Lawrence

ON SAINT LAWRENCE, BISHOP OF SIPONTO IN APULIA

Around the Year of Christ 550

Preliminary Commentary.

Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto in Apulia (Saint)

I. B.

[1] Siponto, which is called Sepous by Ptolemy (Table 6 of Europe), Sipous by Stephanus, and Sepious by Strabo (book 6), was ^a city of Daunian Apulia. Concerning it, Leander Albertus relates the following among other things: "From Manfredonia, ^a thousand paces along the coast at the foot of Mount Garganus, the ruins of Siponto can be seen on ^a rocky cliff... Siponto, ^a city of Apulia Now it lies entirely collapsed, yet vestiges of buildings of this kind survive from which it can be manifestly known that it was once noble and magnificent. The supreme temple of the city still appears almost entirely intact, where the foundations of ^a most sumptuous chapel of dressed stone, which were afterward abandoned... Siponto was most flourishing in all respects up to the arrival of the Saracens in Italy, once powerful who held all of Italy subjected to their dominion until they were expelled by Charlemagne. But on leaving, they plundered this city, killed all the townspeople, completely laid it waste, and carried off its wealth to Africa. These things some transmit in their records concerning the destruction of Siponto; afterward destroyed others, however, write that it was destroyed by internal and civil strife; some by the violence of earthquakes. And perhaps nothing prevents all these things from having occurred together, so that it now lies so completely disfigured by ruins." So far Leander.

[2] The claim made by some that the Saracens were driven from Apulia by Charlemagne, and that Siponto was then destroyed by them, is plainly not true; for, as we shall say on February 9 in the Life of Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Canosa, the Saracens first came to Italy, having been summoned, during the reign of Lothair, son of Louis the Pious and grandson of Charlemagne. They were often defeated and driven out, but were scarcely at last wholly exterminated until the following century. When, moreover, Siponto fell into ruin, we have not been able to determine. It was still standing and flourishing in power in the year of Christ 884, not before the year 884 in which year, in the month of October, Indiction 2, Alo, or Ayo, assumed the principate of Benevento, as Lupus Protospata attests in his Chronicle. For when the Duke of Spoleto, by the advice of the Capuans, had seized this Ayo by great treachery, he had him led under guard to Benevento, as Herempertus, who was living at that time, writes. Entering the city, he disposed of many things as though he were its lord. And proceeding thence, when he had entered Siponto, he left Ayo outside in the camp. When, however, the Sipontines learned that their lord Ayo had been captured, they rushed unanimously upon the aforesaid Duke, shut him up in ^a certain temple, and captured his nobles. Messengers were then sent hither and thither, and Ayo was brought back and restored to his people. On the following day, after an oath was given, the Duke barely escaped with disgrace. Therefore Siponto was not destroyed in the times of Charlemagne, who had been dead for seventy years and more before these things were done by the Sipontines.

[3] Manfredonia was then built on account of the destruction of Siponto, by Manfred, the illegitimate son of the Emperor Frederick II, who is alleged first to have suffocated his father with his mouth pressed closed in 1250, and to have killed his son Conrad (the father of Conradin, who was killed by Charles of Anjou) by poison in 1254. Not long afterward he paid the most just penalties for both patricides the Episcopal See transferred to Manfredonia and for his impious war against the Roman Pontiff, defeated and slain in battle in the year 1266. Whence one should correct what Leander writes -- that Manfredonia was founded by him in the year 1200 -- since in that year Frederick himself was only seven years old; he would have written 1260 more correctly. Manfredonia is situated, as the same author attests, on ^a cliff of the marine inlet that the bend of Mount Garganus creates. The Archiepiscopal See of Siponto was transferred here; whence the name of the Bishop of Siponto still remains with that of Manfredonia. So much so that our John Paul Grimaldus, in his Notes on the Life of Saint Roger of Canne, calls Saint Lawrence now Bishop of Siponto, now of Manfredonia.

[4] Felix was Bishop of Siponto, who in the year of Christ 465, in the consulship of Basiliscus and Herminerichus, subscribed to the Roman Council under Pope Hilarus. We have noted above that he was perhaps formerly enrolled in the Catalogue of Saints, the feast of Saint Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto although now his memory exists nowhere in the sacred calendars. Saint Lawrence succeeded him, whose birthday is celebrated at Siponto on this day. His name is thus inscribed in ^a very ancient manuscript Martyrology in our possession, on February 7: "On the same day, the deposition of the most blessed Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto." Ferrarius also makes mention of him.

[5] We give ^a threefold Life of him, which was transcribed for us from an ancient codex, handwritten on parchment, preserved in the Church of the Canons of Siponto at Manfredonia, by our Antonio Beatillo. The first was written while Siponto was still standing, as is evident from chapter 3, number 13, a threefold Life where the author prays for the city's safety through the Saint. And in chapter 4, number 20, he testifies that at his tomb, having implored his aid, he has seen the sick restored to health and the possessed set free. The second is condensed from the first, with the phrasing often retained unchanged; it is, however, interpolated, with some additions, as the reader will see. It was written at the command of Bishop Benedict, as is said in chapter 1, number 2. Since we have not seen the tables of the Bishops of Siponto, we do not know when he presided over that Church. The third, finally, is not so much ^a Life as the Antiphons and Responsories, as they are called, of the Ecclesiastical Office, which was customarily recited on the feast day of Saint Lawrence. We have deemed it fitting to publish these also here, because they illuminate the Life of this most holy Bishop, which is generally unknown. Moreover, there was ^a twofold copy of these verses: one prefixed to the first Life, and the other interspersed in the second, which is divided into Lessons (whose numbers we have noted in the margin).

