What is the Roman Martyrology?

Roman Martyrology In Latin, the Martyrologium Romanum. It is the official martyrology of the Roman Catholic Church containing the complete and authorized list of saints venerated by the faithful. The Roman Martyrology had its basis in the Martyrlogy of Usuard, the most commonly used source for lists of martyrs throughout the Middle Ages. It was compiled by the Benedictine monk Usuard of St. Germaine des Pres, Paris, in the 9th Century. Usuard's Martyrology was widely read, but other versions and adaptations developed during the medieval period.

In an effort to standardize the martyrology for the Church, a committee of scholars convened in the late 1500's to compile a new work. The 10 person committee included the historian Cesare Baronius (1538-1607). The result of the committee's efforts was The Roman Martyrology which was issued in 1584 by Pope Gregory XIII. It officially replaced all other martyrologies but was itself revised to keep it current with canonizations and advances in historical research.

Revisions were undertaken by Popes Urban VIII (1630), Benedict XIV (1748), Pius IX (1870), Pius X (1913), and Benedict XV (1920), and after Vatican II. The martyrology contains about 6000 saints and blesseds honored by the Church. Additions are made through the decrees of beatification and canonization issued by the Congregation of the Causes of Saints.