ST. SIMEON, BISHOP OF SELEUCIA AND MARTYR, ST. ROBERT, ABBOT OF CÌTEAUX, April 17

ST. SIMEON, BISHOP OF SELEUCIA AND MARTYR
In 324, Simeon Barsabae became Bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in Persia. Twenty years later, the king, Sapor II began once again to persecute Christians, and Simeon was martyred with numerous companions, including Usthazade, a eunuch in the royal court, whom he converted on his way to martyrdom. April 17

ST. ROBERT, ABBOT OF CÌTEAUX

A monk at Molesme, in France, Robert pressed for a strict observance of the Benedictine rule, in contrast to his brethren. In 1098 he founded at new abbey at Cîteaux, whose monks were later called Cistercians. He died in 1111, and was canonized by Pope Honorius III in 1222.  April 17