[6] Mention is made of Saint Lawrence in the Life of Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Canosa, on February 9, chapter 1, number 5, where he is narrated to have been present with Palladius (or rather Pelagius of Salpis), Eutychius of Trani, John of Rubisinus memory elsewhere (or Rufensus, or Rubensus), Austerius of Venusia, and Sabinus of Canosa, when Pope Saint Gelasius dedicated the church of Saint Andrew at Barletta. Francis de Baucio, Duke of Andria, also makes mention of Saint Lawrence in the Life of Saint Richard, Bishop of Andria, which we shall give on June 9; but we shall offer ^a preview of the portion in which the neighboring Bishops invited by him to dedicate altars on Mount Garganus are treated, on February 9, in the Life of Saint Sabinus. Mention of the same dedication and of Saint Lawrence is made in the Office of the same Saint Richard the Bishop, Lesson 6. Our John Paul Grimaldus, Annotation 16 on the Life of Saint Roger, Bishop of Canne (venerated October 15), cites the Legendarium preserved in the Cathedral church of Manfredonia, in which Saint Lawrence is said to have been ordained Bishop in the year 536 under Pope Gelasius and Emperor Zeno -- his era neither of whom was living in that year. But the error of that codex is found in many other places, as can be seen in Leander's description of Daunian Apulia, where he also mentions Saint Lawrence. Saint Lawrence was ordained at the beginning of the pontificate of Saint Gelasius, who was created Pontiff at the beginning of March in the year 492. The fact that Lawrence is said to have been given to the Sipontines by the Emperor Zeno in the year 490, Indiction 14, must have occurred near the end of that year, with that indiction already begun from September. But the assertion that, already consecrated by Pope Gelasius, he obtained architects from the same Zeno needs correction, for Zeno died in the year 491, before Gelasius had assumed the pontificate. Saint Lawrence held his see for ^a minimum of fifty years, since he survived to the time of Totila, who became King of the Goths in 541.

[7] In the cited Office of Saint Lawrence, this prayer was found:

"O God, who caused the blessed Lawrence, Confessor and Bishop, to overcome the madness of the savage prince Totila, grant, we beseech you, that by his intercession we may be able to restrain the ancient enemy and our vices. Through our Lord."

LIFE I

By an anonymous Sipontine author, from the manuscript of the Canons of Siponto at Manfredonia, brought to light by Antonio Beatillo, S.J.

Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto in Apulia (Saint)

BHL Number: 4791

By an Anonymous Author, from manuscripts.

CHAPTER I

The election of Saint Lawrence to the Episcopate.

[1] A city set upon ^a mountain cannot be hidden, and ^a lamp when lit is not covered under ^a bushel, but is raised upon ^a lampstand, that it may give light to all who are in the house; for the works of the disciples of Christ ought to shine before men, that in the miracles of the Son, the Father who is in heaven may be glorified. It is therefore exceedingly unworthy, and we are poorly defended from blame, [the deeds of the holy Doctors must be narrated for the edification of the faithful] if we allow those to be hidden in whose works we understand God to be glorified. For if you cover ^a lamp whose sweet light greatly delights, what hiding place of excuse will you find, so as not to be justly reproached? For the supreme Emperor placed his most fortified city upon the summit of mountains, so that those who desire to become its citizens, seeing it from afar, might not be led astray by any error of the road. Indeed, lest those who hasten should be impeded by some business proceeding in darkness, he ordained brilliant luminaries along this road. For the burning lamps are the Doctors of the Church, by whose examples he who walks will easily overcome all nocturnal fears. These lamps, therefore, must not be covered under any bushel, but let them be held in the open, and let us announce them to all the ministers of Christ by whatever proclamation we can.

[2] About to speak, therefore, of the blessed Lawrence, Bishop of the city of Siponto, who shone forth in the world as ^a brilliant luminary, like ^a star in the sky, let us turn our attention to his deeds and miracles, from these, Saint Lawrence, celebrated for preaching and miracles to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the edification of those who shall hear them. He knew how to dispense to the people of God the measure of wheat -- that is, of faith -- according to the capacity of each, in its proper time. While he lived in the flesh, he was also the performer of many miracles; and divine grace was granted to him to such ^a degree that from various parts of the world an infinite multitude of people flocked to the traces of his holiness, eager to behold the wondrous things that almighty God deigned to show through him.

[3] In the year, therefore, of the saving Incarnation of the Lord and Savior, four hundred and ninety, Indiction fourteen, with the most blessed Pope Gelasius presiding over the Roman See and Zeno reigning in the royal city of Constantinople, the city of Siponto, inhabited by an innumerable people, was deprived of its Bishop, named Felix -- whose name of blessedness well befitted him, since he was among those of whom the Lord says in the Gospel: "Blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matt. 5:8 But to this blessed man, ^a more blessed Lawrence succeeded. when the See of Siponto had long been vacant After, therefore, the same blessed Bishop Felix, having laid aside the earthly mass of the flesh, attained the heavenly mansion, the aforesaid city of Siponto existed without ^a Pastor for the space of one year. When, therefore, the clergy and people of Siponto were taking care to appoint ^a suitable Pastor, lest the wolf entering should scatter the Lord's flock, various calamities and infinite miseries by which all of Italy was then afflicted -- possessed by the tyrannical dominion of Theodoric, King of the Goths -- impeded them. The citizens were more concerned about protecting their safety and life than about consulting about ^a Bishop. For at that time the same King Theodoric, directed by the Emperor Zeno to take possession of Italy, was fiercely fighting against Odoacer, King of the Heruli; on account of wars and he was pressing both the city of Rome and all of Italy with innumerable afflictions, now by the sword, now by fire, destroying and consuming everything with tyrannical fury, with some serving him and others serving the King of the Heruli.

[4] When, however, the battles had been partly quieted, the clergy and people of Siponto, gathered in the greater church of the Blessed Mother of God Mary, poured forth devout prayers to the almighty Lord, that he who had indicated to the Apostles that Matthias must be supplied to complete their number might, by his ineffable clemency, grant ^a suitable Pastor to the Church of Siponto. at length, having sent legates to Constantinople By common counsel, therefore, having chosen the most honorable and illustrious men, both clergy and laity, and having prepared all things necessary for their journey, they joyfully entered ^a ship and, with favorable winds blowing, arrived with immense joy at the port of Constantinople. Then, as they entered the city and came into the palace of the Emperor, the arrival of the Sipontines was immediately made known to the Emperor. The pious Emperor ordered them to be brought to him. After presenting the customary Imperial salutation, they began to explain to him humbly the cause of their arrival, entreating him to come to the aid of the Church and people of Siponto, and to choose for them from his own court such ^a minister as he might know to be necessary in due time in the house of the Lord, and who would be able to snatch the Lord's sheep powerfully from the foul jaws of wolves, from the snares of threatening enemies, and from innumerable afflictions.

