Joachim of Siena

ON BLESSED JOACHIM OF SIENA

OF THE ORDER OF THE SERVANTS OF THE BLESSED MARY

IN THE YEAR 1305.

Joachim of Siena, of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Mary (B.)

G. H.

The Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary took its beginning at Florence, on the feast of the Assumption, in the year 1233; with seven men inspired by the divine spirit into that holy congregation. Order begun in 1233 In the fiftieth year of the same century, the venerable temple of the divine Annunciate began to be built; whose mystery image was painted two years later by the ministry of Angels, and is still preserved in a chapel lined with marble on the left of the temple near the door; famous for miracles and the visit of pilgrims. to which Blessed Joachim was sent by its General S. Philip Bennitius in 1272 At the same time the order began to be propagated, and at Siena a monastery was begun. In the year 1253 S. Philip Benizi entered this Order, and was assumed as General of the whole Order with the greatest fruit in 1267. Already before, around the year 1258, Blessed Joachim, of whom we here treat, had been born at Siena: then around the year 1272 he was admitted by the said Philip as General into this Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and most piously conversed in it for thirty-three years, departing from this life on the Friday of the Lord's Parasceve, in the year 1305, died in 1305. in which cycle of the Moon 45, Sun 26, Dominical letter C, Easter was celebrated on April 18.

[2] He, because both in life and in death and after him shone with miracles; it is reported below at n. 26 that a few things about his life were soon committed to the memory of men. There was added to these the observation of various concerning his deeds and miracles: until finally the series of all things was written in order by various writers. We have described his Life at Florence, When we returning from Rome in the year 1661 in the month of October had come to Florence, and were staying there for four months, we often offered the sacrifice of the Mass at the altar of the divine Annunciate, most humanely received always by the Reverend Fathers of the said Order, and most of all by Callixtus Puccinelli the Prior General; and there besides the Acts of various Saints we obtained a manuscript Life of Blessed Joachim, which we give here as described there by us. In the cover of the parchment codex were these words written: "Fine and authentic Memory of the Life of Blessed Joachim of Siena, by Master Paul Attavanti of Florence of the Order of Servants, who died in 1499, in his 80th year." And the title of the Life was of this kind: "Life of Blessed Joachim of Siena of the Order of Servants of St. Mary, arranged by Brother Paul Florentinus, by Paul Attavanius, to Master Christopher General of the Order of Servants." This man was over the Order from the year 1461, dying in the 86th year of the same century. Archangelus Gianius in the Annals of the Sacred Order

of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, century 1 book 6 in the Annotations to chapter 5, asserts, that Master Paul de Attavantibus of Florence wrote the Life of Blessed Joachim, which is kept in manuscript in the library of the Annunciate, to Pius II the Supreme Pontiff. This was Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, by country a Sienese, and he sat from the year 1458 to 1464. The Life could have been written in the time of this Pontiff, both of Blessed Joachim and of Blessed Francis, also a Sienese of the same Order: but that the latter, not the former, was dedicated to Pius II Pontiff, Michael Pocciantius of Florence reports in the Chronicle of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Mary printed at Florence in 1567, an erudite man where at the year 1471 he has these things: "R. P. M. Paul of Florence, Theologian and most excellent Doctor of both human and divine law, rendered these times most illustrious, and among the various elaborated works of his genius, it is said that he described most elegantly the lives of Blessed Joachim and Francis the Sienese, one of which he sent to Christopher General of the Servants, to Christopher the General, the other to Pius II Pontiff of the whole world." Whether the man deserves to be commended for elegance of style we leave to the reader to judge; nor do we think it matters how elegantly, but how truthfully the Lives of the Saints are written. This therefore, such as it is, because we think it composed with the best faith, we shall give in our manner distinguished and illustrated. Of Blessed Francis we shall treat on May 1.

[3] Philip Ferrarius, General of the said Order, in the general Catalogue for April 16 notes that, among others, Nicholas Burghese wrote a Life of Blessed Joachim, other Writers of his Life. Patrician and Knight of Siena, in the year 1490. But we have not been able to see this: if it should be found anywhere and sent to us, we will acknowledge the benefit in the Supplement for this month. Then a compendium from these two was published in the Chronicle of the Order cited by Michael Pocciantius, and again from Burghese and Pocciantius's Chronicle, in the year 1597 an Italian epitome of the Life was contracted, which Brother Zacharias Urceolus of Ravenna, Apostolic Inquisitor General of the city of Siena, permitted to be printed after legitimate recognition, which the Reverend Father Sebastian de Comitibus had transcribed and sent to us, who composed and published the Sienese Fasti together with the Reverend Father John Baptist Ferrari, and in them a distinguished eulogy of this Joachim, also citing the Annals of the Servites by Giani, who used all the prior authors. We have besides the Proper Offices of the Feasts of the Brothers of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, approved by the Holy Apostolic See, published at Rome from the Vatican Press in the year 1634, to which Dionysius Bussottus, Prior General of the whole Order, thus prefaces: "The Offices in our whole Order of Servants, as proper, Proper Offices of the Order published: have long since been obtained from our Most Holy Lord Pope Paul V, with the help of the most eminent Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, Jerome Bernerius Protector of the said Order, and Robert Bellarmine, to whom the sacred Congregation of Rites had especially entrusted the examination of the Life of Blessed Joachim and Peregrinus, through the most Reverend Philip Ferrarius of Alessandria of praiseworthy memory Prior General, and also compiled by our diligence; at last having been known and approved by our Most Holy Lord Pope Urban VIII, by the same sacred Congregation (kindly referring the most Eminent Lord Cardinals Torres, Verili, and Caesarini, to whom for this our Servant family owes much) we send them printed under the most happy auspices of the most Eminent Cardinal Julius Sacchetti our Protector, through the very Reverend Father M. Angelo Maria Berardi of Perugia, Procurator General in the Roman curia, who recently labored with us in the past year … Florence, 15th December 1634."

[4] The Decree of the aforesaid sacred Congregation of Divine Rites, for Blessed Joachim and Peregrinus of the Order of Servants published by Ferrarius, we add here, and it is as follows. "Whereas at the request of the Reverend Father Brother Philip Ferrarius, for Blessed Joachim and Peregrinus decree of the Congr. of Rites. General of the whole Order of Servants of the Blessed Mary, supplication was made to Our Most Holy Lord, that in the whole said Religion (as they were once accustomed) the Religious aforesaid of both sexes may be able freely and licitly to say the Office of Blessed Joachim of Siena and Peregrinus of Forli, of the same Order professed while alive, from the common of one Confessor not Pontiff, with proper lessons for the second Nocturn taken from the lives of the said Blessed, and also that their names, as anciently in some, so now in the new impression of the Martyrology may be noted: and the same Most Holy Lord Our commissioned this business to be examined in the sacred Congregation of Rites; and the same sacred Congregation commissioned the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal Bellarmine, that he most diligently examine the Process, Acts, and all things which pertained to the purity, integrity and sanctity of life of the said Blessed, and the devotion and veneration of the peoples toward them, as he did: and finally, having heard the report of the aforesaid Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal Bellarmine, considering the sanctity of the said Blessed and the ancient observance and devotion of the peoples toward them, the same sacred Congregation of Rites determined and declared, that of the said Blessed Joachim of Siena and Peregrinus of Forli by the Religious of both sexes on the Office to be recited, of the said Order of Servants of the Blessed Mary, on the feast days of the same Blessed, as they were once accustomed, so now and in the future always may freely and licitly be recited the Office from the Common of one Confessor not Pontiff, with proper Lessons from their life, but first revised and approved by the same sacred Congregation of Rites: and also the names of the aforesaid Blessed Joachim and Peregrinus in the new impression of the Martyrology may and can be described and noted in their places. Thus determined and declared on the 20th of March 1609. and Lessons approved, in the year 1609. Then for the Lessons this approval was given: Moreover the Lessons of the Life of Blessed Joachim of Siena and Peregrinus of Forli of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Mary, by mandate of the sacred Congregation of Rites diligently reviewed and subscribed by the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Cardinal Bellarmine, the same sacred Congregation of Rites approved, and gave license and faculty that they may and can be recited freely and licitly by the Brothers and Religious of both sexes of the said Order of Servants of the Blessed Mary in the divine Office for the said Blessed, and decreed on the 21st of March 1609, subscribed, Dominic Bishop of Ostia Cardinal Pinellus." These Lessons are extant not only in the said proper Offices, but also in the Catalog of the Saints of Italy published by the said Ferrarius, Body in veneration. but somewhat contracted: from which we repeat these things at the end: "The Sienese, by public decree of the City, every year on the day of his deposition, come to the church of the Servants, in which his body is piously preserved and venerated, to venerate it and bring gifts." Brautius in the Poetical Martyrology, Masinus in Bologna Surveyed and others also treat of Blessed Joachim.

