ON ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST,
BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA AND MARTYR,
ABOUT THE YEAR 68.
PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
By G. H.
§ I. The veneration of Saint Mark among the Latins, Greeks, and Egyptians. Various Acts of his life and martyrdom.
[1] Most celebrated is the memory of Saint Mark the Evangelist in all ecclesiastical calendars — Latin, Greek, and Coptic — and on various days throughout the year. The four transcripts of the Hieronymian Martyrology, often cited, assign to the 9th day before the Kalends of October, The veneration of Saint Mark on 23 September, that is, 23 September, the feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist at Alexandria. But the word "natalis" (feast) is missing in the older Epternach codex. On the same day his memory is inserted in the manuscript Martyrologies of Reichenau in Swabia, of Corbie in Gaul, likewise of Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, and of Paris which our Labbé communicated to us. But for what reason he is commemorated in those calendars on the said day is not clear to us.
[2] Others generally place his natal day on this 25 March and especially on 25 April, along with the Reichenau and Augsburg Martyrologies just mentioned, as well as the Cassinese and the Altempsian, in the few words quoted above. Bede in his Genuine Martyrology, which we published before the second volume of March, adorns him with this eulogy:
7th day before the Kalends of May. The feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist at Alexandria: with Bede's eulogy, who, having established and confirmed churches throughout Libya, Marmarica, Ammoniaca, Pentapolis, Alexandria, and all Egypt, was at last seized by the pagans who remained at Alexandria. They, seeing him celebrating Mass on the holy day of Easter, put a rope around his neck and dragged him to the places called Buculi, which were beside the sea beneath the cliffs, where a church had been built; and his flesh flowed down onto the ground, and the stones were stained with his blood. When evening came, they cast him into prison, where about midnight he was first strengthened by an angelic visit, and then, with the Lord himself appearing to him, was summoned to the heavenly kingdom. And in the morning, while he was being dragged to the places of Buculi, giving thanks and saying, "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit," he died in the eighth year of Nero; and he was buried by religious men at Alexandria, in a place cut from the rock, with glory. Now he had ordained in his stead Anianus as Bishop of Alexandria; and to other churches far and wide he had given bishops, priests, and deacons.
Thus far Bede, and Rabanus following him. But Usuard, Ado, Notker, Bellinus, and other later writers drew thence certain things, and some from the eulogy of Saint Jerome, contained in his book On Ecclesiastical Writers.
[3] From the Martyrologies mentioned, especially Bede and Rabanus, we arrive at a sound knowledge of the most ancient Acts to which the Acts found in Latin manuscripts are in agreement: which were written concerning the life and martyrdom of Saint Mark; for from these Bede drew his eulogies, retaining even the same words, and Rabanus, a man reckoned even in his time among the more learned, approved them. Those Acts we give below, collated from twelve ancient codices: namely from one now in our possession, formerly Dutch; from the Roman codex of Cardinal Baronius and the Neapolitan of Nicolas Beatellus; from the Utrecht codex of Saint Martin, the Cusan of Saint Nicholas, the Ardennes of Saint Hubert, the Audomarensian of the Cathedral Church, the Paris of Cardinal Mazarin; likewise from the Aquicinctine, the Schenckian, the Douai codex of the Jesuit College, two codices of Her Most Serene Majesty Queen Christina of Sweden marked number 81 and 482. Moreover the same Acts exist, though with wording here and there altered, in a Utrecht codex, another of Saint Martin, and another of the Queen of Sweden marked number 13. From these two last we prefix but the Apostolate of Aquileia is prefixed, what concerning Saint Peter's company into Italy and the Apostolate of Aquileia we have so far found most certain. We also found in the first three a Prologue, and indeed a different one, but added by later hands: which accordingly we omit.
[4] Moreover, the aforesaid Acts were translated into Greek, not by Symeon Metaphrastes, but perhaps in the eleventh or twelfth century by some monk of Grottaferrata in the Tusculan district, twelve miles from the city of Rome itself. Acts rendered from Latin into Greek, Whence William Sirletus brought forth similar Lives pertaining to the month of April, which Alois Lipomano, having had them translated into Latin, published in the second part of the seventh volume of the Lives of the Holy Fathers, and after him Laurentius Surius. In both of them, in the first place, is the martyrdom of Saints Agape, Chionia, and Irene, concerning which may the Reader deign to read our judgment at 3 April. And from this to learn how slight was the accuracy of the interpreters and compilers by whose work that Greek codex came together. Other Acts, composed in Greek from their origin, we found in Vatican Codex 866, and these, though of less antiquity and authority than the Latin, and therefore did not seem worth rendering into Latin, we nevertheless present in Greek at the end of this volume; because from them the Menologies and Menaea of the Greeks differ little, from which we insert here only what is handed down in the Menology of the Emperor Basil Porphyrogenitus, and these are as follows. On the same day, 25 April, the Martyrdom of Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist. Mark, the divine Apostle of Christ, a eulogy from the MS Menology of the Emperor Basil after the ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, preached the word of Christ in all Egypt and Libya and Pentapolis, while Tiberius Caesar was then reigning. He also wrote the holy Gospel of Christ, dictated to him by Saint Peter the Prince of the Apostles. Ordained Bishop of Alexandria, he raised up and adorned the churches of Christ, appointing bishops throughout all the Prefectures of Egypt, and propagating the Christian faith. Now when, on one of those days, he was preaching the word of God beside the sea, he was seized by the worshippers of idols, and bound with ropes was dragged so that his flesh was lacerated by being dashed against the stones, and his blood watered the ground. Then he was cast into prison, where the Lord, appearing to him, promised him the kingdom of heaven. The next day he was brought out of prison, and while he was dragged through the streets, he gave up his spirit to God. So much there.
[5] More is contained in the manuscript Synaxarion of Clermont of the Society of Jesus at Paris, veneration at Constantinople in his own church and in the Menaea both printed and handwritten: in all of which at the end these things are added: "His feast day is celebrated in his most revered Apostoleion, or temple dedicated to him, which is next to the Taurus." Concerning that temple in Georgius Codinus, On the Origins of Constantinople, page 61, is read as follows: constructed by Theodosius the Great, "Theodosius the Great first built the church of Saint Mark near the Taurus, with a wooden dome, which afterwards, having been collapsed by an earthquake, Romanus the Elder, surnamed Lecapenus, rebuilt." This Romanus was first declared Caesar, then Augustus, by his son-in-law the Emperor Constantine in the year 919, and he reigned with him until the year 944. and at Alexandria: Concerning the church which was erected to the same Evangelist at Alexandria, and concerning his tomb there, we treat in the Appendix Appendix from the Life of Saint Peter of Alexandria extracted from the Life of Saint Peter, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr, published separately in Greek and Latin by Francisco Combefis. Then we append the Encomium of Procopius the Deacon and Chartophylax, already before published by Lipomano, but now again more accurately rendered from Greek by the most noble Adolescent Giovanni Francesco Albano of Urbino, Canon of the Church of Saint Lawrence in Damaso, Encomium of Procopius the Deacon, who deigned to offer his ready labor for such things, by which also he produced the Latin portion of the Menology of Basil. Another eulogy of the same Evangelist written by Nicetas Paphlagon may be read in Francisco Combefis, volume 6 of the Library of Preaching Fathers, published at this 25 April. Leo Allatius mentions both in his Diatribe on the Writings of the Simeons, pages 104 and 115. Nicetas flourished in the ninth century of Christ, but much older than he was Procopius, who lived while Alexandria was still retaining its splendor under the Christian Emperors. Some commemoration of the holy Apostle Mark next to the Taurus is inscribed in the Greek Menaea on 11 January, which now clearly seems to us to be understood of this holy Evangelist. John Selden, after his book On the Sanhedrins of the Ancient Hebrews, published a Calendar of the feasts of the Copts and Egyptians, in which is noted the Feast of Mark the Evangelist on the 30th day of the month of Barmahat, Veneration in the Coptic calendars and is noted to fall on 26 March; and again on the 30th day of the month of Barmuda, which is this 25 April: on which day also his feast is celebrated in the Arabic-Egyptian Martyrology, rendered into Latin for us by Grazio Sinonio, and Arabic calendars. then at Rome an alumnus of the Maronite College.
§ II. The time of his life and martyrdom. The Gospel he wrote; other things attributed to him.
[6] Abraham Ecchellensis, a Syrian Maronite from Lebanon, very well known to us at Rome, He is said by the Alexandrians to have been crowned as a Martyr in the year 67, published in his Eastern Chronicle a history of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, and a long eulogy in it of Saint Mark the Evangelist and Founder of the Church of Alexandria: in which it is also said that he obtained the crown of martyrdom on the last day of Barmuda of the Egyptians, in the sixty-seventh year of the Incarnation of the Lord; since not long before, having gone to Rome, he had been present at the martyrdom of the two Apostles Peter and Paul, in the thirty-fifth year from the ascension of our Lord to the heavens. and to have been present at the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul, Because
the Egyptians were accustomed to begin their year from the month of Thoth, which falls in the last days of August, these events would need to be referred to the following year. Not much different from this ancient tradition of the Church of Alexandria is the similarly ancient tradition of the Church of Rome, having died in the year 65, according to which, as we have shown elsewhere, those Apostles were put to death in the consulship of Nerva and Vestinus, in the year of Christ 65, when from his Ascension 37 years had passed, with which chronology agree Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and others indicated by us elsewhere. Below also, in the Acts of the martyrdom, Saint Mark is said to have given up his spirit in the fourteenth year of Nero's reign: so our ancient codex. slain himself in the 14th year of Nero, Now Nero died in the eighth month of the said 14th year of his reign: and Galba Caesar succeeded him, whose name is set down in the tables of the said history of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, as though Saint Mark had died in his time. To him is attributed the said year, although properly he reigned only seven months from June to January of the following year, and thus Saint Mark would have died in the year of Christ 68. Eutychius Patriarch of Alexandria in the tenth century of Christ thought otherwise, Eutychius assigns it to the first year of Nero, Eusebius to the eighth: who records that both Saint Peter and Saint Mark were crowned with martyrdom in the first year of Nero. Eusebius in his Chronicle, at the eighth year of Nero's reign, in the consulship of Celsus and Gallus, writes this: "The first Bishop of Alexandria, after the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, was Anianus, for 22 years." So Eusebius; but we fear that, as we have said of him in the Roman Pontiffs, so also here he was mistaken and determined the said years from mere conjectures. Baronius in his Notes to 26 April, where he treats of Saint Cletus the Pope, who was passed over by Eusebius with great negligence, judges that in matters that pertain to the Roman Church, greater credence should be given to her own alumni than to the rest. The same is to be said here of the tradition of the Church of Alexandria. Concerning Saint Anianus we shall soon treat, who is said by the Alexandrians to have presided only eighteen years; so that Eusebius seems to have attributed to him some years previously taken from Saint Mark. Since nevertheless Saints Jerome, Bede, and others have followed Eusebius, we prefer to propose these matters for further discussion by the reader, rather than cling tenaciously to the said opinion.