[5] The Emperor, graciously receiving their not-to-be-despised petition, kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, ordered Lawrence, ^a most holy man joined to him by kinship, familiarity, and virtue, to be summoned to him. given by the Emperor Zeno as Bishop He asked him with many prayers to take thought for the people of God who were without ^a Pastor, and to deign to become Bishop of the city of Siponto. The venerable Lawrence, asserting that he was unworthy to ascend to the burden of so great an eminence -- but since the Sipontines insistently demanded, out of reverence and the illustrious fame of his holiness, that he be granted to them as Pastor and Father -- he did not resist, recognizing that he was being sought for the episcopal ministry through the dispensation of God. He who, following the example of his Lord, freely showed himself willing to endure not only insults and imprisonment but even death for his brethren at the hands of his fellow servants. When, therefore, the grant of episcopal dignity for the Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, was received from the Emperor, those who had been sent received him with immense joy and reverence, preparing for ^a happy return to their homeland.

CHAPTER II

The relics brought by him to Siponto; his inauguration; his buildings.

[6] The blessed Lawrence, eager to dispense the Lord's food faithfully to his household and to watch vigilantly for the Lord, and also to enrich with votive ornaments the Church and people given to him to govern, asked from the Imperial dignity that he be given some of the most precious relics of the holy Protomartyr Stephen and of the holy Virgin Agatha. he obtains relics of Saints Stephen and Agatha from him The Emperor, gladly favoring his repeated petition, gratefully gave him the incomparable gifts of the holy Martyrs, and immediately ordered that there be assigned to him the arm of the holy Protomartyr Stephen and the breast of the holy Virgin Agatha. Receiving, therefore, from the Imperial largesse the most precious treasures of inestimable wealth from these Saints, he bade farewell to the Emperor and to his mother Lucia and his sister Theodora, and to all his relatives, and boarded ^a ship with the Sipontine clergy and laity who had come to the Emperor; and with ^a prosperous and swift course they arrived at the port of Siponto.

[7] All the citizens came out joyfully to meet the Bishop, and both clergy and people with one accord raised on high the praises of acclamation, and conveys them to Italy and received him descending from the ship with all eagerness, and humbly asked to be deemed worthy of his blessing. The good Father, rejoicing in the eagerness of his good children, bearing the precious relics of the aforesaid Martyrs, arranged how the pledges of the Saints should be carried with due reverence within the walls of the city and placed with fitting honor in the cathedral church of the holy Mother of God. When an innumerable people had gathered at the Adriatic shore of the port of Siponto, where the blessed Lawrence was watching over the relics of the precious Martyrs, and while the entire clergy and people were extolling them with praises and worthy acclamations and wished to lead them reverently to the episcopal church, the relics remained so immovable that no one could move them from the place where they stood. but they were made immovable; when the Saint vowed to build ^a temple for them The most blessed Lawrence, considering the great power of the holy Martyrs, having taken counsel with the devout clergy, vowed to build ^a church in honor of those same holy relics in the place where they remained. When the vow was followed by its desired effect, immediately they permitted themselves to be moved from the place where they stood, and with all singing hymns and praises on high, they were conducted into the basilica of the holy Mother of God, Mary, he brings them into his city where their powers abound unto the present day.

[8] The holy Lawrence, therefore, joyfully received by all, was chosen with ineffable rejoicing, praised by all, with clear voices proclaiming him ^a worshiper of the deifying Trinity. After ^a few days had passed, certain of the nobles and leading men of the city, prompted by divine instinct, after the canonical election of the holy Bishop, hastened with swift step to the most holy Pope whom we named above, in order that the holy man might grant their Bishop the fullness of the pontificate through the anointing of the sacred Chrism, according to the practice of the holy Roman Church. For in the Old Law, at the Lord's command, Aaron was anointed by Moses as priest. Hence indeed, with the supreme Roman Pontiff bearing the figure of Moses, he is consecrated by Pope Saint Gelasius and Aaron that of the other Bishops, the practice of the holy Church grew that all Bishops established throughout the whole world should be anointed by the Roman Pontiff with the anointing of the sacred Chrism. The said Pope, therefore, having convoked the Bishops of the neighboring cities, consecrated the holy man Lawrence as Bishop of Siponto and immediately confirmed for him canonically all the rights of the Church of Siponto.

[9] The blessed Lawrence, therefore, suffused with the dew of the Holy Spirit and having returned prosperously to his own See with all his retinue, labored in holy deeds to offer the talents he had received from the man gone on ^a journey for profit, he governs the episcopate nobly and according to the wisdom given him by the Lord, he did not cease to announce wonderfully the wonders of the Lord and to dispense faithfully the gift he had received to each according to his proper measure, remembering that command of the Lord:

"Freely you have received; freely give to all." Matt. 10:8

For he was truthful in speech, sincere in correcting souls, no respecter of persons in judgment, for he knew it was written: "There is no respect of persons with God, but in every nation, whoever invokes him and works justice is acceptable to him." Col. 3:25 And if ever he grew angry for the sake of winning souls, that fury proceeded from love, not from cruelty. The fame of his holiness was spread abroad through various parts of the world, as ^a city set upon ^a mountain and ^a lamp raised upon ^a lampstand.

[10] At that time also, Benedict, ^a man of venerable life, flourished on Monte Cassino; Germanus in the city of Capua and Sabinus in Canosa, exercising the office of bishop, shone in the world a peer of other Italian Saints like brilliant luminaries of heaven. Among these, Bishop Lawrence, not unequal to them in merit and work, did not cease day by day to strengthen the souls of the faithful in the praises of God by word and example, and to free the minds of men from the assault of the envious enemy.

[11] When he was planning to bring to completion the beautiful work already begun on the church of the aforesaid Martyrs, near the said shore of the Adriatic gulf, with ^a more beautiful and elegant construction, and to build another in honor of the blessed John the Baptist near the mother church of the city itself, he sent his sacred letters to the aforesaid Emperor, having obtained architects from the Emperor presuming not ^a little on the bond of blood by which he was connected to him, asking that he deign to send him the most learned artisans who could be approved by all for their skill in the art of building. The Emperor, gratefully receiving the letters of the holy man, and much money took care to send the most skilled craftsmen in that art to the Saint of God, as devoutly as willingly. They brought with them one hundred and fifty pounds of the purest gold, which the Emperor himself most devoutly sent for completing and finishing with marvelous workmanship the begun and planned work of the aforesaid churches, knowing it to be written that whoever builds the house of God on earth prepares ^a heavenly mansion for himself. When the messengers of the holy man returned with the craftsmen and the devout gift sent by the Emperor, he builds various churches he immediately completed with precious and marvelous workmanship the begun work of the basilica of the aforesaid Martyrs, and beginning another which he had planned, he took pains to build and complete it with splendid and admirable beauty, with various colors and tiny glass stones overlaid with tawny gold, in ^a Mausoleum-style work, near the said church of his episcopate, in honor of the blessed John the Baptist.

