ON THE HOLY MARTYRS GERMANUS, ABBOT, AND RANDOALD, PROVOST, AT GRANDVAL IN THE DIOCESE OF BASEL.
TOWARD THE END OF THE SEVENTH CENTURY.
PrefaceGermanus, Abbot, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.) Randoald, Provost, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.)
I. B.
[1] There is in the region of the Rauraci a valley, extending near the borders of the Swiss, watered by the Birse river, which, swelled by many streams, joins the Rhine near Basel. The valley itself is under the authority of the Bishop of Basel, from ancient times called Grandval (Grand Valley): which name the French retain, while the Germans call it Granfel, and more commonly Münsterthal, that is, Monastery-valley, from the town still called Münster, because there was once a celebrated monastery there, which St. Waldebert, Abbot of Luxeuil, founded in the seventh century of Christ, St. Germanus, Abbot of Grandval the land being given by Duke Gundoin (or Gundonius), and he appointed St. Germanus as its first Abbot. It later flourished through the favor of many Kings and Emperors, fortified with distinguished privileges. Afterward it passed into the possession of the Bishop of Basel, and finally was converted into a college of Canons, more than five hundred years ago. In the preceding century the Canons migrated to the town of Delémont (Delsberg), when the plague of heresy spread through the whole of Grandval, carried in by the Swiss of Berne.
[2] in the 7th century of Christ St. Germanus lived more than a thousand years ago. For he was educated in letters by St. Modoald, Bishop of Trier, who attended the synod of Rheims held under Sonnatius in the year 624, or the beginning of the following year. Then, at the age of seventeen, Germanus went to St. Arnulf, who was already living in the wilderness, into which he had retired around the year 630. Finally he lived the monastic life at Luxeuil under St. Waldebert, the third Abbot, together with his brother Numerianus -- the same, I think, who succeeded St. Modoald in the See and is venerated on July 5.
[3] The Life of St. Germanus was written by Bobolenus the Priest, at the request of the monks of Grandval, (whose Life was written by Bobolenus, a contemporary, some of whom, eyewitnesses of the remarkable deeds he performed, were still alive when Bobolenus produced that Life. Peter Francis Chifflet, one of ours, sent it to us, transcribed from an ancient codex. Henry Murer the Carthusian translated it into German and others) and published it in his Helvetia Sacra. Christian Urstisius more briefly summarized it, citing Bobolenus, in his Chronicon Basiliense, book 1, chapter 2. Sebastian Brant is said to have rendered it in elegiac verse in the preceding century, which we have not seen.
[4] The memory of St. Germanus and of St. Randoald, Provost of Grandval, who was killed together with him by the impious and won the laurel of martyrdom, is celebrated in the diocese of Basel with the rite of a double feast he is venerated on February 21 with St. Randoald: on February 21. We shall append to the Life the proper Lessons from the new offices of that diocese. The manuscript Florarium thus mentions him on that day: "Germanus, Abbot." We have not yet read anything about him in other Martyrologies.
[5] They say that crowds of pilgrims used to flock to his venerable relics. When, however, about two hundred years ago, a certain doubt arose about those relics, his relics examined in 1477: whether they were still enclosed in the stone sarcophagus, in the year 1477, on the Wednesday after the feast of St. Margaret, Henry Ampringius, the Provost, and the remaining Canons opened the tomb with great reverence and religious chanting, and found the sacred bones in it, not without a feeling of pious delight. Nor does it appear that the tomb had ever been opened before, during 777 years. So Murer says, who by those words seems to suggest that the slaying of the holy Martyrs occurred in the year 700. We think it happened somewhat earlier. time of martyrdom, For from the age of St. Arnulf, whom Germanus visited in the wilderness when he himself was seventeen years old, it is sufficiently clear that he was born before the year 620; and that vigor of soul and body with which he approached the impious Duke, carrying books and relics with him, shows that he was not a decrepit old man, past eighty: therefore we seem able to conjecture that he was killed around the year 677.
[6] We do not, however, approve what is related of St. Germanus in a certain Life of St. Arnulf, which Francis Laher, one of ours, transcribed from an ancient manuscript codex of the Chancellery of Vic and sent to us from Pont-à-Mousson in the year 1647; for in the final section the following is read: "It is established, moreover, that this blessed man received the monastic habit in the wilderness, was he consecrated Abbot by St. Arnulf? and consecrated Blessed Germanus as Abbot and sent him to the region of Basel to preach. Which Blessed Germanus gathered a community of religious in the place called Grandval. But while he rebuked the vices of the inhabitants, he incurred hatred: persevering, he earned martyrdom, and he rests in Christ in the aforesaid Grandval, to whom is honor and glory forever and ever, Amen." But Bobolenus, the contemporary author, contradicts this. And how is it credible that an Abbot was consecrated by St. Arnulf when Germanus was still a youth? And of what monastery could an Abbot be consecrated by an anchorite? He was only sent by him to begin the monastic life in the monastery of St. Romeric.
