the persecution of Maximinus.

Also, the holy Martyrs Robustian and Mark.

At Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Saints Theodotus, Rufina, and Ammia. The first two were the parents of Saint Mamas, Martyr, whom Rufina gave birth to in prison and Ammia raised.

At Auxerre, Saint Optatus, Bishop and Confessor.

In England, Saint Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, whose soul, as Saint Cuthbert, then a shepherd, saw being carried to heaven, inspired him to leave his flock and become a monk.

At Nusco, Saint Amatus, Bishop.

At Athens, Saint Aristides, renowned for his faith and wisdom, who presented Emperor Hadrian with an excellent treatise on the Christian religion, eloquently demonstrating that Christ Jesus alone is God.

St. Raymond Nonnatus

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Mercedarian, offered himself as hostage to free captives. His lips were pierced for preaching in captivity. Patron of expectant mothers.

St. Raymond Nonnatus was born at Portell in Catalonia about the year 1204. He was called 'Nonnatus' (not born) because he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother's death in childbirth.

He entered the Mercedarian Order, devoted to ransoming Christians held captive by the Moors. Sent to Algeria, he ransomed many captives and, when his money ran out, offered himself as a hostage for others.

In captivity, he continued to preach Christianity and was punished by having his lips pierced with a hot iron and padlocked shut. Ransomed by his order, he returned to Spain. Pope Gregory IX made him a cardinal, but he died on his way to Rome on August 31, 1240. He is the patron of expectant mothers.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The birthday of Saint Rose of Saint Mary, Virgin, of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, whose entry into heaven is commemorated on the twenty-fourth of August.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the passion of Blessed Felix, Priest, under the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. After enduring the torment of the rack, he was sentenced to beheading. On his way to execution, a Christian met him, who voluntarily professed his faith in Christ and was immediately beheaded alongside Felix. As his name was unknown, the Christians called him Adauctus, signifying that he was "added" to the crown of Felix.

Likewise at Rome, Saint Gaudentia, Virgin and Martyr, with three others.

At Suffetula in Africa, the blessed sixty Martyrs, who were slain by the fury of the pagans.

At Bologna, Saint Bononius, Abbot.

At Rome, Saint Pammachius, Priest, renowned for his learning and holiness.

At Hadrumetum in Africa, Saints Boniface and Thecla, who were the parents of the twelve blessed Martyr brothers.

At Thessalonica, Saint Fantinus, Confessor, who suffered much at the hands of the Saracens and was expelled from the monastery where he had lived in admirable abstinence. After leading many to the path of salvation, he rested in a good old age.

In the territory of Meaux, Saint Fiacre, Confessor.

At Trevi in Lazio, Saint Peter, Confessor, who, renowned for many virtues and miracles, departed to the Lord and is honorably venerated there.

St. Rose of Lima, Virgin

St. Rose of Lima, first saint of the Americas, practiced extreme penance and cared for the poor. Patroness of Latin America, she died in 1617.

St. Rose of Lima was born Isabel Flores de Oliva at Lima, Peru, on April 20, 1586. She was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized.

From childhood she practiced extreme penances and was favored with mystical graces. She took the name Rose at Confirmation. She became a Dominican tertiary and lived as a recluse in a small hut in her parents' garden.

She cared for the sick and poor, especially the indigenous people, and experienced extraordinary mystical union with God. She died on August 24, 1617, at the age of thirty-one. She was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671 and is patroness of Latin America.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, whom Herod ordered to be beheaded around the feast of Passover. However, his memory is solemnly celebrated on this day, when his venerable head was found for the second time; it was later transferred to Rome and is devoutly venerated by the faithful in the Church of Saint Sylvester at the Campus Martius.

At Rome, on the Aventine Hill, the birthday of Saint Sabina, Martyr, who, under Emperor Hadrian, was struck with the sword and obtained the palm of martyrdom.

At Velinia, on the borders of Apulia, the passion of Saints Vitalis, Sator, and Repositus, sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, who, under Judge Valerian and Emperor Maximian, suffered the death sentence. Their memory, along with that of the other twelve brothers, is commemorated on the Kalends of September.

At Rome, Saint Candida, Virgin and Martyr, whose body was transferred by Blessed Pope Paschal I to the Church of Saint Praxedes.

At Constantinople, the holy Martyrs Hypatius, Bishop of Ephesus, and Andrew, Priest, who, for their veneration of holy images, were tortured under Leo the Isaurian by having their beards smeared with pitch and set on fire, their scalp flayed, and finally were slain.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Nicea and Paul.

