ON BLESSED JAMES, OF THE ORDER OF MINOR OBSERVANTS OF SAINT FRANCIS,
AT BITETTO IN APULIA.
YEAR 1485.
PrefaceJames, of the Order of Friars Minor, at Bitetto in Apulia (Blessed)
D. P.
Bitetto, a small, but from the very times of Pope Alexander III an episcopal city, in Apulia under the Metropolitan of Bari, and distant from it by nine thousand paces, deserves to be celebrated in this work on the Saints for no other reason more than for the incorrupt body of Blessed James, an Illyrian or Dalmatian, commonly called "of Slavonia," and by a more usual cognomen now "of Bitetto." Of him thus writes Francesco Gonzaga, folio 401, where he comes to the 9th convent erected in the province of Saint Nicholas: "Having entered on the way of all flesh, The Blessed One shone long ago with miracles, Blessed Friar James found honorable burial in this place: who without doubt living was endowed with most holy manners and every kind of virtue, and dead has shone and shines with innumerable miracles: whose venerable body, although now for a hundred years lifeless, still remains whole, unrotted, and entirely incorrupt, as is professed by all who approach it for the sake of veneration." So Gonzaga in his work on the origin of the Seraphic Franciscan Religion, published about the year 1587, at least much before the year 1629, concerning whom in 1629 a process was formed: when before Michael, Bishop of Bitetto, formerly Master General of the Conventual Franciscans, a public process was instituted concerning miracles, the fame of sanctity, and perpetual cult.
[2] The first indication of this process was made to us by a little book published in Italian on this subject, printed at Lecce in the year 1642, by the author Francesco da Secli, the Minister Provincial of the Reformed Observant Minors: which being almost entirely taken from the said process, and sent to us by Father Ignatius Zaccaria, long Rector of our College of Bari: who then, having understood our desire to have the Process itself, did not rest until by the Most Illustrious Bishop of that place Gaspar Toralto, a mandate was issued to the Reverend Don Vito Francesco Vitarello, from which, described for us under public faith, Canon of the Cathedral Church, that he, going himself to the convent of the Friars who were thwarting our just petition with various delays, should extract the original papers from the ark of the sacred body, and in the convent itself transcribe a copy, to be transmitted under public faith: to us, as was done. So laborious it sometimes is, to move men otherwise good and pious, to grant, even when asked, the faculty of describing their own monuments, which they should have done of their own accord even unasked, things which in bringing into the light matter not so much to us as to them.
[3] The authentic Acts are collected, The Process however is prolix, as containing more than sixty notarial instruments, and the answers of nineteen sworn witnesses, to the nine heads of the interrogatory proposed singly one by one, mostly in the Italian language, mixed with the Latin formulas of the Notaries. From these faithfully translated and aptly coordinated, we have composed Acts, as far as possible authentic and divided into six chapters: in which, since the cult and title of the Blessed is clearly explained, legitimately confirmed for James, there is no need for a long preface to prove either. Yet it is useful to produce a part of the letter, which the aforementioned Father Ignatius, departing from his Rectorate at Bari, wrote from Naples on May 8, 1667: "Before I should depart from Apulia, A recent testimony of the incorrupt body, I wished to go to Bitetto, that I might see with my eyes, and touch with my hands, the venerable body of Blessed James, which is most honorably preserved in a wooden chest elegantly worked, adorned with silver plates, and transparent with crystals aptly arranged: which stands within his chapel above the altar, at which I celebrated Mass: then I ascended it, and the chest being opened I reverently touched and kissed that sacred deposit. That body lies in a silk habit of ashen color: the eyes and nose have withered: but the arms, breast, and legs remain not only whole but more vigorous: the ears are extant, but dry: the hands and feet whole, with the fingers and joints, still movable. Certainly not without the greatest consolation of spirit I both saw and handled and kissed that blessed deposit."
[4] When the process was compiled, about 145 years had passed since the death of the Saint, and thus he departed hence to heaven about the year 1485. He was certainly still alive when Ferdinand King of Aragon avenged the defection of the Neapolitan Nobles with a notable perfidy, He died about the year 1485. by raging against individuals, whom he had seemed to receive all into favor: this event Odorico Raynaldo assigns to the year 1485 in his Ecclesiastical Annals: yet a part of this tragedy may have been acted in the preceding year and the Blessed then have died. On which day, none of the witnesses produced for examination remembers: nor is there any indication in the Italian book of any determined day, which was specially dedicated to the cult of that Blessed. Arthur, in his Franciscan Martyrology marking the day April 27, is however suspect to us, lest he did not find this date defined by the people of Bitetto, on which day it is unknown. but read it by his own judgment and authority; yet because a longer delay of investigation is not permitted by the rapid press, we retain the day however noted, the more willingly because we think that it is not to be changed by the sacred Congregation of Rites, if at any time it should happen that the same decree a proper feast and office for this James of whom we treat, all the other distinctive marks of the Blessed being already without contradiction
and indeed with approbation possessed.
[5] Now it is worthwhile to explain how sweetly from time to time there comes to the aid of this work, in promoting it, the benevolence, as we believe, of the Saints themselves. To one seeking certain things about the saints of Gubbio, A similar process on Blessed Benvenutus is expected for June 27, the notice from Arthur's Martyrology on June 27 of Blessed Benvenutus had been presented, at Corneto in Apulia, whose miracles (as is said in the Annotations) "by an Apostolic Bull, directed by Pope Gregory IX in the year 1236, were collected, examined, and authenticated by the Bishops of Melfi and Venosa, and meanwhile it was granted by the Pontiff, that in three neighboring dioceses his feast should be celebrated, and the divine office recited for him." These I had written to the already named Father at Bari to obtain: this man gave much effort to find it, but in vain. But concerning Blessed James, better known and nearer to him, about whom we were not yet thinking, he suggested what he knew, and whatever in addition concerning the same was asked, he abundantly provided; nor did he leave us anything more to desire, than that, these things being seen, someone from Melfi or Venosa should now with similar success labor on the previously desired miracles of Saint Benvenutus, and take care that they be transcribed and transmitted: taught by so near an example, how greatly for establishing the cult of Saints and Blesseds of this kind it avails for their great deeds to be presented for reading in the form we observe and with the faith of the originals themselves.
PROCESS
concerning his holiness and miracles, from the autograph preserved in the chest of his body.
James, of the Order of Friars Minor, at Bitetto in Apulia (Blessed)
FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT.
CHAPTER I.
Preliminary acts of the years 1628 and the following year.
[1] Before Notaries and witnesses, On the 11th day of the month of October, 11th Indiction, 1628, at Bitetto. We, Joseph Rossettus of Bitetto, Royal Judge to contracts; John Gregorius Citula of the same Bitetto, public Notary by Royal and Apostolic authorities; and the undermentioned witnesses, namely the Illustrious and Most Reverend Don Giovanni Battista Vulpis, Canon and Vicar General of the aforesaid city; the Illustrious and Very Reverend Don Giacomo Antonio Ressa, Primicerius of the Cathedral of the same city of Bitetto; the Illustrious and Very Reverend Don Giovanni Francesco de Gianinis, Primicerius and Apostolic Protonotary of the aforesaid Cathedral; and the Reverend Don Matteo Potenserio, likewise Canon of the aforesaid Cathedral. By the present public instrument of election and deputation, we make known to all and testify, the Bishop of Bitetto appearing how there was constituted today on the aforesaid day personally before us and in our presence the Very Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord, Friar Michael Messerottus of Bologna, of the Order of Conventual Minors, Doctor of sacred Theology, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See Bishop of Bitetto, acting for the undermentioned things all and each as Bishop for himself, of his own accord not by force but freely said, that a few days past, namely September 24, there had appeared in his presence the Very Reverend Father Friar John of Corigliano, of the Order of Minors of stricter observance, Provincial Minister in the province and reform of Saint Nicholas; and had set forth, how many years ago had passed from this life Friar James of Dalmatia or of Slavonia, lay brother of the Observant Minors in the convent of Saint Francis of Bitetto, vulgarly called "il Beato Giacomo di Bitetto," through so many miracles and many graces: to take information on the miracles of Blessed James, and lest perhaps the memory of the deeds should perish, had urged the same Most Reverend, that concerning the aforesaid and so many miracles and graces he would take diligent information, and also concerning the ancient veneration and reverence in which he was held, and in which at present he is held by all both citizens of Bitetto and their neighbors; and how his body is preserved whole and incorruptible in the said church and monastery of Saint Francis, as appears in the supplication of the said Very Reverend Father, which is held and preserved in the possession of the said Most Reverend, in nearly the same Italian words which are here expressed in Latin.
[2] Today on the aforesaid day the Most Reverend himself has decreed, for the glory of the Almighty, to proceed to the taking of the said information. In which, since a public Notary is needed, to receive approvals, and to be asked about all acts and matters to be done in this cause, he intends to elect and depute the aforesaid Notary. Wherefore wishing to bring his said deliberation to effect, and to publish it as is fitting, lest in the future any doubt should arise; the Most Reverend himself freely, voluntarily, in every best mode and way, as is permitted to him by law and as Bishop, in our presence the Royal Judge, Notary and witnesses written above, He elects as Notary Lord Bartholomew Russus: by the authority granted to him by the sacred Canons and Councils, elects, deputes and creates as public Notary the Reverend Lord Bartholomew Russus, Canon of the Cathedral of the same city, Apostolic Notary being present, with the faculty of receiving and writing all approvals and depositions of witnesses, to be produced in the aforesaid cause, granting as he granted to the said Reverend Bartholomew the present Notary (accepting with all humility and reverence, as is fitting, the said election and deputation made in his person) all that faculty which by law can be granted to him, to proceed to the effect and cause aforesaid with all truth and rectitude, with all deceit, vice, and cavilling set aside; to which writings and acts to be performed by him there shall be given that faith which by the law and disposition of the sacred Canons and Councils and Apostolic Rites can be given.
[3] The Reverend Don Bartholomew, in our presence and before the Most Reverend, he, sworn, obligates his faith; with the holy Gospels touched, with his breast touched in the manner of Priests, and in the hands and in the possession of the Most Reverend, swore and promised, as he offered himself, to exercise faithfully, freely, and sincerely, with all purity of heart, with every vice, fraud and deceit removed, the election and deputation made of himself; and well to exercise his office in the cause to be carried on, for which he was elected, created, and deputed, and to commit no falsehood nor cause any to be committed, nor to add nor diminish, but to put in writing entire with all truth and justice, to the glory of Almighty God, all the miracles of Blessed Friar James of Dalmatia. And that in the future there may be doubt to no one, the aforesaid Most Reverend Lord Friar Michael the Bishop, as above, requested us, that concerning the aforesaid we should draw up the present public instrument, as we did draw up and stipulated. Whence we &c.
[4] they appear to recommend the same matter, Presently by the Very Reverend Don Giacomo Antonio Ressa, and Giovanni Francesco de Gianinis, the aforementioned Primicerii of the Cathedral church, the supplication of the Reverend Chapter was presented, requesting the same as above from the Most Reverend, according to the conclusion made on the 4th day of October, within the sacristy of the said Cathedral at the sound of the bell in the customary manner, where were present the undermentioned dignities and Canons and before the Reverend Lord Vicar General Giovanni Battista Vulpis: the Reverend Don Giovanni Battista de Alessio the Archdeacon, the Reverend Don Giovanni Battista Gianinis the Archpriest, the Reverend Don Giacomo Ressa the Primicerius, the Reverend Don Giovanni Francesco de Gianinis the Primicerius, the Reverend Don Marcellus Giorgio, the Reverend Don Bartholomew Russus, the Reverend Don Dominic Arboreta, the Reverend Don Francis Antonio Basile, the Reverend Don Giovanni Battista Sanctis, the Reverend Don Francis de Sanctis, the Reverend Don Antonio Andrea Cerendonus, the Reverend Don Antonio de Quirico, the Reverend Don Giuseppe Arboreta, the Reverend Don Flavio Antonio Salassia: of all these the votes, consenting to the aforesaid supplication and deputation of the Primicerii to the aforesaid cause, deputed by the Chapter and Magistrate. may be read in the book of Chapter Conclusions. Similarly supplication was made, on the same 11th of the month of October, by the Magnificent Leonardo Antonio Fumai, the General Syndic; Antonio de Sanctis and Tomasio de Nicolao, the Elected of the University: to which supplication, conceived in nearly the same Italian words as contained in the supplications of the Minister Provincial and of the Chapter, besides the aforesaid Syndic, Doctor of the Art of Medicine, and the two already named deputies, there subscribed Alexander Prior Elect, and Giovanni Donato Arboreta Elect.
[5] [The Procurator of the cause is constituted on behalf of the Order N. A. Taurisanus,] On the 14th day of the month of October, 11th Indiction, 1628, at Bitetto, before us Camillo Pansitanus of Bari, Notary living in Bitetto, and the suitable witnesses, the Reverend Friar John of Corigliano, of the Order of Minors of stricter observance, Minister Provincial in the Province of Saint Nicholas, at present dwelling at Bitetto, freely constituted, ordered, and made as his Procurator, in the name of that Province, with all fullness of power convenient for the undermentioned things, Niccolò Antonio Taurisanus, a Nobleman of Bari, dwelling at Bitetto, absent as if present, to intervene, procure, and act in the name of procurator in the cause of taking information by the Most Reverend Bishop of the city of Bitetto, upon the life, death, and miracles of the late Friar James of Dalmatia, whose body exists in the convent of Saint Francis of the said city of Bitetto, and upon the aforesaid to present whatever writings are necessary and opportune, and to do all acts necessary and incumbent in the aforesaid, and to do all other things individually and to cause them to be done, even to the end of this cause inclusively. While this man, about to instruct the cause, was preparing all things necessary for it, a year passed; and when the matter now had to be acted upon, afterward with another Notary being constituted, in the year 1629 on the 10th day of the month of July, the aforesaid Reverend Lord Bartholomew Russus, the Notary elected for the aforesaid, because he was unable to attend to the aforesaid being detained by other business, and because he often was working under many indispositions, repudiated and released the aforesaid office into the hands of the same Most Reverend Lord Bishop. Therefore, the Most Reverend wishing to provide prudently for the aforesaid, so that further steps might be taken in the cause itself… elected, created, and deputed, and substituted as actuary, John Gregorius Citula being present, Apostolic Notary, with the same authority granted to the aforesaid Reverend Lord Bartholomew. Which Notary into the hands of the said Most Reverend &c. swore &c. as the aforesaid Bartholomew. … And since there was need of a Jurat and Server for taking the said information, and an apparitor being named, who truly, really, in good faith could cite, notify, and inform of any writings, persons, and everything else… the Most Reverend elected, created, and deputed, as Jurat and Server in the said cause Dominic of Jacobellus or of Cola Russus, a woodland Cleric of the diocese of Bitetto, being present and receiving the said office: … who swore &c.