LIFE
by the contemporary author Bobolenus, from an ancient MS. discovered by Pet. Fran. Chifflet, S.I.
Germanus, Abbot, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.) Randoald, Provost, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.)
BHL Number: 3467
By the contemporary author Bobolenus, from MSS.
[1] Whence did Bobolenus learn what he writes? To the most distinguished lords, adorned with sacred eminences, sustained by the abundance of religion, and always and everywhere flourishing in holiness -- Deicola, Leudemund, and Ingefrid, Fathers -- Bobolenus, the humblest of all Priests. It is only a few days since I was entreated by certain holy Brothers to endeavor in my own style to compose the deeds of St. Germanus, Abbot of Grandval, especially by those who were with him at the time and saw what was done in his presence: from whom also we have learned through the venerable men Chadoald and Aridius, who are still alive at present.
[2] The holy Germanus, therefore, Abbot and Martyr, was by native soil an inhabitant of the city of Trier, born of a family of Senators, St. Germanus, a noble of Trier, but nobler by his holiness. His father was Optardus; his brothers, Opthomarus and Numerianus. Opthomarus, under King Dagobert, was once distinguished for royal elegance, and under King Sigebert for worldly knowledge, and likewise, supported by the Lord's aid, was more eminent than the other nobles. When St. Germanus was a small child, he was entrusted to Blessed Modoald, who in those days also held the See of the city of Trier by the fortress of his holiness: he is educated by St. Modoald, who, when he heard that the boy was talented and perceived that he was of keen intelligence, began to instruct him in liberal letters.
[3] At length the man of God began to excel in holiness and learning, so that all marveled at his constancy: and he would hear from readers the saying of Blessed Paul: "For the figure of this world passes away: it remains that those who use this world should be as though they used it not." 1 Cor. 7:31 He considered the words of the Gospel saying that "a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:23 The Lord therefore gave the man such great grace among men dear to all, that he was cherished with an exceeding affection not only by the clergy but by all: there was nothing of pride or arrogance in him, but he was held to be benevolent toward all; placed upon the earth, he showed himself suited to heavenly secrets; conspicuous in every virtue: for he was angelic in appearance, elegant in speech, holy in deed, whole in body, excellent in talent, great in counsel, Catholic in faith, most patient in hope, generous in charity, and conspicuous in every pleasantness. He meditated within himself in his boyish years what he afterward fulfilled as a young man.
[4] When he was seventeen years old, with panting soul he began to think silently within himself how he might escape the enticements of the world, the pleasures of this age, he yearns for the monastic life: and its blandishments. He began to entreat Bishop Blessed Modoald: "O venerable Father, permit me, having laid aside all things first, to go to the monastery to which the divine goodness shall direct me." But Blessed Modoald began to marvel at the spirit of the youth, that he should act so manfully as to desire the wilderness; and he said to him: "O young man, you desire to seek something great and lofty; but slippery is the path for the young, along which you hasten to tread with pressing foot." And he said to him: "I do not dare to give you leave, on account of the royal authority, because it is written: 'For there is no power but from God.' Rom. 13:1-2 And again: 'He who resists the power, resists the ordinance of God.'"
[5] But he, since he was bold and trusting in the Lord, distributing all his goods, he gives his goods to the poor: gave to the poor, according to the voice of the Gospel: and taking with him three servants who accompanied him, he sought Blessed Arnulf the Bishop, who in those days was leading a holy life in the wilderness called Horenberg. But Blessed Arnulf, seeing him, with a rejoicing spirit, giving thanks to the Creator of all, received him gladly and cheerfully, and tonsured the hair of his head, and caused him to remain with him for some time, that he might imitate the life and ways of the man of God. he dwells with St. Arnulf in the wilderness: Then he came to the monastery of Blessed Romeric, which is commonly called Castellum (the Castle), built by his own labor on the summit of the mountains: sending two of his companions to bring his brother, named Numerianus, still of tender age, to him: he is sent to the monastery, desiring to lead him from the activities of the world to the institutions of the holy Fathers, the rule of the monks, and the holy conversion of life.