LIFE by Paul Attavantus the Florentine.

From a manuscript Florentine codex of the Convent of the Annunciate.

Joachim of Siena, of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Mary (B.)

BHL Number: 4287

BY PAUL ATTAVANTUS FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] The Author It is worth the labor to narrate the Life of Joachim, pleasant to read and most worthy of imitation: for the matter itself seems to exhort me. Since this time has admonished us to briefly repeat some good deeds, how he led a life adorned at home and established in Religion. lessens his own diction, But I, although I have not yet attained such a kind of speaking, that for the dignity of the matter I may present a polished method of writing; yet with all my might I will strive, that, avoiding the ineptitudes of sentences and the obscurity of words, I may present to the readers the life of the man to be known. Nor indeed is it my intent to embrace whatever can be said on this matter: but according to the slenderness of my ability, and selects a few things about him so as not to wear out your most worthy ears, I will touch but on a few things. As often as his manners and holiness sound in my ears, I seem to see the Parent of all mortals, whom God loves, choosing to show his power in him above another. And since he used such great modesty in all things, and such virtue, I judge, not falsely, that he must be equated with the ancient most holy men: and proposes him as an example to others, since not only in advanced age, but also from his youth, he so followed good arts and every virtue, that he was put forth by all as a kind of example and mark of morals. Now therefore we must see how famous and full of holiness his deeds were always: that he never wandered from the institutions of holy religion, is a matter of proven knowledge. And plainly, when I myself consider that he was of such great virtue, I do not think it is without reason, that he was born by divine providence, that he might be one who would illumine that age with the most white examples of virtues and singular eloquence. For when he illumined almost the whole world with his incredible and divine wisdom; God granted him to heal the sick, to raise the lame, to restore the mentally deranged, to free those vexed by the power of demons, and finally to recall the very dead to pristine light: and to illustrate with miracles. and equally to bear fortune and labor. And certainly, with the immortal God favoring, all things in him were mature and perfected, and admirable doctrine and sanctity. For he was not wont, as many are, to use pomp in dress, or any pleasure in food: but, with all the momentary things of the world cast aside, applied himself to God and his Mother.

CHAPTER I.

Birth: pious adolescence. Cult of the Mother of God.

[2] From tender years thus liberally brought up by his parents, From adolescence he followed eloquence and liberal studies: endowed with such elegance of manners and liberal character, that the highest hope was held of him by the Sienese in governing the Republic. he drinks in piety with learning, And when he applied himself most excellently to learning letters and the other studies of good arts, he was not, as many are wont, forgetful of divinity: but intent on psalms and prayers, far surpassed his fellow students in talent and learning. For already as a boy he was a most tender worshiper and servant of the blessed Virgin, so that he never passed before her image, but with the highest veneration he said the Angelic Salutation. And indeed he burned with such charity, that whatever he could procure from his parents' fortune, devoted to the cult of the Mother of God, for the sake of Christ he gave to the poor. For beholding a certain needy man, squalid, shaggy, and shivering with torn clothes, he was so excited with charity, that he himself deprived himself of his garments, to clothe the poor man. and alms, While he was going on in these things as a youth, always diminishing his patrimony and adding nothing at all, he easily reduced his parents to extreme poverty. But they, when they learned and noticed that much was lacking from their resources, bore it gravely and heavily, and resolved to check the enterprises of their son. When they had pondered this for many days and nights, raging, finally the parent began to address him thus: "What madness, Joachim, has seized you, that you so quickly pour out what we have acquired with so many labors? I will not

suffer, nor permit you henceforth to touch anything." Then he: "Do you believe, best of parents, that these riches will make you happy, when it is established that they have nothing of good, nothing of happiness in themselves? And moreover they always agitate and disturb men. Know finally one thing, that nothing more makes men alienated from their Author, than execrable wealth. For these are fleeting things, by which he bends his parents: and we also are mortals." At last the parents astonished by these things spoken by their son (for all seemed to be poured out by the mouth of the Holy Spirit) yielded with all their vows. Of course, since he was of most upright mind, they had conceived in spirit that he did all things by the nod of almighty God.

[3] But when, by God's will, this appeared to the parents, with all worldly pleasures abandoned, together with their son they gave themselves to an honest and holy life. with them he gives himself to God's service, When this happened, Joachim began to press on more fervently, and to direct most people to the same way, merely by his mellifluous words. But since at that time Joachim's fame at Siena was clear and powerful; those were called blessed by the judgment of all, who for a while enjoyed his conversation: he leads others to virtue: for by this devoted grace he became worthy, that all who had his conversation were led by him from crimes to good arts; nor did he only exhort them to be armed against injuries, but also to overcome, as the light of our faith witnesses, evil with good. Rom. 12:21 For these men had so great importunity, that they impelled the servant of God Joachim to address them. At that time such was the fame of Joachim, that all proclaimed him the best and most holy. Although he was a boy in years, yet in manners, learning and sanctity he seemed an old man. Nor would he ever return home in the day, out of love for the Mother of God he lives in great abstinence: unless with highest devotion he visited the temples. Moreover, the things he had resolved for the cause of the glorious Virgin from tender age, with highest zeal and charity he persevered to carry out: following abstinence of foods, fasts of Saturdays and of Lent, and the greatest sparingness in eating. In these things accomplished, he was wont in the dark of night to see a huge light, which refreshed him wholly: for with vigils, fasts, and other excellent deeds he was not in good health. Joachim was not wont therefore to tell these things to anyone: but the parent, when once, twice, and three times he heard his son invoking God, at last he wanted to know what it was: rising he came to the door, and sitting down, through a peg he saw a huge splendor. For Joachim was rejoicing exceedingly, understanding that such great divinity was erected in his room: by night he is enlightened with heavenly light: and the parent was occupied with great wonder and joy. Then he, long in doubt, calling his son, heard nothing with his ears: for, when his spirit had gone to contemplate that divinity, at last it left him. After this was known to the parents, they said that he was full of the Holy Spirit.

[4] Therefore when the vision was approved by the parents, you might have seen it proclaimed in all districts: the father himself relates all things as they had been done, teaching his son to be imitated in all things: and thus the relatives acted. fame of virtue spread After that day, when all things had been done, Joachim, unaware of this matter, in no way could go anywhere through the city: for the throng of mortals was so great, that he seemed to be placed in the greatest danger. For one wished to see Joachim, another to address him: most of those who had heard these things, he is loved by all; hoped that something full of holiness would come out of his mouth: part were praising, proclaiming, and raising the name of Joachim to the stars. At last with the fame spread, everyone was thought happy who was closer to the worshiper of the Virgin: so that, stripping off his rags, shining with nothing but poverty, he had the right to give beautiful and decent ornaments, as befitted his lineage, and to impart to those who heard the gifts of perfect sanctity. Nor was there a will to follow the family: so that in all things to be done he might imitate the poor, and follow those who, having trampled on earthly things, despised humble things, he desires to imitate the holier: and neglected fleeting things, gave themselves to the contemplation of the image of the immortal God, and to admiring the beauty of the most holy Mother of Jesus Christ. For the very Author of all things, when from the beginning he began to show his fruit, a boy full of the Holy Spirit, wished worthily with admiration to bring about the things which befit Divine Holiness. Then within a few days, when he was in a crown of illustrious men, he was asked to speak. Wherefore it happened that, the fountain of piety flowing forth, the Virgin devoted to him, with all his might he exalted: asserting in her such great mercy in receiving mortals, He excites others to love of the Mother of God. such great clemency in the needy, such great piety in invoking, so invaded the hearts of mortals, that all, with the pleasure of the words and the wondrous eloquence in speaking given by the Holy Spirit, and with the joy of the future kingdom of heaven to be attained, would burn with the singular rays of the Mother of God; and each, weeping, would beg the Queen of heaven, asking that he might have her in the place of a parent, beseeching pardon of crimes, after each repented of his fault, and each fallen one implored mercy. But Joachim by all was praised no otherwise, for those words he had spoken, as if some most holy man had fallen from heaven: for he showed things which do not befit his tender age, which once the ancient men were wont to do in advanced age.