[7] The said history of the Patriarchs of Alexandria attributes to Mark only seven years in the See of Alexandria: and thus sufficient time is given in which he may both have lived at Rome with Saint Peter, he is reported to have been at Aquileia for two and a half years, and written his Gospel, and, having set out for Aquileia, have first planted the faith of Christ there. That he preached two and a half years at Aquileia is recorded, from the most ancient monuments of the Marcian church at Venice, by Giovanni Stringa in his treatises on Saint Mark, cited by Palladius Oliva in book 5, Things of Friuli, page 86. Concerning the Gospel written by Saint Mark at Rome, Baronius treats at length at the year 45, and commentators generally. Of these, Cornelius a Lapide in his Argument on Mark that they wrote the Gospel in Greek, inquires about the autograph of the Gospel carried from Aquileia to Venice, and adds this: "Moreover a grave man, Canon of Saint Mark at Venice, who had his Relics in his hand and was thus an eyewitness, at my request inquiring curiously concerning this matter, as is said to exist at Venice; these days wrote back that this autograph of Saint Mark was written in the Greek language, and was brought from Aquileia to Venice in the year of Christ 1472." But in this year there seems to be some error; since Ferdinand Ughelli in volume 5 of Italia Sacra and others hand down that it was translated in the year 1420, under the Doge Thomas Mocenigo, who presided from the year 13 until the year 23 of the said fifteenth century. Whether from this Cornelius a Lapide rightly concludes that the Gospel was originally published in Greek by Saint Mark we doubt, on account of the testimony which we subjoin of the Emperor Charles IV, whose journey into Italy William and Albrighetto Cortusio describe in their history, book 11, chapter 1, in these words: or in Latin: "Suddenly from Bohemia he rode to Udine. This was in the year 1354, Indiction VII, on the 14th day of October. Passing through Sacile, Civie, and Feltre, on the first day of November he entered Bassano. In his company were the Patriarch of Aquileia his brother, Jacobinus da Carrara, and Feltrino da Gonzaga." So there. It was the ninth year of the reigns of Charles IV, who then at Feltre on the last day of the month of October gave letters to Arnest, Archbishop and Chapter of the Metropolitan Church of Prague: which, copied from the autograph preserved in the archives of the Church of Prague, Theodore Moretus sent to us from Prague in 1654 — he who had been sent from our Flanders-Belgian province to that of Bohemia, and was then Rector of the College of Klatovy there — and which afterwards in the year 1671, collated with the autograph and corrected by his own hand, the most illustrious and reverend Lord, Thomas Johannes Pessina de Czechorod, Dean of the Metropolitan Church of Prague, Official of the Archdiocese, and Vicar General in Spirituals of His Highness the Archbishop of Prague, sent back: they are of this sort.
[8] "Charles by the grace of God, ever-august King of the Romans, and King of the Bohemians. that the Emperor Charles IV sent part of it from Aquileia to Prague? Devoted and beloved Princes. Let your devotion know that, recently proceeding to the borders of Italy, we found in the Church of Aquileia the Book of the Gospel of Saint Mark the Evangelist, written in Latin letters in seven quaternions, by the very hand of the same holy Evangelist: of which we obtained the two last quaternions by the urging of great prayers, and we direct them to you through the noble Louis of Hohenlohe, for the honor of the holy Church of Prague our Mother, as is more clearly expressed in the royal letters, signed with the pendant seal of our Majesty. And nevertheless as a sign of the affection with which we sincerely embrace the aforesaid Book, nay rather the Church of Prague, we have already arranged for a beautiful and precious setting of gold and pearls to be made for the same book, at the price of two thousand florins; the measure indeed of its boards having been taken. So that when, God willing, we shall in a short time send this very setting to you, nothing else will remain except to apply such a setting to the said Book. Wherefore we earnestly request and exhort your devotion, desiring that with the entire Clergy of our cities and suburbs of Prague, both of exempt and non-exempt places, you go to meet the same Book; and with spiritual cheer and joy receive it. And since ecclesiastical tradition has ordained that the Gospel be chanted by Deacons in the churches, gather as great a number of Deacons as you can, clothed in their sacred Diaconal vestments, for the said reception of the Gospel. Then consequently, the Lord granting, we shall transmit to the said Church of Prague the head of Saint Victor the Martyr. Given at Feltre on the last day of the month of October, in the ninth year of our reigns." So there with the seal attached. Concerning the rest of the journey of Emperor Charles through Lombardy, and the coronation held at Milan on the feast of Epiphany of the following year 1355, the same Cortusii treat accurately, and generally others. But the aforesaid Dean of Prague in his Journal of the Relics of the Metropolitan Church of Saint Vitus, recently published by him, treating of the said Gospel, testifies that from the same most ornate codex, on the feast of Easter and again of the Ascension of the Lord, the Gospel is read at the solemnities of the Masses. The beginning of the text is in these words of chapter 12 verse 21: "And the second took her and died": and from here to the end the sacred Scripture continues, and in larger letters is added, "Amen."
[9] In the manuscript Martyrology of the Cathedral Church of Prague, after the eulogy on Saint Mark taken from Usuard, whether a part of the body was also carried from Prague by Charles IV? the following is added: "Whose body was placed by the most pious Emperor Charles the Great in the monastery of Augia-major of the Order of Saint Benedict in the diocese of Basel, which Charles himself founded, and was buried there for a long time. At length Charles IV, Emperor and King of Bohemia, coming there, obtained with many prayers a great part of the body of the same holy Evangelist: and having had made for himself a silver gilt tomb, with the head decorated with gold and silver, he translated it to the Church of Prague, with all honor and solemnity." The aforementioned Dean in his Journal not only asserts that the head is there, but moreover says that it is possessed with the jaw and one tooth, so that it appears to signify an intact skull. The same Charles obtained with many prayers from Nicholas, Patriarch of Aquileia, his brother, the two last sexternions of the Gospels of the same Saint Mark, which he is said to have written in Latin letters with his own hand: and the same book, decorated with gold and silver and adorned with most precious gems, he gave to the Church of Prague, in which the Gospel is read on the day of Easter and on the day of the Ascension in the Church of Prague. His tomb also is solemnly carried in the major Litany. So there. At Prague, Allatius celebrates the first of the Relics on 2 January, to which day in the Appendix we have enumerated the said Relics, among which is noted a part of the body of Saint Mark the Evangelist and part of the autograph of his Gospel. Concerning the cited monastery of Augia-major situated on Lake Constance, and another monastery of Augia-dives near Constance, Bucelinus treats in part 2 of Germany Sacred, without any mention of the Relics of Saint Mark. But in the Benedictine Sacristy published with his Menology he writes this at this 25 April: "The most sacred body of Saint Mark is preserved most religiously in the most celebrated monastery of Augia, commonly called Dives, near Constance on the Rhine." In the ancient manuscript Martyrology of Reichenau at 9 April this is read: "And the translation of the bodies of Saint Mark the Evangelist and Saint Senesius the Martyr to Augia in the year 830." But then, in place of Charlemagne, his son Louis the Pious was reigning. Perhaps both were Roman Martyrs. To know something more certain, we wrote to Constance to Father Christopher Roschman, Rector there of our college, once known to us, but he could learn nothing certain about the said Relics. Concerning the body of Saint Mark the Evangelist translated to Venice we shall soon treat.
[10] Some things attributed to Saint Mark. There exists a Liturgy of the same Saint Mark, which is said to have been composed by him for his diocese: concerning which Adam Contzen may be consulted in the proemium of his Commentary on the Gospel of Saint Mark. As to the view of some, with Peter de Natalibus, that Saint Mark cut off his thumb in order not to be promoted to the priesthood, it is an inept fable and not worthy of refutation: yet Peter Halloix has done so in volume 1 of the Writers of the Eastern Church at chapter 5 of the Life of Saint Polycarp. That he had Enoch the Hermit of Mount Carmel as a companion of travel and labor, we read in none of the ancients, and therefore the fictions of more recent writers, built upon this Enoch, by which he is presented as the chief propagator of the Carmelite Order, we did not consider even worth refutation, on 8 April, at the Life of Saint Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem.
THE APOSTOLATE OF AQUILEIA.
From a double manuscript codex.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
BHL Number: 5281
FROM MSS.
After the glorious ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven a to the Father, all things that are sacredly retained in writing concerning him in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms having been consummated, After the ascension of Christ, and the prince of this world, that is the devil (as the Light of the world himself deigned to promise with his own mouth), having now been cast out — where also the Apostles, by the most high prudence of the Holy Spirit dispensing, were dispersed throughout the whole world, and the faith begun by the Apostles was to be preached, each one being illumined by the ray of divine light to the extent that the cord of preaching was extended to him, to drive away the darkness of unbelief: that darkness, namely, which the ancient enemy, by cunning fraud, introduced among the very rudiments, so to speak, of the nascent world, the protoplasts having been wholly deceived. John 12:31 For the Prince of the Apostles, namely the keeper of the keys of the heavenly mysteries, Blessed Peter, Saint Mark came to Rome with Saint Peter: having founded at Antioch the chair of the pontifical summit, namely upon that Rock which Christ Jesus himself had taught him beforehand was his inviolable foundation, b in the second year, namely, of the reign of Claudius Caesar, came to Rome on a blessed day to overcome Simon Magus, with Mark also no doubt his faithful disciple as companion, and most beloved son from the laver of sacred regeneration; so that the City, mistress of the world, the head indeed of all the unbelieving, her neck bent down from pride, tamed by the light and sweet yoke of the Lord, and her faithless head cut off as soon as possible by the divine sword from the neck of the ancient serpent, should become moreover a faithful member of the Creator of all good things; and she who had once been the teacher and mother of all falsities, should nonetheless in every way become the disciple and daughter of truth.
[2] And when they had now tarried there for some days, and had sown with the hand of doctrine the seed of the word of God, with sincere affection of heart, and with him made much fruit: through the field of the breast of those who heard; that being fulfilled which Truth in the Gospel, signifying himself, taught, that before the falling grain of wheat should die, it is alone: "If it dies," he says, "it brings forth much fruit." John 12:24 Therefore, as is fitting to say, so great a fruit of harvests grew up multiplied throughout the whole world after the death of this grain that fell — that is, the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ — that never by any measure of quantity could it be estimated by any mortal, nor indeed has ancient time ever experienced the marks of such praises. Therefore as many as were predestined to life, while the Blessed Apostle Peter was preaching within the walls of the City, the magical contrivances of the cunning Simon having been frustrated by the power of God, the hearts of all the faithful were filled with the taste of such sweetness; that both they went away always satisfied with spiritual nourishment, and always needing to be satisfied, with a happy hunger infused, they extorted from the faithful dispenser that they be refreshed more eagerly: so that not only, once invited, did they run to the Lord's supper, but, overcome by a blessed importunity, they took care to thrust themselves in as quickly as possible; just as c Clement in the sixth book of his Disputations sets forth according to the capacity of his subtle mind. by those converted through him "The word," he says, "of truth and light, which was preached through Peter, illumined the minds of all with a pleasant hearing; so that the daily audience of him never had any satiety. Whence neither did the hearing alone suffice for them, but they entreated Mark his disciple with all prayers Mark was asked to write the Gospel, that the things which he preached in word he would commit to writing, to be remembered for their perpetual admonition, that at home and abroad they might persist in meditations of this kind."