[6] he summons his brother Numerianus: All received Blessed Germanus coming to that monastery, together with his brother, with rejoicing, giving thanks to the Creator that the Lord had called to His service one of such illustrious lineage. Afflicting his whole body with fasting, vigils, and prayers, always devoted to God, he conducts himself holily and humbly: he reserved nothing beyond his daily sustenance. His clothing was of the poorest kind: he displayed to all an example of humility and charity; so that he would go with his companion to the forests to cut wood, and carry it on his own shoulders. He considered the words of Blessed Paul: "He who does not work, let him not eat." 2 Thess. 3:10
[7] The Lord gave him such great grace that there was no one who did not desire to imitate his life and ways. Then he took with him Blessed Chuan, a man of great religion, of Burgundian lineage: he goes to Luxeuil to St. Waldebert with his brother: and taking wiser counsel, they both together with their companions sought the monastery of ancient construction called Luxeuil. The Father of that monastery was named Waldebert, an excellent man, of the noble lineage of the Sicambrians, and of great conversion of life. When the Priest of God saw them, all together with cheerful countenance he joyfully received them within the walls of the monastery. The man of God, having entered the monastery with his brother, they both voluntarily professed the mortification of the flesh, the life of holy religion, and obedience. When Blessed Waldebert saw that he was an industrious man, he becomes a Priest: he ordered him to be made a Priest; the whole chorus of Brothers proclaimed, saying that Germanus was worthy of the priesthood. When the holy Priest was thus ordained, he surpassed in grace all in the Clergy.
[8] The Priest of God Waldebert, full of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, seeing companies of monks being gathered together from every quarter, began to seek out from so great a multitude, if perchance anywhere he could find, the most fertile places where he might gather his monks to dwell. Now the illustrious man Gundonius, hearing that Abbot Blessed Waldebert was seeking with eager intent places where his monks should reside Grandval given by Gundonius to St. Waldebert, and lead a holy life, sent his agents to him to hasten to him as quickly as possible. Then Blessed Waldebert without any hesitation went to Gundonius himself, giving him counsel. The illustrious man Gundonius gave him suitable places; and although access to them is difficult, their paths can be found. Then Waldebert began to soothe his spirit with gentle words, so that if he wished, for the love of God and for the remedy of his soul and for the absolution of his sins, he should produce a charter for those places, confirmed by his own hand and the hands of good men.
[9] Then Waldebert, with the fear of God and the prayers of the Brothers, came to that place: and he found a most fertile place, within the hollows of the rocks, a valley, which he named the Grand Valley: and there is a river in it, and monks established there by him, with a multitude of fish. He urged his brothers to settle there. He therefore summoned to himself one of his Priests, named Fridoald, one of the few monks of the Lord Abbot Columban, urging him to come to that place. He, out of the virtue of obedience, doubting nothing, came to that place with some Brothers in the fear of God: applying himself to labor with his companions, he began to cut wood, so that they might have the means to live.
[10] After this, the Priest of God Waldebert began to think silently within himself whether he could find among his Brothers one of noble birth and instructed in sacred writings and letters, conspicuous in holiness, who should govern and rule those monks according to the tenor of the Rule. What more? By God's command and inspiration, St. Germanus is chosen as Abbot. Therefore the venerable man, the Priest of God, together with Germanus himself, came to that monastery, Grandval: he becomes Abbot: and he began to exhort him with his monks, that he should fear nothing but, like a holy man, should gird his loins. And he, doubting nothing from the virtue of obedience, approaching in the fear of God, seized upon the labor. Waldebert exhorted the Brothers to release them from their obedience to him and to submit their necks in obedience to St. Germanus for the love of God: which they also did. Having received the blessing, therefore, he received under his governance three monasteries, namely those of St. Ursicinus, Verdun, and Grandval. The Lord gave him such great grace that he was cherished with exceeding affection not only by his own but by people of every age and sex. Seeing, therefore, that the entrance to them was difficult, St. Germanus the Abbot he opens the entrance to the valley: began to break through the hard rock with his hands; and they remain open to those entering to this day.
[11] It happened, however, that Duke Gundonius died and Duke Boniface, or Cathicus, succeeded him in his place: who began wickedly to oppress the people of that neighboring monastery, Cathicus persecutes the inhabitants of the valley and began to charge that they had always been rebellious against his predecessor. When they protested that what was imputed to them was a wicked falsehood, he attempted to afflict them in many ways. And because almighty God has care for those who strive for Him, wishing to crown His athlete, whom He foreknew was to be rewarded for his labors, at last Cathicus was aroused to crime. Therefore, when these men did not heed him, he ordered the centurions of that valley to come to him and commanded them to go into exile. Then Cathicus, desiring wholly to carry out what he had begun with wicked counsel, or what he had contrived with poisoned mind, took with him companies of Alamanni, a warlike people: and when the sun had risen, he entered upon the valley.