At Metz, in Gaul, Saint Adelphus, Bishop and Confessor.

At Paris, the departure of Saint Mederic, Priest.

At Perugia, Saint Euthymius, a Roman, who, fleeing the persecution of Diocletian with his wife and son Crescentius, withdrew to that city, where he later rested in the Lord.

In England, Saint Sebbi, King.

At Sirmium, the birthday of Saint Basilla, Virgin.

In the territory of Troyes, Saint Sabina, Virgin, renowned for her virtues and miracles.

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist commemorates his martyrdom under Herod Antipas. He was killed for denouncing Herod's unlawful marriage.

This feast commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the greatest of the prophets and the Precursor of the Messiah. He was beheaded in the fortress of Machaerus by order of King Herod Antipas.

John had fearlessly denounced Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Herodias bore a grudge against John, and the opportunity for revenge came at Herod's birthday feast, when her daughter Salome danced before the king.

Pleasured by the dance, Herod promised Salome whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she demanded: 'The head of John the Baptist on a platter.' Herod, though reluctant, ordered the execution. The feast has been observed since the earliest centuries of the Church.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Hippo Regius, in Africa, the birthday of Saint Augustine, Bishop, Confessor, and eminent Doctor of the Church, who, through the efforts of Blessed Ambrose, Bishop, was converted to the Catholic faith and baptized. He valiantly defended it against the Manicheans and other heretics, and after many labors for the Church of God, he passed to his heavenly reward. His relics, first brought from his city to Sardinia due to the barbarians, were later transferred by King Liutprand of the Lombards to Pavia, where they are honorably kept.

At Rome, the birthday of Saint Hermes, an illustrious man, who, as recorded in the Acts of Blessed Pope Alexander, was first imprisoned and later, along with many others, completed his martyrdom by the sword under the judge Aurelian.

At Venosa, in Apulia, the passion of Saints Septiminus, Januarius, and Felix, sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla, who were ordered by the judge Valerian, under Emperor Maximian, to be beheaded. Their feast, along with that of the other twelve brothers, is celebrated on the Kalends of September.

At Brioude, near Clermont, the passion of Saint Julian, Martyr, who, being a companion of Blessed Ferreolus the Tribune and secretly serving Christ in military attire, was seized by soldiers during the persecution of Diocletian and killed by having his throat cut in a horrific manner.

At Constance, in Germany, Saint Pelagius, Martyr, who, under Emperor Numerian and Judge Evilasius, was beheaded and received the crown of martyrdom.

At Salerno, the holy Martyrs Fortunatus, Caius, and Anthes, who were beheaded under Emperor Diocletian and Proconsul Leontius.

At Constantinople, Saint Alexander, Bishop, a glorious elder, through whose prayer Arius was condemned by divine judgment, burst asunder, and his entrails were poured forth.

At Saintes, in Gaul, Saint Vivian, Bishop and Confessor.

Also, Saint Moses the Ethiopian, who, from being a notorious robber, became a distinguished Hermit and converted many robbers, leading them with him to the monastery.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Doctor

St. Augustine (354–430), converted in Milan after hearing 'Take and read,' became Bishop of Hippo. His Confessions and City of God shaped Western theology. He died as the Vandals besieged his city.

St. Augustine, one of the greatest Fathers and Doctors of the Church, was born on November 13, 354, at Tagaste in Numidia (modern Algeria). His father Patricius was a pagan; his mother was the saintly Monica, who prayed ceaselessly for his conversion. Despite his mother's Christian upbringing, Augustine fell into a life of sin and error, embracing Manichaeism and living for years with a concubine, by whom he had a son, Adeodatus.

After studying rhetoric at Carthage and teaching in Rome and Milan, Augustine came under the influence of St. Ambrose, whose sermons resolved his intellectual difficulties. Yet he struggled painfully with the surrender of his will to God. The crisis came in a garden in Milan in August 386, when he heard a child's voice singing "Tolle, lege" (Take and read). He opened St. Paul's epistles at random and read: "Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." In that instant he was converted.

He was baptized by St. Ambrose at Easter 387, returned to Africa, and was ordained priest and then bishop of Hippo. For thirty-five years he governed his diocese, preached constantly, and produced a vast body of writings — including the Confessions, the City of God, and the treatise On the Trinity — that shaped Western theology and philosophy for centuries. He died on August 28, 430, as the Vandals besieged Hippo.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The birthday of Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest and Confessor, founder of the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools, who fell asleep in the Lord on the eighth day before the Kalends of September.