NOTES.

CHAPTER II.

Entrance into the Order of Servants of the Blessed Mary. Exercises of humility and charity.

[5] Now the day was pressing, on which, utterly abandoning all earthly things, he would dedicate himself to the divine Virgin: who although, He is urged to embrace the Order of Servants of the Blessed Mary, from his tender age and the opportunities of his parents, he did not yet believe his vow could be fulfilled; no less sluggishly however the heavenly Empress, perceiving in him so much of holiness, had decreed above all others to choose him to her cult. But since at that time most of the Brothers of our Order were almost blessed men, in the judgment of all the Sienese; he preferred Joachim to place himself among them, rather than to locate himself elsewhere. Meanwhile at night the divine Mother appearing to Joachim in his dreams was present, on all sides surrounded by Angels, pouring out such divinity, that because of the rays it was by no means given to see. in sleep by the Mother of God appearing: He continually awaking and bending his knees, addresses her: then he prays that vices be dismissed, nor should so many crimes be ascribed to him, that he was permitted neither to be touched nor even to be seen by him. Then the royal Parent, knowing the will of his heart and the desire of seeing her, uttered these words in this sentence: "Come, beloved son, for from my womb before the exit of the mother I chose you to my cult: I receive you adorned with every holiness, and I count you faithful and most dear to me above all. Wherefore since I have seen you firm in holiness with strong roots, I have judged you among the other servants to be counted: so that lineage, kin, and parents should in no way be an impediment to you." Meanwhile the Virgin of Virgins departed: but since Joachim was full of her divinity, to bring each command to memory with joy and gladness; he himself chiefly would do nothing else, except to enter the Order of Servants.

[6] Moreover he did it, because he thought the Brothers Servants kept an honest, modest, holy life, partly persuaded by their sanctity, partly because of the great splendor of sanctity which was then in their gathering, the holy Philip General of the same Order: he explains his desire and vision to St. Philip the General: who indeed was so much for adornment and usefulness to all, that he had to be loved above all. Therefore Joachim decided to speak a few words before the most holy man Philip. Then, as had been prescribed, on the following day he came to Philip: and addresses him with such great charity, that all things appear to flow from the Holy Spirit. Moreover because he had remembered each precept of the divine one, the matter was approved, as in such a business, by Philip and all others. After Philip had heard him immovably asking, lest he should deviate from the commands of such a divine one, he immediately confirmed him: and so on the following day it was decreed by them that he would be a Brother. Finally he promises that from the will of Philip he will do all things.

[7] But since a certain familiar of Joachim's parents received him entering and likewise going out, he declared to the parents that Joachim would become a Brother. They conceived the greatest sorrow in their minds from this, parents sad and resisting and much turning over in their minds anxiously, to beg the returning Joachim, that he should not dismiss the old ones so agitated, pouring out the greatest flood of tears; to beseech him; to persuade him not to do it; indeed they said, that if there was such a desire for prayer, he could just as well do it at home as in religion. [But] at last it was known that nothing had been decided from their wish: [but] after many words back and forth, he is said to have answered them with a few words: he tries to console them with his address: "We were born for this, that we should first hear the Creator of things. But when it pleases us to go according to the empty judgment of mortals, we shall always wander in danger." Wherefore, having consulted God, he was doing all things; he himself was choosing the day and time when he would enter religion: since it was the command of such a King, to whom to deny anything is by no means lawful. When this matter came forth from Joachim's mouth, the minds of the old folks seemed wounded. Wet with tears, they again beg their son, and persuade him that in his absence they cannot live long. After they had spoken as they wished, the son says that he was sent by the divine Queen, having come to seek the happy Order of the Servants. "That if he himself

the immortal God of infinite power, shrank not from so many quarrels, so many torments for our redemption: and at last, bearing every kind of insult, was crucified; what shall we ever be able to do for his sake? Who could think such a debt contracted by us could be dissolved? Never indeed, except when by the will of God and his Mother we shall promise to do all things. Which since it is in God's heart, I beseech you all to bear it with even mind: for more joy the sight of me, living in a happy habit, will give you, both because I shall not be far off, and also for the sake of pouring out before the divine sight prayers for the faults of parents. Moreover the peace and quiet you desire to be given, I promise I shall immediately pray that at last you may be led to the desired fatherland of the Angels: there we shall alike be joyful and full of good hope." But that night, which was the next before the day appointed by Joachim for his entry, in counsel with friends called in, that his will might be changed, but in vain. at last the parents at last decreed to send Joachim to other shores, until such an opinion receded from him.

[8] The same night Joachim, assured by the Holy Spirit, without delay and with his parents unaware, went outside, and sought the most holy Brothers of the Servants. He comes to St. Philip without their knowledge, He joyfully came to the seat of the blessed man Philip, and after much back and forth, began insistently to beg from him the habit: and immediately at a signal given, the Brothers gathered from every side. And when he told Philip the tears and sorrows of his parents; he says, "There is nothing to be doubted: for she who directed you to worship the Order, will also direct your parents into joy: for often paternal wills are vehement and sometimes movable. One thing therefore is expedient, that you ask the pious, merciful, and clement God to grant that quiet which they seek." Wherefore Joachim, in his fourteenth year, and in his 14th year of age he takes the habit: wore the habit of widowhood of the Virgin Mary. And if in tender age he was such, what must be believed in advanced age, except that in those times there existed a most bright ray of holiness. These things therefore were the more notable, because he himself in coercing and rebuking crimes nearly exceeded the measure of his age: neither was there anything so small or so great of his strengths, which he did not say must be shunned: equal moderation he showed also to greater persons both in virtues and also in holiness. What shall I say finally of his manners? Is it to be doubted of him, whom, before he entered religion, you would receive imitating every work of divinity? For it is plain that the very God, beholding him so fertile in ceremony and modesty of manners, sanctified Joachim in his mother's womb.

[9] He was of large and splendid body: of a stature exceeding the middling, well-proportioned in all members of the body: with a cheerful and honorable face, pleasant aspect, endowed with honorable form of body. of white complexion, with large eyes: indeed in all gestures showing divinity, so that all were amazed, and judged he would be a huge mirror of holiness. But let us come to the point: for if I wished to enumerate each thing, I think no one would have such great leisure for speech, who could arrange even the smallest part. Philip then (as is the custom of the Brothers, as the garment, food and manners, so also names to change) asked by what name he should be called; he said that he wanted a space of one day to think. Of the things which these blessed men said, I shall not easily have reported what has been found: I shall finish the rest in the fewest words. Then after the day of naming came, both met together. Joachim said that he wished, if it could be done, to fulfill his vow. But on the other hand Philip: "Nothing indeed is dearer than to assist your vows." Then he said he wished to be called Joachim, he chooses the name of Joachim: for previously the name was Clarmontensis. But all things, whether he could think or do, were done for the sake of the glorious Virgin. For what did he need the name of Joachim, except to show that he was accommodating the will of the divine one? When Philip learned this, he approved nothing more suitable for himself and the Virgin.

[10] Moreover, after the fame of such great holiness was spread through all Tuscany, they revered Joachim with highest veneration, since he was born of no obscure family, and shone with many virtues. To him although his most noble lineage stood in the way, nonetheless he was wont to be abject and humble above all: nor to use splendor in food, or pomp in clothing, as others were wont: but to imitate modesty in all things to be done. Then in some things he was wont to be first: he undertakes the humblest offices: for first to sweep the house, to clean the lamps, and to do other such things, and in the rest to appear last, by which in the hearts of mortals he conceived the greatest admiration. For at first to go to seek the provisions of the Brothers Servants, he asked it as a benefit. begging he is filled with rich alms: Then there was such fertility of grain, wine, oil and other things, which he had procured by his exceeding fame, that in a little time the rich and wealthy, made such by the abundance of human things given by the man, would render immortal thanks. But when it proceeded otherwise, lest he could do what he intended, he endured great sadness of mind. For certain noble men followed his holiness everywhere, so that Joachim did not have the desired quiet. But when he understood that all his holiness was wandering, he decided to desire a seat at home. But since at that time all were kindled by his good arts, many began to urge Philip, and assert that Joachim was most worthy of the grades of the Sacrament. lest he should be promoted to the priesthood, he stands against it. It pleased Philip as General; and he carried out as they had prayed. Therefore when Joachim was tempted by such a business, he frustrated the hope of all: for he was wont to desire a seat among the infirm. Moreover much they conferred between them: Joachim at last confirmed that this he would by no means carry out, desiring any dignities to receive; and that nothing, even if arduous and difficult, he would not rather do, and he preferred to exercise the obvious. "What therefore," said Philip, "do you think I should answer the nobles, who, lest they fall in anger upon us with hand or violence, I have feared. Let this be left to me," says Joachim, "for they want peace and concord." When they noticed this would not take effect, they did not pursue it further.