[6] The Procurator produces his instruments, All things being thus arranged before the aforesaid Most Reverend, on the 18th day of the month of July 1629, there appeared Niccolò Antonio, the Procurator as above constituted, and produced several notarial instruments, making faith of various graces and miracles obtained through Blessed James of Dalmatia; petitioning that further they should proceed to take information on similar matters; and produced the articles of the interrogatory, to be proposed to the witnesses to be cited. The rest of this process is therefore a twofold work, so that in the first place are described, as on the same 18th
of July, shown and presented, the notarial instruments almost sixty in number: and witnesses are cited, which we have preferred to defer, to be produced entirely, after the depositions of the nineteen witnesses shall have been reported, answering to the nine heads of the Interrogatory. These however, nineteen in number, the Bishop on the 24th of July ordered to be cited, by the aforenamed Jurat and Server, under penalty of a hundred ducats for each one in case of the contrary… within the precise term of three days. All of whom, found and cited on the same day, Dominic de Jacobello or de Cola Russo, the Woodland Cleric of Bitetto, Server and Jurat deputed and elected in the aforesaid cause, reported.
CHAPTER II.
A list of the witnesses cited and heard.
[7] The witnesses to be examined appear before the Bishop, Witnesses summoned and examined at the instance of the Reverend Father Friar John of Corigliano the Reformed, or of Niccolò Antonio of Taurisano his Procurator, in the cause of proof and verification of the things narrated in their supplication submitted in the Acts, and upon the articles produced in the Acts, upon the verification and proof of the graces and miracles worked through Blessed James of Dalmatia of Bitetto, to the praise and glory of Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Francis etc.
I. On the 6th day of the month of August 1629, in the city of Bitetto and before the Very Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Friar Michael Messerotti… present and personally existing, the Very Reverend Don Giovanni Battista de Alessio, of whom the first is the Archdeacon of Bitetto, Priest and Archdeacon of the Cathedral church, about 66 years old, as he said and appears from his aspect, a witness cited and sworn, as he swore, touching the Scriptures, to tell the truth concerning those things about which he would be questioned, and upon the articles produced by Reverend Friar John of Corigliano the Reformed or by Niccolò Antonio of Taurisano his procurator. Being asked how the same witness is found in the presence of the Most Reverend Lord Bishop and for what purpose, he answered: I am here, having been cited some days ago: and I have come to make obedience, and to tell the truth of what I know. Which was the same answer of all the following to this preliminary question. Being asked whether he is familiar with the church of Saint Francis of this city outside the walls, he answered: As much as anyone of the city, both because I often went there for my particular devotion, and because I have the cord of Saint Francis, and finally because in the said monastery I possess a chapel under the title of the Glorious Virgin presented in the temple.
II. On the 2nd day of the month of October, the Very Reverend Don Giovanni Battista de Gianinis the Archpriest, the second the Archpriest, about 61 years old… being asked whether he knew upon what fact he could depose, and whether anything had been suggested to him, he answered: I am not one who would allow anything to be suggested to me: but I have come absolutely to tell the truth. This second preliminary question was henceforth asked of all, and all similarly answered, either that they did not know for what especially they had been summoned, or that they had understood this only when they entered the Episcopal Palace. The same being asked whether he was familiar with the church of Saint Francis, answered: Yes indeed, I am most familiar with that church, which is about a third of a mile from the walls of the city: and for some hundreds a of years, as far as I know, there were the Minor Observant Friars of Saint Francis; but now for four b years there have dwelt there the Reformed Fathers of the same Religion. For the cause of his knowledge he said, because he knows, has seen, and has heard from many old men, and has been present. Which same answer of many others was given to this third preliminary question.
III. On the same day, the Cleric Geronimo Ferro of Bitetto, about 86 years old… Being asked if he knew that in the said church there was a certain body, which was venerated there by the Christian people, and how he knew, he answered, "I know it very well, who together with all the others first answered to the 4 questions: from the time I could discern between good and evil: and that body I always heard named the body of Blessed James of Slavonia; it was enclosed within a crystal or wooden case: and that same body has always been held and treated, as even today it is held and treated, with great veneration and devotion, as that of a holy man, as was the aforesaid Blessed James. This veneration and devotion I always heard existed before this, as it is today, not only in this city, but also in all the surrounding area, with a multitude of citizens and country folk flocking to honor him: and so I have heard from my elders before me." This is the fourth preliminary question proposed to all, who similarly and in the same sense all, some more prolix, others more briefly, answered: some also in the cause of their knowledge alleged partly those things which in the year 1585 were done under Bishop Cesare Arenio, according to the instrument to be proposed in number 12, in the doing of which they themselves as Episcopal secretaries had been present, as the first two witnesses; partly they added some grace obtained for themselves or their own upon the invocation of the Blessed, and the same attested either by a votive tablet at the tomb, or by a public instrument drawn up by them.
IV. On the same day, the Very Reverend Don Giovanni Battista de Vulpis, having attested to his special devotion toward the Blessed, Priest and Canon of the Cathedral, of the same city of Bitetto, about 34 years old, was accustomed frequently to go to the church of Saint Francis out of his devotion (which was also for most others the cause of the knowledge which they professed to have concerning the said church); being asked about the body that was there, he answered: Many times I have seen it out of my devotion, because I have Blessed James as the protector of myself and all my family, and in all my life I have been most devoutly affected toward him: which was common to this witness with many others, and namely with witnesses X, XI, XIV. This moreover is the one who attested to a miracle performed in his own healing in the year 1621 through an instrument, which was found inserted in the original process, folio 37, and which will be placed below in number 44.
and graces received from him, V. On the 8th day of the month of October, the Reverend Don Alexander Panecottus, Priest and Canon of the Cathedral Church of Bitetto, about 30 years old; being asked about the body, added that his crystal case stood in the chapel next to the chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua. And professing also that in past years he had been healed from a grave infirmity, he recognized the public instrument on the matter, inserted folio 33, as will be given below in number 34.
VI. On the same day, Geronimo Contessa of Bitetto, about 76 years old: who also referred himself to the public faith, which he recognized as registered on folio 56, in testimony of the ancient and continuous cult of Blessed James, at Bitetto on July 16, 1627 before witnesses and a Notary.
VII. On the same day, Giovanni Romano de Cristofaro, a Woodland Cleric and Master tailor, about 63 years old, recognized that he himself too had had health restored by the benefit of Blessed James, as is found folio 29 and below will be found number 29.
VIII. On October 9, Don Donato Antonio de Gianinis, Priest of the Cathedral church of Bitetto, about 26 years old, recognized the grace done to him and described on folio 50, by us below number 55.
IX. On the same day, Don Bernardino dello Melone, Priest of the Cathedral church, about 30 years old… when the church of Saint Francis was still held by the Friars Zoccolanti of the Minor observance, likewise the relics customarily distributed, he had been their procurator and helper in receiving the rents and other revenues; he deposed that the said Friars used to distribute particles of the habit with which the body of Blessed James was clothed, for the devotion of the faithful: whence he also receiving in past years had reported his healing, according to the instrument described folio 28 and below number 40.
X. On the 12th day of the month of October, the Noble Eleonora c Calo, widow of the late Francesco Antonio de Vulpis, a noble of Bitetto, about 55 years old, testified that the chapel in which the body of Blessed James is honored pertained to her, that is to her husband's family, which she was accustomed frequently to go with the company of other matrons. And she narrated, said she, that a certain grandmother d of mine, long since deceased, who said she had heard from her elders, prophecies familiar to the Blessed, that Blessed James was not only esteemed a saint after his death, but also in life: inasmuch as he, serving as a lay brother in the said convent, whenever having gone out from the house to seek alms through the city, if he saw some sick person, and said to him that he would be restored to health, he was restored; but if he said he would die, the prophecy was fulfilled: whence I also, when my husband was gravely infirm to the point of death, devoted myself to Blessed James, and gave thanks for the grace: which she soon recognized as presented in writing on folio 31 and below number 24.
XI. On the same day Jacoba de Mastro, otherwise de Buccarino, widow of the late Giovanni Battista de Notaro Angelillo, about 54 years old, among other things answered to the preliminary questions: "A certain grandmother of mine used to say, narrating it herself from the mouth of her mother who had known the Blessed while living, that when he went through the city for the sake of alms, women came to him with their sick sons, saying, 'See, Friar James, how my sick son is.' And the Blessed answered, 'Go, lady, he will recover.' especially concerning the sick about to die or to recover, And so he was recovered at once, when he only touched their face. And likewise other women offered their sick sons, asking whether they would recover; but he would reply, 'Go, my lady, because he will soon go to paradise.' Which happened infallibly, and for the most part on the following day the sick would die. And my grandmother's mother narrated that the same Blessed James was often seen raised up from the ground, when he was making prayer in a little chapel near the monastery, which today is called the chapel of Blessed James: and at the same time the bells of the monastery gave sound, no one pulling them. and several other things proving his sanctity: The same things are found attested, in answer to the first article of those to be proposed below, by Witness 1; and to the seventh article, by several others. The aforesaid Witness XI also added, "I out of devotion to the Blessed am called Jacoba, and I placed his name on my son Don Giacomo Antonio, a Priest: and a certain brother of mine is called James, and a certain niece of mine likewise Jacoba: and whenever children are born from my kinsmen, I exhort that they put upon them the name of James. When my aforesaid son fell into sickness, I obtained his healing through him, according to the instrument drawn up on this, which she recognized written on folio 34 and below number 60."
XII. On the 20th day of the month of October, Laura de Castore, wife of Angelo de Leone, of Bitetto, about 50 years old, concerning her son similarly healed, confirmed the faith of
the instrument drawn up on him publicly and written on folio 51, for us number 28.
and instruments drawn up on them: XIII. On the same day, Giovanni Antonio de Rosa of Bitetto, about 45 years old, a witness of a grace done to himself after being given up by physicians, written on folio 48 and number 65.
XIV. On the same day Giovannella de Malderis, widow of the late Niccolò Antonio Azuoli her husband, about 50 years old, confirmed the gracious liberation of her husband and son from Moorish captivity, written folio 46 and number 49.
XV. On the 22nd of the same month of October, Margherita de Scaraggio, wife of Marzullus de Rizzo, about 40 years old, whose infirm healing is found folio 61 and number 68.
XVI. On the same day Angela of Donato Antonio Capani, wife of Francesco Antonio de Pietro-grande, about 28 years old, who, according to the instrument noted folio 47 number 55, had obtained healing for her husband in previous years.
XVII. On the same day Angela of Rutilianum, wife of Giacomo de Meduneus, about 38 years old, who professed that she had preserved the life of her husband, who was to be killed by soldiers, through a vow made to the Blessed, as written folio 26 number 39.
XVIII. On the 24th of the month of October, the Noble Caterina Cornaro of Bitetto, about 50 years old, by attesting confirmed the grace done to her sick kinsman, as also the last feasts did, as was found on folio 49 and below will be found at number 51.
XIX. On the same day the Noble Isabella de Julianis, widow of the late Doctor in Surgery, Giovanni Donato Donella, about 72 years old, reported herself the benefit obtained through the invocation of Blessed James, concerning which she recognized the public instrument drawn up and described on folio 24 of the Process: which benefit, since it is older than all to be referred afterward, it is well to propose here, so that tedium may be consulted, easily taken from the bare recitation of so many names. having professed that Blessed James, having been invoked by her, The instrument is such: "I make faith to whoever shall see these things, within or outside judgment, that when I, Isabella de Julianis, about 33 years ago, being in virginity under the power of my father Antonino de Julianis, a marriage was treated and concluded between me and the late Doctor Vito Coce of the Maxima family. When the nuptial pacts were concluded, some difficulties arose between my father and the said Doctor, so that all things seemed to have come to nothing. Matters being brought to that point, and remaining in that state for two years, I was mourning, destitute of the hope of marriage, nor did I seek solace anywhere except with God and His Saints through frequent prayers. It happened at length that a certain Livia Calo, now deceased, speaking to me, said, that if I wished to obtain some grace from God, I should be devoted to Blessed James of Bitetto; and through twenty-five days I should recite to him the Lord's Prayer with the angelic salutation twenty-five times: for she had herself seen a miracle performed at his invocation. I obeyed the counsel: having restored her long-despaired-of marriage, and while I was doing this, it seemed to me on a certain night, that I was praying in the chapel of the Blessed, with a certain other Friar, and saying, 'My Blessed James, do for me the grace which I desire': but he seemed to answer, that I had already received it. Meanwhile wakened and frightened, I reported all to my mother, then still living, who answered, 'Trust in God, daughter, that it will be so.' On that same day came a messenger sent by the aforementioned Doctor, bearing a letter to my father, by which he signified, that he altogether wished to have me as his bride, so let the nuptials be prepared, to be celebrated within twenty days. reconciled it. Nothing was less hoped for then by our family. I indeed from that marriage also bore sons, and with my late husband I gave all this success as owed to Blessed James, and made this manifest to all my household. From that time Blessed James was the special Patron of me and my family, in faith of which things I have here signed the sign of the Cross, not knowing how to write myself, at Bitetto, February 10, 1626, and that before Antonio Leone the Notary attesting, that it was written by the order and will and in the presence of the above-written Isabella de Julianis."