[3] These things being so, Blessed Mark the Evangelist, fulfilling the office of the Apostolate, is sent d to Aquileia, that is, to a most famous city: he does this at Aquileia, where e coming, while in the same city, the divine grace accompanying him, he remained for some time occupied in the zeal of preaching; and he converted a great multitude of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord, and there founded a church with most religious wisdom, in the inviolable solidity of the faith: f he is also reported to have composed in that same place the Gospel of the Lord in his own style: as the monuments of ancient writers, transmitted to posterity, evidently declare. There is also a witness of this thing, which remains to this day in the same church for the confirmation of the assertion of this truth, in an ivory chair, g an ancient ivory chair put together from polished tablets: in which indeed the memory of ancient reporters has not been silent that he sat while he was drawing up the Evangelical pages: afterwards held in honor: in whose seat of this chair no Pontiff has afterward ever dared to sit; but it continues to this day humbly honored in great veneration by all the Pontiffs.
[4] The crown of martyrdom indeed was reserved for him at Alexandria, divine foreknowledge dispensing, He instituted St Hermagoras, to be bestowed at another time. Moreover he brought the most holy man Hermagoras, a citizen of Aquileia, by the art of his teaching to such perfection of excellence, that he did not doubt that he would be worthy of the height of the supreme Priesthood, and that in the virtue of the Holy Spirit he would obtain it: whence also he judged most rightly to take him as a suitable companion of his journey, when he returned to Rome, and sees to his consecration as Bishop by Saint Peter, and then did not consider him unworthy to be presented to the presence of the Blessed Apostle Peter: by whom, namely, the holy Apostle, the first Pastor of the Church, the same Blessed Hermagoras received the rod of the Pontificate, consecrated by martyrdom at Aquileia. and, having undertaken the office of the supreme Priesthood, undertook with the Lord's favor the Church of Aquileia to be governed: in which city, indeed, having obtained the crown of martyrdom h, he was made a member of the supreme Priest Christ, with whom, having obtained eternal beatitude, he reigns without end in heaven i.
NOTES.
APOSTOLATE OF ALEXANDRIA, MARTYRDOM.
From twelve Latin and Greek MSS.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
BHL Number: 5276
FROM MSS.
At the same time in which the Apostles were dispersed throughout the whole world, Sent into Egypt and neighboring regions, it happened that the most blessed Mark by divine will came to the region of Egypt: where the sacred Canons of the Catholic and Apostolic Church decreed him Evangelist. On account of which, first in the whole region of Egypt, in a Libya, Marmarica, Ammoniaca, and Pentapolis, he preached the Gospel and the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For all who dwelt in those lands were uncircumcised and serving idols, filled with uncleanness, eating things strangled, and they built side-chapels and shrines and household idols; b also most abominable curses and witchcraft and every contrary virtue flourished among them, which our Lord Jesus Christ by his coming scattered and destroyed.
[2] When therefore the venerable Evangelist Mark had come to Cyrene, which is in Pentapolis, having worked a miracle at Cyrene, there were indigenous people there according to the kind of the same religion: to these the Apostle, making a beginning of the divine word, likewise healed the sick, cleansed lepers, cast out many most wicked spirits of demons, by the grace of Christ, with a single word. Seeing these things, many believed through him in the Lord Jesus; and destroying their idols and cutting down their groves, he converted many: they were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[3] Thereafter also it was revealed to him through the Holy Spirit to go to the c shrine of Alexandria, and to sow the good seed of the divine word. At divine warning he sails to Alexandria, Therefore the most blessed Evangelist Mark, like a most valiant Athlete, went with ready mind to the contest, and bidding farewell to the Brethren, said: "My Lord has spoken to me, that I should go to Alexandria." They accompanied him as far as the ship, eating bread with him, and sent him away saying: "May the Lord Jesus Christ make your journey prosperous." The venerable Mark arrived at Alexandria on the second day: and going out of the little ship, he came to a certain place d: and as soon as he entered the city, his shoe burst. And the blessed Apostle, understanding, said: he heals the wounded hand of Anianus the cobbler: "Truly now my journey is made ready": and catching sight of someone who happened to be a cobbler, he handed him the shoe to mend. And while he was doing so, he sorely e wounded his left hand, and cried out saying: "One God!" Now blessed Mark, hearing him say "One God," said within himself rejoicing: "God has made my journey prosperous": and spitting on the ground, he anointed the man's hand, saying: "In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God, let your hand receive health." And immediately his hand was healed. Now the cobbler, who was sewing old things, considering the great power of the man and the efficacy of his word and the temperance of his life, said to him: "I beseech you, man of God, come and turn aside to the house of your servant, and eat bread, because you have today done me a mercy." And the blessed Mark, made joyful, said: "May the Lord give
you the bread of life from heaven." And the man compelled the Apostle and introduced him into his house with joy.
[4] Saint Mark, having entered, said: "The blessing of the Lord be here: he instructs, let us pray, Brethren." And they all prayed together. And when they were conversing cordially, the man said: "I ask you, whence are you, or whence is this speech of so strong a life?" Mark answered him: "I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God." And that man said: "I would wish to see him." Saint Mark answered: "I will show him to you." And he began to make the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to show what had been foretold by the Prophets concerning him. And that man said: "I have absolutely never heard the scriptures of which you speak, but the Iliad and the Odyssey, with which the sons of the Egyptians are imbued for the study of wisdom." Then Blessed Mark began to evangelize Christ the Lord, declaring that wisdom of this kind is foolishness with God. and baptizes him with his whole house and many others: And that man believed in God, while Blessed Mark was teaching and performing signs and wonders: and he was baptized, himself and his whole household, and a great multitude of that place. Now that man's name was Anianus.
[5] And when very many had been made believers in the Lord, the men of the city heard that a certain Galilean had come there a church established in that place, who was destroying the sacrifices of the gods and prohibiting their ceremonies; and they sought to kill him, laying many ambushes for him. But the blessed Mark, knowing their counsels, there ordained Anianus as Bishop and three Presbyters, namely f Melius, Sabinus, and g Cerdo, and h seven Deacons, and eleven others pertaining to the ecclesiastical ministry; and he goes to i Pentapolis: and remaining there for two years, he spends two years in Pentapolis: he strengthened the Brethren who had previously believed there; and ordaining Bishops throughout those regions and Clergy, he came again to Alexandria. He returns to Alexandria: And he found the Brethren multiplied in the grace and faith of the Lord, and a church built by them in the place which is called Buculi, that is, of the Herdsmen, near the sea under the cliffs: and the Righteous One rejoiced greatly, and bending his knees gave glory to God. joyful at the progress of Christianity,
[6] And when his time was being fulfilled and the Christians were multiplied in the faith, deriding and mocking the idols of the Gentiles, the profane there learned that the Holy One had come, he shines with miracles: and were filled with envy because of the miracles which they had learned he performed: he healed the sick, restored hearing to the deaf, gave sight to the blind. And they sought to seize him, and could not find him. Wherefore they gnashed with their teeth, and in the spectacles of their idols and in their festal revelries they cried out: "Great is the power of this man."
[7] And it came to pass that our most blessed Paschal festivity, that is, the holy Lord's Day, fell on the twentieth day of the month k Parmuti, which is the 8th day before the Kalends of May: Celebrating Mass at Easter, he is seized: at which time their Serapiac festival was being held. At this opportunity, therefore, the ambushers, gathered, immediately sent men to seize him: who found him celebrating the offering of prayer most sacred to the divine Majesty. Taking him away, they put a rope around his neck, and dragging him said: "Let us drag the Buffalo to the places of Buculi." But Saint Mark, while he was being dragged, gave thanks to the Savior Christ, saying: "I give you thanks, my Lord Jesus Christ, cruelly tortured, he is shut in prison, because I have been held worthy to suffer these things for your name." And his flesh was flowing down to the ground, and the l stones were stained with his blood. And when evening had come, they cast him into prison, until they should inquire by what death to destroy him.
[8] About midnight, the doors being closed and the guards sleeping before the doors, he is strengthened by an appearing Angel, behold a great earthquake was made: for the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, who touched him, saying: "Servant of God, Mark, and Chief of the Propagators of the most holy decrees throughout Egypt, behold your name is taken up in the book of heavenly Life, and your memorial shall not be forsaken forever: for you are made a companion of the supernal virtue: for in heaven they shall lead forth your spirit, and eternal rest and unfailing light shall not perish." The most blessed Mark seeing this vision, stretching his hands to heaven, said: "I give you thanks, Lord Jesus Christ, that you have not forsaken me, but have numbered me with your Saints. I beseech you, Lord Jesus Christ, receive my soul in peace, and suffer me not to be separated from your grace." When he had said these things, and Christ there came to him the Lord Jesus Christ in that form and habit in which he had been with his disciples before he suffered, and said to him: "Peace to you, Mark, our Evangelist." And he responded, "My Lord Jesus Christ." And he departed.
[9] Brought out of prison, When morning came, a multitude of the city gathered: and casting him out of custody, they again put a rope around his neck, and dragged him, saying: "Drag the Buffalo to the places of Buculi." But Saint Mark, while he was dragged, giving thanks to God, and at the same time imploring his most pious mercy, was saying: "Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit": and saying these things, the most blessed Mark gave up his spirit. he gives up his spirit:
[10] Now a huge multitude of the Gentiles, kindling a fire in the place which is called Adangelos m, wished to burn the holy Relics. lest his body be burned. Then by the providence of God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, a violent storm arose, and a vehement tempest of wind was made: the sun also withdrew its rays, an arisen storm prevented it; and there were heavy thunders, and abundant rains from morning to evening, so that the dwellings of many collapsed and very many died. Then the guards, fearing, let go the holy body and fled. Others, deriding, said that their most blessed Serapis on his festivity today had wished to visit this man. Then religious men coming gathered the body of the Just One, and bore it to where he was accustomed to pour out prayers to the Lord without ceasing. it is carried to an oratory:
[11] Now the form of Blessed Mark was of this kind. With a long nose, arched eyebrow, beautiful in eyes, growing bald, with a prolix beard, what was the form of his body: swift, of the best disposition, of middle age, sprinkled with grey, temperate in affection, full of the grace of God. Prayers therefore having been made, they buried him as the custom of the city required: and placed him in a coffin cut out of stone, with glory venerating his memory, he is buried. with sobriety and prayers, rejoicing that he was the first to merit the true and most precious throne of Alexandria: he was placed in the eastern part.