At Potenza, in Lucania, the passion of Saints Arontius, Honoratus, Fortunatus, and Sabinian, sons of Saints Boniface and Thecla. They were ordered by the judge Valerian, under Emperor Maximian, to undergo capital punishment. However, the feast of these and the other twelve brothers is celebrated on the Kalends of September.

At Bergamo, Saint Narno, who was baptized by Blessed Barnabas and ordained by him as the first Bishop of that city.

At Capua, the birthday of Saint Rufus, Bishop and Martyr, who, being of patrician rank, was baptized along with his entire household by Blessed Apollinaris, a disciple of Saint Peter.

In the same place, the holy Martyrs Rufus and Carpophorus, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian.

At Tomis, in Pontus, the holy Martyrs Marcellinus the Tribune, his wife Mannea, and their sons John, Serapion, and Peter.

At Leontini, in Sicily, Saint Euthalia, Virgin, who, being a Christian, was slain by her brother Sermilian with a sword and thus went to her heavenly Spouse.

On the same day, the passion of Saint Anthusa the Younger, who, for her faith in Christ, was martyred by being thrown into a well.

At Arles, in Gaul, Saint Caesarius, Bishop, a man of remarkable holiness and piety.

At Autun, Saint Syagrius, Bishop and Confessor.

At Pavia, Saint John, Bishop.

At Lleida, in Spain, Saint Licerius, Bishop.

In the Thebaid, Saint Poemen, Hermit.

At San Severino, in Piceno, Saint Margaret, Widow.

St. Joseph Calasanctius

St. Joseph Calasanctius opened the first free public school in Europe in 1597 and founded the Piarists. He bore persecution with patience. Canonized in 1767.

St. Joseph Calasanctius (Giuseppe Calasanzio) was born at Peralta de la Sal in Aragon, Spain, on September 11, 1557. After ordination, he went to Rome, where he was moved by the plight of poor children who had no access to education.

In 1597 he opened the first free public school in Europe in the church of Santa Dorotea in Trastevere. He founded the Order of the Pious Schools (Piarists) in 1617 to provide free education to poor children.

Despite bitter persecution from within and without, including false accusations and the suppression of his order during his lifetime, he bore all with patience. He died August 25, 1648, at the age of ninety. He was canonized in 1767 and declared patron of Christian schools.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr, whose birthday is commemorated on the 20th of December.

At Cardona in Spain, the passing of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, Cardinal and Confessor, of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy for the Redemption of Captives, renowned for the sanctity of his life and miracles. His feast is celebrated on the 31st of August.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Irenaeus and Abundius, who, during the persecution of Valerian, retrieved the body of Saint Concordia from a sewer where it had been thrown. They were themselves cast into the same sewer and drowned. Their bodies were later recovered by the priest Justin and buried in a crypt near Saint Lawrence.

At Albenga, a city in Liguria, Saint Secundus, Martyr, a distinguished man and leader of the Theban Legion.

At Bergamo, Saint Alexander, Martyr, who, also a member of the same legion, steadfastly confessed the name of Jesus Christ and completed his martyrdom by being beheaded.

Among the Marsi, the holy martyrs Simplicius and his sons Constantius and Victorian, who, under Emperor Antoninus, were first subjected to various tortures and finally struck with the axe, thus obtaining the crown of martyrdom.

At Nicomedia, the passion of Saint Hadrian, born of the noble family of Probus Caesar. He reproached Licinius for his persecution of Christians and was ordered to be killed by him. His body was buried by his uncle Domitius, Bishop of Byzantium, in the suburb of that city called Argyropolis.

In Spain, Saint Victor, Martyr, who was killed by the Moors for his faith in Christ and received the crown of martyrdom.

At Capua, Saint Rufinus, Bishop and Confessor.

At Pistoia in Tuscany, Saint Felix, Priest and Confessor.

At Poitiers, Saint Jeanne Elisabeth Bichier des Ages, Virgin, co-founder with Saint André-Hubert Fournet of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross. Renowned for her constant mortification and innocence of life, she was added to the roll of holy virgins by Pope Pius XII.

St. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr

Pope St. Zephyrinus served from c. 199 to 217, opposing heresies about the Trinity. He is honored as a martyr.

