• St. Alphonsus Rodriguez (1617). Widower, lay brother. (Historical)
• St. Marcellus the Centurion (309). Martyr. (Historical)
• St. Cassian of Tingis (309). Martyr. (Historical)

THE birthday of the Emperor Maximian Herculeus in the year 298 was celebrated with extraordinary feasting and solemnity. Marcellus, a Christian centurion or captain in the legion of Trajan, then posted in Spain, not to defile himself with taking part in those impious abominations, left his company, declaring aloud that he was a soldier of Jesus Christ, the eternal king. He was at once committed to prison. When the festival was over, Marcellus was brought before a judge, and having declared his faith, was sent under a strong guard to Aurelian Agricolaus, vicar to the prefect of the prætorium, who passed sentence of death upon him. St. Marcellus was forthwith led to execution, and beheaded on the 30th of October. Cassian, the secretary or notary of the court, refused to write the sentence pronounced against the martyr, because it was unjust. He was immediately hurried to prison, and was beheaded, about a month after, on the 3d of December.

REFLECTION: “We are ready to die rather than to transgress the laws of God,” exclaimed one of the Machabees. This sentiment should ever be that of a Christian in presence of temptation.

WORD OF THE DAY

TRANSCENDENCE. Surpassing excellence, which may be either relative or absolute. It is relative when the excellence surpasses some objects below it, as human nature transcends the irrational creation. It is absolute when the excellence surpasses in being and activity all other beings. Only God is absolutely transcendent; in being because he alone is infinite and perfect Being who cannot change; in activity because he alone has existence of himself as uncreated First Cause on whom all creatures depend for their least operation.

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)

October, Month of the Rosary

Maria Magnificata. Short Meditations for October, the Month of the Rosary. 30th Day — Mary’s Assumption into Heaven.