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER III.
The answers of the witnesses to the nine articles proposed to them.
[8] The witnesses affirm, These articles Niccolò Antonio Taurisano of Bari, Procurator of the Reverend Friar John of Corigliano, of the Minor observance reformed, in the province and reform called of Saint Nicholas, Minister, gives and exhibits, for the end and effect of verifying the things narrated in his supplication, submitted on September 24, 1628, before the Very Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Bishop Messerotti, for having the truth of the miracles and graces worked and done by the Almighty God the best and greatest, at the intercession of Friar James of Dalmatia, formerly a lay brother of the Minor observance, deceased in the monastery of Saint Francis of Bitetto, for the future memory of the matter, concerning which he petitions that witnesses be received and diligently examined. The articles are in all nine, proposed to all and each of the above-named, after the four preliminary questions, similarly made to all and each: which articles we so propose, that to each the answers of each be gathered, with the words of one or another embracing the opinion of the others, differing in nothing in substance, except where something to be noted peculiarly occurs.
[9] First it is set forth and assumed to be proven, that about 145 years ago the said Friar James of Dalmatia, personally present, a a lay brother of the Minor Observants, That Blessed James lived and died at Bitetto, dwelt in the monastery of Saint Francis of Bitetto, and indeed for many years, together with the other Friars of the said monastery: in which monastery he afterward died, and his body was buried in one of the sepulchers of that church, in which lay brothers were customarily buried: which was and is true by public voice and fame. Upon which first article, when it had been well heard by him word for word as it stood, Witness I being questioned answered affirmatively, as he had heard from his elders; who themselves also said they had heard from their elders: adding the same things concerning the raptures of the Blessed and the bells sounding of themselves, which we gave above from the mouth of Jacoba de Mastro, Witness XI.
[10] Witness III on the same first article being questioned answered affirmatively and added, "I remember very well, that when I was a young man, a certain Friar of the aforesaid Religion told me, who dwelt in the aforesaid monastery, Friar Geronimo of Bitetto by name, ninety years old, that he had dwelt there with the same Friar James: whom he said was a lay brother by profession, and that there with great virtue, and was a great servant of God in virtue, and that he himself had seen him praying in a little chapel nearby lifted from the ground, and had often heard the bells sounding of themselves while he prayed. And at the time when the Lord of this city was Giovanni Geronimo Freccia (it is about sixty years), he often told me that a certain uncle of his, who dwelt in the court of the Duke b of Atri, when the rebellion of the Barons in this kingdom was stirred up, had been personally present when the aforesaid Duke, being pursued by the King of Naples, came c to commend himself to the prayers of Blessed James, lest the King should order him to be beheaded, and shone with the prophetic spirit: as he had ordered to be done to the other rebel Barons. James answered that he should go freely: because not only was the King going to do him no harm, but he was also going to receive him with the greatest honor: and he himself on returning to Naples would find his Duchess wife having d given birth to male offspring: both of which came to pass, because the King when the Duke came to him even condescended to embrace him, and restored all his goods; and the Duke returning home found his son had been born to him. Witness I said the same in answering to one of the following articles.
[11] The body after 20 years incorrupt It is set forth and assumed to be proven secondly that the body of Blessed James buried in the sepulcher named in the first article, remained there for twenty continuous years; and afterward when on the occasion of another lay brother being buried there the sepulcher was opened, the body was found, and all the bystanders saw it incorrupt as it truly was; and therefore being taken out from thence, it was translated above the altar on which Mass was said, was translated to the altar; and so remained until the year 1585, e as public voice and fame testifies. This article all the witnesses affirmed, as heard everywhere from the older citizens. But Witness VI by name alleged a certain Antonio Lupi of Grumo, who had said that he had been present at the elevating of the body. III. It is set forth that the said body was held in the greatest veneration and devotion by all the people of Bitetto and by all its neighbors: and held in the greatest veneration, yet in the year 1585 it had been written to Rome by him who was then Bishop, Cesare Arenius, a Lucchese noble, what should be done with that body: and that the Lord Cardinals of the sacred Congregation of Rites answered, that he should see to it being removed from the altar on which Mass was celebrated, and transferred to a more remote place, but nevertheless preserved in the same veneration: which by the Bishop and the Friars had been committed to execution, and the translation made into a place contiguous to the chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua, within the same church, where the body at present rests: which was and is true.
[12] f This third article is confirmed not only by the others, who had heard from others or had been present at the translation, and by name by Witnesses I and II, who in this cause had written letters to Rome, as Episcopal secretaries: but also a special instrument was exhibited drawn up by the said first witness on July 16, 1627, that the new Bishop in 1587, and now found folio 58 and recognized by him, but by us to be omitted for brevity's sake. Indeed there was found and produced the Bishop's own executorial mandate in this form: "Cesare Arenius of Lucca, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See Bishop of Bitetto and in the present business specially delegated, by virtue of the letters of the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal g de Sans, Prefect of the sacred Congregation, to the couriers, nuntii, and our servants, or to those of any other curias, for the undermentioned
to be required in solidum, we signify, commit, and command; therefore, that for months and days not long past, on the 10th day of the last past month of June 1586, we received letters from the aforementioned Illustrious and Reverend Lord Cardinal, by the mandate of the Congregation of Rites, concerning the body of Blessed James, to be put back in its place, and to be taken away from the altar of the chapel of Saint John the Baptist in the church of the monastery of Saint Francis outside the walls of Bitetto of the Order of Minor Observants, in which it now is; and we showed these letters to the venerable Father Antonio of Forenza at present Guardian, the Vicar, and other Friars of the said monastery, and gave them a copy of them, and often and often warned them orally, that they should put back that blessed Body, with all reverence and veneration that is fitting, in its proper place, which so far they refuse to do, and refuse to obey our commands given orally as above.
[13] Wherefore we by the virtue of the said letters (whose tenor, inserted in the Italian language in the Episcopal mandate, is here omitted, indicating that the reason of the mandate is alleged, that it is presupposed the said Body was placed on the altar, without any authentic writing, from the simple tradition of the fame of the good life led by that holy man, which without express canonization today h does not suffice.)… we say, commit, and command you … who of you shall be required, that he personally go to the presence of the aforesaid Father Antonio de la Forenza etc. and enjoin and command them and each of them; as by the tenor of the present letters it is commanded and enjoined, that by virtue of holy obedience and under the pain of excommunication latae sententiae and other ecclesiastical censures, he ordered to be removed from the altar, within the space of thirty days from the notification of the present to run and to be counted (of which ten we assign for the first, ten for the second, and the remaining ten for the third and final term to them and each of them in solidum), that with effect, all delay and cavilling being set aside, they shall and ought to return and replace the same blessed Body to the place in which it had been placed before it was taken away by them and the other Fathers of the monastery, with all the veneration and reverence which is fitting, in the form of the internal order preserved. Given at Bitetto from our Episcopal palace of our usual residence, on the 29th day of December 1587.
Cesare the Bishop. ✠
[14] to the place of first burial, By the force of this mandate the sacred body had to be replaced within the place of the common burial, from which it was argued to have been taken out without competent faculty, at least such that could be proved either by writing or by the faith of witnesses. But because the Blessed himself had died about the year 1484, and his body had been extracted from the common sepulcher about the year 1555, the Friars seemed to have a just excuse for not obeying, because of the space of 84 continuous years, during which without any contradiction of anyone the body had stood exposed upon the altar, with the license, as they reasonably presumed, of him who was then Bishop Vincenzo Pistacchio, although neither by writing nor by witnesses did it appear, because of the long time. And so although Julius Bernardini of Minervino on the 29th day of December, as is had in the Acts, going to the said monastery, having notified the Guardian and the Friars dwelling there (these are named in all nine) the Episcopal mandate before witnesses called to it, or at least in the sacristy, nothing was accomplished, and so on the 9th day of the following January there appeared the Reverend Don Filippo de Insella, Fiscal Procurator, and accused the first contumacy against the above-written venerable Father Antonio della Forenza and his i Friars.
[15] Obedience had therefore finally to be rendered, and the sacred body was brought to the Sacristy: where it did not remain unhonored for long, with God accepting the innocence of the Friars, destitute of fitting testimony, and defending the honor of His Blessed against the Bishop, moved by zeal too precipitous, as appears from the authentic instrument of Friar Stefano of Bitonto, about the year 1613 Guardian in the convent of Bitetto, part of which will be given below in number 31, the other part is this: but with the Bishop divinely punished, "I have heard it said by public voice and fame, that when the new Bishop came into the city of Bitetto, a few days afterward coming to the convent and finding the body placed upon the altar, he asked of the Friars whether they had license for this; but they answering that without any other license which they could prove it had been done so, because of the great devotion and the concourse of people, he ordered it to be taken away thence to the sacristy. But after some time it happened that the Bishop sent friends to meet his brother coming to Bitetto, and himself ascended to a certain balcony to see the cavalcade: but it is said by ancient tradition, and it is public voice and fame, that miraculously a stone fell upon the head of the Bishop (although it did not appear from where into such a place, and healed through the Blessed, where nothing was higher, it could have fallen) with grave blow and wound; whence when he had lain sick for some days, it was said to his brother through a vision that the Bishop would be healed, if he would devote himself to Blessed James: and this being done and the grace obtained, the Bishop wrote to Rome to the sacred Congregation, and obtained license, that the said body be kept in a crystal chest with public veneration, it is again exposed to public cult. four palms raised above the ground; as it is now kept, where among other votive offerings even that stone itself is seen hanging up. k" So he: with whom also agrees and declares certain things pertaining hereto the instrument of the Bishop of Bitonto noted toward the end of the present process, whose tenor from Italian in Latin is this.
[16] as the Bishop of Bitonto attests, We Fabrizio Carafa, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See Bishop of Bitonto, make full and undoubted faith to all, before whom these things shall be presented outside or within judgment, that when Don Francesco Carafa and Donna Giovanna de Cardines, legitimate spouses, were living, my father and mother, Marquis and Marchioness of the city of Bitetto, they often told me that having obtained the lordship of the said city, in the church of Saint Francis there with the Franciscan Zoccolante Fathers they found the body of Blessed James, inside a Venetian case, badly kept. Wherefore our said mother, out of her devotion, wished to adorn the aforesaid body in another more eminent place, where with greater veneration, as today l is seen, it should be preserved. Doing this she was impeded by the Bishop of that time, called Lord Arenius. But when at the same time a stone had fallen upon his head, and had brought him a great peril of life; the Bishop himself invoked the name of Blessed James, whose mother had caused a new case to be made. and feeling himself soon freed, immediately commanded to the aforesaid Lady mother, that whatever she had designated in her mind for her devotion and the exaltation of the Saint, she should freely carry out. And so a gilded and crystal case was made, in which with the greatest veneration of all it now lies. My mother also said, that it had been in similar veneration with all before the aforesaid Lords of the said city, not only with the people of Bitetto, but with nearly all the inhabitants of the province of Bari, running from wherever, for obtaining for themselves and their own health, because of the frequent graces made by God to those invoking the said Blessed. And these things my Lord father and mother told me for about 35 years, as they had both themselves seen and heard from others their elders. In faith of which and at the instance of the devotees of the Blessed himself, we have confirmed the present Instrument with the subscription of our hand and the impression of our seal, at Bitonto March 14, 1630.
Us, Friar Carafa m Bishop of Bitonto ✠.
[17] Likewise that the body has persevered incorrupt so far, It is set forth IV and assumed to be proved, that the said Body of Friar James of Dalmatia, not only from the year 1585, until the present 1629, has always and continuously been incorrupt, as at present is to be seen, without any defect; but also from the year 1550 and before, until today: which is preserved within a crystal chest. Indeed the oldest people have always said, that they saw the body of Blessed James always incorrupt without any defect, placed as above: which was shown by the Fathers of the said convent to all wishing to see it: and those old men themselves said, that so also they had heard from other elders before them: which was and is true, and of it is public voice and fame. and held as the body of the Blessed, It is set forth V that for eighty years until today the body itself of Blessed James was held by all the people of Bitetto, and by the other peoples of the neighboring places, in the greatest veneration and devotion: but James himself was venerated and held for Blessed and Saint universally by all Christians, who came to see his body: as also today it is indifferently esteemed and honored by all men and women, old and young, clerical and secular: which was and is true. These two articles all the witnesses together and singly so confirmed, that no one suggested anything to be added in particular.
[18] in which the faithful obtained many graces, It is set forth VI that many men and women through the intercession of the said Friar James, by running to him in their necessities and perils, had obtained from God whatever they desired, with very many miracles being worked, and many and various graces bestowed on several and diverse Christians through the intercession of the said Blessed: as experience itself has seen and heard, and as even daily it is allowed to see and hear: and this for about eighty years, as all bear witness of any earlier time, asserting that they had so heard from their elders. And it is public voice and fame, that it was and is true. To which article when read to him, Witness I answered in these words: "I have heard publicly and generally, that all those who have devoted or commended themselves to the aforesaid Blessed James, offered votive offerings, have obtained from God all those graces which they justly asked for: concerning which I have also heard that public instruments have been drawn up, to which I refer myself." Witness II and several others also refer themselves to the tablets, hung before the chapel of the Blessed in monument of the benefit divinely obtained: some also testify to miracles performed on themselves and their own, whom I have said above to have recognized the truth of instruments drawn up on them: others referred similar attestation to the following articles.