St. Zephyrinus was the fifteenth Bishop of Rome, serving from about 199 to 217. His pontificate came during a period of theological controversy over the nature of the Trinity.

He opposed the heresies of Montanism and Modalism, and appointed the learned Callistus as his deacon and advisor. He maintained the Church's teaching on the distinction of Persons in the Trinity while affirming their unity.

Although the circumstances of his death are not entirely clear, he is honored as a martyr in the Roman Martyrology. He was buried in his own cemetery on the Via Appia.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Carthage, the birthday of Saint Louis IX, King of France and Confessor, renowned for the sanctity of his life and the glory of his miracles. His remains were later transferred to Paris.

At Rome, the birthday of Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest and Confessor, illustrious for his innocence of life and miracles. He founded the Order of the Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools for the education of youth in piety and letters. Pope Pius XII declared him the heavenly patron of all Christian popular schools throughout the world. His feast is celebrated on the 27th of August.

Also at Rome, the holy martyrs Eusebius, Pontian, Vincent, and Peregrinus, who, under Emperor Commodus, were first stretched on the rack and torn with thongs, then beaten with clubs while flames were applied to their sides. Remaining steadfast in their praise of Christ, they were finally killed with leaden scourges until they gave up their spirits.

At Rome, furthermore, the birthday of the blessed Deacon Nemesius and his daughter, the Virgin Lucilla. They were beheaded by order of Emperor Valerian because they refused to renounce their faith in Christ. Their bodies were buried by Pope Saint Stephen and later more honorably interred by Pope Saint Sixtus II on the Appian Way. Pope Gregory V transferred their relics, along with those of Saints Symphronius, Olympius the Tribune, his wife Exsuperia, and their son Theodulus—who were converted by Symphronius and baptized by Saint Stephen—to the Diaconia of Saint Mary Nova. These relics were subsequently found and placed under the altar of the same church by Pope Gregory XIII on the 8th of December.

Also at Rome, Saint Genesius, Martyr, who, while still a pagan and a mime, mocked the Christian Mysteries in a theater before Emperor Diocletian. Suddenly inspired by God, he converted to the faith and was baptized. By the emperor's order, he was cruelly beaten with clubs, suspended on the rack, torn with hooks for a long time, and burned with torches. Persisting in his faith, he proclaimed, "There is no King but Christ, for whom, if I were to be killed a thousand times, you could not take Him from my mouth or my heart." He finally received the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Arles in Gaul, the blessed Genesius, who, as a notary, refused to transcribe the impious edicts ordering the punishment of Christians. Casting his tablets into the public square, he declared himself a Christian. He was arrested and beheaded, thus receiving the glory of martyrdom, baptized in his own blood.

In Syria, Saint Julian, Martyr.

At Tarragona in Spain, Saint Maginus, Martyr.

At Italica in Spain, Saint Gerontius, Bishop, who preached the Gospel in that province during the time of the Apostles and, after many labors, rested in prison.

At Constantinople, Saint Mennas, Bishop.

At Utrecht, Saint Gregory, Bishop.

At Montefiascone in Etruria, Saint Thomas, Confessor, who was Bishop of the Church of Hereford in England.

At Naples in Campania, Saint Patricia, Virgin.

St. Louis IX, King of France

St. Louis IX, King of France, was renowned for justice, charity, and piety. He led two Crusades and died at Tunis in 1270. Canonized in 1297.

St. Louis IX was born at Poissy on April 25, 1214. He became King of France at twelve and was one of the greatest monarchs of the Middle Ages. His mother, Blanche of Castile, raised him with the words: 'I would rather see you dead than guilty of a mortal sin.'

He was renowned for his justice, hearing cases personally under an oak tree at Vincennes. He founded hospitals, built the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris to house the Crown of Thorns, and established charitable institutions.

He led two Crusades: the Seventh (1248-1254) and the Eighth (1270), during which he died of disease at Tunis on August 25, 1270. He was canonized by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297. He is patron of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, who preached the Gospel of Christ in India. From there, he traveled to Greater Armenia, where, after converting many to the faith, he was flayed alive by barbarians and, by order of King Astyages, completed his martyrdom by beheading. His sacred body was first transferred to the island of Lipari, then to Benevento, and finally to Rome, to the island of Tiber, where it is honored with devout veneration by the faithful.

At Lima in Peru, the birthday of Saint Rose of Saint Mary, Virgin, of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. Her feast is celebrated on August 30.

