THE ROMAN MARTYROLOGY

The first martyrology --- a book of the anniversaries of the martyrs and other saints, and of the events that are commemorated yearly by the Church --- was drawn up in the fifth century. Many editions have appeared since, including some critical forms, deservedly so. Inadequate accounts of the lives of these saints are given for the date of death, or for burial, or for some other major event of sainthood formally recognized. This edition of martyrology is a complete English translation of the latest official version of 1956. It is unfortunately a flat recital of less than necessary facts to learn something about the thirty --more or less -- saints whose lives are commemorated daily by the Church. The statements provided here are required reading as part of the Divine Office only in monasteries. This inane recital often characterized by out-moded rules points up the need for reform even at this low level. The martyrology is meaningless and useless, except perhaps as a book of record. But who cares.