[11] Joachim fervent with vehement love, when he received someone sick in the city, he consoles the sick, immediately visited him, and persuaded him to bear it with equal mind. "For those whom God loves vehemently, he torments in this world, and afflicts with many anxieties: on which account they should rather rejoice, than grieve from any part." Moreover he used great humanity toward those who, lacking all fortunes, and the afflicted: came to him as a refuge: teaching them to direct the mind and soul to God, as he who embraces them as he does the whole human race with the highest love; and (what is most worthy of admiration) whatever things giving displeasure he could do to others, would also entreat the omnipotent God to pour out mercy on them. By which admonitions many infirmities of mortals of mind and body were passed: since they were wont to seem most blessed, who enjoyed the best conversation of Joachim. But if this seemed little to anyone, this holy man, for himself begged the sickness, to purge it for the sake of crime, and at times prayed vehemently to the Virgin.

[12] Meanwhile it happened that all the laymen, at the command of General Philip, carried earth on their shoulders: which indeed the servant of God Joachim hearing, since he was somewhat indignant, because, as others were, he had not been called to do it; he decided, while they were eating, to finish all the remainder: he carries a great mass of earth in a very short time: which turned out no otherwise. Moreover such great was the heap, that if four days they had labored together to remove it, they could scarcely have carried everything. Who would judge that an adolescent had done such things alone, unless it was given by divinity? The blessed Friar Bernard, once Bishop of Siena, when in the morning with a few nobles he went to visit Philip, the splendor of holiness, plainly on the way looking at the heap, but on returning seeing nothing, and seized by highest wonder, said, "Who has so quickly and so strongly moved so great a heap?": and all astonished amongst themselves, judged that Joachim had done it. Therefore one of their number calls him: but on the contrary Joachim would not confess that he had done it. Then terror invaded the minds of the Bishop and others, namely that he at such an age had done those things, into which the most holy men all put their strength. Then Bernard, a man indeed of great holiness, turning to his General, weeping directed his speech: "These and similar are they by whom the Order of Servants shall be cast to the stars: and your name shall be illustrious, and a huge splendor everywhere."

NOTES.

CHAPTER III.

His residence at Arezzo, and return to the Sienese.

[13] But Joachim when he perceived that at Siena he could by no means restrain himself on account of the frequent throng of men, On account of the people's applause, immediately addresses the General, and held these words: "All mortals, who in the world leaving their fortunes and parents apply all their mind to Religion, at the end of life desire the salvation of the soul, especially those who in the world had wealth, honors, and dignities. This same thing must be provided for me: to whom being in Religion in vain has no place in my mind. I so think, most worthy General, he asks leave to depart elsewhere, that all the people will be to me the greatest harm: wherefore I greatly beseech your sanctity, that he would take counsel for my adolescence, so that I may not appear to mortals to have labored in vain." Afterwards when he gradually obtained permission to consult the devoted Virgin, whither should his journey be directed, that, as he desired, he might exercise sanctity. The Brothers on the other hand bore it very ill: for it was no small use and fruit to the Convent, for whose sake gifts were poured out from all sides. Finally in order to obey his holiness, all together gave help that he should be sent elsewhere, until such favor of the people was alienated. He set out therefore for Arezzo, changing his garments,

and there received with great cheerfulness and humanity, he secretly makes for Arezzo, he bound no one to betray him. But he himself, often asked, complained about the frequency of his fellow citizens: for the love of Joachim had been so deeply set in their hearts by God, with the grief of all the Sienese, that to obey him they would do all things most easily. Within a few days, therefore, the kinsmen began to investigate Joachim, the relatives and parents to ask, and finally all to mourn. But many mortals, thinking the truth of the matter, were those who said to the parents: "It must be seen whether it is expedient to go to see whether those Brothers have sent your son elsewhere." Moreover none of the Brothers dared to betray Joachim to the Sienese, because they saw the whole city stricken with mourning, and all alike appeared sad. For each one, affected with some grief, hearing Joachim, returned home full of joy and gladness: for he himself had no equal in eloquence of speech, in the judgment of all in his times. For such was the ease of speech and gravity of sentences, that all things, as they were, was established to flow from the Holy Spirit. To this is added, that in those times all were accustomed to frequent the temple of the Servants of the Virgin Mary, because of Philip and Joachim, the most bright lights of religion.

[14] Then after he had cultivated Arezzo for some months with the highest quiet, With Brother Acquisto given as companion, by chance it happened that a certain most illustrious man of our Order, a Brother, was called to preach outside the city, who was named Acquistus, and burned vehemently with the love of Joachim. But since because of the great charity toward him it was grievous to leave, he asked as a matter of duty that he would go with him. But on the contrary Joachim, humane and modest, promised everything, so that not only there, but to the ends of the earth if it had pleased, and entering a hospital, he would go. And when they both went together, permission to enter the town was not given, but they went to a nearby hospital, for with a threatening rain they remained outside. Meanwhile lingering there, they heard a certain sick man, held by a most violent infirmity; to whom for great pain there was no judgment to restrain his voice. He makes the sick man remember the life he had led: To whom Joachim going said: "Hail most dear brother, unless with whole heart you invoke God the inventor of all piety, your health will never be restored: for on account of some crime or sin you bear such sickness." "I confess," said he, "I have once led a base and obscene life: and I would, did I not so gravely suffer torture, promise penitence of crimes, and hold that life which the holy men have observed." Then Joachim: "Do you assert what you feel?" "Just as much," said he. At last Joachim, the vessel of sanctity, said: "Beware altogether: for you cannot deceive God: who would subject you not only to these, but to greater torments." And thus on bent knees he prayed to the Lord and fount of piety: "I pray you [Omnipotent and immortal God, and he obtains his torments to be transferred to himself: through that charity you have toward the human race, through the Virgin the hope of sinners, through the most worthy and most holy blood poured forth upon the patibulum of the cross, I again beseech, that you free this your servant from sickness; but give it to me, which no one but death can take from me: that I may be cleansed by these torments, if by any crime I am polluted." Scarcely had he uttered these words, when the man was freed, and then at last, seeing the wondrous sanctity of the man, was converted to penance, with foot held back from vices, glorifying God equally with the man of God.

[15] When the citizens of Arezzo received him as returned, he shone with love and favor among all. Then a few days after, when he had come to the next city of Arezzo, the freed man, with our eyes wondrous to see, was recounting to all, that a most holy man was present nearby: and with every kind of charity he kindled the minds of the citizens toward the worshiper of God, so that no otherwise they said that some holy man had fallen from heaven. To the immense love of all there is added the notable facility of speech, which he had used in freeing the sick man; so that when he returned, he had the same crowd of men as at Siena accompanying him, harassing him day and night. But that was the beginning of great holiness, because when once in the temple he sang the Epistle, and there was present with the Bishop of the aforenamed city the frequent people; while the most holy Body of the Lord was being elevated, Joachim himself, holding a torch, either rapt in spirit or from some other occurrence, [under the sacred at the elevation, for him falling the Angel holds the wax taper:] fell headlong to the ground. But suddenly an Angel of the Lord stood by, and held the torch, so that the most precious Body of Christ might be freed. Wherefore all, seeing such a vestige of holiness, were amazed. Then the Bishop first asked that he be summoned, and thereafter held no one dearer than Joachim: for he wished to make him second in the city: which with all his might he strove to refuse, because among the other honors this was principal.