[19] It is set forth VII, that not only after his death and at the intercession of the said Blessed James did God do many graces and miracles for the Christians, but also in life: That he himself, while he lived, also did miracles, as is evidently proved from the tablets of very ancient painting, which are seen hanging before the said blessed Body in his chapel: from which it is manifest that the Blessed himself while he lived was gifted with the prophetic spirit, full of virtue and charity, miraculously suspended in the air during prayer. To this article some answered briefly, that they appealed to the old and newer tablets themselves; others in more prolix words asserted
each single thing contained in the article, adding also concerning the little chapel now called Blessed James's, and the bells sounding of themselves. But these things being omitted, it is better to hear something more particular of the aforesaid tablets from a public Notary; for so it is contained in one of the writings offered by the Procurator of the cause. "I, Donato Antonio Rossano, whose authentic testimony is made by ancient tablets, public Royal and general Notary of the city of Bitetto, make faith, in judgment and out, to all who shall see these, that going personally to the convent of the Friars Minor observants outside the walls of the city on this same day, among the tablets openly affixed and hanging before the chapel, in which rests the body of Blessed James of Dalmatia, because of the miracles and vows made to him by Christians, in memory of the graces both of old and more recently obtained, and described in the said tablets, I found two oblong tablets, on one of which these three miracles were noted: namely how Blessed James answered the Duke of Atri, that the King would receive him honorably, how he predicted the Duchess would bear a son, how he enlightened a blind man who wished to strike him. But on the other tablet I found three others following: how Blessed James freed Friar Bernard of Gallipoli, when he wished to leave off the habit because of pain in his arms; how at Modugno he predicted a certain boy would die on the morrow, as happened; how he was seen raised up in the air during prayer. In faith of which I have subscribed and signed these, at Bitetto on the 3rd day of February 1629."
[20] and that many were healed at the invocation of the dead man, It is set forth VIII, that God through the intercession of the said Blessed James has healed many Christians infirm from various and diverse infirmities, grave pains, and diseases despaired of by the judgment of physicians: who acknowledged, that without any human remedy their health had been restored, after they had devoutly invoked Blessed James. It is set forth IX, that because of the veneration and devotion toward the said Body, daily, always, and continuously, from the past years 10, 20, 30, and therefore there had been a concourse from everywhere to his body, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and more, there had been, as there now is, the greatest concourse of faithful Christians, to the place and monastery of Saint Francis of Bitetto, both from the people of Bitetto and from the neighboring peoples indifferently, with supreme devotion honoring the aforesaid body: and that many of them had brought a tablet in witness of the grace received, many had asked to be given a particle of the habit with which the body is covered; because such is distributed to the faithful asking for it: finally that ordinarily a lit lamp is kept before the crystal chest in the said chapel; so that by all commonly and generally he is held as Blessed in heaven, as even today he is held and reputed. To these two last articles when each of the witnesses had answered in almost similar tenor, either repeating the very words of the questions, or referring themselves to their previous answers: finally each was enjoined that each should read or hear read his own examination, and then for the truth of the fact should subscribe his name with his own hand, if he could; if not, that he should mark the sign of the Cross, with Friar Michael the Bishop of Bitetto signing after each individually.
[21] Also publicly for obtaining rain. Now to these last articles properly pertains what Witness I, responding to the third article, added in these words: "I still remember, that when I was thirteen or fourteen years old, I saw the body of Blessed James taken out of the case in which it was preserved, and by the Fathers of the convent placed on a seat, set inside a certain confessional before all, to obtain from the Divine Majesty the grace of one good rain, at that time vehemently desired and necessary. There was in that place not only gathered all the people of the city of Bitetto, but also a great multitude from the neighboring peoples had so filled the church that not even a grain of mustard (so to speak) could have been taken in more; and while they were all alike praying, suddenly arose the voice of those crying out, 'Grace, grace: miracle, miracle.' But I, when I wished to know what this miracle was, received the answer, that a certain citizen of Bitetto, by name Constantine Aprutinus, who has now died, had passed through his urethra three great little stones, which were blocking the flow of urine, so much that thinking his life was over, he had stood before the Blessed." For the cause of his knowledge, he said because he knows, saw, heard, and was present.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER IV.
Miracles performed about the beginning of this century until the year 1619.
[22] I Friar Dominic of Terlizzi, Priest of the Order of Minor Observants of Saint Francis, at present Vicar of the venerable Convent of Saint Mary "nova" of the aforesaid town of a Terlizzi of the aforesaid Order, 54 years old, 34 years in religion, make full and undoubted faith to those who read these, that when in the year 1597 I was dwelling in our convent of Saint Francis outside the walls of the city of Bitetto, of which the Guardian then was Friar Bonaventura of Bari, and in which rests the body of the venerable Father Friar James of Dalmatia, A soldier about to die from poison transferred to his hand, a lay brother professed of the same Order, a soldier passing by there on horseback, the last of his cohort, came to the convent with a spear in his right hand, with which spear not far from the convent, about two miles in the place called of the b lake of Binettus, he had killed a serpent so venomous, that the poison passing from the iron through the spear into his hand and arm, had not only enormously swollen it and made it livid, but seemed even to be aiming at his heart. For this evil when he asked a remedy from the Friars, he was persuaded to devote himself to the said Blessed Friar James, for whose merits God would help him. Having made a vow, he is healed, in 1597. He, turning himself to the Blessed soon with devotion and tears, said: "O most blessed James, free me from this evil." And immediately he received from the Lord the grace, so that I and the other Friars of the convent soon saw the arm, with the swelling subsided and its lively color regained, restored to health. And since the soldier then had nothing else to hand, in sign of gratitude he gave some money to have Masses said: and the aforesaid Father Guardian immediately took care to have the matter as it happened reported to the public records: and I in testimony of the truth ordered to be drawn up the present writing by the hand of Friar Cataldus of Taranto the Priest, and confirmed it by my own signature and sealed it with the seal of this our convent of Terlizzi, on the 4th of February, 1626.
There followed the attestation of the Notary Giuseppe de Antonellis before whom this writing had been signed, which and other similar attestations to be found in the original process we omit for the sake of brevity, and indeed also some formulas recurring again and again, which it will be enough to extend once or twice.
[23] To all who shall see the present, in judgment and out, full and undoubted faith is made by me Olympia Vincentii wife of Pietro Martira, In 1603 she is cured, having lain sick for seven years, of the city of Bitonto, that when in the year 1603 I was held by a grave infirmity, which had lasted the whole preceding seven years, so that because of the very great torment of my whole body I could not move myself from bed; and I heard from others how great miracles God was working through Blessed James of the Order of Minor Observants, near the city of Bitetto; turning myself with great devotion and commending myself to the said Blessed, that he might obtain health for me from blessed God; I promised that I myself would go to visit his body and arrange for a Mass to be sung in his church. Marvelous thing! The same Blessed interceding, in a short time I recovered my former health, rising from bed with the admiration of the whole city; and because I myself do not know how to write, I dictated the present writing to Gerolamo, son of Thomas Campanilis, and before two
witnesses, to be confirmed by their signatures c, at Bitonto on February 4, 1626, before John Lorenzo Manzari, Notary of Bitonto.
[24] Faith is made… by me Beatrice Farella, wife of John Roch Leonis, 1604 a shin broken is healed, that when my aforesaid husband in the year 1604 had wished to yoke to a cart an ox not yet accustomed to drawing a cart, the said ox, turning with its fellow ox in flight, broke one of my husband's shins in the middle: wherefore all of us looked to the help of Blessed James: and I soon seeing my spouse whole, hung up a votive offering at his chapel; and, being unskilled in letters, I ordered this testimony to be written by the hand of Don Felice Leonis, at Binetto on February 6, 1626.
✠ Mark of the cross made by Beatrice Farella of Bitetto. I, Don Felice Leone, wrote the present at the will of the aforesaid and am a witness. I, Don Giuseppe Luca, was present. I, Notary Francis Frangione, am a witness. So far in Italian, then in Latin words: "I confess, Donnus John Angelo Christina, Primicerius of the land of Binetto, of the diocese of Bari, by Apostolic authority public Notary, that the aforesaid testimony in my presence was written, by the order will and consent of the aforesaid Beatrice de Farella, and signed with her own hand by the sign of the cross, as also subscribed and confirmed by the own hands of the aforesaid witnesses, and in faith I signed, being asked, and affixed my sign which I use in such matters ✠." The reader should understand the same or similar was done in all following cases: we are content to insert the name of the Notary at the end of the instrument itself, and mention the witnesses in general.
[25] and a dying man, Faith is made… by me Dionora Calo of Bitetto, Witness X from those named above, that about 25 years ago Francesco Antonio de Vulpis my husband, seized with a most grave disease, was given up by the physicians beyond hope of life, who found no human remedy, how he should not soon die. But I, remembering that glorious Blessed James, who rests with the Observants, vowed to give alms to the Fathers of his convent, on this condition that they should pray for my husband's salvation: and the following night I received the desired grace, whose testimony I have subscribed, forming a cross with my own hand, at Bitetto on February 10, 1626, before Don Donato Antonio Citula the Canon and Apostolic Notary.
[26] Faith is made… by me Flaminia of Donato Antonio de Servillo of the town of d Pali, that in the year 1605, when my two sons were lying ill with a quartan fever, In 1605 a woman suffering from quartan fever recovers, and no remedy was found for them, from a certain Friar of the convent of Bitetto passing through us I received a particle of the habit of Blessed James, resting at Bitetto and famous for miracles: which as soon as I placed upon them as they lay, suddenly their health was restored to them: and I being unskilled in writing, ordered it to be written by the hand of the Cleric Ludovico Valcarel, and to be subscribed by the public Notary Peter Leonis, on February 5, 1626, in the land of Pali, of the diocese of Bari.
[27] Faith is made… by me Dominica Signorile, that in the year 1606, In 1606 another given extreme unction, being sick to death and anointed with Extreme Unction; when I had heard the fame of the miracles performed through Blessed James, I invoked his name with true faith, and suddenly received the grace of health, having a Mass sung in honor of the said Blessed. Moreover in the year 1610, seeing myself to be barren, who also obtains offspring by a vow, I invoked the said Blessed, and immediately conceived a male son, vowing that I would bring him to the body of the Blessed, and there leave the clothes with which he was clothed, which still are seen hanging there. In faith of which, being unable to write, I asked for these to be written by the hand of Don Giuseppe Luca, before witnesses and the Notary Francis Frangione, at Binetto on February 6, 1626.
[28] A sacristan out of curiosity stripping the body, I, Friar James of Atella, Priest of the Order of Minor Observants, because I am bound to reveal and make known the graces received from God through the intercession of Blessed James of Bitetto, assert that when in the year 1606 I was exercising the office of Sacristan in our convent of Bitetto, I wished out of curiosity to see whether the body was really whole, and therefore, having raised it, I stripped it of its habit: but seeing that it was whole, I again clothed it in the same habit, and placed it as before. But immediately as I had shut the chest and iron door, I felt first one and then the other arm rendered useless, so that I could not take food with my own hands. Presuming however that the infirmity came from some accident, I remained in that state for three months, using various medicines in vain. At length by the Lord's inspiration, on the vigil of our Holy Father Francis, I opened all to my confessor, promising that I would not attempt anything similar otherwise. He for penance enjoined me, to scourge myself within the chapel of the Blessed before his chest. I answered, and deprived of the use of his arms, is compelled to repent. I would willingly do this if my infirmity allowed, by which it was now made impossible for me. He nonetheless commanded, that I should go and obey simply. I went therefore, and before the chest, although I could not move my arms to strike myself, I began to recite the Miserere, kneeling in the chapel: which being finished as I felt movement restored to my arms, I began to strike myself, and so entire health returned to both arms: nor did I ever afterward feel such infirmity, through the grace of God and Blessed James. Given at Melfi by my own hand on October 17, before witnesses and the Notary John Camillus Caglia of Melfi.
[29] Faith is made… by me Laura Castoris of Bitetto, Witness XII from those noted above, A servant's boy about to die from fever. that about 21 years ago my son was seized with a most grave fever, so that no remedy was found for him, and the physicians entirely despaired of his life. But I, being devoted to Blessed James of Bitetto, devoted him to the same, that he would pray to our Lord, that by his intercession this my son might be healed; promising that I would hang up, when he was healed, an equal quantity of loaves: which in fact, he being soon healed, I did, giving thanks to the divine Majesty; and now in testimony of truth I have affixed the sign of the cross to this writing, made at my request by Don Francis de Sanctis, before the Notary Antonio Leone, at Bitetto, on February 16, 1626.
[30] Faith is made… by me Master John Romano Christophori of Bitetto, that in the year 1608, and in 1608 sick for seven months, given up by physicians, after a grave seven-month illness, which had held me continuously fastened to the bed, I devoted myself to Blessed James, and immediately after the vow was uttered, I received health. On which account, having assumed the said Blessed as the patron of my family, in the year 1621 for my son John, likewise given up, making a vow of alms to be given to the Friars, I was soon refreshed by his sudden recovery; and afterward his son and wife, and for the grace received I offered three bushels of grain: and again my wife also having fallen ill, binding myself with a new vow, I also obtained for her the desired grace, and offered a standard (labarum) to be affixed to the cross; and these letters, signed by my own hand, I asked to be written by Don Hyacinthus Contessa, before witnesses and the Notary Don Donato Antonio Citula, on the 8th day of February 1626.
[31] In 1612 a woman in peril from blood flow, Faith is made by me Caterina de Scirocco, legitimate spouse of Antonio della Badesca citizen of Bitonto… that in the past years and namely in 1612, when from a flux of blood, lasting for three months, I was lying in bed, so gravely sick, that when the physicians found no remedy I believed myself near to death; I devoted myself to Blessed James of Bitetto, and was suddenly healed: in faith of which I have written the sign of the cross with my hand on the present, before the Notary who wrote these, John Lorenzo Manzani and witnesses, at Bitonto on March 14, 1630. Which Instrument was not presented before the examination of witnesses, as the prior and the rest of the following, but when the examination was finished, presented before the Bishop in the year already noted, and on the 15th day of the same March.