[12] When this was reported to Blessed Germanus ... Salmund was entering the valley from the north with a great army, and Cathicus was coming from the other side with a huge force; then Blessed Germanus, taking with him the relics of the Saints, together with books, and the Provost of the monastery named Randoald, hastened to go to him. with relics he approaches, accompanied by Randoald, But before he could reach him, the men of the enemy, filled with the devil, threw him to the ground. At length they reached Cathicus and found him in the basilica of St. Maurice with Count Eric, taking counsel together. Blessed Germanus began to address him and say: "Enemy of God and of truth, and admonishes him: why have you entered upon Christian people? Why do you not fear to bring my monastery, which I myself built, to ruin?" But that one begged pardon for the crime committed, and with false humility wished to give his pledge into his hand. But Germanus refused to accept him, promising that he would make satisfaction for all things. Going out from there, he left him in the basilica of St. Maurice with only one companion, named Randoald.
[13] He prays to God for his people: But seeing that he accomplished nothing, and beholding through the whole valley, as if from the bites of wolves, the neighbors of the monastery being torn apart, and their houses being consumed by fire, he wept for a very long time, and stretching his hands and palms toward heaven, he said: "See, O Lord, be not silent, for a barbarous nation has entered upon us." When he wished to return to his monastery, with his companion, men full of the devil followed them on the road. Seeing them, St. Germanus, Martyr and Priest of God, addressed them with words of peace, saying: "Do not, my sons, perpetrate so great a crime against the people of God." he is stripped by the impious, But they, filled as they were with the devil, stripped him of his garments. When Blessed Germanus saw that his martyrdom was near, he spoke to his Brother Randoald, saying: "Let us be at peace, my Brother, for today we shall receive the fruit of our good deeds." And when they had stripped him, together with his companion, he said: "I give you thanks, Good Shepherd, that you have not deprived me of your blessings. Deign to receive me with my Brother into the fellowship of your Saints." After this, a voice came to him from heaven, and confirmed by a heavenly voice, he is slain, saying: "Come, faithful steward, the heavens are opened to you: my Angels rejoice with you, that they may lead you into the heavenly Jerusalem." And saying this, one of them, who was the more audacious, filled with the devil, pierced him with a lance, and Randoald likewise. The body remained lifeless; his soul penetrated the heavens.
[14] When these things had been done, his Brothers sought him, going about here and there. At about the third hour of the night they found him already dead, together with his companion: and raising his body with great wailing, they carried it to the basilica of St. Ursicinus, built by his own labor, February 21 laying him naked before the sight of God. These things were done on that very night, on the vigil of the Chair of St. Peter. While the Brothers were keeping vigil, a messenger came who reported that the Father of the monastery had been killed by the wicked enemy. They then carried him with great wailing to the basilica of St. Peter and buried him there: where the benefits of prayers are granted, through the agency of Him illustrated by miracles, to whom is honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. It happened, moreover, when the circuit of the year had returned, that the birthday of the Lord arrived: the place of the slaying illuminated by heavenly light: they report that on the very vigil of the Lord's birthday, such a brilliant light came from heaven at the place where the body of Blessed Germanus had been killed, that all marveled and were filled with great fear.
[15] One of the Brothers, on the very day of his killing, found among the ranks of the enemy a belt, which is commonly called a "bracile," amid the hands of those who were dragging it, and carried it to the vestry of the monastery. fevers healed by his belt immersed in drink, Then all the Brothers received it with joy, as if it were a gift sent from heaven, and hung it in the church among the relics of the Saints. After this it happened that a certain man, a neighbor of the monastery, was seized with severe fevers: he was barely carried by his people and came to the monastery. When he reached the threshold of the church, he saw the belt of the nurturing Germanus hanging. Then he began to beg with great wailing that he might be allowed to touch it. Then one of the Deacons filled a cup, immersed the belt in it, and gave it to the sick man to drink: and as soon as he drank, he was restored to his former health. So many are the miracles performed by Blessed Germanus that they can scarcely be described in words.