At Nepi, Saint Ptolemy, Bishop, who was a disciple of Blessed Peter the Apostle. Sent by him to preach the Gospel in Tuscany, he gloriously died as a martyr for Christ in the same city.

On the same day, Saint Eutychius, a disciple of Blessed John the Evangelist, who, for preaching the Gospel in many regions, endured imprisonment, beatings, and fire, and finally rested in peace.

At Nepi, Saint Romanus, Bishop of the same city, who was a disciple of Saint Ptolemy and also his companion in suffering.

At Carthage, the three hundred holy martyrs, during the reign of Valerian and Gallienus. These courageous martyrs, among other tortures, when the governor ordered a lime kiln to be lit and, in his presence, placed coals with incense, said to them, "Choose one of two: either offer incense to Jupiter on these coals, or be thrown into the lime kiln." Armed with faith, they confessed Christ, the Son of God, and, with rapid resolve, threw themselves into the fire, where they were reduced to ashes amidst the vapors of lime. From this, the glorious army of the blessed came to be called the "White Mass."

In Isauria, Saint Tatian, Martyr, who, during the persecution of Diocletian, was beheaded under Governor Urban and received the crown of martyrdom.

Also, Saint George Limniota, Monk, who, reproaching the impious Emperor Leo for breaking sacred images and burning the relics of the saints, was, for this reason, ordered to have his hands cut off and his head burned, thus migrating as a martyr to the Lord.

At Ostia Tiberina, Saint Aurea, Virgin and Martyr, who, with a stone tied to her neck, was drowned in the sea. Her body, cast ashore, was buried by Blessed Nonnus.

At Rouen, Saint Audoenus, Bishop and Confessor.

At Nevers in Gaul, Saint Patrick, Abbot.

At Naples in Campania, Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret, Virgin, foundress of the Sisters of Charity, whom Pope Pius XI included among the holy virgins.

At Marseilles in Gaul, Saint Emily de Vialar, Virgin, foundress of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition, distinguished for her fortitude, patience, and charity, whom Pope Pius XII enrolled among the Saints.

At Valencia in Spain, the birthday of Saint Maria Michaela, Virgin, foundress of the Congregation of Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and Charity, inflamed with the zeal for suffering and the desire to win souls for God, whom Pope Pius XI numbered among the holy virgins.

St. Bartholomew, Apostle

St. Bartholomew, Apostle identified with Nathanael, preached in Armenia and India. He was flayed alive and beheaded. Patron of tanners.

St. Bartholomew, also identified with Nathanael of the Gospel of John, was one of the twelve Apostles. When Philip told him about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael replied skeptically: 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' But upon meeting Jesus, who revealed supernatural knowledge of him, he confessed: 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God!'

According to tradition, after Pentecost Bartholomew preached the Gospel in Armenia, India, and Mesopotamia. He is said to have brought a copy of Matthew's Gospel to India.

He was martyred in Armenia, where he was flayed alive and then beheaded. For this reason he is the patron saint of tanners and leather workers. His relics were eventually brought to Rome and enshrined in the church of San Bartolomeo on the Tiber Island.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Vigil of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle.

Saint Philip Benizi, Confessor, who was a propagator of the Order of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary and passed to the Lord the day before this.

At Ostia Tiberina, the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Bishop, Maximus, Priest, Archelaus, Deacon, and their companions, who suffered under Prefect Ulpian during the reign of Emperor Alexander.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Restitutus, Donatus, Valerian, and Fructuosa, with twelve others, who were crowned with the glorious honor of confession.

At Aegeae in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Claudius, Asterius, and Neon, brothers, who, accused of the Christian religion by their stepmother, suffered under Emperor Diocletian and Governor Lysias. After enduring severe tortures, they were affixed to crosses, where they triumphed victoriously with Christ. After them, Donvina and Theonilla also suffered.

At Reims in Gaul, the birthday of the holy martyrs Timothy and Apollinaris, who, having completed their martyrdom there, merited the heavenly kingdom.

At Lyon in Gaul, the holy martyrs Minervus and Eleazar, with their eight sons.

Also, Saint Lupus, Martyr, who, though of servile condition, was granted the liberty of Christ and deemed worthy of the crown of martyrdom.

At Jerusalem, Saint Zacchaeus, Bishop, who was the fourth to govern the Church of Jerusalem after Blessed James the Apostle.

At Alexandria, Saint Theonas, Bishop and Confessor.

At Utica in Africa, Blessed Victor, Bishop.