[16] But the Brothers of his convent, admonished by General Philip, that Joachim should be recalled to his homeland, he foretells the hour at which those about to lead him back to Siena would come: set out toward Arezzo. New and unheard of it was to the Brothers, that Joachim had indicated long before the time of their coming to lead him back to his homeland. Therefore at the appointed hour the Brothers entered the temple, and seeing no one they marvel. Finally going to Joachim's room, they saw the servant of God praying: and one of their number calling Joachim, receives no one answering. rapt in the Spirit, he does not hear them: For as was the custom of the spirit, sometimes leaving the body to go to contemplate the majesty of God; so also two or three times knocking, he could hear nothing at all. For a certain image of the divine Virgin was erected by Joachim, which he was vehemently gazing upon. But with the prayer finished, behold Joachim full of wisdom and of the Holy Spirit approached them, and thus embraces them with cheerful charity. At these things his companions' minds burn with a certain incredible charity of enjoying him in their homeland. Questioning him why he had not answered, he said he had sensed nothing. Then they said he had been rapt by the Holy Spirit to contemplate the form of God. At last another addressing Joachim, said: "Remember me, kind Joachim, when you are in the divine sight of God: that I may know myself, he addicts himself to another's prayers: and leaving errors I may imitate him the true light." Which Joachim, though unworthy, asserted he would do. But indeed that man was always by Joachim's prayers so filled with such honesty of manners and integrity of life, that there was never a chance of sinning.

[17] Brought back to Siena, But after Joachim came to Siena with his companions, without tumult or any display he sought his house. Then all received him most gratefully. What is more to be wondered at, within a few days, while Joachim was praying in a certain corner of the temple, the Brothers saw the Holy Spirit above his head: who also fearing lest some remnant of a candle had fallen, approached nearer, the Holy Spirit was seen to be above his head: and suddenly the fire vanished from their eyes: and although they stood before him, yet they did not see him: so great was the application to prayer. And plainly he remained there four hours, moving no member of the body: nor was Joachim in their mind, except that some of the kinsmen asserted him to be Joachim. When this was first made public, not only citizens, but also every kind of men began to frequent him. At those same times at Siena Joachim's commands, he is honored by all as some Saint: rather than those which were by institutions and laws, they preferred to observe; so that for a while they might fulfill their own vow: thus those illustrious and powerful men did all things according to his judgment. For his virtue had driven his fame even to the ends of the earth; and partly by vow, partly by the greatest devotion many came to Siena, to boast that in their times they had seen a most holy man. But let us come to the point.

NOTES.

CHAPTER IV.

Benefits conferred: miracles wrought in Life.

[18] Joachim once taking food with others, was rapt in spirit to the heights, In eating being rapt he makes foods more delicious: so that falling back he upset the table: and [yet] nothing of the feast was scattered and diminished: indeed those collecting them found nothing polluted: but just as if the table had not fallen, so the feasts were found intact; nor of the same, but of a most precious taste, which seemed to bear a certain divinity. Meanwhile raising the servant of God, they found him affected by no stain of food or punishment: but was valid and more splendid with greater forces. For such a splendor came from his most bright face, he shines in face: that the keenness of their eyes could not bear such divinity. Then each alike, beholding such things with eyes, he weeps that he is therefore honored by others: they began to address Joachim: "Happy and more than happy, most ardent worshiper of the Virgin: how the Author of human and divine things loves you is plainly admirable: for the divinity which we behold causes you to be esteemed by all as a numen to be adored." To which Joachim weeping said: "Plainly I marvel that such madness has invaded you, though you are wont to use the highest prudence in all things: asked in prayer he obtains the true spirit for the Servants: now however you think I should be honored, and sinner

and happy you call me: what, I say, happiness can be found in this world?" "You alone are," answered the Prior, "who, if it pleases, can make us all blessed." But Joachim, bearing such things ill, went apart, beseeching the devoted Virgin, that she kindle their mind and spirit, so that they might be rightly called Servants and worshipers of her: and although I do not find that they did miracles, yet that they kept an honest and chaste life, no one is ignorant: for in their manners nothing was found, which was not approved with the highest praise.

[19] Meanwhile Joachim once walking over a vault beyond the city walls (For what is so severe and so strong, set by night amid snows and cold, which can bear assiduous labor?) that he might take some rest for his body; giving thanks to the Creator with psalms and hymns, because of the assiduity of prayers, remaining there a long time, he was inadvertently shut in by the keeper. When evening came, he had to spend the night there: and what is greatest of all, on the 16th of the Kalends of December huge snows and the greatest cold were found everywhere. Wherefore Joachim on discovering this, bending his knees, having made prayer, and directing his mind to God; said: "Lord, omnipotent Father, who from nothing created all things, who also make nothing from something, I know indeed, as John Chrysostom said, he is warmed by fire sent from heaven: as it is difficult for a tree placed near a road to preserve most beautiful fruits until ripeness, so it is difficult for a man living near the world to keep an immaculate life until the end: and therefore, when it pleases you, snatch me from these calamities and miseries." Scarcely having finished his prayers, he suddenly saw a fire and an adorned table not far off: to which adhering, his body was immediately restored from snow and cold. But on the contrary, when this thundered in the ears of the Brothers in the morning, certain swift ones had gone to consult Joachim, thinking they would only find a corpse: and thus I find their opinion frustrated. For he had borne no detriment because of snows or cold: a strong and mad demoniac, but for these torments he appeared more splendid than he had been before.

[20] Then these things impossible for the human race being known, how the hope of men grew in him, and the voice raising Joachim even to the third heaven I could not easily say. You would understand nothing else praised or proclaimed, all saying and approving the same things. Wherefore all Tuscany was filled with the fame of his manners and miracles. led in vain to various holy men, And therefore it happened that a certain man vehemently vexed by a demon day and night, heard the modest, chaste, and miracle-fertile life and wandering fame of Joachim. He had always before been vexed by evil spirits: from which vexation there was given no rest or joy to be taken; and likewise the ability of eating and drinking was taken from him: for with such force and impulse the demon rushed upon him, ordered under the virtue of obedience, that whatever chains however strong he would unloose, and a huge multitude of men was required to bear him. He himself however being the richest of all promised everything: but in vain. The relatives, after they had brought him to men of Italy renowned for fame and sanctity, and the same returned to his homeland; decided to direct him at last to Joachim, whose fame resounded everywhere, plainly all marveling at the most bright light of Joachim's holiness. Held however by such a plague to be freed, others say not, because they believe it cannot be done, that there is such holiness in one man, whereby he should heal him who was uncured by all holy men. Now however when he was brought to Siena with the greatest clamors; the true worshiper of God and his Mother is summoned, and is commanded under the virtue of holy obedience, to free the man long vexed from every affliction. To whom Joachim, burning with divine love: "Although," he said, "I am placed under obedience, do you believe any mortal will obtain these things from divine power? Greater things indeed," said Adrian, the Chief of that place. Therefore hearing all the precepts, and desiring to accommodate his own will, he frees him by invoking the Holy Trinity: he uttered these words to him: "I command you by the same, whom we profess Three and One, the immortal, true and eternal God, that him whom you once had the power to vex, you at once leave." These things the spirit suddenly hearing from the mouth of the man of God, went away crying out and saying: "Unique and singular you are, whose holiness is most powerful in the sight of God: for by your prayers I am compelled to do these things, and no one has had greater strength in this." Moreover for the space of one hour lying on the ground that man heard nothing, as is the custom of others: and thus the freed man was never again held by such a disease.

[21] Among mortals a certain devotee of Joachim, whose name was Pagnus, he heals one severely ruptured, was submerged in that infirmity, in which all intestines descend to the lower part: who could not move any member of his body because of the weight of the descending things. For such was the weight of the viscera, that they seemed to tear the breast itself apart. Who, though with huge labor, at last by divine providence, was brought to Joachim, and beseeches that he might give him health. Whom the man of God addresses with these few words: "You have led a life formerly imbued with crimes." "Thus it is, answered the sick man. Then he said: "Beware henceforth Pagnus, and you shall be freed." And thus with the glorious sign of the Cross he blessed him, placing his hands upon the intestines: and at once I find each thing returned to its proper place. Since therefore I am passing over many and almost infinite things worthy of human memory, let me not pass this in silence.