CHAPTER III

The victory obtained through the aid of Saint Michael.

[12] At that time, moreover, that most famous apparition of the Archangel Michael on Mount Garganus, known throughout the whole world, occurred; [by the appearing of Saint Michael to him, he understands the grotto on Garganus to be consecrated] and to the blessed Lawrence, the Archangel Michael himself narrated in ^a vision what must be done, forbidding his church to be consecrated by human hands, saying: "I myself have both built and consecrated it for myself. But you, with the people entrusted to you, enter within, and with me as Patron there, frequent the place with prayers." In this matter the prudence of the blessed Lawrence shone forth powerfully, and he openly demonstrated that he possessed the supreme citadel of the virtues; for committing the entire matter to the Lord, he presumed to do nothing rashly on his own, and obeying the angelic command without delay, he most clearly declared himself ^a companion of the citizens of heaven.

[13] When the Neapolitans were provoking his citizens with ^a fierce attack, the man of God Lawrence, trusting that the strength of war consists not in the multitude of an army but in the power of God, he obtains victory through ^a three-day fast not relying on horses or arms to bring him aid, afflicting himself with ^a three-day fast together with the people subject to him, obtained victory from heaven. For Michael himself, the Prince of the Angels, appearing to Bishop Lawrence in ^a vision, promised the Sipontines victory and pledged that he himself would fight for them. through the aid of Saint Michael Let us turn over the ancient histories and compare the deeds of the blessed Lawrence with the works of the ancients. Daniel, that man of desires, having completed the fast of three weeks with which he had afflicted himself in the sight of the Lord, recognized that the prayers he had been making for his people had been heard. Dan. 10 Lawrence afflicted himself with ^a fast of three days greater than the prophet Daniel and heard that he had obtained from the Lord the salvation of his people. By Daniel's prayer, his people were promised free departure from the servitude of their enemies. By Lawrence's prayers, with the enemies turned to flight, his people were told they would tread upon the necks of the foe. So may you always, always, blessed Lawrence, beseech the Lord for the people committed to you; so that just as you had care for your Sipontine people when present in the flesh, so even more now, when you are present with the Lord, may you deign to be mindful of us. For if when you walked by faith, when you were ^a pilgrim in the body away from the Lord, the Lord heard you from his holy heavenly dwelling, how much more do we hope that now, being present with the Lord, you will obtain all that you ask? Therefore always obtain the protection of the Angels for your city. May the heavenly powers always guard the place of your habitation. May your citizens feel your presence; may your enemies know your power. Through your prayers may we merit to have Michael as our helper and most powerful champion against the ancient serpent, who is Satan, so that just as he was cast down from heaven with his angels through Michael, so may he be cast far from our mind and body with all his devices.

[14] After the victory obtained from heaven, the Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, knowing that the idle man will be filled with want, and wishing to increase worship in his land, that he might satisfy with that heavenly bread which descends from heaven, he builds and adorns various churches took pains to build many churches besides those he had already built, both within the city and outside, to the honor and praise of various Saints. Prov. 28:19 He also most diligently took care to adorn the aforesaid church of Christ's Precursor with various and most beautiful marbles of different colors, which greatly commend the zeal and vigilance of the blessed man.

[15] When the clergy who were present, marveling, carefully inquired why he had ordered the figures of the churches to be made with such great care, he replied with ^a heavy sigh: "Do not, my children, do not consider this work superstitious, nor think that I in any way love vain glory, he predicts the devastation of Italy I who strive to serve the Lord with as much purity of mind as I can. Know, my children, that all of Italy is to be devastated again by barbarians and fierce nations. I see cities desolated, without inhabitants; I gaze from afar upon churches destroyed, houses burned, priests slaughtered by the victors..."

CHAPTER IV

Miracles, buildings, death.

[16] "...a certain untamed horse, which in its ferocity could scarcely be held by the said men. he mounts an untamed horse without harm For it had been sent by Totila himself to test whether the things reported to him about the holiness of the man were true. When his companions approached the Saint of God -- coming deceitfully and wishing to kill the innocent by treachery..."

[17] "...gratefully receiving the salutary words of life proceeding from his mouth, he was not so cruel thereafter. he pacifies Totila He disclosed, however, the intention he had conceived in his mind -- ^a vow he should not have vowed: 'For I had resolved,' he said, 'to destroy all the cities of Italy from their foundations; but because of your holy correction...' When King Totila moved from the place where he had had ^a conversation with the man of God Lawrence, together with his entire army, by whom Cannae were destroyed he proceeded to destroy the city of Cannae. While he was afflicting it under siege, he utterly overthrew it with ^a most fierce slaughter, and as many men and women as he found there, he partly put to the sword and partly led away captive.

[18] After these things, the Bishop Lawrence, beloved of God and men, giving immense thanks to the Almighty for mercifully liberating himself and his flock from the slaughter of the most iniquitous King, persisting in fasting, prayers, he lives most holily and vigils...

[19] ...Observing that Mount Garganus, on account of the Archangelic apparition made there and spread throughout all the ends of the world, was being diligently frequented by an innumerable people for the sake of prayer, and that lodgings were being built by them there, he built and consecrated three basilicas on that same mountain: he builds three temples on Garganus one in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, another in honor of the Blessed John the Baptist, and ^a third in honor of the Prince of the Apostles; in which oratories the flesh of Christ is received by the faithful to this day and his blood is drunk.