At Autun, Saint Flavian, Bishop.

St. Philip Benizi

St. Philip Benizi, Prior General of the Servites, fled to avoid being elected Pope. He devoted himself to reform and preaching. Canonized in 1671.

St. Philip Benizi was born at Florence on August 15, 1233. After studies at Paris and Padua, where he obtained doctorates in philosophy and medicine, he entered the Servite Order in 1254.

He rose to become the fifth Prior General of the Servites in 1267, a position he held with great distinction. He was so highly regarded that he was considered as a candidate for the papacy at the conclave of 1268, but he fled and hid to avoid election.

He devoted himself to reform, preaching, and the expansion of the order. He died at Todi on August 22, 1285, and was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Feast of the Immaculate Heart of the same Blessed Virgin Mary.

At Rome, on the Ostian Way, the birthday of Saint Timothy, Martyr, who, detained by the Prefect of the City Tarquinius, was worn down by long imprisonment and, refusing to sacrifice to idols, was beaten three times, subjected to severe tortures, and finally beheaded.

At Portus Romanus, Saint Hippolytus, Bishop, renowned for his learning, who, under Emperor Alexander, for his outstanding confession of faith, was bound hand and foot and thrown into a deep pit filled with water, thus receiving the palm of martyrdom. His body was buried by Christians at the same place.

At Autun, Saint Symphorian, Martyr, who, during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, refusing to sacrifice to idols, was first scourged, then imprisoned, and finally beheaded, thus completing his martyrdom.

At Todi in Umbria, the birthday of Saint Philip Benizi, Confessor, a Florentine, who was a propagator of the Order of Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a man of exceptional humility. He was enrolled among the Saints by Pope Clement X, and his feast is celebrated on the following day.

At Rome, Saint Antoninus, Martyr, who, openly confessing himself a Christian, was sentenced to death by Judge Vitellius and buried by Priest Rufinus on the Aurelia Way.

At Tarsus in Cilicia, the commemoration of Saints Athanasius, Bishop and Martyr, Anthusa, a noblewoman whom he baptized, and Charisius and Neophytus, Martyrs, servants of Anthusa, who suffered under Emperor Valerian.

At Portus Romanus, the holy martyrs Martial, Saturninus, Epictetus, Maprilis, and Felix, with their companions.

At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Agathonicus, Zoticius, and their companions, martyrs under Emperor Maximian and Governor Eutolmius.

At Reims in Gaul, the holy martyrs Maurus and his companions.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Fabrician and Philibert.

At Pavia, Saint Gunifort, Martyr.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The feast of the Immaculate Heart celebrates Mary's perfect heart. Promoted after the Fatima apparitions (1917), it was universalized by Pius XII in 1944.

The feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary celebrates the spiritual perfection of the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most pure heart ever created, entirely devoted to God and to the salvation of mankind.

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart has deep roots in Christian tradition, but was particularly promoted after the apparitions at Fatima in 1917, where Our Lady asked that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart.

Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1942 and established the feast for the universal Church in 1944. It is celebrated on the day after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, emphasizing the intimate connection between the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, foundress of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, whose birthday is commemorated on December 12.

At Rome, in the Verano field, Saint Cyriaca, widow and martyr, who, during the persecution of Valerian, devoted herself and her possessions to the service of the saints, and finally, suffering martyrdom for Christ, willingly gave her life.

At Salona, Saint Anastasius, a centurion, who, seeing Blessed Agapitus steadfastly endure torments, converted to the faith and, for confessing the name of Christ, was killed by order of Emperor Aurelian and migrated as a martyr to the Lord.

In Sardinia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Luxorius, Cisellus, and Camerinus, who were slain by the sword during the persecution of Diocletian under Governor Delphius.

In the territory of Gavalitanum, Saint Privatus, Bishop and Martyr, who, coming from Alexandria to Rome to visit the memorials of the Apostles, withdrew to the Fundanum field, where, while burying the bodies of martyrs, he was captured by a tribune and died in chains.

At Edessa in Syria, the holy martyrs Bassa and her sons Theogonius, Agapius, and Fidelis, whom their pious mother exhorted during the persecution of Maximian, sending them ahead to the palm of martyrdom, and then, rejoicing, followed them with victory after her own beheading.

At Verona, Saint Euprepius, Bishop and Confessor.

Also, Saint Quadratus, Bishop.

At Siena in Tuscany, Blessed Bernard Ptolomei, Abbot, founder of the Olivetan Congregation.