• Feast of Christ the King. (Traditional) Last Sunday in October
• St. Gaudentius of Brescia (410). Bishop. (Historical)
• Sts. Chrysanthus & Daria (283). Martyr. (Traditional) husband and wife
• Sts. Crispin and Crispinian (286). Martyr. (Historical) brothers
• The 40 Martyrs of England and Wales (1547). Martyr. (Current)

THESE two glorious martyrs came from Rome to preach the faith in Gaul toward the middle of the third century. Fixing their residence at Soissons, they instructed many in the faith of Christ which they preached publicly in the day, and at night they worked at making shoes, though they are said to have been nobly born, and brothers. The infidels listened to their instructions, and were astonished at the example of their lives, especially of their charity, disinterestedness, heavenly piety, and contempt of glory and all earthly things: and the effect was the conversion of many to the Christian faith. The brothers had continued their employment several years when a complaint was lodged against them. The emperor, to gratify their accusers and give way to his savage cruelty, gave orders that they should be convened before Rictius Varus, the most implacable enemy of the Christians. The martyrs were patient and constant under the most cruel torments, and finished their course by the sword about the year 287.

REFLECTION: Of how many may it be said that “they labor in vain,” since God is not the end and purpose that inspires the labor!

WORD OF THE DAY

UNAM SANCTAM. The papal bull of Pope Boniface VIII, issued November 18, 1302, in answer to Philip IV of France, who denied the Pope’s authority. Only the last sentence is irreversible doctrine, in which Boniface states: “We declare, say, define and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff” (Denzinger 875). The preceding part of the document deals at length with the relation of temporal and spiritual powers in the Church.

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. 25th Day — Jesus is placed in His Mother’s arms.