[20] he dies on February 7 And so at length, adorned with charity, humility, chastity, and the other virtues, on the seventh day before the Ides of February, the Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, migrated from this world to the Lord, and was received in the glory of the heavens and in the assembly of the Saints, where he enjoys everlasting joy, while he sees in heaven the beauty of him whom in the present life he loved with all the affection of his heart, and to whom through faith he always clung on earth. He was buried in the sacristy beside the greater basilica of the Holy Mother of God, he is buried in which the vessels and vestments consecrated to the Divine worship are kept unharmed; where also his virtues and miracles abound to this day. with great mourning of the people If anyone wished to narrate how much grief, how much lamentation, the entire clergy and the Sipontine people of both sexes poured forth over the loss of their most holy Father, in whom the hope of each person was placed, it could by no means be expressed. he works many miracles, even in the presence of the writer To his sacred tomb, coming from various parts, those burdened with various illnesses are immediately restored to their former health; those possessed by unclean spirits and torn by dire torments -- with me narrating and present -- restored to health and former salvation, praise the Lord in his Saint Lawrence; through whose intercession all who are held by twofold illness are healed, if they most devoutly seek his aid; and whoever shall have entered his place to pray shall soon find himself heard. Let us therefore rejoice in the Lord and not mourn for our Pastor, whom we know to be with him, as though he were lost; rather let us believe him always present with us in spirit. Let us not doubt that he who, while he was in this world, strove to be of more benefit to us than to himself, still now also shares in our sufferings. Let us most devoutly celebrate the day of his birthday, that we may merit to become sharers in the crown of his recompense. Let us beseech him to obtain for us from the Lord the pardon of our sins -- he who, now secure about himself, has received the one robe of his merits, which Jesus Christ our Lord gave him, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be honor, praise, and dominion, now and always and unto the eternal ages of ages. Amen.

LIFE II

Condensed from the first, and interpolated, By the command of Bishop Benedict; Brought to light from manuscripts by Antonio Beatillo.

Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto in Apulia (Saint)

BHL Number: 4790

By an Anonymous Author, from manuscripts.

CHAPTER I

Saint Lawrence is given to the Sipontines as Bishop.

Lesson I.

[1] A city set upon ^a mountain cannot be hidden, and ^a lamp when lit is not covered under ^a bushel, but is raised upon ^a lampstand, that it may give light to all who are in the house. For the works of the disciples of Christ ought to shine before men, that in the ministers of the Son, the Father who is in heaven may be glorified. It is therefore exceedingly unworthy, and anyone is poorly defended from blame, if we allow those to be hidden in whose works we understand the Lord to be glorified. For if you cover ^a lamp whose sweet light greatly delights, what hiding places of excuses will you find, so as not to be justly reproached? For the supreme Emperor placed his most fortified city upon the summit of mountains, [the deeds of the holy Doctors must be narrated for the edification of the faithful] so that those who desire to become his soldiers, seeing it from afar, might not be led astray by any error of the road. Indeed, lest those who hasten should be impeded by some business proceeding in darkness, he ordained brilliant lights along this road. For the burning lamps are the Doctors of the Church; by whose examples he who walks will most easily overcome all nocturnal fears. These lamps, therefore, must not be covered under any bushel, but let them be held in the open; and let us announce the ministers of Christ to all by whatever proclamation we can.

Lesson II.

[2] For if we who rejoice together do not give the service of the tongue in praise of those upon whom the almighty King has bestowed eternal rewards and infinite honors, the Life of Saint Lawrence written by command of Bishop Benedict it is to be feared that we may be accused of envy or negligence, and that the Lord may justly say to us: "Is your eye evil because I am good?" You, most excellent Bishop Benedict, rightly understanding this, have repeatedly demanded that the blessed Lawrence, Bishop of the city of Siponto, be commended by ^a written account, and that to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the edification of those who shall hear it, what is found about him in various places be collected into one place, and that the diverse members, fitting together with one another, form one body. Accept, therefore, your demand; and he who has hitherto been celebrated through the writings of others, let him now, through my effort, become known by his own proper character, and living forever, let him fly on living lips.

[3] When, therefore, the blessed Felix, Bishop of the city of Siponto, had died, the Sipontine people were long without ^a Pastor -- when the See had long been vacant whether because sedition prohibited the election of ^a Bishop, or rather because various calamities impeded it, by which all of Italy was then afflicted. For at that time the Emperor Zeno ruled over human affairs, and Theodoric, King of the Goths, directed by him to take possession of Italy -- the son of Theodemir by ^a concubine -- was fiercely fighting against Odoacer, King of the Heruli; and he himself was holding the city of Rome and all of Italy under tyrannical dominion. Italy was therefore laboring under infinite miseries, with some favoring the King of the Heruli and others the Goths; whence the citizens had ^a more pressing concern for protecting their safety and life than for consulting about ^a Bishop.

Lesson III.

[4] When, however, the battles had been partly quieted, the Sipontine citizens took counsel and sent chosen men from the clergy and people to the Emperor, humbly entreating a Bishop is requested from Constantinople that he come to the aid of their Church and direct to them from his own court such ^a man as he might know to be necessary in the house of the Lord at such ^a time. The Emperor, graciously receiving their petition -- one by no means to be spurned -- earnestly asked Lawrence, ^a most holy man joined to him by kinship and the bond of friendship, to take thought himself for the people of God who were without ^a Pastor with the Emperor's assent and to become Bishop of Siponto. For he knew him to be one who would faithfully dispense the Lord's food to his household, vigilantly serve the Lord, and not seek to please himself, but who, following the example of his Lord, would willingly endure not only insults but even death for his fellow servants. The venerable Lawrence, recognizing that he was being chosen for the episcopal ministry through the Lord's dispensation, taught by the doctrine of Paul who says that "whoever desires the episcopate desires ^a good work" 1 Tim. 3:1, did not resist the Lord's will. Having therefore received the episcopal dignity, about to willingly undertake the burden and danger, he joyfully boarded the ship, and those who had been sent received him with the greatest joy. O most richly laden ship, which enriched the region of Apulia with the most precious merchandise of the East! For the Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, receiving from the Imperial largesse the arm of Stephen the Protomartyr and the breast of the blessed Agatha, was bringing inestimable riches. and the Emperor honoring him with holy relics

Lesson IV.