[12] Now the most blessed Evangelist, the first Martyr of our Lord Jesus Christ at Alexandria in Egypt, slept on the thirtieth day, which is with the Romans the 7th day before the Kalends of May, in the fourteenth n year of the reign of Nero, with our Lord Jesus Christ reigning with God the Father and the Holy Spirit always and everywhere, to whom be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NOTES.
APPENDIX.
From the Life of Saint Peter Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
FROM MSS.
Saint Peter the Bishop, The divine Peter surrendered himself at once to those who wished to arrest him, and was led away by those to whom his execution was ordered, to the place called Buculi, that is, of the Ox: where also the blessed Apostle and Evangelist Mark had long before met his life's end by martyrdom. Led to the place of the martyrdom and burial of Saint Mark, After therefore the blessed man had come to the place we mentioned, "If it seems good to you," he said, "I will go to bid farewell to the Evangelist of my Christ, who is buried here." They, with their eyes reverently fixed on the ground, said: "As you please: but be sure to return quickly, and before any of the Christians know what is being done." Therefore that wonderful man, approaching and embracing the Apostle's tomb, spoke with him as if with one living and visible before his eyes: he pours out suppliant prayers to him: and with tears flowing, he cried: "Father, venerable, Evangelist of the only-begotten Son of God, and martyr, that is, witness, of his very passions. Christ God sent you as the first Bishop and Pastor of this city. You announced the preaching of the faith through the whole land of Egypt and the surrounding and bordering regions: and having fulfilled this entrusted ministry in place of the Apostles, you obtained the crown of martyrdom as a reward worthy of your labors. Blessed Anianus succeeds to your See, he indicates several successors: you having gone to God, for whom you longed: then Milius, Demetrius, and Dionysius, and after them Maximus and Heraclas, and Blessed Theonas who raised and instructed me. And it has come even to me, a sinner, and Christ has entrusted his Church also to me, which he first entrusted to you: although I was unworthy of this ministry and office committed to me. But breathing upon me the fragrance of his passion, he stirred up my whole mind to a swift desire and love of him: and so my soul hastens and is urged on to him: and I thirst to be made his companion through martyrdom and the shedding of blood: if nevertheless he deigns to grant it, and indulge strength to carry out the endeavor. commend the flock to him: Pray therefore for me, best Father, that I also with unshaken mind and with no wavering or fearful spirit may finish
this stadium, and drink the cup of Christ's death. For behold, I go, and I commend your flock to you, near his church he is beheaded: which you entrusted both to me and to the preceding Bishops: protect, defend, and keep unharmed this flock by your suppliant prayers to Christ, the Prince of Pastors …" Prayers having been completed, the blessed man, kissing the tomb of Mark the Evangelist and the tombs of the Bishops laid there, returned to the Tribunes … Therefore taking him up, they lead him to the southern part of the sacred building of Mark the Evangelist, in which the monuments were situated … and there his divine head was cut off on the twenty-fifth day of November … The body of the Martyr stood erect for quite a long space of an hour; and they are witnesses who perceived the thing with their own eyes … The body was carried into the place of the altar, and placed on the Pontifical seat. For it was already long since he had occupied that seat of his. accustomed to sit on the footstool, The reason was that, ascending the steps of the sacred altar and about to give peace to the people, he sat not in the seat but on the footstool before it. Since he often did this, both those of the Clergy and the people, ignorant of the thing, raised a murmur against him … Who coming into his chamber, with only the Presbyters and Deacons summoned, with paternal severity rebuking, said: "Why do you also, with the rest of the people, wish to afflict my mind, forcing me to go up to the seat? when he saw the glory of Saint Mark in that very seat. You do not at all know what fear and trembling enters my mind, when it happens that I approach that seat closer? For immediately I see a certain bright and divine power sitting on it: amidst this, fear mixed with joy seizes me, and horror invades me, nor do I know what to do. Lest I should offer those who see me any suspicion, I sit on the footstool, as you see: and this the more boldly, as one who wishes to avoid offending the people. But when I see the seat vacant, I do not refuse to sit in it."
ENCOMIUM.
By Procopius the Deacon and Chartophylax.
Translator: Giovanni Francesco Albano of Urbino,
From a Greek Vatican MS.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
By PROCOPIUS, FROM A GREEK MS.
[1] a Once again the Apostolic panegyric shines forth, and I rejoice again with my fellows; once again returns the illustrious commemoration of the Disciple of Christ, and once more I undertake to sing hymns, The argument for the praise of Saint Mark, and sharpen my tongue for weaving together an encomium; humbly indeed and meagerly speaking (for no store of elegant words is at hand, nor are the charms of polished discourse ready; nay, even if these abounded to me, they would still be insufficient for this kind of praise) yet exulting at Mark's immense glory, and greatly marveling at the abundance of his illustrious deeds. Of Mark, namely, son of Peter, companion of the Keybearer of Heaven, Evangelist and herald of ineffable mysteries, the light of all Egypt, and the first raised to the throne of that region; nor indeed is that a small subject for praise; for it is more difficult to subdue a land covered with thorns than to cultivate a field already cleared. He today receives us as though at a banquet, and instead of dishes sets before us his illustrious deeds; for in sweet spring, which makes the season of the year more cheerful, it is offered on his feast in spring: his festive day has dawned, and like the most splendid sun has illumined the minds of men. For this day has gathered all, adorned with the illustrious deeds of Mark, just as now the earth is clothed around with flowers: whence also the assemblies of the faithful proclaim the blessed Apostle with one voice; the throngs of the nations celebrate him as a Master of sacred things, exalt him as a Writer of the deeds done by Christ, and honor him as a witness of his coming; I shall say more: the whole world regards so many and so great deeds done illustriously by him as divine, and approves them with applause: for the whole world has received the fruit and usefulness of his teaching.
[2] But no speech, no tongue, can celebrate him as would be fitting: for what first, what last should be commended? For his titles are manifold, and his contests plainly wonderful. He saw him whom the eye could not see, clothed with the covering of our mortality; and he left the land which bore him: he was summoned by a divine voice, and generously overcame the love of relatives: for he held as nothing the honors of his family, and esteemed the abundance of wealth as a fleeting shadow. One God above all he loved; and esteemed as the unique happiness that which he himself had announced; who was one of the 70, and that unique discipline to which he had been enrolled. He was numbered in the Apostolic company of the seventy Disciples, like a splendid light joined to bright stars by him who had called him, to whom in this scene of our mortality there is plainly nothing that can be aptly compared.
[3] Truly Mark is to be called the son of Peter, and truly similar to him: for nature gave both of them the same nation and kin, the spiritual son of Peter, and made common to both their prerogatives, as is indicated by the equal power of persuasion of both, their common following of the Creator, a wholly similar fervor, and other ornaments of full conformity. For as it is in the Prophet Amos, speaking in the person of the divine Spirit, foretelling: "Behold, I establish b the thunder, and create the wind, and announce his Christ to the heavens"; from the furthest parts of the earth to the utmost bounds he went, proclaiming God the maker of all things, and gathering a rich harvest of many good works. Amos 4:13 Preacher of the faith, For he illumined the world, he routed impiety, he wiped clean those defiled with the stain of idolatry, and those purged through baptism (not to say more) he brought to God: for he had his tongue as a shield and spear, and showed most certainly to all the things he preached, and recalled the nations to true life.
[4] Whence manifold wonders flowed out, from there crowds were brought to the knowledge of God and true religion: he who before had been lame in his feet, worker of miracles, afterwards being made whole, became a teacher of those running well: he who before had been deprived of his eyes, afterwards recovering the sharpest vision of the pupils, led others to the light of knowledge; his touch tempered the excess of heat, to the moderation necessary for the accustomed confederation of warring qualities, the passion with which they were boiling over into superstitions being cooled; whence the fire of sacrifices which were offered to idols was turned into smoke and mist, the demons, authors of fraud, were reduced to ash, and true religion flourished. These were your deeds, O Mark, these your illustrious actions and admirable trophies: for by these arts, once an unlettered man, you led captive the commanders of armies; by these arms, though poor and clothed in a single tunic, you conquered the error of the gentiles; by these strengths together with Peter, you, Peter's son, subdued the c race of the Italians; departing from the rising of the sun, and flying to its setting, and scattering preaching everywhere, Apostle of Italy, where the sun itself spreads its rays to the farthest ends of the earth; using not sophistical arguments, not ornate treatises, but simple speech and truth alone, by which victory is won over all who resist in vain.
[5] For that every speech easily slips, unless it holds and proclaims what is true as the highest thing, you will easily discern from this very thing. For Pythagoras, defending false opinions and inventing many fables, could never persuade the Italians of them. Democritus, doing the same thing, effective for persuasion, had not one of the Abderites as a listener. Orpheus, soothing all wild beasts with the sweetness of his speech, did not persuade his own fellow-countrymen, the Thracians, of the fables which he sang. For all these, abounding in many words and proud with empty wisdom, were wholly lost as if in drunkenness, and together plunged in deep silence; for so does false and feeble wisdom: but Mark, setting forth and publishing the doctrines of the divine Spirit, alien to ostentation, brought even those who were adversaries to obey him. For he was fortified by heavenly aid, and pure faith was mightier than the gates of hell; and so famous a name did he have that to this day he is called the herald of truth. Whence, just as it was fitting that Christ's incarnation for us be brought to a salutary end, so it was likewise fitting that the memory of this holy man be preserved immortal by praises; for through him God was proclaimed to creatures, through him the grace of conversion was procured for those who had wandered astray, and the way to the Creator was shown.
[6] But after he had proclaimed the merciful coming of God, and with a tongue filled with God had drawn many nations, but especially the Italians, Writer of the Gospel, to the knowledge of the truth; for these as a wise architect he composed the vessel of the Gospel, in which he inscribed new laws, which Jeremiah's prediction had formerly announced, saying: "And I will make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah a new covenant, placing my laws in their hearts": so that not only by preaching, but even by Evangelical writing, he might make manifest to posterity the Incarnation of the eternal Word and his life led among men; setting before their eyes, of course, his divine miracles, and the torments which he endured for us, his resurrection from the sepulcher, and his ascension to heaven whence he had descended. Jer. 31:32 Great indeed was this work of yours, O Mark, and plainly divine; a work useful and helpful to the whole world. For your voice surpassed the sound of thunder, and the light of your Gospel shone above the rays of the sun. For they are often covered by clouds, and even a small mist interposed casts a shadow on them; but the splendor of your Gospel is perpetual and also discloses the beauty of your soul. For does it not from this both always shine, and to those who are near it illuminates like a torch, and those who are far off it recalls to itself, and adorned without affected embellishment, and illumined with brief and compendious wisdom, pour into the ears of all the admirable deeds of God?