[32] Faith is made… by me Friar Stefano of Bitonto, Priest of the Order of Minor Observants, in 1613 Guardian of Bitetto. that about the year 1613 I had been constituted Guardian of our convent of Bitetto; where in a certain corner of the church on the right there had been entrusted to me a body, which was said to be of Blessed James, within a crystal chest raised four palms from the ground, with many miracles hung around it. I dwelt there more than a year, in which time I saw much concourse both of citizens and neighbors to the said body: and among others came Lord Antonio del Tufo, son of Mario del Tufo Marquis f of Minervino: but he came with a great company of his vassals, he receives the Marquis of Minervino miraculously healed, to give thanks to the said Blessed, for his health restored from a mortal disease, and for this reason he gave the convent ten ducats. At the same time came a certain one from Modugno, by name John Antonio Chimento, with his wife and children, bringing a vessel of oil by vow, because when his wife could not bear a child, he running to Blessed James, had said these words: "By this I shall know that I am going to obtain the desired grace, if putting my hand into the money pouch I shall draw out precisely the price of one vessel of oil." And thus he publicly professed. Likewise when at the same time the kitchen had collapsed, and the Friars had no longer, and he experiences the aid of the Blessed for rebuilding the kitchen, because of the greatest poverty of the place, where they could either warm themselves or build a fire for other necessary uses, I as Guardian went to Bari, and took at usury from Giuseppe Sala the merchant some sum of money, for restoring the ruin: and when we had already replaced the arch, and I had ready money for paying off the debt; it happened that the said merchant fell into a most grave infirmity, and by a vow made to Blessed James recovered; wherefore coming to Bitetto, and going to the convent to give thanks, he not only remitted the usury owed up to that time, but also brought other alms… In faith of which I have subscribed the present written by my own hand on January 28, 1626, with the Apostolic Notary Don Lorenzo Roger Ruvo subscribing and attesting, without the expression of the place: but the things we have here omitted are had above in number 15.
[33] Faith is made by me Sister Jacoba de Altobella of Bitonto; in 1614 a woman sick for seven months is healed, that when in the year of the Lord 1614 my mother had been lying ill for the seventh month from an incurable infirmity, I vowed to Blessed James of Bitetto that going to him with true faith, and from the door of the church even to his body g drawing my tongue along the ground, I would take care to have a mass said there: and with this vow made, suddenly I received the grace asked for: and since I do not know letters,
I did not learn them, I asked these to be written by Michael Angelo Ambrosii in the city of Gravina h, on February 7, 1627, before four witnesses and Don Francis Antonio Jacono of Bitonto, Apostolic Notary, subscribing.
[34] In 1616 the Lord of Bitetto laboring from tertians, I, Bartholomew de Amatis, Doctor of the Art of Medicine, make faith, that in past years and specifically in the year of the Lord 1616, in the month of December, the most Illustrious late Alfonso Caracciolo, useful Lord of the city of Bitetto, was suffering at the aforesaid time from two continual i tertians without any interval of fever. To him in his sleep appeared Blessed James, to whom he vowed, that on the first day when he was well he would confess his sins in the temple of the said Blessed James: whence at the morning hour we found the said Lord without fever. The vow was a silver one, and he left it in the said temple of Blessed James, and this in my presence; and observing, that for forty days never did the fever cease except at the time of the vow: and in faith of truth I have here subscribed myself. Given at Bitetto on August 30, 1627. I who am above de Amatis, by my own hand, before the Notary Donato Antonio Russano of Bitetto.
[35] Faith is made by me Don Alexander Panecotto, Priest and Canon of the Cathedral church of Bitetto, from those named above Witness V, in 1617 a Canon of Bitetto gravely sick, that in the year 1617 in the month of March, lying in bed with grave infirmity and peril of life, without hope of human aid, when I had been very badly off for several days, at length I summoned the Father Guardian of the Minor Observant Friars of Saint Francis, my patron, to this end that out of charity he should pray to the Lord and to Blessed James for my salvation: which he willingly promised to do: then after some days with certain other Friars he came to me, bringing the k "pileolus" (skullcap) of Blessed James, and devoutly placed it on my head. When I had so kept it on my head for two days, I so quickly recovered my health, that within fifteen days, rising from bed, I went to the place of the blessed body, to give thanks to God and to the Blessed himself: and in faith of these things I have written and subscribed the present by my own hand, at Bitetto on February 20, 1626, before four witnesses, and Don Donato Antonio Citola as Notary.
[36] a dying boy, Faith is made… by me Laura Paschalis of Bitetto, now dwelling at Bitonto, that when in the year 1617, my son was sick to death, I heard narrated the miracles done through Blessed James of Bitetto; and I vowed, if my son should recover, that I would go barefoot, from the gates of the city of Bitonto even to the gate of the convent in which his body rests. Which also I performed, having obtained my vow; and being unskilled in letters I dictated these to be written by Doctor Ferrante Filioli of Molfetta, at Bitonto, on February 4, 1626, before witnesses and the Notary Francesco Antonio Jacono.
[37] a woman deprived of the use of her hands, Faith is made by me Sister Agnes Bisanti of Bitonto… that in the year l 1617, being infirm with certain cold fluxes, I lost the use of my limbs, so that for a whole year I could not move my hands to my mouth: but when out of true devotion and faith I had vowed to Blessed James that I would go barefoot to his body and would arrange to have a Mass sung, suddenly I received my health, praising God and Blessed James: on which matter I dictated these to Michael Angelo Ambrosii, and ordered them to be confirmed by the subscription of witnesses and the public Notary Francesco Antonio Jacono, as the same are found subscribed, omitting the day and place of subscription.
[38] and a man sick for three months, Faith is made… by me Dominic Bizantii of Bitetto, that in the year 1617 from a three-month illness I was brought to such a state, that at length I could scarcely move myself in bed, and having heard of the wonders of Blessed James, I devoted myself to him, promising with all my family for seven continuous Saturdays to go to his body, and there to have a Mass sung. Soon afterward, having obtained the grace, I fulfilled the vow, and hung up a tablet in witness of the benefit; but now, because I do not know how to write, through Giovanni Geronimo Stellaccius I ordered the present to be written, and through the Notary Francesco Antonio Jacono to be authenticated, before witnesses likewise subscribing, at Bitonto on February 4, 1626.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER V.
Miracles from the year 1619 until 1623, inclusive.
[39] I Friar Bernardinus of Gravina, Priest of the Order of Saint Francis of the Minor Observants of the Province of Saint Nicholas, 70 years old, 53 years in religion, now Guardian of the venerable Convent of Saint Mary della Nova in the land of Terlizzi, make faith… how in the year 1619, when I was Guardian of the Convent of Saint Francis in the city of Bitetto… it happened that the Most Illustrious Don Alfonso Caracciolo, In 1619 the Guardian hesitating to put a new habit on the body, son of Lord Balthasar Caracciolo, Marquis of Bitetto, afflicted with fever, for recovering his health vowed to Blessed James; but the vow was to take care of a new habit to be made for the holy body. When therefore, his health having been received, he had handed over to me the same habit made by his vow, and I feared, lest the body, hitherto whole, might perhaps dissolve in my hands, while I tried to change the clothes; I put off to carry out his command, until I should have sought the opinion of my Father Provincial, then not far absent: but he wrote back to me, that he could not come to me, but was going straight to Otranto there to preach: if however it was a matter of any greater moment, on account of which I was seeking his conversation, I myself should come to Bari, through which he would pass. I went there, and indeed I spoke about many matters; but of the change of habit, which was the principal cause of the sought conversation, not even a word. When therefore I had gone three miles from Bari, recognizing my forgetfulness and accusing myself, I finally decided to change nothing until the Provincial should be at the convent for the customary visitation. He is rebuked by the Blessed appearing in a vision: But the following night in a vision there appeared to me Blessed James, rebuking and saying, "Why did you not do it?"; and ordering me not to be afraid at all. I nonetheless delayed to obey, and so on the second and third night the same vision of the one commanding returned, and with a severe look, not to delay any longer. So in the month of February, on a certain Tuesday morning, I called to me Friar Paul of Bitonto, an elderly priest, and communicated to him what I had seen and heard. He urged me not to delay to carry out the commands: that I would do nothing without the example of my predecessors, who had done the same before. Then, with Friar Jacob of Bitonto, a priest about thirty years old, also summoned, we closed the church, and taking off the old habit we put on the new: This man secretly carries out the command: but putting away the old in the sacristy, I commanded the said Friars that they should not reveal anything of what we had done. They departed, while I alone remained in the sacristy; when behold I hear knocking at the door of the convent, and going to unbar it myself I found a secular man, who, being asked what he wanted, asked me for the love of God to give him something of the old habit, which in that very hour I had taken from the holy body. I asked, who had given him indication of such a change. He answered, That it was nothing to him, he knew what he was asking for. I therefore gave him some small particle, but the matter is miraculously and suddenly made known. and following him with my eye as he departed toward the city, I could neither recognize the man, nor by asking others find anyone who knew they had seen him. Meanwhile the thing itself or the miracle was spread throughout the whole city. I add, that I understood from the elders, that Lady Felicia San-Severina, Duchess of Gravina, laboring badly with a quartan fever, The Duchess of Gravina biting off a finger, when she had for three days persevered praying at the body of Blessed James, obtained the grace of health; but returning home she asked of him who was then Guardian of the Convent, that it might be allowed her to kiss the holy body with her own mouth. But they said she did this so cunningly, that while kissing she bit off a finger from the hand, no one observing the deed. But when she had gone out of the walls of the convent, suddenly such a storm arose, full of thunders, lightnings, rains; that the beasts carrying the litter could not advance even one step. she restores it, the tempest compelling her: She therefore ordered the litter to be turned, and going out of it, immediately returned to the sacred chest; and with tears restored the finger, calm of the air soon following: and thus she returned safe to her city: but that finger is preserved within the same crystal chest along with the body, separately enclosed in a small silver gilt vessel a. In faith of which I have subscribed and sealed with our convent's seal these things written by the hand of Friar Cataldus of Taranto, before Giuseppe de Antonellis
of Terlizzi, Notary by Apostolic and Royal authorities, at Terlizzi on February 3, 1626.
[40] He escapes unharmed from the stroke of a gun with a vow made: Faith is made… by me Angela Rutiliana of Bitetto, Witness XVII from those named above, that when in the year 1619 at Bitetto a company of soldiers was stationed, to whom the customary wages and subsidies were promptly given by the city, two of them came into my house, equipped with guns, demanding from my husband Jacob of Modugno something of b curdled milk, which because he excused himself that it was not with him; one let off his gun at my husband: but I seeing this turned to Blessed James, that he would keep my husband safe for me. Marvelous thing! The shot was without wound: and I in thanksgiving vowed that for one whole month I would go barefoot daily to visit his body, because of the grace obtained: and in testimony of truth I have signed the present with the sign of the Cross myself, at Bitetto on February 8, 1626, before witnesses and Antonio Leone the Notary.
[41] Faith is made… by me Rebecca Cortese, wife of Bonaventura Naturalis of Bitonto, and a flux of blood is stopped. that being reduced to the point of death from an incurable flux of blood; suddenly I felt the same checked and myself healed, when I had with pure heart devoted myself to Blessed James. In faith of which matter, before my husband and two witnesses, and the Notary Angelo Antonio Morea of Bitonto, I ordered these to be written and signed, at Bitonto on March 12, 1627.
[42] Faith is made… by me Father Friar Bonaventura of Altamura, In 1620 a dying Minorite Priest rises again, Priest of the Order of Minor Observants, that when in the year of the Lord 1620, given up by the physicians and about to render my spirit to God, I had lain like a dead man for three days; my uncle Father Friar Angelus of Altamura, with great faith went to our convent of Bitetto, and thence brought a certain skullcap of Blessed James, known for various cures of the sick: which as soon as it was placed upon my head, with the wonder of the bystanders I recovered, and rendered thanks to God: but now I have written and subscribed this with my own hand, on February 6, 1627, with Friar Cherubinus of Altamura Guardian of Grumo, Friar Gratianus of Altamura, and Friar Bernardinus of San Bono likewise subscribing, and the Notary Don John Angelo Christina, Primicerius of the land of Binetto.
[43] Faith is made… by me Clorinda Calo, legitimate wife of Peter Ludovicus Fontonellae, a woman from a long-lasting pain of the breast, of Bitetto, that in the year 1620, oppressed with a grave pain of the breast, which for two whole years had permitted me no rest by night or day; after various doctors and medicines consulted and applied in vain, I remembered Blessed James, and with groaning and tears began to pray to him, that interceding with the Lord for me, he would put an end to so long-lasting a torment. And with this prayer made, suddenly I felt myself relieved, nor did I any more suffer such. I testify moreover that about the year 1623, being pregnant with child, I saw Blessed James in a dream: who said to me, that within two months I would die. But I, remembering that I was pregnant and wholly consternated in mind, and is freed from a dangerous childbirth; "So then," I said, "I shall die in childbirth?" The Blessed answered, that I would bear a daughter. But I: "No Saint therefore will intercede for me, that I may escape death?" "Someone will intercede," he replied, and disappeared. Awakened from sleep, and well recognizing the Blessed's face known to me (since I have him as my own Patron), I narrated what I had seen and heard to many, and before the second month from the vision should pass, which was the eighth of my pregnancy, falling into a disease despaired of by the physicians, I bore a daughter and saved my life, by the prayers, as I believe, of Blessed James obtaining this grace for me: and therefore I have signed these with the Cross expressed, at Bitetto on February 7, before witnesses and the Notary Antonio Leone.
[44] I, Francis Nicolai, Canon of the Cathedral of Bitetto, make faith… likewise a Canon of Bitetto from a fever, that in the year 1620 in the month of August, being gravely infirm in the town of Binetto, when I had been very badly off for several days, I devoted myself with all my heart to Blessed James of Bitetto, that God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, entreated by his prayers, would succor me; and I asked the Father Guardian of the Convent of Saint Francis, who was attending me sick, that he would deign to bring me the skullcap, which the Blessed used while living, and which was preserved in his convent as a Relic. He brought it and placed it on my head with his own hands; and I within two days, finally free from fever by the grace of God, recovered: now however, being asked to render testimony to the truth, I have written and subscribed the present by my own hand, before witnesses of our Chapter and Don Donato Antonio Citula, as Notary. At Bitetto, which however is not expressed; nor is the day of the month or the number of the year expressed.