[5] A wind rising from the stern therefore accompanied them as they went, and having gained the desired region with ^a prosperous and swift course, they arrived at the port of Siponto. All the citizens came out joyfully to meet the Bishop, and both clergy and people with one accord raised aloft the praises of acclamation, and received him descending from the ship with all eagerness, and as good children they praised God. The good Pastor, rejoicing in the eagerness of his good children, descended from the ship bearing the relics of the Martyrs; which they could by no means carry further from that same place until, by the counsel of the Bishop, they vowed to build ^a church there for the Martyrs. which, at first immovable When the blessed Lawrence entered the city, by ^a vow of ^a temple, he brings them into Siponto, and he himself is inaugurated received in the episcopal See -- that is, in the church of the blessed Mary -- according to the wisdom given to him by the Lord, he did not cease to announce wonders and to dispense faithfully the gift he had received to each according to his proper measure.

CHAPTER II

He obtains victory; he predicts the future.

Lesson V.

[6] In the time of his episcopate, moreover, that most famous apparition of the Archangel Michael on Mount Garganus, known throughout the whole world, occurred; he is refreshed by the apparition of Saint Michael and to the blessed Lawrence, the Archangel Michael himself narrated in ^a vision what must be done. In this matter the prudence of the blessed Lawrence shone forth powerfully and he openly demonstrated that he possessed the supreme citadel of the virtues. Now committing all to God, presuming to do nothing rashly himself, and obeying the angelic vision without delay, he most clearly declared himself ^a companion of the citizens of heaven.

[7] When the Neapolitans were provoking his citizens with ^a fierce attack, he trusted not in horses or in the array of arms, but afflicting himself in the love of the Lord, he obtained victory from heaven. For Michael himself, the Prince of the Angels, appearing to the Bishop in ^a vision, who promises aid and victory promised the Sipontines victory and pledged that he himself would fight for them. Let us turn over the ancient histories and compare the deeds of the blessed Lawrence with the works of the ancients. Daniel, that man of desires, having completed the fast of three weeks with which he had afflicted himself in the sight of the Lord, recognized that the prayers he had been making for his people had been heard. Lawrence afflicted himself with ^a fast of three days and heard that he had obtained from the Lord the salvation of his people. By Daniel's prayer, his people were promised free departure from the servitude of their enemies. in this respect greater than the prophet Daniel By Lawrence's prayers, with the enemies turned to flight, his people were told they would tread upon the necks of the foe. Dan. 10 Against the Persian Prince, to more easily free the people, the Prince of the Greeks is narrated by Daniel as coming. To Lawrence, against the Prince of the enemies, no foreign power is assigned. Gabriel gladdens Daniel, telling him that Michael is on his side for victory. Michael himself strengthens Lawrence and promises that he will have victory over his enemies.

Lesson VI.

[8] So may you always, always, blessed Lawrence, beseech the Lord for the people committed to you; and just as you had care for the Sipontine people when you were present in the flesh, so even more now, when you are present with the Lord, may you deign to be mindful of them. he is therefore rightly to be invoked by his people If, when you walked by faith, when you were ^a pilgrim in the body from the Lord, the Lord heard you from his holy and heavenly dwelling, how much more do we hope that now, with you present before the Lord, you will obtain all that you ask? Therefore always obtain the protection of the Angels for your city. May the heavenly powers always guard the place of your habitation. May your citizens feel your presence; may your enemies know your power. Through your prayers may we merit to have Michael as our helper and most powerful fighter against the ancient serpent, who is Satan, so that just as he was cast down from heaven with his Angels through Michael, so may he be cast far from our mind and body with all his devices.

[9] After the victory obtained from heaven, the Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, knowing that the idle man will be filled with want, he builds and adorns churches wishing to increase the worship of religion in his land, that he might be satisfied with that heavenly bread which descends from heaven, took pains to build many churches both in the city and outside the city. Among these he dedicated one within the city, under the name of John the Baptist, of admirable beauty, as can still be seen there to this day. He took the most diligent care that the churches subject to Siponto be painted, and he depicted that of Siponto together with the Garganese in the midst of them.

Lesson VII.

[10] and he takes care to have them depicted elsewhere in paintings When he was carefully asked about this matter -- why he had ordered the figures of the churches to be made with such great care -- he replied with ^a heavy sigh: "Do not, my children, do not consider this work superstitious, and do not think that I in any way love my own glory, I who strive to serve the Lord, as I can, with purity of mind. I know, my children, he predicts the devastation of Italy that all of Italy is to be devastated again by barbarians and fierce nations. I already see cities desolated, without inhabitants. I gaze from afar upon churches destroyed, houses of God burned, priests slaughtered, all those things that victors are pleased to do against the vanquished. But by the mercy of God disposing it, through this picture that you see, I perceive the future fate of this episcopate." Those who were present at this response were made both sorrowful and glad -- and his own church to be restored sorrowful indeed at the adversity they had heard was to come; glad, because after hardships and consolation, God had also revealed to the Bishop that their own church would be restored.

CHAPTER III

He pacifies the tyrant by ^a miracle; he dies.

Lesson VIII.

[11] The blessed Lawrence lived in his episcopate up to the times of Justin and the most Christian Prince Justinian, in whose time the fury of the Goths broke out again to devastate all of Italy. For they appointed Badiula, who was called Totila, as their King at that time; a most fierce horse sent deceitfully by Totila who, having immediately gathered the Gothic army from every side, raged with unbridled mind throughout all the borders of Italy. When he was passing through the regions of Campania and Apulia, devastating everything with slaughter, plunder, fire, and destruction, he had no small concern to test the servants of God and religious men, whose fame he had heard, by devices of cunning. When, therefore, it had frequently sounded in his ears that the man of God Lawrence possessed the spirit of prophecy, he sent soldiers from his army to him, and for the purpose of proving whether the things he had learned about him were true, he sent through them ^a most fierce and untamed horse to the Bishop, as if for the labor of the journey, to test him. The blessed Lawrence, receiving the King's embassy with ^a calm countenance, humbly trusting in the Lord, in whom alone he hoped, he tames it with the sign of the Cross fortifying himself with the saving sign of the Cross, mounted the horse. The horse immediately became wonderfully gentle, as though raised under the hands and constant blows of trainers, and carried the man of God at ^a slow and quietly quickened pace all the way to the King. Although the King was of the most cruel disposition, yet marveling immensely at the holiness and virtue that he saw, receiving him with fitting veneration, he received from the mouth of the most holy man the honey-sweet and salutary words of life.

