Daily Martyrology for September 13

In 407, in the region around the Black Sea, St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor. John was born about 350 in Antioch, raised by his mother, and well educated in secular and religious subjects. He had been a monk for seven years when his health declined. After he recuperated, he was ordained a priest in Antioch, where was given charge of the poor. He was esteemed as a brilliant preacher and biblical commentator. He was appointed bishop of Constantinople, which earned him the animosity of Theophilus, bishop of Alexandria, who wanted the appointment. John’s integrity led him to undertake a thorough reform of the church of Constantinople, and his straightforward talk angered some. He reduced the size of the bishop’s household and gave the money to set up hostels for the needy. With his friend St. Olympias (July 25), he provided services for widows. Because of the enmity of Theophilus and the Empress Eudoxia, John was twice exiled and finally died from exhaustion.

In 453, St. Maurilius, who served as bishop of Angers for thirty years.

In 1640, Blessed Mary of Jesus, Carmelite. She entered the convent in Toledo when she was 17, and was one of the first to join St. Teresa of Avila’s Discalced Carmelites. She served as prioress and novice mistress in her community and was revered as a saint even before her death.

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Our daily martyrology was written by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB. Copyright © 2008 by the Monastery of the Ascension, Jerome, ID 83338.