[45] In 1621 a man suffering from a three-month disease is aided, Faith is made… by me Deacon Giovanni Battista Vulpis, the same who appeared above as Witness IV, that in the year 1621 in the month of October, I had been so sick, after having lain three whole months; that at length the physicians announced my life was over. Therefore remembering the miracles daily shining through Blessed James, I asked the Father Guardian to come to me with the skullcap of the Blessed: which when he had done, and had placed it upon my head, within a few days I was free from fever and from all infirmity. and is rescued from various perils: Then being in several other perilous situations, from all I escaped safe, having invoked the patronage of Blessed James: in faith of which I have written and subscribed these with my own hand, at Bitetto on February 10, 1626, before witnesses and the Notary Don Donato Antonio Citula.
[46] likewise another's wife and son sick. Faith is made… by me Doctor Giuseppe Mele, that when in the year 1621 I was gravely ill, Lucretia Regna, my wife, placed upon me a particle of the habit of Blessed James; and by the grace of God and the intercession of the Saint I received my health. I testify moreover, that in past years my son Francesco Carolo, suffering so gravely from smallpox, that the physicians judged his one arm would remain useless; with a similar particle applied, recovered. So I affirm with my own hand, before witnesses and the Notary Antonio Leone, at Bitonto, on February 10, 1626.
[47] Faith is made by me Dominic Paganus Gefuni, dwelling in the land of c Grumus… that in the year 1622 in the month of February, In 1622 his eye is kept safe from injury, one night making a journey on horseback, I struck with my right eye a trunk, the branch of an d almond tree, which striking gave such a sound as a bladder full of wind struck against a wall would make; and at the same time it split my upper eyelid, with the eye itself untouched and unharmed, because I had invoked the name of the glorious Blessed James: and therefore to the honor of Almighty God and the Blessed, I have written and subscribed these with my own hand, at Grumo on February 16, 1626, before witnesses and Don Nicholas Antonio Mancinelli, Apostolic Notary.
[48] In 1623 an ulcerated breast is cured, I make faith, I Laurentia of John Peter de Treglia, of Bitonto… that in the year 1623 suffering in one of my breasts an incurable evil, with two openings; since the doctors asserted that it was incurable, I had recourse as a good Christian to Blessed James of Bitetto, praying devoutly and promising that I would go to his church barefoot: and thus within a few days, no medicine being applied, my breast was healed for me, by the sole mercy of God and the blessed man: and therefore, not being able to write myself, the present having been written by the hand of the Notary Geronimo Santerius, I have affixed with my hand the sign of the Cross, at Bitonto on February 4, 1626, before the aforenamed Notary and witnesses.
[49] an incurable fever, Faith is made… by me Olympia Frezza of Bitetto, that in the year 1623 suffering from an incurable fever, and commending myself to Blessed James, as soon as I received on my head the skullcap of the Blessed brought to me, I felt sudden health from so grave a disease, when I had vowed to receive and wear the habit of the Friars themselves until death, and to be buried in the very temple where his body lies: to which vow my daughter had added, that she too for one continuous month would come there barefoot. Now I have ordered the present to be written by the hand of Don Alexander Panecottus, and the sign of the Cross I have added with my hand, before witnesses and the Notary Don Donato Antonio Citula, at Bitetto on February 9, 1626.
[50] a two-year infirmity, Faith is made… by me Lady Clarice della Nos de Galignano, that when in the year 1623 I was laboring under a grave two-year infirmity, and my lord and husband Lord Geronimo Valcarcel had gone to Bitetto to the body of Blessed James there, to pray for my health; as soon as he returned home, he found me whole. Now however in testimony of truth, since my husband is absent from home, I have dictated the present, to be written by the hand of Ludovico Valcarcel the Cleric, and I have subscribed with my own hand, before witnesses and the Apostolic Notary Don Peter Germino, in the town of Pali, on February 5, 1626.
[51] Faith is made… by me Giovannella de Malderis, Witness XIV above, Captives are freed from the Moors, of Bitetto, that when in the year 1616, my husband Niccolò Antonio Azzuolo and my son Giovanni Battista Azzuolo sailing by the Adriatic sea toward Crete, having passed the island of Corcyra were captured by Moorish pirates, and brought to Bizerte f into slavery, and there detained for eight continuous years; I, having heard of their and my misfortune, had recourse to Blessed James; and often visiting his body, that through his intercession I might obtain their liberation from God, at length I vowed, that if I should obtain the grace asked, for one continuous month I would come there barefoot. Marvelous thing! A short time after the vow was uttered, my husband returned to me; and as I continued prayers and supplications more fervently, within two years there was also brought news about my son, that he had happily escaped from captivity. Whom then after a few days I saw safe and sound at my home, giving thanks to God and the Blessed, who had heard my prayers; and the present written by the hand of my aforesaid g son, with the Cross affixed I have signed myself, before witnesses and Antonio Leone the Notary, who forgot to add the day and year, and the name of the city of Bitetto in which these things were done.
[52] and one wounded by an enemy with many wounds. Faith is made… by me Caterina Cornaro, of Bitetto, how in past years a certain kinsman of mine, involved in a very grave enmity at Conversano, for several months endured the assaults of his adversary; by whom at length, struck with various lethal blows on the head, he was held beyond hope of life. Having learned of so funereal a case I turned to Blessed James, vowing a silver lamp, if the wounded man's life should be preserved: which I obtained within a few days appeared,
and I have taken care for the present to be written by the hand of Don Francesco de Sanctis, before Antonio Leone and the witnesses asked, at Bitetto on February 13, 1626. Caterina is Witness XVIII among those named above.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER VI.
The remaining authentic miracles exhibited in judgment.
[53] In 1624 a lethal fever is cured, Faith is made… by me Don Bernardino dello Melone, of Bitetto, how in the year 1624 in the month of August, through a most vehement and by the judgment of the doctors incurable fever, being brought to the most imminent peril of death, I commended myself to Blessed James: whom I remember appearing to me the following morning, and suddenly restoring my health. Having therefore given thanks to Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin, because through the intercession of Blessed James they had freed me from death, I promised that for five years I would take up the procuratorship of the convent: in which office I even now engage, and I have written and subscribed these by my own hand, before witnesses and the Notary Don Donato Antonio Citula at Bitetto on February 10, 1626. This Bernardus is Witness IX above.
[54] Faith is made… by me Rosa Raphaelis of Grumo, dwelling at Bitetto, and another desperate disease, that having been given up by the physicians because of the gravity of the disease from which I was suffering, I asked to have brought to me the skullcap of Blessed James; and when it had been placed on me, I felt myself put out of danger: and recognizing myself obliged to the Divine Majesty and to Blessed James for this and many other graces received, I have confirmed the present, written by the hand of Master Francesco Duda my husband, with the subscribed Cross, before witnesses and the Notary, Don Donato Antonio Citula, at Bitetto on February 12, 1626.
[55] A woman in labor is aided to give birth to three sons at the same time, I, Lucretia Lombarda, make faith… that in the year 1624 in the month of December, being in danger in childbirth, indeed given up by the midwives, when I had devoutly turned in my soul to Blessed James, the Father Guardian came to me, bringing this Blessed's skullcap; and placed it on my head, reciting the Litany of the Most Blessed Virgin with the antiphon "Regina caeli": and immediately I received the grace, giving birth to three male sons: who all by the benefit of the Blessed received baptism, and within the next three days flew to heaven. And because I do not know how to write, I had the present written by the hand of Francesco Spataro, who was present at the grace received: he wrote, and I affixed the sign of the Cross, before witnesses and Don Donato Antonio Citula, at Bitetto on February 12, 1626.
[56] One deprived of the use of his limbs for seven years is healed, Faith is made… by me Angela de Capana of Bitetto, that when in the year 1624 my husband Antonio Petri-grandis, for seven continuous months was lying impeded by a certain painful chill from all use of his limbs, nor taking rest day or night because of the torment; I vowed him to Blessed James, promising that I would have the sacrifice of Mass in his church: then I asked from the Fathers a little cotton and oil from the lamp of the Blessed: with which being anointed, my husband suddenly was better: as I attest by these, noted by me with the sign of the Cross, before witnesses and the Notary Antonio Leone, at Bitetto on February 11, 1626.
[57] Faith is made… by me the Cleric Donatus Antonio Giannini, likewise one sick man, Witness VIII above, that in the year 1624 in the month of September, gravely infirm from fevers and close to death, I vowed myself to Blessed James, and with his skullcap received upon my head I immediately received health; in testimony of which matter I have given these written and subscribed by my own hand, at Bitetto on February 16, 1626, before witnesses and Antonio Leone the Notary.
[58] Faith is made by me Ambrosius Marcianus, from the town of a Tramunti, dwelling at Bitonto… that in the year 1625 being seized with fevers and despaired of by the physicians and close to death, and another close to death. when I had heard of the miracles performed by Blessed James, I turned to him from my soul, vowing to go personally to his church, and there to offer a candle, and to arrange for a Mass to be sung: and with this vow made I was soon restored to health: which so happened I affirm by subscribing with my own hand, before witnesses and the Notary Geronimo Santermo. The day, year and place are not added, but it is easy to understand from the preceding that the matter at least was written at Bitonto.
[59] Faith is made… by me Nardia Nicolai Misurielli, that in the last preceding year b 1625 gravely suffering in my breasts, In 1625 after a woman's breast was healed, one of which already gaped with seven ulcers, with great peril to my life; after I devoutly commended myself to Blessed James of Bitetto, I had that breast as healthy and clean as ever before. For which benefit giving thanks to God and to Blessed James, I arranged for a Mass to be sung in his church; and in faith of the aforesaid I arranged these to be written at Bitetto on February 4, 1626. his daughter is cured of a flux of blood, Then I profess, that when a certain daughter of mine, seven years old, had been given up by the doctors because of a flux of blood, with a vow made for the same in honor of Blessed James, I immediately had her whole; and as I had vowed I stood before the body of the Blessed himself. That I so testified, Don Giuseppe Agera writing, those who were present as witnesses affirm, with the Notary John Lorenzo Manzari.
[60] Faith is made… by me Master Andreas Nicolai Arbero of Bitonto, likewise one exhausted by a quartan fever, that in the year 1625 laboring with a quartan fever, and so exhausted by it, that I could not c earn my living; when I had devoutly received something from the habit of Blessed James of Bitetto, I suddenly received my health; and because I do not know letters, I had the present written by Don Giuseppe Fortunio, before witnesses and the Notary Geronimo Santermo subscribing, on February 4, 1626.
[61] Faith is made… by me Jacoba de Mastro of Bitetto (who is Witness XI above) that in the year 1625 in the month of August, and another from a lethal fever, because my son was suffering from a grave disease and most vehement fever, with no remedies profiting, I uttered a vow to Blessed James that I would visit his body for one entire month continuously: which I fulfilled, my son's health being restored: as by these, written by Jacob Francesco Rizzo, and signed by me with the Cross, I protest on February 15, 1626, before witnesses and Don Donato Antonio Citula the Notary.
[62] likewise a man suffering tertian fever, Faith is made by me Gesimunnus della Batessa… that in the year 1625 involved in a tertian fever, and by it almost brought to death, I vowed to go to Bitetto on bare feet, and there to bring a contribution for a Mass to be said: and soon being restored to health I fulfilled the vow, and not knowing how to write I dictated the present to Giuseppe Vacca the Notary, at Bitonto on February 7, 1626, before witnesses and the Notary Francesco Antonio Jacono.
[63] Faith is made by me Lady Vittoria de Grisullo of Bitonto that in the year 1625 I was affixed to my bed with a most terrible fever: but turning myself to Blessed James, and a woman with fever, with a vow of going to Bitetto and arranging a Mass there, I was suddenly completely healed: wherefore I wished these to be written by the Notary Giuseppe Vacca, at Bitonto on February 7, 1626, before witnesses and the Notary Francesco Antonio Jacono.
[64] I, Francischina Sferza of Bitonto, confess through the present… that in the year 1625 my sister was sick and given up by the physicians: another sick to death, whom when I had confidently and devoutly commended to Blessed James, vowing to go to his church on bare feet and to arrange a Mass to be said there; suddenly my sister received full health, with our greatest consolation: for which be praise to God and the Blessed. Amen. Then in testimony of the aforesaid I ordered these to be written, by Don Giuseppe Agera, because I do not know how to write myself, before witnesses and the Notary Giovanni Donato Raputo, at Bitonto on February 5, 1626.
[65] and a pregnant woman with danger to the fetus, Faith is made… by me Lady Fulvia del Tufo, Duchess of Grumo, that in the year 1625 approaching childbirth I fell into a disease with danger to the fetus: wherefore I ordered the hood of Blessed James of Bitetto to be placed upon me, vowing ten ducats, to be brought to his body, if I should give birth happily. This done, immediately being healed, I bore a daughter sound and safe; and giving thanks to God and the Blessed I subscribed the present with my hand, written by the Notary Don Niccolò Antonio Mancinelli, who attests the same to the subscription with the witnesses asked, at Grumo on February 16, 1626.
[66] then a sick boy, Faith is made… by me Giovanni Antonio de Rosa, that when in the year 1625 I found no remedy for my sick son, after many things had been tried in vain, I vowed that if he should be given back to me safe, in honor of God and of Blessed James I would clothe him in the habit of Saint Francis: and having obtained the grace asked, I noted the sign of the Cross on this testimony, written by Francesco Jacobo Rizzo the Cleric, before Antonio Leone the Notary and witnesses, at Bitetto on February 15, 1626.