[7] Thus the Christian faith flourished: thus truth came forth victorious: thus the Trinity in unity, and the unity in Trinity, is adored and proclaimed: vanquisher of idolatry, thus by every creature the Father without beginning, and likewise the Son without beginning, together with the consubstantial and life-giving Spirit is spoken of and worshipped, in three Persons, namely, one God, that singular and divine nature, the one creator of all things, and the incomprehensible power: but the error of the gentiles was driven away, the worship of many gods vanished, and those who, as the fable says, had divided all things not their own into three parts — alas the madness! — perished with a crash; the demons, the ruin of men, were conquered, for they could not bear to see God made man; for they blushed, seeing themselves overcome by a human body, and they would not have considered it their own defeat and shame to be conquered by one superior and more powerful. And now the praise of God, as the Prophets said, is spread to all the ends of the earth.
[8] Now the Apostle converted even the western regions to the faith of Christ, who, sent by the West to the East, explaining God's descent
and emptying for the sake of benevolence toward the human race, and teaching that God alone is to be worshipped and adored. But after so many of these labors he did not yet rest, nor did he become less able to draw the Apostolic plow; for he also traversed the land of Libya, and thence, having set out for the Eastern regions, there scattering the seeds of the Gospel, brought those nations to the knowledge of God, whom he himself preached. Afterwards also to other cities of Egypt, filled with abundance of people, extending his heavenly nets, he drew them all by preaching and miracles into the net of Christ: the sculptures of demons which were worshipped, he exterminated; and like a holy stone (as the prophecy said) he overturned the altars of error, and to Egypt, and leveled with the ground the idols of vanity and folly that were in them, not sending forth the blast of trumpets, nor prostrating walls of Jericho; but the frauds of the common enemy of men, more impregnable than those walls, plucking out by his words, and raising temples to God the Lord of all things; in which, whitening and purifying the black and obscure souls of those who were there, he reconciled them to God and joined them through baptism.
[9] For he was assigned by the divine Spirit as master above others to Egypt, which fell to him in the division: he was set over that region as first Pontiff and Pastor by the great Peter; master of truth, illuminating with hardships the Apostolic work which he had taken up; and with various labors adorning his public ministry; not using delights; not given to leisure and idleness; but troubled on every side by temptations, from both the great and the lowest of men, and surrounded by a multitude of evils, that thus, like Paul, he might repress all swelling and pride. O divine Disciple, who traversed the whole world! O body not wearied by so many and so great works! O ever-green and immortal power of saving preaching! For divine works, and the things that are from God, do not suffer corruption. It is fitting at this point to cite David's saying, with which he exalts the magnificence of the divine works, and to adapt it to Blessed Mark, namely: "Their sound is gone out through all the earth, and the usefulness of their words to the ends of the world." For this voice is most fittingly suitable to you, O Mark endowed with divine wisdom: this alone is suited to you above all rhetorical amplifications; for it well explains your course, your contests, he is compared to the sun: your labors, torments, and also the unfading crown, which was not made of gold from the region of Ophir, nor adorned with Indian gems and pearls; but is that very one which God the immortal judge and Presider of the contests, with truly paternal love, imparts to the elect and bestows upon his worshippers. Ps. 18:5
[10] For your feet are beautiful, according to the Prophet's prediction, which traversed the compass of the earth: your tongue beautiful, which happily announced that peace which surpasses all understanding: likewise your hands beautiful, which ministered with pen in the Gospel. Isa. 52:7 But why do I commend only these most sacred members? Wholly was he consecrated by Apostolic labors, and glorious as a martyr, wholly was he adorned with the marks of martyrdom, so that he enjoys to the full all the rewards and prizes of Martyrs. For he who was a Priest and offered sacrifice, was himself made a sacrifice for the sake of Christ, and as Pastor he undertook along with the flock the things proper to the flock. For he himself as a sheep was sent into the midst of wolves along with the other Apostolic company, and was offered as a living host to God. Mt. 10:16 For he was cast into chains by wicked hands, he who snatched many from the jaws of the devil. Bound, he was led hither and thither, afflicted with insults and shame, and yet he bore all things meekly and with calm mind, imitating his Lord: he was drenched with much blood of his own flesh, he who had purged that land of the filth of demons. For these are the things which the folly of ungrateful and wicked men repaid to those who had bestowed benefits upon them. At length, proved by all kinds of torments as gold, he flew away to that inaccessible light, about to receive the manifold and abundant fruits of his various contests.
[11] Such was the course of the Apostle: such the efforts of the Evangelist, full of wonder and worthy of heavenly applause. He was raised to heaven, And how should not in all things the great Apostle Mark obtain the highest praises? For what is more sublime than an Apostle? What is more honorable than a scribe of Christ? What is to be compared with the glory of martyrdom? When moreover the Pontifical vesture also accrued to him, adorned with the glory of athletic contests, what else remained to the utmost weight of glory? Surely nothing else but the companionship of Angels, and that heavenly Kingdom, in which now, together with other elect servants of God, he dwells and exults, beholding the face of his master, and illumined by the beauty and light of that divine kingdom. For to him who was concerned in this world for the glory of God, deservedly celestial and infinite glory in heaven follows.
[12] But neither is he destitute of the celebrations of this world, although he has no need of them. For now Alexandria, indeed the whole of Egypt, and he is praised on earth, having obtained Mark as its first Prelate, and having received him as a mystical Nile, watering the spiritual fields of souls (as the true Nile is accustomed to water the fertile plains of the land), magnificently extols him, as Apostle, as Evangelist, as Martyr, and sings hymns in accord with his titles and merits. where his body is in honor, It sees his body placed in the monument, although his soul dwells in the upper regions, and it rejoices within itself, enriched with the treasure of his holy ashes: around his sepulcher it addresses him with festive songs, and converses with him as with one living and present in spirit, and enjoys the graces there received from him.
[13] But for those honors which it offers fitting to the Apostle, it receives in turn greater benefits. For when the adverse blasts of calamity blow, then the inhabitants of the City surround Mark's sepulcher, and are at once freed from evils: when the fury of barbarians threatens most grave evils, on account of miracles, they run as suppliants to the Pastor: when an abundance of diseases troubles them, then they flee to him as to the physician's shop, from which remedies flow; nay rather the whole of Egypt, enrolling Mark as its Master and helper, and a celebrated feast is held for him. invokes his aid in all adversities that befall it, and each year on his feast day, paying him the due of praises, it exults, applauds, and with a celebrated panegyric pursues his merits: and it embraces his divine Gospel as tablets engraved by God, or rather, to speak better, venerates it as the very mouth of Christ, and considers itself to hear divine words from him.
[14] Whom also, O most holy Doctor and Evangelist, Epilogue. do not be unwilling to render propitious to us: take away the sorrows that disturb us: level the harshness that befalls us in life: tear up that handwriting in which our crimes are written down, and give pardon for our errors; for such power you received from the lips of the Lord himself: "If you bind, that which is bound will be unable to be loosed; if you incline to compassion and pardon, the bond will easily be dissolved." Therefore do not despise us bound with the chains of sins, but command the very bonds, and they shall be broken. Guard in peace and tranquility the Churches which you have established with the foundation of your preaching: for these indeed the Lord's blood was shed, and make us partakers of the heavenly goods, by the grace and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and power, now and forever and ever. Amen.
NOTES.
ON THE VENERATION OF SAINT MARK AT VENICE.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
BHL Number: 5283
[1] The Venerable Bede in his little book On the Holy Places, chapter 19, describes the site of Alexandria, The body at Alexandria in Bede's time; and among other things has this: "To those entering the city from the side of Egypt, on the right there meets a church, in which the blessed Evangelist Mark rests: whose body is buried in the eastern part of the same church before the altar, with a memorial placed over it, made of squared marble." Thus Bede on the ancient site of the body; which afterwards was thence removed, and carried to the city of Venice, where it is held in the greatest veneration: and Saint Mark, afterwards carried to Venice, taken as the chief Patron of the City, is venerated on 25 April under the rite of double of the first class with an octave: Veneration on 25 April, and on account of this the feast of Saint Athanasius is transferred from the second of May. Moreover, under the rite of greater double, on 31 January is celebrated the feast of the translation of the body to the city of Venice: and 31 January, on which day this is read in the Roman Martyrology: "The Translation of Saint Mark the Evangelist, when his sacred body from Alexandria, a city of Egypt then occupied by barbarians, was carried to Venice, and there in the greater Church consecrated in his name was most honorably laid to rest." The memory of the same translation is inserted in the Martyrology of Bellinus, according to the custom of the Roman Curia, published at Venice in the year 1498: as also in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck printed in the year 1490: likewise it is referred to in the MS Florary of Saints and the calendars of more recent authors.
[2] History of the translation with prologue, We found the history of the translation in the Vatican Library in the codex numbered 1196, with a long preface, of which this is the beginning: "After the passion of the most blessed Mark the Evangelist, when the courses of many years had passed, when the names of idols under the heavens were already blotted out, and sacrifices were freely poured out to Christ the Lord; the region of Egypt was occupied by the Pagan sons of Ishmael, who are by another name called Saracens, who cruelly devastating that whole land, likewise invaded the city of Alexandria. Whence it came about that the body of the most blessed Mark, which until that time had rested at the church in the place of Buculi, was by the Lord's generosity taken by Venetian merchants, and conveyed to the same Venice." Then most extensively concerning the origin of the City of Venice those things are subjoined which are had elsewhere more accurately, and they appear to have been later prefixed to the history of the translation: therefore we omit the rest of the Prologue, as also Baronius did in the Annals at the year 820, number 22, where he inserted the same history from the Vatican monuments.