Lesson IX.

[12] The most holy Bishop so softened the immense hardness of the King with the honey of his eloquence and the gravity of his wisdom he wins Totila over to himself that the King, joined to him with great affection, said: "Whatever you ask of me, holy Father, our munificence shall by no means deny you." The benign Father, believing that he was not born for himself, nor did he live for himself, but for the whole world, if it were possible, and especially for the people committed to him by the Lord, asked the King to leave the city of Siponto untouched. He said he would rather die than have even one of his children perish. For the most savage fury of the King never rejoiced unless it had made its way by the sword and through ruins, and he regarded being received peacefully as contempt; his frenzied mind thirsted for nothing more than human blood. and he obtains that the Sipontines be spared Nevertheless the man of God obtained what he asked, and liberated the city of Siponto, which the barbarous King had already nearly entirely devoured, from his gaping jaws. Rejoice, citizens of Siponto, rejoice, you who deserved to have such ^a Pastor! Be glad, you who have such an intercessor for you. For he who defended you from the fury of the barbarous King by his prayer -- he will be your most faithful helper against the cunning of the ancient serpent; and he who has twice already drawn you back from such great dangers of death with open mouth, he will obtain by his prayers that you may escape the second death and have ^a part in the first resurrection, so that in the second you may live happily and forever.

[13] On the seventh day before the Ides of February, the most blessed Confessor of Christ, Lawrence, migrated from this world to God, he dies on February 7 where he enjoys everlasting joy, while he sees in heaven the beauty of him to whom through faith he always clung on earth. Let us therefore rejoice in the Lord, and let us not mourn for our Pastor, whom we know to be with Christ, as though he were lost; rather let us believe him always present with us in spirit. Let us not doubt that he shares in our sufferings in heaven, he who, while he was in this world, strove to be of more benefit to us than to himself. Let us most devoutly celebrate the day of his birthday, that we may merit to become sharers in the crown of his recompense. Let us beseech him to obtain for us from the Lord the pardon of our sins -- he who, now secure about himself, has received the one robe of his merits, which our God Jesus Christ gave him, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be honor, praise, and dominion, now and always and forever and beyond, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

ANOTHER LIFE IN VERSE

from the Ecclesiastical Office of Siponto, transcribed by Antonio Beatillo, S.J.

Lawrence, Bishop of Siponto in Apulia (Saint)

AT VESPERS.

Antiphon I.

Let Apulia hasten to this city of Siponto, Let Benevento be summoned, and conquered Campania, To celebrate the festive solemnities of our Father.

The most happy Lawrence succeeded Felix, The greatest of the hall of the triumphant King Constantine: the election of Saint Lawrence In whose patronage the Sipontine people may rejoice. The city of Siponto, widowed of her spouse,

Seeks from Zeno that the unity of the Clergy be confirmed; And the holiness of our Father was granted to her. O Lawrence, member of Christ, wonderful Bishop,

On earth you received ^a temple built by Angels, And now in heaven you are beloved among them all. Let the assembly of Siponto rejoice and be glad,

Rendering praises to God and to Saint Lawrence, Who rules and governs this city by his patronage.

At the Magnificat.

The Martyr, wishing to be adored and venerated at Siponto, Stephen, stood immovable the relics brought by him At the port, seeking by ^a vow ^a house bearing his name; When it was promised, an easy path was granted to all; And those bearing the relics enter the city, visiting The house of the supreme Virgin.

AT MATINS.

Invitatory.

Let us adore the great King of all Confessors, Who gave us as Pastor the Blessed Lawrence.

Antiphon I.

The blessed city of Constantine bore Lawrence, Nourished and instructed him, aiding the Empire, his homeland And gave him to the Sipontines for the salvation of all.

O ancient city of Siponto, rejoice in the Lord, Who fortifies you with the patronage of so great ^a Confessor, He governs you on land and by navigation of the sea. Pope Gelasius consecrated this Blessed one,

Aware of his great holiness and virtue, his ordination Asking that by word and example he be considered ^a companion.

Responsory I.

Rejoice, O city of Siponto; let Byzantium be glad, For whom you joyfully hold as Father, she gave as ^a son, To the honor of your Clergy and the salvation of your citizens.

Render praises to God, O city of Siponto, Who gave you Lawrence as your Patron. To the honor.

Responsory II.

When the worthy petition was made by the Sipontines, And the grant of Zeno was celebrated, Our Father arrived to us by swift voyage.

He, fortified by the arm of the Martyr Stephen And by the heavenly aid of the breast of Agatha. To us.

Responsory III.

After the Saint reached port with the holy relics, Until the Bishop made his vow, they immediately stood immovable; buildings That he would speedily build ^a temple for the Protomartyr.

Then he entered the city, proceeding to the church Of the Mother of our Savior, seeking worthy pardon.

IN THE SECOND NOCTURN.

Antiphon I.

The Sipontine people received him consecrated, Rendering praises to God like ^a groaning little servant, And going out to meet the Pastor like ^a son to ^a father.

Truly this man is shown to be blessed, sustained by the grace of heaven. For by the prompting of Michael ^a daughter is given to him, Who might be ^a companion to Roman holiness.

The pagan people, attacking these and the walls of the Samnites, Are struck down by Michael's lightning through the byways, a miraculous victory obtained And prostrate, they are slaughtered by divine power. At length the blessed man went to Rome to be consecrated,

Responsory I.

And consecrated by Gelasius, the happy Bishop returned; But informed by God, he presided in holiness.

Anointed and instructed by the Roman Pontiff, He presided in this See for many years by worthy law.

Responsory II.

The Archangel Michael blessed and adorned him, Granting favor, that under him should be the people of the Mountain, Who on account of the sanctity of the place is called Angelic. By the exhortation of Michael he assumed the right of governance the Church on Garganus subject to him Of the city and the Clergy and of the heavenly stone. The Neapolitan horde, provoking Samnium to war,

And seeking, as pagan, the destruction of Siponto,

Responsory III.

The mad horde felt the lightning and the human sword;

For our blessed Bishop saw this through ^a dream, That by the power of Michael they would go to destruction. future things revealed

IN THE THIRD NOCTURN.

Antiphon I.