[67] Faith is made… by me Rocca de Flore of d Molfetta, dwelling at Bitetto: that for about four months, and another with a hernia, my son gravely ruptured with a hernia could take no rest: when therefore one night I heard the bell of the convent of Saint Francis being rung, I began to invoke Blessed Francis, that by his prayers he would obtain an end to the torment: but in the morning my said son rose whole: wherefore to this writing, made by Don Francesco de Sanctis, I have subscribed the Cross, before witnesses and the Notary Antonio Leone, at Bitetto on February 14, 1626.
[68] and another dying, Faith is made by me Bonaventura Naturalis of Bitonto, that in the year 1625 my son Francesco, had been brought to the point of death: for whom when I had prepared the funeral cloth for burial; on that very evening my wife, Rebecca Cortese of Bitetto, turning
herself to Blessed James, vowed that she would clothe the son in his habit if he were left in life: and when at night a certain Friar had seemed to her to lead the boy by the hand, she found him safe. Whence at my request Angelus Antonius Morea of Bitonto the Notary wrote and signed the present, before witnesses, at Bitonto on March 12, 1626.
[69] In 1626 a dying woman is healed, I, Margarita Scarascio, make faith, that having been given up by physicians and provided with the final Sacraments, I made a vow saying: "O Blessed James, free me from this infirmity, and I will wear your habit for three years, and I will offer at your body this golden faith (a coin) which I hold in my hands." And so on that very night the Blessed appeared to me in a vision, and calling me by my name, said, "Margarita, I have made you the grace." Which because it is true, by the hand of Don Flavio Antonio Salaffia I ordered this to be written, at Bitetto on April 12, 1626, before witnesses and Antonio Leone the Notary. This Margarita is among the witnesses XV, whose surname is written there as Scaraggio.
[70] a man given up by physicians, Faith is made by me Don Giovanni Angelo Christina, Primicerius in the town of Binetto, that my brother Peter Antonio Christina, in the month of February of the year 1626 being infirm with a malignant and continuous fever and given up by the physicians, devoutly turned to Blessed James, promising that the first time he should go out of his home he would go to Bitetto, and there having himself weighed would offer an equal quantity of grain in thanksgiving. That his vow was heard was shown by his health which soon began to be restored, so much that he is now out of danger and has left his bed. Wherefore I have written and subscribed the present by my hand, at Binetto, on March 2, 1626: to which with his own hand Peter Antonio has affixed the sign of the Cross, with the aforementioned John Angelo again attesting, as Apostolic Notary.
[71] another seized by a lethal stitch is freed, I, John Battista Mandini, Doctor of both Laws, of the city of Melfi, because I am bound to testify to the graces received from the Lord God through the intercession of Blessed James of Bitetto; I affirm, that being at Bitetto, as commissary of his e Excellency, in the month of November 1626, I was seized with such a f pain in my side that for five hours I was as if dead. While I was lying in this agony, my colleague Giuseppe Germinalis, having in a vial oil from the lamp that was accustomed to burn before the body of Blessed James, anointed my side with that oil, and immediately removed all pain, and again in 1627. with no other remedy applied. Then in the year 1627 in the month of March the same I John Battista Mandini, oppressed by a most troublesome stitch, for which the physicians found no remedy, one night remembering the aforesaid grace obtained from Blessed James, and what great incommodities would come to my family from my death, I prayed the said Blessed for receiving my health. But in the middle of the night he himself appeared to me saying: "Do not fear: for you are whole." And indeed the next morning my family found me, whom they thought would die that very night, miraculously certified of life. I John Battista Mandinus by my own hand; I Giuseppe Germinalis of Melfi confirm the miracle, in the person of Doctor John Battista Mandini of Bitetto. I, the Notary Antonius Priosus of Melfi, make faith by subscribing and signing, at Melfi on October 15, 1628.
[72] So far the instruments presented before the examination of witnesses by Niccolò Antonio Taurisano the Procurator, as in the Acts, on one and the same day July 18, 1629. After the examination of witnesses other things are presented in 1630, After the citation and questioning of the witnesses, finished on October 24, 1629, as is clear from the Syllabus of the same produced above, nothing was done in the cause until March 15, 1630, when was presented the attestation of Fabrizio Carafa, Bishop of Bitonto, reported in number 16; when also was presented the faith made by Caterina de Scirocco, about the benefit of health, which in the year 1612 after a three-month flux of blood she confessed to have received, as we reported following the order of the times in number 30 above. Finally was presented the following instrument, which because it is about a matter performed only one or two years before the aforesaid examination, and is found described after it, we refer to this last chapter and it is thus.
[73] Faith is made by me Camilla g Cateria, wife of John Vincent Citola of Bitonto… that two years ago being oppressed by a grave infirmity which the physicians call the "matrona" h evil, and one about the matronal evil (uterine disease) checked. neither after various remedies applied finding any relief, and at length despaired of by the physicians, I most fervently commended myself to Blessed James of Bitetto, going to whose church by vow, on July 22 of the year 1627, I poured forth my prayers there most devoutly; and suddenly by the mercy of God, I received health so entire and constant, that from that day until now I have never suffered anything similar: wherefore through the hand of John Lorenzo the Notary of Bitonto below written I have ordered these to be written, and I have marked them with the sign of the Cross at Bitonto on March 14, 1630. All these things having been thus described and presented in judgment; the public Notary of the whole cause, as said above in number 5, elected and sworn, thought it of his office to add to the acts described by him what more closely concerned his own person, and they are as follows.
[74] The Notary of the whole cause himself, I, the Subdeacon Giovanni Gregorio Citola, of the city of Bitetto, make full and undoubted faith, how I was elected and substituted as Apostolic Notary in the place of the Reverend Don Bartholomew Russus Canon of the Cathedral church in the said city, by my Most Reverend Lord, Friar Michael Messerotti, Bishop of the said city, on July 10 of the last past year 1629, for taking information on the life and miracles performed through Blessed James, existing in the Convent of the Reformed Zoccolante Fathers of Saint Francis of this city of Bitetto. But before I was deputed to this, after he had consented to this office, it had been treated with me by some Priests that I should accept such an office: but because I was then still a layman, nor had I ever been at Bitetto but was dwelling at Bari, I refused to acquiesce to them. Wherefore those Reverend Priests insisted more vehemently, thereupon burdening my conscience, and exaggerating the merit which I would have with the said Blessed; and at length they persuaded me to undertake the offered office, as I did, intending to do it as best I could: and so I was elected and substituted, as said above.
[75] But after five days from the said election, when I felt myself so badly affected, when because of the disease he had returned to Bari, that I could hardly stand on my feet, I decided, abandoning Bitetto, where I had begun to be sick, to have myself taken back to Bari, where I would have better doctors and medicines, and would be more conveniently attended, inasmuch as there I had a house and my kinsmen. Brought to Bari I felt myself going from bad to worse; for although I had still kept myself on my feet for two days, at length I was forced to lie in bed around the evening of Saturday. there placed in extreme peril of life, That same evening a certain uncle of mine left Bari because of business, and my aunt began to be sick: but I at about the fifth hour of the night, pressed with an unusual pain in my head and whole body, did not know whence to seek help. Since at the same time I began to suffer continuous fluxes of the body, and so vehement that within four hours I felt myself destitute of all strength, and convulsions of my feet, arms, and hands indicated the near danger; thinking myself dying, and because the day was dawning, I summoned friends, doctors, and other acquaintances for aid: but no one would come, and not even hear what I wanted.
[76] What should I do, destitute of kinsmen, doctors, and friends, and destitute of strength as much as possible? Finding no human help, I turned to the side of the bed; and seeing an image of the Virgin Mary, with Blessed James invoked, I began to think within myself, that I was foolish, who being near death was not yet solicitous to call on divine aid. At the same time remembering Blessed James and the election made concerning me, I said: "I pray you, O Blessed Mary and Blessed James, make me worthy that I may complete the undertaken office, and take information about your holy life. Behold I am dying without human help, and I feel my spirit now about to depart. O glorious Saint, suddenly he recovered; O my Blessed James! I know indeed that I am unworthy to carry out such a work, yet I beg that you help me and grant me health, not so much that I may serve you, as for your glory and that I may be more fervent henceforth in your service." With this prayer finished, no more time passed than while a "Hail Mary" is recited, and the fluxes ceased and soon I fell asleep.
[77] and beyond all hope he rises whole, At daylight there came those who visited me, and asked why at dawn I had summoned them. I set forth to them whatever had happened, and that through the virtue and miracle of my Blessed James I was made whole. And when they said, that seeing the external composition of my face it seemed impossible that I should rise from bed unless after many days; suddenly the following day I rose, with all wondering, that I could stand and walk on my feet: to whom I affirmed that this was done by the grace of Blessed James. Indeed on the tenth day after this I set out to Benevento and to other places, making a journey by day, and sleeping in the country by night, for two continuous months of August and September, always having in mind the devotion and protection of Blessed James. Finally I came to Bitetto with the great admiration of my friends, even to difficult journeys. who had not hoped to see me alive: to whom when I had narrated the grace and help which Blessed James had brought me, I girded myself to take the information, to his praise and glory: to which also and to the faith of the aforesaid I, as Apostolic Notary, wrote, subscribed, and signed with my usual seal these very things, at Bitetto on March 20, 1630.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER VII.
Certain marvels described successively after the conclusion of the Process.
[78] Through the death of the Bishop the business is interrupted, How many weeks or months after this Bishop Michael lived I have not yet learned; for Ferdinando Ughelli does not note the day of his death in tom. 7 of Italia Sacra, he only indicates, that his successor Sigismund Thadaeus was consecrated on January 8, 1631. It appears however that with the death of the aforesaid Prelate, who before his Episcopate had been Master General of the Order of Conventuals of Saint Francis, and was the more strongly inclined to promote the honor of this Minorite Saint, the business so fervently begun was interrupted; with successor Bishops either taking less care upon themselves, or fearing the expenses to be made at Rome, or not finding in themselves enough grace and authority to promote the cause efficaciously. So everything remained in the same state in which they had been before the Process was formed; and the autograph itself was placed inside the chest of the holy body, as we said at the beginning: which however before it was done, the same Notary as above added such an instrument, to the memory of what had happened to himself after the death of Bishop Michael and the creation of Sigismund, in this manner.
[79] I Don Giovanni Gregorio Citola make faith, to whoever shall see the present in any way, In 1631 the aforesaid Notary, how in the year 1631 on the morning of Holy Saturday, which day in that year fell on April 19, about one hour before sunrise, which is properly called dawn, Blessed James appeared to me in sleep in the company of three other Saints, of whom I had no distinct knowledge: but in recognizing Blessed James I seemed to myself hardly able to be deceived. This one, while I was asking for a pair of scissors from a certain sister of mine, seemed to have seized them, and with them threatened to do me great harm on the forehead and breast: and already indeed I was feeling pain, though slight, in those parts. with the Blessed appearing in sleep and threatening, Seeing him thus threatening, and feeling pain in my body, I said: "I do not know, O glorious Saint, why you wish to harm me, being wounded by me in nothing." But he said, "It does not matter, I want to kill you." But I, remembering that I had some relic of his, pretended to be conscious of nothing, and said: "If you wish to harm me, which I do not believe, the divine majesty will help me, since I am a minister of God, nor will He permit any harm to be done to me." Nonetheless he threatened me, and seemed to wish to manifest to all in my family that I had that Relic: because of a relic which he was holding, on which account I was ashamed and blushing vehemently, because I did not wish this to be known. I said therefore, "O glorious Saint, if you wish to put me to confusion, you must remember that I am a Priest: but God does not permit priests to be brought to confusion. Rather tell what satisfaction you are exacting from me; for I am prepared to give any."
[80] Then coming near my bed he said, "Give me what you are keeping." But I: "I have already said, that I have injured you in nothing, nor do I have anything of yours: but if you wish to harm me, God will help me: wishing it to be kept secretly, if however you are who you are, you will not be able to do me harm." He, on the contrary: "I wish to receive it: therefore every evasion is vain." I again denied that I had anything, let him do what he would: and yet I well remembered that I had his Relic. He replied, that I was vainly evading, when I well knew what he wanted. To this third refutation I seemed unable to reply anything more, and said, "I cannot deny any more: it is true that I have your Relic: but you know very well how it came into my possession, nor in that have I any fault. Yet I am prepared to restore it: only permit me to cut off a little piece for my devotion." But he denying that he would permit even this; he is compelled to promise its restitution, "At least," I said, "give me your skullcap which is carried to the sick, that I may have some nourishment for my devotion toward you." He said he would permit, that when I should restore the relic to its place, I should take the skullcap from there. But I, "The Friars will not allow that." "It does not matter," he replied, "it will be something yet": and saying this he disappeared.
[81] to him before the Blessed had appeared, I suddenly waking at the very sunrise, let what I had seen and heard sink deeper into my mind, because in the very same sleep, before I suffered those things, I had seemed to myself to be at the Cathedral of Bitetto, with a certain friend of mine, to whom I was often inculcating, that that Friar who was in that chapel assisting and ministering that Mass was Blessed James: which seemed to me so certain, that by no reason could it be denied that he was himself. Indeed it seemed to me, the Mass being finished, that he entered into a certain cell behind the altar, and I said to my friend, "Wait a little while here, because I wholly wish to go to him and speak; but entering into the place into which he had seemed to enter, I cried out saying, "O Blessed James, O Friar James, O Saint James: for I do not know by what title to call you, since you are a servant of God and I know how much you love humility." And I said this, because I remembered that he had not yet been declared Blessed by the sacred Congregation, since I had formed his process.