[3] A third feast, under the title of the Apparition of Saint Mark the Evangelist, feast of the Apparition 25 June, is celebrated at Venice under the rite of greater double on
the Ducal church of Saint Mark, with a solemn procession on 25 June: on which day it is commemorated in the above-cited Martyrology of Bellinus and the Usuard of Molanus, and the general Catalogue of Ferrari, likewise in the Auctuary of Greven to Usuard and the German Martyrology of Canisius: and it is called the Finding of the body of Saint Mark: but in the Martyrology of Maurolicus, the Wonderful Revelation; and by Felicius, the Apparition or Revelation. Peter Justinian in book 1 of the History of Venice, under Doge Vital Falier, who presided for 12 years from 1082 to 1094, describes the event thus: by what miracle it was brought about: "The Emperor Henry is said to have passed through from Treviso to Venice, to visit the church of Saint Mark according to his vow: whose body, found by a miracle a few days before, brought great joy to the grieving city. For when many years had passed, when it was in doubt whether it lay in its accustomed place and proper seat, and it was commonly believed to have been stealthily taken away and carried elsewhere; the city turned to divine aid: a supplication and a fast having been proclaimed, the Bishop of Castello, all the Clergy, the Doge, the Senate, and the people, with wonderful concourse, came as suppliants to the church of the Evangelist: then there, after many prayers and pious expressions of devotion, they relate that by heavenly power, the Saint, with his arm extended from the other side outside a column of the temple, which is by the altar of Leonard, miraculously showed himself to the eyes of all the people; then all, prostrate on the ground, began to adore the divine clemency, and to praise Blessed Mark, who so gloriously appearing had consoled his devoted people: and it is decreed that a new temple dedicated to him be constructed with more sumptuous equipment: which, I think, is that which today is seen erected and founded with such excellent adornment, where the body of the Saint, taken a second time from a humbler chapel, is placed in a more august place and now lies: and only the Prince and the Procurators know the place itself most secretly." So Justinian.
[4] At Venice there then presided as Bishop of Castello Henry Contarini, son of the previously deceased Doge Dominic, ordained in 1078, died in 1108. In his eulogy, the same history of the finding of the body of Saint Mark is recounted in Ughelli, from the Chronicle of Andrea Dandolo, and is said to have happened in the year 1084, and the following is added: "That day, illumined with the glory of so great a prodigy, as the years rolled on, was festive to posterity: and the general procession is most devoutly renewed in memory. On the eighth day of October following, the church being dedicated to God, with the Doge, the Primicerius, and the Procurator witnessing, the reverend body is placed in secret. Therefore the place to this day remains unknown to all except their successors. And for this reason let not the faith of those who do not know waver: since I, The truth of the body existing there asserted: who speak, first bearing the office of Procurator, now by Christ's grace made Doge, can say the words of John: 'And he who saw has borne witness, and his testimony is true,' and 'He knows that he speaks true things, that you also may believe.' John 19:35, John 20:31 And elsewhere: 'That believing you may have life in his merits.' For that day is celebrated each year." So Dandolo, created Doge in 1336. feast of the dedication of the church. But the feast of the Dedication of the Church of Saint Mark which is mentioned is celebrated on the said 8 October in Bellinus, Molanus, Maurolicus, Galesinius, and Canisius; and due worship continues even now.
[5] History of the Apparition and miracles: After this Apparition, finding, and revelation of the body of Saint Mark, very many illustrious miracles were worked by his aid, which with the history of the body's elevation we found in the library of Cardinal Barberini, inserted by Peter Calo into his histories of the Lives of Saints, and contained in part 1, folio 251. Many of these miracles are referred to in the Carmelite Breviary published at Venice in 1495, and were accustomed to be recited in the Lessons at Matins on this 25 April.
[6] Relics in Gaul, Saussay in the Gallican Martyrology on this same day says: "The Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose body is at Venice. But an arm with some bones is preserved with religious worship in the parish church of Limours in the Paris diocese, brought thence. The skull, long ago brought from Constantinople to Soissons, has been placed in the main temple with fitting honor." and Belgium, Arnold Rayssius in the Belgian Hierogazophylacium mentions various relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose arm he asserts is at Cambrai in the church of the Canons Regular of Saint Autbert, while a great part of the arm together with the hand is in the monastery of Liessies. Likewise concerning his arm among the Benedictines of Maricoles: and at Tournai in the Cathedral church three bones are preserved, and of the stone sprinkled with his sacred blood. At Cologne Gelenius also notes that at Cologne some of his Relics are in the churches of Saint Gereon, Saint Severin, Saint Cunibert, Saint Mary ad Gradus, and Saint Pantaleon. We do not doubt that similar things are handed down of various churches, but we lack the leisure to seek out all. And at Rome: That at Rome in the temple of Saint Mark there is some part both of his head and of his arm, Panciroli relates at the 8th church in the 14th region of the City. Major Litanies. Likewise at Rome the major Litanies at Saint Peter's are instituted for this day, on account of which in the year 1661, being at Rome ourselves, we observed them face to face approaching from almost all the churches, and reciting the Litanies with measured voice. Which rite also, with fasting until midday, and abstinence from meat the whole day, with a solemn procession, is kept in our Belgium, and here and there in other regions.
HISTORY OF THE TRANSLATION.
From a Vatican MS Codex.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
BHL Number: 5284
FROM MS.
[1] When the Saracens had invaded all a Egypt and Alexandria; b Leo afterwards, having obtained the Roman Empire, Commerce with the Egyptian Saracens being forbidden, commanded throughout the various parts of his kingdom that no one at all should reach the land of Egypt for the sake of business. When this command, flying round on all sides, had been delivered also to the Venetians, c Justinian, who at that time was Doge of Venice, confirming the statutes of the Emperor, enjoined the same thing in every way upon his own. But when, as was accustomed, the Venetians were frequently seeking out places of commerce, the Venetians unwillingly are carried there, some of them, with their ships laden, wishing to go across the sea, and sailing the depths of the deep, it happened by divine direction that, with a suitable wind standing, what they did not dare to do of their own accord for fear of the Prince, they were as if unwillingly brought to Alexandria.
[2] Now in those days a certain petty king of the wicked nation of the Saracens, while he wished to construct for himself a palace in the city which is called Babylon from the name of the ancient city, with God opposed to him, ordered that wherever in the land of Egypt marble columns or tablets were to be found, whether in the churches or in the common places, At Alexandria they venerate the body of Saint Mark: for the pomp of the edifice which he was preparing they should be brought to him. Whence it came to pass that, with this decree of impiety given, stones were taken even from the Alexandrian churches. And while the Venetians were sweating at their business at the same city, and making some delay, they made it their custom to frequent with daily prayers the body of the most blessed Mark, and to seek him as intercessor for their offences with gifts or offerings: for the place itself was nearby.
[3] Moreover the ships of the Venetians, which by God's leading had come, were ten, in which were also all noble men, among whom the most illustrious were Bonus, the Tribune d of Malamocco, and Rusticus e of Torcello. These, when on account of daily prayer they saw a place of familiarity with the guardians of the church of Blessed Mark, on a certain day seeing them sad, first began to have compassion and to condole with them concerning the order of the Saracen petty king, they console the guardians, who had commanded the marble tablets or columns to be taken away. For the guardians were sad for this reason, because they feared lest the ministers of that impious petty king would do to the church of Blessed Mark what they were doing at the other places. Then, amid these same words of compassion, Bonus and Rusticus, with the Lord inspiring, said: "Why are you so sad, servants of Christ? Why is your mind more than usually afflicted? Behold we see that the persecution of the impious petty king is hostile even to the most sacred places, which generates sorrow of great grief not only to you but to all who believe in Christ. But what can we do against these things, since the Lord himself foretold to his faithful that innumerable persecutions would come? Whence, if you could keep a secret, or if our counsel pleased you, we would urge you to do that by which you would be safe from this perfidious nation, and would live in the greatest honors."
[4] There were indeed two guardians with whom they were speaking these things, of whom one, named Stauratius, was a monk; they discuss taking him away: the other, Theodore, held the honor of the Priesthood. And there were other guardians of the same church, but these stood out above the rest: and because both were of the Greek race, Theodore the Presbyter had a wife and children, whom Bonus the Tribune had also made his godfather, chiefly for this reason, that he might the more easily introduce into his ears the words he was urging. Answering therefore, both Stauratius and Theodore said: "The secret shall be in our heart; only say what you wish, and if we shall find it most agreeable, we will plainly do it." They said: "Take the body of Blessed Mark; and secretly going up onto the ship, come with us to our land."
[5] But they at first receiving it harshly, said: "What is it that you say? Over and above the distress which we have, do you seek to bring death upon us? they object, that he announced the faith to the Alexandrians, For who among us would dare even to think to do this great thing, and to hand over to strange men that most reverend body, which is venerated in the land of Egypt? Or is it perhaps unknown to you that the same Blessed Mark, according to the dictation of Peter, wrote the Gospel, and, by his command, preached it in this province; and made the citizens of Alexandria, who were serving idols, through the fountain of baptism, sons by adoption of Jesus Christ our Lord? Whence also deservedly, as indeed the most holy Father, he is venerated by all. And how can it come to pass that anyone should dare to deprive the city of Alexandria, which on his account is renowned in all the world, of so great a Patron? But even if we did this boldly against our soul, it could in no way be hidden from the people: and then, seized, we would be put to death by punishments of many kinds, and we would be a reproach to all."
[6] Bonus and Rusticus said: "If we must speak of his preaching, we know that he first led Aquileia, a city of Italy, to the faith, which is situated in that province they answer that he had preached first at Aquileia: which from ancient times is called Venetia, from which we sprang. Therefore we are his firstborn sons, who were first begotten of him through the Gospel. Whence it can also be believed that he would rejoice in his sons (whom he left when he was going to acquire others), even after many times and though dead; and perhaps, as we hope, the Lord has brought us here as though unwilling, that he may restore to us the same our most holy Father,
for surely we wished to go to another region."
[7] Stauratius and Theodore said: "Let it suffice you that you have his f seat. But what else you demand is a difficult thing. other difficulties objected, For who may know whether what you say pleases the Lord? Or who could say that Blessed Mark would even allow his body to be touched? Therefore cease now saying such things, which we know can in no way be done. And yet let us say, supposing it could be done; what would become of us? If, having given up the body, we should remain here, we would be killed with diverse punishments by the people: but if we should go up with you onto the ship, we would be held as captives to a land we do not know. Wherefore it is much better for us to remain here, and to suffer persecution, than again to submit to new distresses: for even the Lord says: 'Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice': and again, 'He who perseveres to the end will be saved.' Mt. 5:10 & 24:13
[8] Bonus and Rusticus said: "The things you say are true; but nevertheless the Lord in another place likewise says: 'When they persecute you in one city, flee into another.' Mt. 10:23 Which admonition many of the Saints have followed; even, as we have heard, the most blessed Mark fulfilled it; when, in a raging persecution, he left Alexandria and withdrew to Pentapolis. Whence, since we believe this to be pleasing to Almighty God and to the blessed Evangelist himself, they try to take him: let human fear not terrify you; since where God is helper, human temerity can do nothing." Stauratius and Theodore said: "This temerity, though it is distressing to us on account of the stones of the church which are being taken, can yet be borne, because these Pagans inflict no injury on our own members."