[22] There was a certain Brother of the Servants of St. Mary, long lax from the disease of the groin: who when he was at Siena for certain affairs of his own and his friends, another vexed by pains of the groin, it happened that he was vexed by the same trouble, and could not bear the infinite and very pitiable labors. Weeping therefore, and about to observe both an honest and religious life, he did not cease to beg Joachim, if it is expedient, not to be weary of having mercy on him: for such great calamities were in him, that he preferred anything to living. Then Joachim, moved by that misery and want, both by the goodness of the man, and by the greatest good fame in disciplines, with the highest cheerfulness rejoices to obey him. Praying to the fountain of piety, the worthy Brother became free from that plague: for at once he received health although his recovery from such discomfort as in a matter of small importance, mortals are often held by despair. Who running to his room, knew he was not yet free from prayer. After therefore he had finished, he turned to him with these words: "First, most holy Father, I greatly desire that eloquence be given me to return thanks: for your sanctity is so joined with God; that in the rest of Italy I do not believe a like one can be found. For how many such excel in such sanctity, that what one says in word, he accomplishes in work of God? What therefore remains, unless that we make you like our Fathers, most holy men? Wherefore I render you immortal thanks, because you recalled me from the jaws of death to the former light." Joachim, setting no value on the smoke and empty glory of this world: "Alas! what? most dear Brother," said he. "Give glory to the bountiful Giver of all good things. For I did not make you free: but the very God of infinite power, who by his judgment disposes all things: and therefore if, as it appears, you love me, let us not pursue these words further: no one except [God] can claim for himself a work foreign to the powers of nature." Thus he went away healed and afterwards for thirty years leading his life and enjoying firm health, only in death was he a little sick, it is known.

[23] In the city of Siena a certain woman, worshiping Joachim with highest veneration, had a decorous and beautiful daughter, except that she had a lump of flesh on her throat the size of an apple, by which all her beauty and loveliness was lost; and a strumous girl and what was more damaging, no one because of the lump of flesh thought that she could be had as a wife: wherefore she decided to bring her to Joachim, to make trial of such a matter, and see whether she would die without a husband; and also, if by divinity such a marriage was given to be made, which especially pleased the governor of all things. Then because where the salvation of souls is at stake, it was always the man of God's custom in freeing the infirm to use the greatest charity; partly because the matter appeared worthy of compassion, partly because by her parents she was honored with every veneration; he blessed the girl, and so with the sign of the Cross drove out the lump of flesh: who became so decorous afterwards, that in place of a wife each of noble birth desired to have her, and even without a dowry each would take her, as mothers dared to promise.

[24] Often Joachim raising his eyes to his Creator, He had brute beasts obeying him. seemed to see no one standing or hearing anyone calling. Indeed brute animals, no otherwise than men, we have seen obey him, by whom they allowed themselves to be caught and carried wherever it pleased.

NOTES.

CHAPTER V.

Summary of his virtues, death and burial.

But now which of the greatest orators could arrange the smallest part of his deeds? Indeed I have found all things in him full of holiness, he excels in every kind of virtue, nor could anything ever come sweeter or more desired to me than the manners, modesty and sanctity of such a great man. I find all things in him perfect, and nothing of good lacking: but that he imitated the disciplines of good arts one by one, I search out: and therefore his martyrdom in this world, and crowns in the heavenly homeland, I shall touch on most briefly. But if I wished to tell all things, I would need the great length of a volume: and therefore I shall taste first the clearer and more excellent things, by which the others can be more easily known, which indeed I shall show later. The more noble are these: Joachim in tender age was never

trifling or doing anything childish. But whoever beheld him praying, visiting the sick, and persuading the afflicted to bear their troubles with equal mind, could not restrain himself but praised him everywhere and among all: and so I see his fame augmented daily. Since indeed he yielded to no one in holiness in his time, because of his sparseness of food, honesty of manners, especially with rigor of penitence. and great modesty in all things, nor because he himself, from the harshest things, brought martyrdom upon himself, afflicting his body with hunger, vigils, beatings, and a hair shirt, that he might be fervent and vigorous in spirit, and his mind might never be torn from heavenly things and the contemplation of divine majesty; he had already worn down the prosperity of his body, and had done what many holy men were wont, as we read of Jerome and Bernard, who with the hardest things reduced their body to extreme weakness.

[25] Therefore on a certain night, the same whom we called above his devotee, approached Joachim praying, visited by the Mother of God, surrounded on every side by Angels, raising two crowns in her hands; one namely [for] the martyrdom assiduously borne in this world with equal mind; the other because he had stood among mortals as Confessor. Who after she had called her beloved servant, said: "Now, dearest son, you must be consulted: for it is my mind to insert you among the elect and devoted servants. For even with the highest joy Father Philip awaits you, expecting." Then Joachim joyful, burning with the Holy Spirit, and shining with sincere life; because the day before the day on which our Lord was affixed to the cross, this was done; asked, that on the following day at the same hour he be released, warned of imminent death: at which our Lord himself had expired. Therefore on the next day Joachim, being well, asks that all the Brothers be summoned to him, and there he spoke certain words, an example of which is written below: "Often, most dear Brothers, weeping and sorrowing I say, 'Alas, wretched and calamitous world! alas, troubled human race! Nothing at last of good or holy remains in you.' Alas for our times, full of miseries and calamities, and fertile with every kind of vices! the next day being well he indicates his death will be this day. Infants, boys, adolescents, youths, old men, and all alike use for good, evil; for chaste manners, crimes; for virtues finally, wicked deeds: for which reasons it is expedient to abandon this little body, and to go there, where only good can be found. Although for your cause I grieve to depart; yet may it be clear to you that such great benefits will arise hence, that you will be wondrously joyful. But I for your services to me will never cease to pray in the most worthy sight of God. But one thing for your native humanity I beseech, that if I have not done all things toward you from true reason, you decide it should be ascribed to tender age rather than to anything else. Now indeed it has so pleased God, to recall me to the heavenly kingdoms in a little while: and therefore I beg you to hold Joachim in memory in your prayers, and at the same time make me adorned with the Sacraments of the Church, and far from every sin. What sorrows or even anxieties were produced hence from remembering, I would surely fall into the same tears. Plainly this the Brothers never thought; for he was held strong in forces and bright, and before the Passion of Christ was read on Parasceve; since he did all things as before. Joachim therefore, thinking their judgment had to be more efficaciously refuted by him, before [all] said: "I see little faith is granted me, nor are the things I said considered true. But again I say that you may believe the truth of the matter hereafter, before the completed Passion of our Lord in the temple, I shall utterly desert you in body: and so he dies, and therefore I beg that four Brothers remain here, lest, this happening, the mouths of mortals be filled." And it was done, the Prior wished that four Brothers most worthy of every veneration be stationed there: and when Joachim, after the example of almighty God, with bent knees heard the Passion; finally coming to that place, "And with bowed head he gave up his spirit," he rendered his own to the Author of all souls, shining with every holiness: with splendor appearing in the temple. and at once in the temple a splendor was seen, which the Brothers thought to be Joachim's soul, running to his room for a while, found the most holy body.

When each one mournful returns, and announces to the whole Sienese people that Joachim had died; you would see all no otherwise agitated, than if the whole city were being overturned from its roots: for all were wont to glory that they had a bright light in the sky, namely Joachim, in the place of a parent. Nor was there delay: a few days after they brought the most precious body to the temple; because of the concourse of men the body was exposed for 4 days, where the eyes of mortals poured out so many tears, that it cannot be explained in words. Each thought that death his own, nor was place and time given to anyone for resting, all kissed the most holy feet. Moreover so great a multitude of men flowed from every side, that wondrously God repaid to the kindly man the honor of his merits: and before permission was given for burial and the paying of due suffrages, for an interval of four days, breathing forth the best odor, it stayed in the temple. Then the Brothers, affected by grief, and compelled by Joachim's absence, decided that his happy life at that time indeed should not be written down; some things about his life were gathered. but when it seemed good to God of infinite wisdom, a few things about him were brought to human memory: for when anyone wished to describe each of Joachim's deeds, he would impose on himself the greatest task.

NOTES.

CHAPTER VI.

Miracles wrought after death.