[82] holding a cross in his hand, He appeared to me holding a Cross in his hand; therefore I said: "Stop, for I do not wish that under the appearance of sanctity and with that Cross you should deceive me, since you may perhaps be some demon: make therefore yourself the sign of the Cross." And when he immediately signed himself, I replied saying: "Adore that Cross": and he promptly adored. Again I ordered him to say: "I have sinned, Lord, have mercy on me": and immediately he repeated the same words. Moreover I commanded him to pronounce these words: "Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us": and he pronounced each distinctly, adding formulas and ejaculatory prayers by which I was made certain that he himself was. Thus confirmed I said, and receiving him into his protection; "Do me one grace. You know that I am devoted to you and have written your life, be therefore protector of my life, all the more as I have to go out of doors very often." The Blessed answered, that I should not doubt that he would have care of me; and so he disappeared: and I seemed to withdraw from that place to my home, where I dreamed those things I said above had happened to me; so that one continuous dream was each vision.
[83] Considering more accurately therefore the continuous series of both dreams, doubting however whether he should restore the relic, I began to doubt whether it was not a diabolical illusion, and lest the demon had prepared some fraud for me because of that relic; and I turned devoutly to the Blessed himself and the divine majesty saying: "O glorious Saint, it was not I who stole that relic from you: you know the manner in which it came to me: wherefore I ask you to deign to give me another sign or appear to me another time, so that I may be more certain of your will: for I will do whatever you wish, but I fear lest this dream is an illusion. O my God, have mercy on me, and rescue me from this perplexity": adding other protestations and pious prayers and invocations of the Holy Spirit, that in the present case I might be able to discern the true from the false.
[84] and toward evening going out of doors, Afterward in the evening of that Holy Saturday I and two nobles agreed to go out hunting; and each of us mounting his mule, when we had come together to one place, I narrated the dreams of the past night: who marveling at them said, that I should look to myself: and so each turned to his own way: but I withdrew to the place called Cotino before the Tower; which place was most well known to me. There however all memory so failed me; that I wandered around a little field of three a acres, always returning to the same place and unable to find the way. Here then I remembered again my dreams: and thus while I was in stupefaction, a certain citizen of Bitetto came upon me; whom being asked the way, he loses all memory of the roads: he showed it to me: but I had scarcely entered it, when I again found myself in the former place. Wherefore, destitute of counsel, I loosened the reins of the mule, saying: "Since I cannot govern myself, I will let myself be carried where the mule leads"; and she led me to Bitetto across various fields, when it was already the first hour of day. I certainly hold the matter in memory, so that from experience I can say, what a thing madness is.
[85] It happened afterward that I went into the town called delle Noci b, of the diocese of Conversano: there on a certain night Blessed James appeared to me again saying: "I want to have my Relic." and warned by a new apparition, I promised that I would return it as soon as I returned to Bitetto: and at his request I pledged my faith: but after I returned, I brought it to the Father Vicar of that place, in which the blessed body rests, narrating whatever had happened to me on that occasion. But I had received the said Relic through the death of my Lord Friar Michael Messerotti of good memory the Bishop of Bitetto: at length he obeys. and his nephew the Archdeacon Messerotti had given it to me; to which was affixed a note, written by the hand of the Bishop himself, most well known to me, with these words, "Concerning Blessed James." In faith of which I have written, subscribed, and sealed the present with my hand. It is strange that the day, month, and year are not added; for the manner above of noting the day of Holy Saturday, which in that year fell on April 19, denotes a somewhat later year. But let us pass to other things successively described by other Notaries, and joined to the Process already noted.
[86] Faith is made by me Donata Antonia dello Noce, from the town of c Francavilla of the province of Otranto, how to me five years ago seized with a continuous fever, with an excessive torment of the head, In 1643 a continuous fever is healed, so much that I thought I would soon expire, it was persuaded to me, that I should with the innermost affection of my heart turn to Blessed James of Bitetto. Which when I had done, and above my head had received the skullcap which had touched the Blessed's body; suddenly with all pain and the very fever driven away, I completely recovered: and therefore I took care to have these written by the hand of the Notary subscribing, and with my hand I noted a cross before the said Notary Giuseppe Salinario and witnesses. Given at Francavilla, on the 1st day of July of the first Indiction, 1648.
[87] Faith is made by me Canon Don Niccolò del Giodice of the land of d Rutigliano of the province of Bari… also with an oath insofar as is needful, that in the month of August last past the year 1660, in 1660 another fatal one, I fell into a disease and a malignant fever, so that I was despaired of by the physicians. But on a certain day, by the inspiration of Blessed James of Dalmatia, whose body rests today at Bitetto (on the occasion of a certain skullcap, which had been applied to his head and brought to me by a certain friend of mine from Rutigliano, saying that if I firmly hoped in Blessed James, I would obtain the grace of health), I vowed that I would go to Bitetto to visit his body and there arrange a Mass: and suddenly I received the desired grace, and from that time remaining devoted to him, I have written and subscribed the present with my own hand, before Vito Antonio de Soria the witness, and Vito Antonio de Frisantiis the Notary, at Bitetto on May 18, 1661.
[88] Faith is made by me Giulio Cesare Umbriani, formerly Royal Judge of the city of Bitonto… how in the year 1659, at the time when I was exercising the aforesaid office, I went to visit the Most Illustrious Gaeta e Bishop of Bitetto, my friend and special patron: a certain man obtains offspring by vow, whom I asked that he would graciously let me see the body of Blessed James of Dalmatia. The said Most Illustrious joined me with the Archdeacon, a person of first dignity in his Cathedral church; and ordered him to have the chest opened for me, which having been opened and the blessed body adored, I begged from my inmost heart that the Blessed would grant me offspring: and I added that I would not be ungrateful for the benefit, but would offer a silver lamp of 25 ducats. Shortly after these things, a few days later, Lady Anna Mazzei, my wife, felt herself pregnant, and in due time bore a daughter, who by the grace of God is most beautiful, in the twelfth year of sterile marriage. So for the completion of my vow, with the care of the Most Illustrious Bishop of Bitetto, a silver lamp was made: and I ordered the present to be written and confirmed with the subscription of my name, before witnesses and the Notary Don Francesco Serpe, Primicerius of Capua, at Capua on March 10, 1661.
[89] Faith is made by me Notary Vito Antonio Grisantius, of the land of f Turi of the province of Bari… how in the year 1659 in the month of September, a woman is healed who had relapsed because of a vow neglected by her husband, Theodora Parisii my wife, infirm with a malignant fever and given up by the physicians, had been. That fever lasted ten continuous days: but as soon as I made a vow to Blessed James of Dalmatia with the promise of going to Bitetto and there arranging a solemn Mass, she so quickly recovered, that within a few days she rose from her bed. But with certain impediments intervening, when I had deferred to fulfill that vow, in this very year in the month of April my wife relapsed again into a malignant fever, with a hidden puncture and flux in the throat; so that she could swallow no food at all, and on the seventh day of her disease was thought to be about to expire. Recitations therefore being made for her of commendations of the soul, I remembered the vow not yet fulfilled, which I again confirmed; and soon I received again the grace, with my wife within a short time healed, freed, and remaining free of all spot: wherefore I have subscribed and signed these with my own hand and seal, which I use in public writings, before two witnesses at Bitetto on May 18, 1661.
[90] and in 1663 another from pain of the kidneys. Faith is made by me Beatrice Ludovici Saraceni of Bitonto,… that for sixteen years tortured with a grave pain in my kidneys, and finding no remedy from the doctors often summoned in consultation; at length in the year 1663 in the month of May, by certain men passing through here, who said they were coming from Bitetto, it was persuaded to me that I should make a vow to Blessed James of Bitetto, with sure hope of immediately receiving health. I obeyed, vowed, and from that hour suffered no trouble: wherefore by the hand of the Reverend Don Matteo Fumai I asked these to be written and I signed with a subjoined cross, before Peter Giuseppe de Rossa the Notary, at Bitetto on June 5, 1664.
[91] Faith of the copy, So far the original manuscripts, of which he who described the copy for us, added this testimony: "That the present copy was extracted from its own original process, existing in this venerable convent of the Reverend Friars Minor of the stricter Observance of the Reformed of Saint Francis, outside the walls of this city of Bitetto, with which having made collation it agrees well, saving always the better, I testify, I Don Vitus Franciscus Vitarello, Canon of the Cathedral church of Bitetto, specially deputed for this by the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Bishop of this city: and in faith I have confirmed and subscribed with my own hand, given at Bitetto, in the said convent, on the 7th day of the month of August 1673." confirmed by the subscription of the Chancellor and Bishop. On which same year and day concerning the fidelity of the transcription and collation, Cesare Francischinus of Montefortino of the diocese of Fermo, now dwelling in the city of Bitetto, ordinary Chancellor of the Episcopal Curia, and through the whole world of the earth public Notary by Apostolic authority, and in the College of Writers of the dear City registered, made faith in the customary form, with his subscription and seal. Who that he himself was and is such as he makes himself, and that to his public attestations in judgment and out full faith has always been given and is now given, at the same time was attested to, by Gaspar Toralto, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See Bishop of Bitetto; and finally the Episcopal seal was added by Don Joseph Riccius the Secretary.
ANNOTATIONS.
APPENDIX.
From more recent printed writers.
James, of the Order of Friars Minor, at Bitetto in Apulia (Blessed)
[92] Of this blessed servant of God, by tradition it is held, that while he lived, The Blessed dwelling at Cassano, he dwelt also in the Convent of Saint Mary of the Angels of Cassano for some time, and there because of the convenience of the solitary place, most suitable for spiritual exercise, he much profited in virtue. His still living memory there testifies to this: for in that place where then was a forest, now is the Friars' garden, an ancient tomb, into which the Blessed was accustomed to withdraw for prayer; and a stone reclinatorium, upon which he placed his wearied limbs: which two monuments are held in veneration not only by the Friars but also by seculars, as many as enter the garden. left his memory: It is also handed down that that iron cross, which is seen fastened in the trunk of an oak in such a way at the foot of the stairs leading toward the church, that it seems to have grown together with the substance of the tree itself; that the same Blessed fastened it into the plant which was still green at the time: wherefore it is reverently worn down by the kisses of all ascending there for the sake of prayer.
[93] images of him in various places, His image is seen before the door of the conventual church near Bitetto painted on the left side of that door, crowned with splendors, and bearing a cross in his hands. Likewise in the little window of the garden, through which one looks out, after you have passed the cemetery of the place, you will see such a painting, but more ancient: but he is kneeling and grasping a cross with his arms is expressed in a Turkish weaving, hung before the chest. Also in the end of the choir of the Friars hangs an old work tablet, and fills the space of a semicircle: in which the same man is represented both radiant and kneeling, holding a cross with his right hand, a rosary with his left. Finally in the garden which is behind the church, and a juniper planted by him. rises a juniper, equaling in height an aged cypress; which because the blessed man is believed to have planted, it is the custom to call "the juniper of Blessed James," and many devoutly take of its fruits, having often experienced an effective remedy against various infirmities.
[94] In the Bari convent of Saint Peter of the Observant Fathers, James is painted with a hare in his arms: because by tradition it is said, that such a little animal, when he could find no other escape from the dogs pursuing it, sought asylum within his bosom. Finally in the convent of Lecce he is expressed in such a way that from a demoniac kneeling before him, demons seem to come out. So far Friar Francesco of Lecce in his Italian little book: slight things indeed, but which mark the diligence of the author, and the cult of the Blessed extended to several Convents: wherefore it seems to be added here, The same dwelling at Conversano, what Paolo Antonio di Tarsia in the History of the Blessed Virgin de Peninsula or Cupersanensis book 3 wrote, and from him Friar Bonaventura of Ferzano transcribed in his book, which is called Memorable Minorite Things of the Province of Saint Nicholas of the Order of Minor Regulars of Observance, part 2 chapter 5 number 10, as his words (for we have not yet seen the book itself) Father Ignatius Zaccaria has transcribed for us; teaching that Cupersanum, commonly Conversano, is also an Episcopal city, populous, wealthy, and noble, distant from Bari eighteen thousand paces; and at equal distance from the same Metropolitan is the above-mentioned Cassano. Father Bonaventura's words are these.
[95] "When James was dwelling in the Conversano convent, every single night he would descend into that cave of the Blessed Virgin, where first he would afflict the bodily senses with scourges, then intent on prayer he would be rapt into ecstasy, and exercising the kitchen, and pass whole nights in divine contemplations. James gladly applied himself to the kitchen, and every single day from the temporal fire either descended into the meditation of eternal fire, or flew up to the burning of eternal charity: whence also it often happened that, destitute of his senses, he stood motionless among the pots. On a certain morning, when he was preparing beans for the monks, rapt in ecstasy, his hands clung to the pot, his mind to heaven; and tears flowing forth of themselves from his eyes, worthy to be received into heaven, fell into the poor little pot of beans. Meanwhile the Duke of Atri, passing through the door of the kitchen, he is found rapt in ecstasy by the Duke of Atri. saw the saint holding the pot with his hands, and alienated from his senses, and with flowing tears making both the pot and the beans wet. The Duke then marveling stood a little while, saying, 'You happy Religious, and twice happy, whom James feeds with his tears.' Soon he departed: but as James returned to his senses, he went to the Duke, and inquired from him what he wished to eat. To whom the Duke: 'I wish to eat none other than beans cooked with your tears.' By which both shame came upon James, and the affection of the Duke toward James grew." So far Friar Bonaventura, writing these things as having happened about the year
1480, when the Duke of Atri had withdrawn himself to Cupersanum, fearing death being inflicted on him by King Ferdinand. But he erred in two ways: for the savagery of Ferdinand against the Nobles occurred five years later, and a more faithful memory of the people of Bitetto holds that the Blessed lived at Bitetto for many years, so that it is credible that these things happened much earlier. Nor is the cause far to seek which brought the Duke to Conversano, since that city was under his dominion, and whenever he was away from the court, he would be believed to have resided there rather than in the entirely deserted Atri.
April III: 28. April
Hagiographic Lexicon as USB stick or as DVD
Support for the Ecumenical Hagiographic Lexicon
Page optimized for printing
Our Travel Blog: Travels to the places where the Saints lived and are venerated.
Send recommendation to friends
Comment on articles / Report errors
Questions? - our FAQs answer them!
Search in the Hagiographic Lexicon
Imprint - Privacy Policy