[9] they consent to the removal When these and such things had been secretly spoken between them for some days, at length with divine grace breathing upon them, Stauratius and Theodore conceived in mind what they had heard with their ears. And when they had parted from one another, behold it was announced to Stauratius that the ministers of that Pagan petty king whom we have mentioned had cruelly scourged one of the guardians of the same Church. For there had been in the same church a tablet of marble exceedingly precious, and the guardian, fearing it would be taken by the Saracens, went and broke it in the place where it stood. When the ministers of the petty king had learned this, they seized the guardian and condemned him to scourges. Therefore Stauratius and Theodore hearing these things, terrified with fear, sent and called Bonus the Tribune and Rusticus, saying: "We have discussed among ourselves the matter you asked about, and although we know not where the Lord pleases, yet it has entered our heart to take that most holy body and go out with you. Now therefore we wish to know what shall be for us, when we come to your province bringing so great a treasure."
[10] they promise the first priesthoods: Bonus and Rusticus said: "When with God's help we have arrived there, with life accompanying us, we will lead you to our Lord Justinian the distinguished Doge, an illustrious man and lover of the Saints: to whom when it shall be announced, at once rejoicing in mind he will receive the venerable body, and will construct a church and dedicate it with honor, and you will be in his eyes beloved beyond what can be believed, and first in the order of Priests, just as here you were in the order of ministers." The guardians said: "How can we believe?" Bonus and Rusticus said: "The Lord be witness." Then they set a day, on which coming they should receive the most holy body.
[11] they take the body of Saint Mark, substituting the body of Saint Claudia, And when the appointed day had come, the aforesaid guardians, going, secretly opened the sepulcher, which was of marble, having as it were grooves along its sides in the manner of a little chest, through which a tablet was drawn down from above. The blessed body was lying, surrounded everywhere with a silken cloak, and placed face upward, having from head to foot seals placed through those places by which the edges of the same cloak were joined above. And since they knew not what to do, at length they found an excellent plan. Turning therefore the body, they cut the cloak from the back, so that the seals which had been there might remain whole, and bringing the g body of Saint Claudia, which was buried nearby, they placed it in the place of Blessed Mark in the same way face upward, and surrounding it with the cloak, they also placed the impressions of the seals on the breast, so that if by chance anyone should say that the body of Blessed Mark had been stolen, the signs of the cloak which remained there might show that it was not true.
[12] Therefore, when the body was taken up, so great a fragrance of odor emanated, that not only the church or its surroundings, a sweet odor spreading through the city; but also the whole city of Alexandria was filled. The citizens, Christians and Pagans, moved, said: "What is this?" Others said, "We know not." But others said: "Let us see, lest perhaps the body of Blessed Mark be stolen by those Venetian sailors." Running therefore from the city, they came to the same church; and opening the sarcophagus they saw the body of Blessed Claudia wrapped in the cloak, and the seals intact. When they had seen this, persuaded that the body of Blessed Mark lay there, the tumult having subsided, they returned to their own homes.
[13] they carry it covered with pork: then in the folds of the sails: Meanwhile the Venetians, whom we have already often mentioned, hidden there, took the body, and, putting it in a basket, covered it with vegetable leaves, and laid pork flesh on top. And as they went on toward the ship, Saracens came up who met them to see what they were carrying. But when they saw the pork flesh, which they themselves abominate, they cried out saying, "Canzir, Canzir," that is, "Pig, pig," and spitting, they moved away; but they, passing through, came to a rock which was next to the sea, and lowering the basket with little ropes, they put it into a small boat, and conveyed it to the ship; which when they had entered, they drew the blessed body out of the basket, and hid it in the folds of the sails; for they feared lest, if the ship were searched by the Alexandrians, it might be found. And when the day of their departure had come, Stauratius the monk secretly went out with them. But Theodore, fearing the people who were standing at the shore, remained there, having already placed his belongings on the ship. There was also there a certain monk, named Dominic, of Comacchio h; who, supported by divine love, had at that same time been at Jerusalem, after their departure they reverently display it: and who also went up with them. When therefore they had withdrawn from Alexandria, the Venetians took the holy body from the sails in which they had hidden it, and placed it most worthily beneath the deck of the ship, kindling lamps and continually burning incense. Now Dominic the monk with Stauratius unceasingly labored in continual offices. Among these things the Lord worked many signs through Saint Mark while he was being brought.
[14] Some unbelievers are punished: For on a certain day, while all the Venetian ships together were proceeding with sails, and the rest did not know the cause, the sailors of Blessed Mark said to some who were on another ship: "Do you not know what has been done?" They said, "What?" They said: "Truly we are carrying the body of Blessed Mark." But they said: "And how could this be done?" And when they explained the order of the matter, one of them, scoffing, said: "Perhaps the body of some Egyptian has been given to you, and you say, 'We are carrying Saint Mark.'" When he had said this, at once that ship in which the blessed body lay, turned with such speed as no man can turn, rose up against that in which that man was, and broke part of its side, nor did it withdraw from it until all confessed that Blessed Mark lay there.
[15] Saint Mark appearing delivers from shipwreck: Then when on a certain night a storm was at hand, and those ships were being driven in a most swift course, and the sailors knew not whither they were going, because of the darkness of night; Blessed Mark came in a dream to Dominic the monk, saying: "Arise, and tell these men to let down the sails quickly, lest they suffer shipwreck, since land is not far." When the monk, arising, had said this, immediately the sails being let down, as now the twilight of dawn was pressing on, behold a certain island appeared, by the name of Stroalia i, which the most blessed Mark had foretold to be near. Then all alike, giving credence, began with more careful zeal most reverently to venerate his body, made believing and rejoicing together that they had deserved to have Mark the Evangelist; yet it was kept secret among them, and they had decreed that no one at all of any region should know of this matter. For they feared lest the blessed body be taken from them by force by someone.
[16] The body is revealed to many, and is honored: But since the Lord willed that the light of his lamp should so shine before men, to many dwelling near the places of the sea, who were entirely ignorant of the matter, he deigned to reveal that the radiant limbs of his Martyr were resting within the ship. Who coming from various places, while the ship approached the harbor or shores of regions, made request saying: "It has been revealed to us by the Lord, that you have the body of Blessed Mark the Evangelist: wherefore by divine love we pray you to let us pray to him." When they came in, having poured out prayers to him, and having placed gifts, they returned with fear, giving glory to God, and saying to the Venetians: "O how blessed are you, who have deserved to have such a Saint!"
[17] An unbeliever is seized by a demon: believing, he is freed. But when (as many fools are wont to continue doubting such a thing) a certain one of the sailors said he was by no means carrying the body of Blessed Mark, but of some other person; almighty God, wishing to convict his hardness, and at once to make him believing, immediately condemned him with a worthy sentence. For that man was seized by a demon, and was tormented so long until, brought to the holy body, foaming and gnashing his teeth, he confessed that Blessed Mark lay there, and offered a gift for his offences. Who, immediately freed from the demon, both gave glory to the Lord, and professed that he would now doubt nothing about the sacred body. But since there are many things which are told of the powers worked by the Lord God through him, let us explain how he came to Venice.
[18] When therefore the sailors had arrived in Istria, they turned aside to a certain city which is called k Umago: for they feared to return to their own, The body brought to Istria, because Justinian their Doge was most vehemently angered against them, for this reason that, having rejected his command, they had presumed to go to Alexandria. Yet having sent an embassy to him, they said: "We confess our sin, and we blush, because we have been found to be as it were rebels; but the Lord is witness how we have done this more unwillingly than willingly: for behold we have the body of Blessed Mark the Evangelist. If our Lord, restoring his grace to us, promises never to inflict any molestation, neither on our bodies nor on our possessions, we will bring him to him. But if otherwise, we will turn aside to another region." At these things Justinian the Doge, greatly rejoicing, said: "If that which they assert is true, let them return in peace: because if they are bringing so great a treasure,
not only shall I inflict no evil upon them, but I shall also call them my sons." Therefore, the sailors, having received this word, return to Venice; and when they had come to the port of Olivolo l, Ursus m, Bishop of that place, going out with Crosses and all orders of ministers, [thence to Venice, from bishop and clergy he is carried to the palace of the Doge:] clothed in sacerdotal tunics, most reverently met the body; and receiving it, they led it to the palace of the Doge. There, as they were ascending by the stair of the upper room, the cloak with which the body was covered, though the air was calm, was moved with such agility as scarcely the breeze of the wind could move it. But also to the ministers who were carrying him, it suddenly became of heaviest and immovable weight, and again suddenly so light that they said they felt nothing. Therefore having received the body, the Doge placed it in the place of the upper room which is shown near his palace to the present time, with cantors and ministers appointed who should there render praises to God, among whom the guardian Stauratius was first. But also Theodore the Presbyter came the following year with his own; moreover that monk Dominic returned to his own home.
[19] But Justinian the Doge, wishing to construct a church over the blessed body, was prevented by death: The church of Saint Mark is constructed. whose brother John, a man beloved by God, undertaking the Dukedom, carried out his task. For he constructed next to the palace a basilica of most elegant form, similar to that which he had seen over the tomb of the Lord at Jerusalem: which he also ordered to be painted with many various colors: where also, having embalmed the venerable body with aromatics, he placed it with most worthy honor n. In it his prayers flourish, and many benefits are conferred on those who believe in Christ, but especially very many are freed from demons. Whose glorious Translation is celebrated on the day before the Kalends of February; with our Lord Jesus Christ reigning, to whom be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
NOTES.
APPARITION AND MIRACLES.
From the MS book of Peter Calo.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
BHL Number: 5289
FROM MSS.
[1] In the very church, beautifully adorned with gold and most precious marbles, after some time it came about that it was not known in what part that most sacred body rested. And when after diligent inquiry a no one conscious of this matter could be found; After a three-day fast and a procession, a three-day fast was proclaimed for all Venice. After which, being observed unanimously by all in contrition of heart, on the fourth day the Clergy and people came together to the said Church: and with Litanies said, with a procession disposed, with many sighs and prayers poured out to God, with flowing tears they long implored God's mercy: that he would deign to show them where the body of Blessed Mark was lying. Whose prayers God graciously hearing, most gloriously declared the place in which the glorious body had been hidden: The body of Saint Mark, springing forth of its own, is found: for when the marbles placed around a column had been split, the ark which was enclosed within, containing the body, broke forth, and in the sight of all wondrously leapt out by itself.
[2] A woman possessed is freed from seven demons: A certain woman having seven demons, brought violently to the ark of Blessed Mark, in the same hour in the sight of all was freed. And when the sacred body had been reverently placed in the same church, b a certain man on top of the belfry of the same church was doing some work; but suddenly he falls unexpectedly, with all his limbs about to be torn. But in his very fall, not forgetful of Blessed Mark, fallen from on high he remains unharmed: vowing that if he freed him he would serve him perpetually, he implored his patronage: who falling unexpectedly clung to a certain projecting piece of wood, and having received a rope escaped unharmed, and devoutly rose to complete his previous work, and faithfully fulfilled what he had vowed.