[27] After Joachim vanished from the snares of the world, he merited to be exalted until the last day of judgment. For when at the celebration of St. Galganus many went for the Indulgence, and it was the time when great cold reigned, many remaining by the fire extolled with many praises those whom they knew as kindly, and especially on the occasion of the Feast of St. Galganus the life of Ambrose and Peter of Siena, decorous and shining with miracles. Suddenly a certain man, of excellent goodness, being there, had exalted Joachim above all to the heavens, so that all were astonished by his gestures, and said he had done this for some merit. he is compared with BB. Ambrose and Peter of Siena A sick man therefore, staying there, and hearing such things of Joachim, with eager ears receives whatever bright things; namely because of him the blind had seen, the lame had run, and the dead had been raised: and at once thinking he was freed from that invisible disease, with the greatest confidence invokes Joachim: promising that if by his merits he should become worthy to receive health, his sanctity should not thus slip from the memory of mortals: moreover he would render his diabolical soul to the Inventor of created things, an incurable disease is healed: who had always been given over to gluttony, lust, pride, and evil deeds: his words to the man of God were these: "If the things which in such abundance are told of you are true, most holy Father, I beseech, Lord, have mercy on me, lest these things full of holiness be so quickly delivered to the forgetfulness of men. Indeed this I promise you, to exalt your name and holiness everywhere, and I shall be a great preacher in public of your praises. Then I deem a wax image should be erected before your most worthy sight, so that the deeds of so great a man may not be so erased." Therefore on the next day, the same physician coming to him, found him as free, as if he had never been subject to such sickness.

[28] After these things a certain honorable Brother of Siena, Nicholas by name, but truly an excellent man, being a preacher on the day of Pentecost, brought forth certain things in accord with his opinion about Joachim, and especially about the power which we said he exercised over the agitation of demons in a rich man. a demon from a possessed body foretells his own departure. There was then there a certain woman, vexed all her short life by a very evil spirit. This one, when she heard the said miracle, immediately Satan rose up in her heart, and emitted the greatest force of voice: "Now, now," he said, "the time has come, when I shall be compelled to leave the woman." At last all seized by fear and dread, perceived in mind they were about to see the end: and this for many reasons; first, because she was known to all Tuscany, then also because she was born in no obscure place. For which reasons immediately after the sermon and she was led to Joachim's tomb, and to the tomb of Blessed Joachim the whole multitude gathered. The preacher asking why he cried so fiercely, the demon said: "I grieve and more than grieve, that I am to leave my seat, long possessed and inhabited, and that Joachim alone can conquer me against whom all were unable to prevail. Asked again, why at the fame and sanctity of other most illustrious men he had not come out of the body, he replied that Divine wisdom had so decreed, so that he too, adorned with miracles, might win for himself the desired seat in heaven. a sign given, At last the angered people demand signs of his departure. At last bearing ill he said: "When I leave this body, I will deprive a certain lamp of its light, and I will throw the woman, now happy, down for the space of one hour, as if dead upon the ground headlong." Let no one pass over, that the possessed woman was seen so learned in Latin that she had no like in the rest of Italy. Again the spirit began to speak: "Strip her of her clothes, and likewise tear her hair, otherwise she will have power to dominate, and put all the signs of the miracle before the tomb: for so has been commanded from above. We cannot but assent to wishes." Receiving the commands therefore they executed all things. And suddenly the spirit departing, with great roaring he departs. you would understand the whole temple to resound, as if it were uprooted from all its foundations. All then besides gave immortal thanks to omnipotent God, and also to the best of men Joachim, by whose prayers such great and such splendid things were done. But we do not find the woman ever had better grace. But until death she was so affected with such veneration toward him, we know that nothing at all above it.

[29] To a certain nobleman walking on the way a tile falling from above broke his head, which was believed by all a mortal wound. At last to him, when the miracles of Joachim were brought back to memory; resuming his breath he said: a fatal head wound is cured. "Although, most holy Father, my merits

I know do not merit your grace, nonetheless with an excellent heart I promise you that when I have become worthy of this grace, I shall always favor your Brothers; and I shall not flee any labor of mind or body, provided I may conform to their will, nor shall I omit to erect a wax image according to my likeness." But on the next day the physician coming to cure him, the cloths being lifted, beheld the wound healed, and moved with the highest admiration, said to the bystanders: "Which, best citizens, so solemn and so excellent a physician freed him from this wound?" Each one not knowing expressed their wonder. Finally he who received such a benefit asserted Joachim must be honored and observed: "For he with his incredible humanity and sanctity brought me from the mouth of death to the former life." All alike hearing such things of him, set out for the tomb, praying Joachim, therefore giving thanks at the tomb, to teach them to imitate God: and immediately a certain fragrance of odor and the pleasure of sleep invaded them, so that before his most worthy sight they slept a little, and each saw Joachim so splendid and so decorous, that because of divine rays his face they could not discern at will. And a little after a certain Angelic voice thundered in their ears: "Children, apply yourselves to morals and virtues, for I shall never fail you: all are refreshed by the same vision; truly you shall one day receive me accommodating all your vows." They immediately filled with Joachim's grace awaken, and each one recounts the one and same vision: some therefore gave themselves to the religious life, others cultivating the world led a chaste and modest life.

[30] There was a certain boy, holding bread in his hand, which, while he was eating after the manner of boys, in his sixth year of age, put himself in the way of a huge and rustic dog. He suddenly, like a wolf compelled by hunger and driven by heat, attacks the boy, and likewise tore the bread and a single finger from his hands. a boy's finger bitten off by a dog is restored. What was done? When the parents saw there was no cure for this sickness, nor physicians, nor even the invoked favors of various Saints availed. (For it was new and unheard of, that anyone should restore a member torn away to its former natural usage, unless the Parent of all created things extended a helping hand) Then with Joachim's miracles flourishing daily, the parents going to him with the greatest veneration, their cheeks wetted with tears, beg that he would bring aid in restoring the boy's finger: for he was their only son, and all the rest had migrated to the mother of all. Nor had they yet returned home, when the boy feeling the benefit of the restored thumb, congratulated himself: for he appeared more beautiful and more divine than the others, nor could anything base or obscene touch him because of the divinity of the thumb. But since the parents did not want to be accused of ingratitude, together with their son, they rendered frequent thanks to Joachim, and deposited a silver finger, like the one created, before his most holy sight. Thus I feel Joachim's fame and honor grow daily. Then the Sienese imparted many good things to the poor of Christ, on account of the merit of so great a man; always to cultivate his Brothers and observe, and to venerate them as parents, and in all things to try to make things pleasing to all.

[31] Although we have said many things of the excellent and best man Joachim, yet I have decided to recount a few more, so that I may come to the end. A certain man at Siena had a jar of the best pure wine, which he was preserving yearly for his necessities, when invited by his companions to the feast of the kindly Joachim, he is said to have replied thus: "Now I see you are taken in mind, mocking those going to venerate B. Joachim, that you wish to go to his celebration, whom the Brothers, for the sake of gaining money and other things, proclaim most holy. Truly I prefer to return home and sell my wine, that I may provide for myself and my resources: you stay with Joachim, I with my wealth: and so he left them, complaining to [him] with base words. Then returning home and putting his hand into the jar, he found foul, turbid, harsh and strong wine, to which for its execrable odor he could hardly cling. he finds his wine corrupted, Then very angry on account of the great weight of gaining money, and also because he was poor, needy, and beggarly, at last remembering the base words basely spoken against the most holy man, and struck with compunction of heart, weeping and grieving that he had poured out such things, he vowed that he would give a fourth part of the wine to the Brothers. which is restored to him after the vow, When he had said these things returning to the wine, finding it brighter and more splendid than before, he gave the greatest thanks to Joachim, and accomplished what he had vowed to the letter. Since these things happen thus, it will be necessary to observe the worshipers of God with the highest veneration, and to be protected and defended under them.