When Totila attacks him, sending ^a fierce horse, the fierce horse tamed He tamed it as though ^a lamb, sitting upon it, And hastened to the King, performing many signs.

With the city liberated, he built ^a church, In which he depicted the entire parish of Siponto; By which painting he prophesied that its memory be preserved.

O Lawrence, member of Christ and wonderful companion, After you departed the flesh, you now reign with the Angels; But as you were happy, you are also venerable.

When this scourge of Totila was besieging the walls,

Responsory I.

He sent ^a fierce horse to the Saint, full of much madness, Which he calmed by riding it with surpassing holiness.

When the cruel King saw this, his savagery being put aside, Pardoning the city, he sent him back to his own. and Totila himself

Responsory II.

Having ^a twofold holiness of prophecy, He made the hall of the Precursor, painting upon stone; paintings in the temples By which he foretold the fortune of the parish to be recovered.

Having the chalice of holiness and virtue, He adapted the thumb of his hand to painting.

Responsory III.

Let us give praises to God on this feast in every year; For as he stood on earth as ^a wonderful Patron, So in heaven he stands with God and reigns with the Angels.

Let us rejoice, and let each now be humble in prayer; For as he was here benign and venerable to all, so in heaven. When Pope Gelasius was commanding the heavenly hall

Another Responsory.

To be consecrated, there came together first Lawrence, Then Sabinus of Canosa, Palladius of Salpis, the consecration And John of Rubae, Eutychius of Trani, And with them Austerius of Venusia was present. This the Archangel Michael, sent by God, forbade, Saying: "I have made this house and consecrated it from heaven." of the church on Garganus

When the messenger of the supreme King stood before them in ^a vision, The Archangel warned them to cease from their undertaking.

AT LAUDS.

Antiphon I.

Venerating the present feast, let us give praises to the Lord, Who exalted Siponto with such great patronage, And assigned this hall to the Blessed Lawrence.

Rejoice, child; rejoice, old man; let the youth also rejoice Of the city of Siponto, bearing the ornament of light; And on this feast let the Clergy sing ^a sweet song of verse.

O Lawrence, pious Father, hear the prayers of the people Crying out and praying to you; your devoted children, That they may be commended to you as true little servants.

Let us rejoice and be glad, clergy and soldiers, And with us let nobles and humble folk give thanks; And on this day let married women sing and virgins exult.

Like Elijah, praying to God, he received ^a twofold sense; For he foretold future things and healed the weak, And trampled the proud and raised up the humble.

A wonderful thing, to be venerated at Siponto through the ages, Where, O Lawrence, the Angel gave you oracles. the miracles of Saint Lawrence Benevento at the same time felt your benefits, And the pride of Totila was subdued under you. The Blessed Lawrence girded and bound his loins, And was ^a shining lamp and ^a servant of servants. In this worthy See sat the fullness of holiness.

The Neapolitans at that time, like the other Italians, were Christians; but in various places remnants of idolatry survived, since on Monte Cassino Saint Benedict shattered the idol of Apollo, overturned the altar, and cut down the sacred groves.

d The earlier exemplar reads arctauit "constrained", and in the margin, alias dotauit "otherwise endowed".

e In the first exemplar it is written in the margin: alias Garganus.

f The second exemplar reads exuisti "you have stripped off".

g The same exemplar reads insania "madness".

h The same reads fuit "was".

i The following are lacking in the second exemplar.

k Salapia was ^a city of Apulia, whose remains and name survive in the village of Salpe, or Salpi.

In the Life of Saint Sabinus of Canosa, chapter 2, number 5, Rubisinus is written. Rubi was an ancient city of Samnium, or of the Hirpini, who were themselves Samnites. Rubi, ^a city of Italy. The Jerusalem Itinerary, the Antonine Itinerary, and the Peutinger Table have Rubos. Horace likewise, in Book 1 of his Satires, Satire 5:

Thence weary we arrived at Rubi.

This same town some judge to be called Rufae by Virgil, Rufrae by Silius, Ruffrium by Livy. The passage of Virgil is in Book 7 of the Aeneid, verse 739:

And those who hold Rufae and Batulum, and the fields of Celenae. Or Rufae?

On which passage our Juan Luis de la Cerda writes: "But what if Silius is to be corrected from Virgil, or the reverse?" For Silius says in Book 8: Who inhabit Batulum and Mucrae. But Silius does not call Mucrae what Virgil calls Rufae, but rather Rufrae. For thus he has:

Who inhabit Batulum and Mucrae, and those who Work the thickets of Boviana, or cling to the Caudine Forks, Rufrae? And those whom Rufrae, or Esernia, or those whom Obscure Herdonia sent from uncultivated fields.

La Cerda, following others, reports that Rufae was ^a fortress of Campania; but he does not seem to have regarded Rufae and Rubi as the same place; for on Virgil's Georgics, Book 1, verse 266,

Now let the pliant basket be woven from the reddish rod,

he agrees with Servius, who teaches that the reddish rod suitable for weaving baskets is named from Rubi, ^a town of Italy, near which an abundance of it grew. This indeed is not at all proved to us, that the gentile form Rubeus should be derived from Rubi. But if that were possible, why would Virgil call the town Rufae and derive the adjective not as Rufeus but Rubeus? Moreover, La Cerda says that no traces of Rufae survive, though he was not unaware that Rubi is an episcopal city of Italy, commonly called Ruvo. Nevertheless, whether it is one and the same city which in the age of Horace and Virgil was called Rubi, and earlier Rufae, or Rufrae, Rufrium? or Rufrium, I neither wish to assert nor to oppose those who do assert it. Livy treats of Rufrium in Book 8: "At the same time affairs prospered in Samnium also: three towns came into their power -- Allifae, Callifae, Rufrium."

m In the Life of Saint Sabinus there is likewise mentioned among those bishops who were present at the dedication of the church of Barletta, Eutychius of Trani. Trani is an archiepiscopal city of Apulia, whose founder an inscription placed above the gate indicates to be Tyrrhenus, son of Diomedes, and its restorer Trajan, whence Trajanopolis.

n The same person is mentioned in the Life of Saint Sabinus as having been present at the consecration of the church of Barletta performed by Pope Saint Gelasius. He was the predecessor of Stephen, Bishop of Venusia, who under Pope Symmachus subscribed to four Roman councils together with Eutychius of Trani.