[3] Those afflicted with cancer are cured, When a certain young man had fallen into the most grievous disease of cancer, so that his flesh was being gnawed by the very worm, being led to the ark of the Saint and imploring his help, he fell asleep. To whom the saint, appearing, touched his breast as though passing by, and healed him. And when he asked, "Where are you hastening so quickly?" the Saint answered that he was hurrying to the help of certain of his servants, who were being troubled by a wonderful storm. Waking, the youth found himself healed, and the storm being stilled, a ship entered the port and landed at Venice. When a certain woman of c Murano had suffered for four years from a most grievous paralysis, and paralysis. being entirely destitute of the use of her limbs, and had asked Blessed Mark; he appeared to her, saying that she should have herself brought to his church: where, when the Gospel was being read at Mass, she felt herself cured, with all astonished and marveling.
[4] A certain ship, full of Saracens, was going from Alexandria for prayer, to the place where rests the body of d Mohammed. But when a great storm had arisen, in a storm Venetians are freed, some Venetians who were with them, going to trade, descended into a small boat that they might more quickly help the ship. When these had been separated a little, after three rollings the ship is sunk. Seeing this, a certain Saracen asked the aid of Blessed Mark, promising to become a Christian, and a Saracen, if he should happen to be freed from so great a danger. To whom Blessed Mark, appearing, placed him in the small boat with the Venetians: and thus both he and they, marvelling greatly, being freed from the small boat, returned to Alexandria; and when the Saracen delayed to fulfill what he had promised, being frequently admonished in dreams by Blessed Mark, he came to Venice, in baptism he was named Mark: and there, baptized, he was called Mark, though before he was called Stephen. e A certain Provençal noble, having labored with a long infirmity, destitute of the function of all his limbs; entreated Blessed Mark with tears, and received from him the answer the paralytic is healed; that he should have himself carried to his Church: where, when for one night he had persisted in tearful prayers, in the morning he found himself totally healed: and thus giving thanks he returned to his own home.
[5] In the same f Province the servant of a certain Castellan vowed that he would visit the church of Saint Mark: having made pilgrimage to Saint Mark, which being displeasing to his lord, he, wishing to obey God rather than men, fulfilled what he had vowed: and commending himself with all his limbs to Blessed Mark, he returned. When the Lord saw him had returned, his eyes cannot be injured, he said he had broken faith with him, and that Blessed Mark could not free him from his hands: and he ordered his ministers to tear out his eyes. They, binding him and dragging him to the ground, tried with most sharp stakes to dig out his eyes. But they inflicted no injury on his eyes, because he constantly said that he had commended all the members of his body to Blessed Mark. When the Lord had seen this, nor his legs or teeth. he ordered his legs to be broken with axes, and his feet to be cut from his body: but the edge of the iron was blunted and melted like wax. Then the Lord, filled with fury, ordered his mouth, with which he had asked the help of Blessed Mark, to be broken with iron hammers and his teeth to be knocked out; but they inflicted no injury whatever. Seeing which, the lord repented, and asked pardon of the Saint and of the servant: and together with the said servant he visited the body of Saint Mark at Venice.
[6] A gravely wounded hand is cured: In the same Province there was a man, so gravely wounded through the middle of the palm of his hand, that only a thin little piece of skin remained on the lower part. And because the hand was thus hanging dead, he was advised by his friends to throw away what was hanging, lest it turn to the peril of his salvation. And when he answered that he wished rather to die than to be maimed; having invoked Blessed Mark, keeping it bound for one day, he was restored to his former health, with only a scar remaining on the outside. many possessed are freed: When a certain woman of the diocese of Padua, while eating milk, had been seized by a demon; having been led to the church of Saint Mark, she is immediately freed. Many possessed, brought to the church of Saint Mark, while they cried out that they were being burned in the presence of the said Saint, were at once cured. A certain man of Tuscany, having two demons, as he publicly confessed, led before the altar of Blessed Mark, after long veneration, with many standing by, was cured.
[7] When a certain soldier from a castle, surrounded by great ditches, had gone out to explore the ambushes of the enemies; returning in haste to the castle, fallen into a ditch he is saved by Saint Mark: he fell from the bridge into the ditch, with his horse, shield, and lance remaining on the mount. Therefore, being in the middle of the ditch, having asked the help of Blessed Mark, the saint stood by him, and with a lance held out to him he was at once drawn up. A certain Apulian, having wife and son, was falsely accused before the Emperor, that he had stirred up the Lombards against him for money: on account of which, imprisoned at Mantua, when for forty days he had been shut up in much distress, for three days from sadness he took no food: and one imprisoned is led out: but continually asking the help of Blessed Mark with tears
and sighs. To whom Blessed Mark appearing in the form of a lion, urged him to go out. And when he feared on account of the guards, appearing to him again he commanded him not to delay going out. Who immediately going out through the open door, and passing through the midst of the guards, saw them, but was not seen by them nor by the others through whom he passed; nor did they hear the sound of the fetters, which at length, as if they were not of iron, he removed from his feet with wonderful ease.
[8] In Cremona a lame boy, contracted from his mother's womb and having a withered foot, a lame boy is healed: thus stood until the tenth year; his mother, trusting in Blessed Mark, offered him a staff in the name of the Saint, commanding him to walk boldly, which he immediately did: but when that staff was taken away and another was given to him, he could not walk. The mother therefore, coming with the boy to the church of Saint Mark, he was at once freed, as if he had been born healthy. When a certain young man g of Bergamo had been falsely accused of having set fire to a certain village, he was imprisoned at Milan: a captive is freed: who, expecting death, and fearing the calumnies of enemies, asked Blessed Mark to deign to lead him out of prison. Who immediately appearing to him, led him out through a very narrow window through which no one could go out, and gently placed him on the ground: who immediately visited the church of Saint Mark, and offering his fetters there, gave thanks to God.
[9] In Apulia and Terra di Lavoro, because they did not keep the feast of Blessed Mark, Those not celebrating the feast are punished with sterility, but were engaged in rural labors, a remarkable sterility came upon them, because it had not rained there for five years. And when men were amazed that there was such a scarcity of provisions there, it was revealed to certain religious men that it was because they were not observing the feast of the Saint at all, nor could it rain unless they celebrated his day more solemnly. but those celebrating are freed: When his Feast came, all go to his church, where solemnizing with the greatest reverence, by prayers they obtained the benefits of Saint Mark: and immediately an abundance of rains flowed down more abundantly than was hoped, and the whole sterility of the land was cast off, and from then on they celebrated the feast of the Saint more devoutly as though a Paschal day. others saved in a storm: When certain Venetians, their ship shaken by a wonderful storm, expecting inevitable peril from the neighboring rocks, offered to Blessed Mark devout prayers and the price of their ship; suddenly being freed, they visited his church and willingly offered up the share of their ship. In Tuscany, at the prayers of his devout followers Blessed Mark restrained lightning, removed storms, took away the sterility of the earth and granted an abundance of all things: and this is known by the testimony of many. I heard from those who were at Alexandria, that on the yearly day of his death, if grass or herbage is taken from the thistle-patch h of the place in which Blessed Mark was dragged, it pours forth blood.
[10] Brother i Julian of Faenza, of the Order of Preachers, a young man of religious and holy life, laboring almost at the extremity with sickness at Pavia, devoted to Saint Mark when he had asked the Prior of the house concerning his state, and he had said that death was imminent to him nearby; immediately, cheered in face, and clapping his hands and with his whole body, he began to cry out: "Give place, Brethren, in death he is visited by him because from excessive joy my soul will leap out of the body, from this that I have heard such pleasing news"; and with hands raised to heaven he began to say: "Bring my soul out of prison, O God," etc. "Unhappy man that I am, who shall free me from the body of this death?" Amid these things he, falling into a light sleep, saw that Blessed Mark had come to him, and behold a voice to him saying: "What are you doing, O Mark?" And he: "I have come to this dying man, because his ministry is acceptable to God." And again a voice to him: "Why among the other Saints have you chiefly come to him?" And he: "Because he had special devotion to me, and visited with sedulous devotion the place in which my body rests, and therefore I have come to visit him at the hour of his death." Then certain white-clad ones filled the whole house, and dies joyful. to whom Blessed Mark said, "Why have you come hither?" And they: "that we may present his soul in the sight of the Lord." Waking, the aforesaid Brother at once sent for the Prior of the house, who related these things: and reciting to him all that he had seen, with much joy he fell asleep in the Lord. k
NOTES.
APPENDIX.
From the Carmelite Breviary of the year 1495.
Mark, Evangelist, Bishop of Alexandria and Martyr (St.)
FROM MSS.
[11] The very reverend Father Daniel of the Virgin Mary, twice Provincial of the Carmelite Order in Belgium and now Definitor, That Breviary published at Venice, for his singular affection for this work, shared with us an ancient Breviary of his Order, with this notation at the end: "Here ends the Breviary according to the Order of the Brothers of the most glorious Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel: which Andreas of Torresani of Asula brought to completion at his own expense and by his art in the most flourishing city of the Venetians, and most diligently worked on. In the year of the Lord 1495. On the first day of February." In this Breviary on the 7th day before the Kalends of May, through five prolix lessons are recited the Acts of the martyrdom and translation of Saint Mark, such as we have almost given from the older monuments, more complete and more sincere: lesson VI, VIII and IX (for VII is from the Gospel "Jesus having called together the twelve") contain the benefits it refers some of the preceding miracles: which Saint Mark has given to his worshippers, under this beginning: "Some books also have the following miracles"; and first is narrated the apparition made at Pavia to a Dominican Religious, with his name suppressed, then the liberation of the Saracen sailing to Alexandria from the peril of drowning, to whom in baptism the name of Mark was given; both in almost the same words which Peter Calo used; only concerning the Saracen is added here, that he ended his life in good works.
[12] There follows then concerning the man fallen from the top of the belfry, as above in no. 2, and concerning the slave of a barbarous Provençal preserved from injury, the same as in no. 5, and concerning the wounded soldier, what was said in no. 6, is narrated (with only this difference that in place of hand, the Breviary names arm), and concludes with the sterility sent upon Apulia, of which has been treated in no. 9: but there is prefixed concerning a captive freed a narration much different, so that it seems to be altogether another from that which Peter mentioned before the said no. 9: it is such: "A certain man of the city of Mantua, falsely accused by the envious, and the freeing of a citizen of Mantua unjustly accused. was shut up in prison. Who, when he had spent forty days there, and was afflicted with excessive weariness, at length, mortifying himself with a three-day fast, invoked the patronage of Blessed Mark: who appearing to him commanded him to go up from prison securely. But he, drowsy from weariness, neglected to obey the commands of the Saint, thinking that he was being deluded by illusions. Then a second and finally a third time he appeared to him, and similarly commanded the same. Who, coming to himself, and seeing the door open, went out securely from prison, and immediately broke the fetters like tow. Therefore he was going in midday through the midst of the guards and all the others: so that, himself seeing all, he was seen by none. Who coming to the tomb of Saint Mark, devoutly paid the debt of thanks."