Notesp. On Luxeuil, more will be treated in the Life of St. Columban on November 21.
q. And among these his brother Numerianus, as Murer states.
r. Murer calls him Wandelbert, incorrectly. St. Waldebert, or Walbert, is venerated on May 2.
s. The author of his Life says he was most illustrious in noble lineage, and very rich in honors and resources in the district called Ponthieu, with no mention made of a Sicambrian origin.
t. Murer adds that Waldebert learned by divine revelation the reason why Germanus and his companions had left their former place.
u. This is what Murer and Urstisius also call him. There was, moreover, at that time a Gundoinus, parent of St. Salaberga, an illustrious man and friend of St. Waldebert, as is said in the Life of St. Salaberga on September 22. Murer says Gundonius was Duke of Alsace.
x. The Birse, as mentioned above.
y. St. Ursicinus, a monk of Luxeuil and disciple of St. Columban, later led an eremitic life near the river Doubs, and afterward gathered disciples. Urstisius reports in book 1 of his Chronicon Basiliense, page 11, that this monastery was at one time subject to the Abbot of Grandval. Then given to the Bishop of Basel, it was changed into a college of 12 Canons, over whom a Provost presides. It is now a town, the town of St. Ursicinus called St. Ursitz by the Germans. St. Ursicinus is venerated on December 20.
z. Murer omits both monasteries, that of St. Ursicinus and the one at Verdun. Urstisius calls the Verdun monastery St. Paul zu Werd, that is, St. Paul's on the island.
aa. Urstisius and Murer write that Boniface, Gundonius's successor, also merited well of the monastery of Grandval: but that Cathicus, who succeeded him, assumed the disposition of a tyrant.
bb. Both writers say that the Mayor (or Praetor) and other leading citizens were driven into exile.
cc. The reading should perhaps be "Cathelmundus." This is what Urstisius and Murer call this leader of the barbarians.
dd. Murer calls him the Prior; Urstisius, a Conventual Brother.
ee. Murer says the head of St. Germanus was cut off, and St. Randoald was transfixed by another with a spear. The Lessons below say the same.
ff. Not far from the village of Rennendorf, say Murer and the Lessons.
gg. Murer says that a heavenly light shone above the tomb of St. Germanus.
hh. The bracile is a belt, as stated here, and probably an inner one, from which trousers and legging-straps hung. Bracile. Some take it for the girdle with which the tunic is belted. Haften discusses this word well in his Disquisitiones Monasticae, book 5, tract 4, disquisition 4.
LESSONS
from the Offices of the Church of Basel
ON SAINTS GERMANUS AND RANDOALD.
Germanus, Abbot, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.) Randoald, Provost, Martyr at Grandval among the Swiss (St.)
LESSON IV.
Germanus, born at Trier, had as his father Optardus, a man of senatorial rank. As a boy he was entrusted to be educated by St. Modoald, Bishop of the same city: under whose instruction he made such progress in every kind of virtue and learning that, St. Germanus piously educated, at the age of seventeen, out of love for evangelical perfection, he began seriously to think about leaving the pleasures and delights of the world. He therefore opened the feelings of his soul to Modoald, who warned him not rashly to undertake a new manner of life. he gives his goods to the poor: But Germanus, trusting in God, persisted in his resolution: he distributed his fortunes to the needy and, accompanied by three companions, set out for Blessed Arnulf, formerly Bishop of Metz, in the wilderness of Herrenberg.
LESSON V.
Here, tonsured according to custom, he put on the monastic habit. Instructed by Blessed Arnulf in the practices of the religious life, he went on to the monastery of St. Romeric. he becomes a monk with his brother Having summoned there his younger brother Numerianus, he persuaded him to follow the same way of life with him. Soon, afflicting his body with fasts and vigils, by his zeal for prayer, the poverty of his clothing, and manual labor, he was to all an example of humility and charity. From there he came to Luxeuil, when Abbot Walbert presided over that monastery. He, having tested Germanus's virtue, Priest; ordered him to be made a Priest; and some time later, Abbot: he placed him in charge of the Brothers in the monastery of Grandval, which Gundonius, the lord of that region, was building with pious generosity not far from Delémont. He managed the affairs of the same monastery with great prudence and the praise of holiness.
LESSON VI.
After Gundonius died, his successor Cathicus afflicted the dependents of the monastery in outrageous ways, and at length, sending in soldiers, laid waste the valley with fire and sword. St. Germanus, approaching with his companion Randoald, admonishing the wicked freely admonished him, as was his duty, to refrain from the slaughter of innocent Christians. On their return they were intercepted by barbarian soldiers near the village of Rhennendorf he is killed with Randoald. and stripped of their clothing. Germanus, having encouraged his companion to steadfastness, was beheaded and fell. Randoald, pierced by a lance, together with his Abbot, on the 9th day before the Kalends of March, won the crown of martyrdom. Their bodies were carried by the Brothers to the monastery and honorably buried there in the church of St. Peter.