[32] A certain peasant passing through the glades had a huge serpent in his path, who compelled by heat and hunger would have devoured everything: for he was vexed by fires, and could find no food. The peasant truly fearing the serpent, with tail raised coming against him and roaring, is compelled to choose one or the other, namely to save himself or to be killed by the serpent. Therefore grabbing a certain huge staff, he broke the serpent's back with all his might. But at once the viper, kindled with venom and headlong with wrath, rushed upon him, and wounded his right shin to the bone. Finally seeing his leg swelling greatly, the leg was swollen from a serpent's bite with danger of death he had no rest nor any remedy, except to mount the ass he had, and return home. When this was done, his relatives and all the physicians had already given him up for dead, had not Joachim the refuge of the poor come into mind: whom with the greatest hope, yet not frustrated, he invoked, but it came out better than he had thought. Scarcely had he yet vowed, when a certain desire of sleep seized him, and in sleep he seemed to receive a Brother of our Order coming to him and calling, he is cured by Blessed Joachim appearing: "Beloved son," he said, "show me your leg, that I may fulfill your vow." Joachim when he had said these things, without delay vanished, and this man, released from sleep, before all things decides to examine his leg. If I could describe the joy and happiness of the man, you would notice he was filled with joyfulness. Exulting therefore he left his bed, and clothed, in streets, crossroads, and everywhere he proclaims Joachim; giving immortal thanks for so great a service, and gave a wax leg according to his ability to the flower of sanctity Joachim.

[33] There was at the same time to a certain woman an only child, the light of his parents' eyes, in whom they had placed the care and hope of old age. But as God always gave every help in exalting and raising up great men, the mother of the boy going to the temple, to hear Mass in our assembly, left the infant sleeping in his little bed, already in his third year of age. He alone left at home awakes. Grieving and seeing no one, he wanted to descend; and when he tried, the broken arm and bone of the boy are restored he fell headlong to the ground, breaking both his arm and bone: and the mother returning found him there lying weeping a long time; seeing his sickness, she saw the boy entirely crushed and lifeless. Then struck with grief, and fearing for the sake of her husband on the journey, lest he should utter certain words on returning, she invokes the help of physicians. And since she had learned that he could not be cured before her husband's arrival (For she was very afraid because of the bad care of her son which she had had) she decided at last to invoke the divine aid of Joachim as suppliant. Whom when she had prayed, on the next day she knew her son far removed from all sickness; who also became more beautiful and more splendid. Then the parent had a wax image erected to his altar, and dedicated the boy, giving thanks to Joachim.

[34] Since through Joachim such bright things full of sanctity were done, a certain soldier was then dwelling at Siena, who with no small affection of veneration observed Joachim above all: nor long after, discharged at Siena, transported himself to Bologna. He had a vast, fierce, and terrible horse: but whom, captured by the beauty of its kind, he loved. Finally on a certain day desiring to make trial of this horse, he orders his servants to saddle the horse in whatever way. But they could by no means handle it, but excused themselves to the soldier that they had been unable. Wherefore angered, he himself set out to saddle it. Suddenly the horse, with raised feet, cruelly struck the soldier on the chest; broken ribs from a horse's blow are cured: and therefore like one lifeless he lay on the ground for the space of an hour: for several ribs of his chest were broken, so that it was the opinion of all that he would die that same day. They therefore had a doctor summoned, and learned not indeed that he was dead, but that a large part of the ribs was injured, so that plainly no one would boast of freeing him from such a plague. But the soldier gradually resuming breath, remembered Joachim's deeds, and hoped to seek his help, promising to hang a wax horse above, before his tomb. Then he learned he was gradually freed from that most evil sickness; and, what is unheard of in the nature of things, he also found the horse placid, and the fierce horse becomes gentle. humane and mild, so that boys, infants, and finally all could touch it. And what he had vowed, he paid to the letter.

[35] Not the same but much greater things were experienced by a certain preacher of our Order, an excellent man both in fame and in learning, drawing his origin from Florence from no obscure family, whose name was Paul Antonides, This one preaching the holy Gospel in the city of Forli, and bringing holy men to be imitated to the memory of men, especially Joachim the exemplar of holiness excelling all, he showed, whose excellent and miraculous life he recounted. Moreover he was so gentle and cheerful, and so fertile in eloquence and reason of speaking, that for the sake of hearing him [men] would abstain almost from food and sleep. a boy falling from on high It happened therefore in those days that a certain most beautiful festival was celebrated in the forum, to which not only citizens, but all the villagers came together. Whence a certain Lord Jacob's son, in his fifth year of age, beholding the festivity at a window with his companions, fell headlong from a height of thirty cubits. The mother when she saw the boy falling, without any delay of time commended him to Joachim. At last those running, who had seen him threatening ruin, and believed they would find him lifeless, knew him standing and free from all sickness. And when they asked him how the matter had proceeded; he answered that he had seen with his own eyes a certain Brother of our Order, holding a very beautiful crown on his head, by Blessed Joachim called by his mother, in whose hands he was held and suffered no bodily harm, but was gently placed on the ground by him: then with his mother announcing that she had invoked Joachim, they [all] were affected with huge devotion toward him. Therefore the parent

resolved to erect a decorous and almost divine image in three places of the city; and setting out for Siena with his son, he ordered a wax image to be made.

[36] In the month of May a certain boy, outside the Sienese gate, gathering flowers above a pit full of water, stretched himself so far to obtain them, that submerged by the waves he was deprived of life; when for the breadth and depth of the waters he could in no way help himself. a drowned boy is resuscitated: But as it seemed good to divine wisdom that the boy should not be drowned thus without his parents' witness, his mother passed that way; and when she did not see her son, astonished, staying there a little, she received floods raising the boy up. With great cries she calls a man nearby (for there was a gardener of some surrounding gardens) who suddenly coming there, though dressed, threw himself into the water, and seized the dead boy. After the parents learned he was dead, they carried him to Joachim the refuge of the poor, commending him by his merits. Then the boy, breathing, addresses his parents thus: "Fear nothing for me, for I saw a distinguished Brother, the most holy light of the Servants, praying for me, and he himself made me resume life already denied." All wondered, who had followed the one drowned in the waves of the waters, that such praise was perfected from the mouth of infants: for there was a huge multitude of mortals there, praising and glorifying God, who had given such things to one engaged in holiness.

[37] The most flourishing city of cities produced such a man in those times, dedicated to the divine Virgin, having the name Lippus, A ruptured man is made whole again: whose intestines had descended into the purse of the colors, so that he took the greatest anxiety of weight from them rushing in, and found rest only with great labor, for the remainder of the body seemed dull to him. For which reasons he beseeches Joachim to have mercy on him; moreover he said, "I will come to you with bare feet, and will faithfully deliver a certain large taper." Wherefore rising in the morning he found each thing returned to its place, and since he lived above thirty years, he is said never to have been subject to any sickness.

[38] In the town of Massa g on the coast a man wrongly accused, captives are freed: suffered many torments: and at last, as a cause of his martyrdom, he confessed to what he had not done, so that by the judges' sentence he fell into capital punishment. Not knowing therefore what he should do, he implores Joachim, and immediately when he had prayed, a hasty sleep invaded all the guards: and each one, trusting the guard to another, gave himself to rest. For no one had thought any of them to complain of the pleasure of sleep: but all alike slept. The captives, having examined this, went out together with him. And when he said it had been done by God on account of Joachim, they likewise set out for Siena, and rendered immortal thanks to Joachim.

[39] Most of the physicians of Siena a woman with ulcers (caratteres) had tried, but all in vain, except Joachim, who had long been a mockery to her: and indeed to invoke him she accounted as nothing. Yet her relatives daily observing the miracles of Joachim poured out, a woman full of ulcers is healed. altogether resolved to lead the ulcerous woman to him. To whom the woman said: "I grieve that I have not given him faith, as was allowed: and I fear lest because of this he should not lend me his ears." "Fear nothing," they said: "for he, seeing your affliction and penitence, will consider not your heart's folly, but your faith." When she valued these things as nothing, the man of God Joachim such things in sleep; "Do you know me?" he said. But she: "I do not know, unless you say, my Lord." "I am a servant of God," he said, "whose miracles you have held for nothing till now. One thing know, that the worshipers of God must be venerated by all: for I do not say your thanks is this judgment. Come then, since you are now free, take care to live chastely and modestly." She sorrowing for her faults, is said to have given herself to correcting her manners. Therefore he (to make the beginning and end alike) most happily lived, who imitating Joachim acts according to his custom, and shall be partaker of that divine and eternal joy: The author's epilogue. and he who by some nod governs the whole world with the highest reason, will also grant him to be worshiped in the same fatherland: in which indeed the elect holy of mortals remain, rendering glory to the Trinity forever and ever.

NOTES.