Viventius

ON ST. VIVENTIUS, PRESBYTER, AT VERGY IN BURGUNDY.

Circa A.D. 400.

Viventius, Confessor, at Vergy in Gaul (St.)

From various sources.

[1] In the monastery of Vergy, on the Ides of January, the feast is kept of St. Viventius the Confessor, as the Roman Martyrology records. Vergy, or Vergiacum — also written Verziacum, Vertiacum, Versiatum, Versiachum, Vernacum, Verdiacum, Virzeium, Virgeium, Vergeium, Verginiacum; in French, Vergy, Verge, Vergie, Vergey, Vergier — The castle and monastery of Vergy. is situated not in the diocese of Poitiers, as Ferrari wrote in his Topography of the Roman Martyrology, but in the Duchy of Burgundy, not far from the town of Nuits. It was once ^a most strongly fortified castle, built on ^a lofty hill, with ^a single and extremely difficult approach. Henry IV, King of France, demolished its walls. Below it, Count Manasses founded the monastery of St. Viventius about the year of Christ 924 and endowed it with ample possessions. The most learned Andre Du Chesne traced the lineage of this family in an entire volume, carrying it down to Cleriadus de Vergy, Knight of the Golden Fleece and Count of Champlitte.

[2] Manasses arranged for the relics of St. Viventius to be transferred to this monastery. The double translation of St. Viventius. But this was the second translation. For when the Normans were ravaging the territory of the Pictones, the relics of the holy Confessor were carried to the city of Clermont, and Bishop Agilmarus placed them in ^a monastery which he had built in the region of Burgundy, in the County of Amaous, six miles from the river Saone, on his ancestral estate. When this too was destroyed by the Normans, Manasses founded Vergy and transferred thither the relics of St. Viventius and of other Saints — and perhaps also of St. Leogisilus, of whom more below. Louis Gollut, in his Commentaries on Burgundian Affairs, book 2, chapter 38, and book 4, chapter 20, makes the same Manasses the founder of the Priory of St. Viventius near Dole, though this seems to be the same monastery as that built by Bishop Agilmarus — unless perhaps Manasses later restored it. But Gollut errs when he places that Priory near the castle of Graulon and identifies Graulon with Dole, since Graulon was in the territory of Poitiers, the first seat of St. Viventius, as will shortly become clear.

[3] Most Martyrologies call the place celebrated for his sacred feast Vergy, from which it may be conjectured that they were composed or augmented after the third translation. For if they were older, they would name Graulon or another place. The most ancient manuscript copy of Usuard, preserved at the monastery of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris, reads thus: His feast day is celebrated in the Martyrologies. "At Mount Vergy, St. Viventius the Confessor." From this it is clear, as certain learned men have supposed, that this copy was not written by the hand of Usuard himself. Both the place and the name of Viventius are absent from our most ancient codex, which formerly belonged to Augustinus Hunnaeus. Molanus and the Carthusians of Cologne relegate him to the class of those whom they themselves added to the Martyrology of Usuard. He is also lacking in the Parisian edition of the same Usuard in 1536. But the Lubeck edition of 1475, the Florarium, and many other manuscripts of the Belgian Churches: "At Vergy, the feast of St. Vincent the Confessor of Christ." Bellinus: "On the same day, at Vergy, St. Vincent the Confessor." Maurolycus: "On the same day, at Mount Vergy, St. Vincent the Confessor, ^a Samaritan, in the time of the aforementioned Hilary." The old Cologne Martyrology: "At Vergy, the feast of St. Viventius, Presbyter and Confessor of Christ, who believed at the preaching of Blessed Gregory; whom, when he died in the 120th year of his age, Blessed Maxentius the Abbot buried at the castle of Graulon." The German Martyrology also celebrates his feast day, and others, some of whom call him Inventius, and some Juventius and Iuentius.

[4] The commemoration of the Translation, January 13. Galesin supposed that the Translation was observed on this day: "At Mount Vergy," he says, "the Translation of St. Viventius the Confessor. He, born of Samaritan parents who were enemies of the Christian name, was converted to the faith by the work of Blessed George, who was preaching the Gospel at Antioch; and afterwards, having been made ^a Priest, he came to Antioch at the admonition of an Angel. In that city he freed the daughter of the Governor Dacianus from ^a demon. Setting out at last for Rome, he performed many miracles on the way. Having lived one hundred and twenty years, he departed to the Lord." He cites in his Notes the life published by Mombritius (volume 2), Vincent of Beauvais (book 12, chapter 99), and Equilinus (book 2, chapter 71). In all of these, as also in the Life which we give, he is said to have died on the Ides of January at the castle of Graulon. But in the monastery of Vergy, the commemoration of the Reception of his relics is observed each year on the Monday after the day of Pentecost, And the Monday of Pentecost. as will be stated below. That Monday in the year 924 fell on May 17; on which day the manuscript Florarium has: "The holy Bishops and Confessors Vincent and Honoratus and Syrus and Martial the Confessor" — and thus several are listed together in ^a heap, as frequently in the same book, whose Acts and honours and triumphs are, however, not connected. Honoratus is the Bishop of Toulouse who is commemorated on the same day in another recent manuscript, but is venerated on December 22. Syrus is the Bishop of Pavia, whose translation is celebrated by many on that day, and his feast day on December 9. We suspect Martial to be the Apostle of Limoges, who is venerated on June 30. Viventius — or, as the author of the Florarium and others call him on January 13, Vincent — is called Bishop, as in the title of the Life in the manuscript of Andre Du Chesne: not because he was ^a Bishop by rank and order, but because on account of the dignity of his apostolic life he gained veneration among the sacred Bishops from the devout people. The solemn commemoration of the Reception is said to be held on the 7th of the Ides of June in the history of the Translation published by Du Chesne in his Vergy. But that day does not fall on the Monday after Pentecost in the year 924, but in 930 and 941. Perhaps in one or the other of these years ^a decree was made concerning the future celebration of this feast. Or an error has crept into the numbers, and one should read: "The 16th before the Kalends of June" instead of "the 7th of the Ides of June."

[5] Saussay does not mention Viventius on any of these days in the Gallican Martyrology; The feast of St. Benedict, companion of St. Viventius. but on October 23 he brings forth the following from the ancient records of the Church of Poitiers: "Benedict, Bishop of Samaria, with ^a Presbyter (this is Viventius) and forty companions, fleeing on account of the cruelty of the pagans, came to Blessed Hilary at Poitiers, whom he had heard had returned from Phrygia, and sought ^a hermitage near ^a castle, where in ^a carved * ... he remained serving God until his death, and was buried in the same place." Usuard's printed and manuscript copies and later Martyrologies generally record St. Benedict on that day with these words: "In the territory of Poitiers, St. Benedict the Confessor" — without any mention of St. Viventius or his companions, many of whom are said to have been killed for the faith, though their feast day has not yet been ascertained by us. Raoul Glaber also mentions Vergy and St. Viventius in his Life of St. William, Abbot of Dijon, given above under January 1, chapter 5, number 18, where it is said that the monastery "situated on the side of the castle of Vergy, where the ancient Confessor of Christ, St. Viventius, rests" was committed to him by the venerable Duke Henry.

[6] Whence the Life of St. Viventius is drawn. The Life of St. Viventius, transcribed from the old Legendary of the Celestines of Paris, was communicated to us by the most distinguished Andre Du Chesne, with his singular kindness. We give it here, collated with the manuscript of Sainte-Marie de Ripatorium, though it stands in need of correction in more than one place with regard to chronology and geography. The history of the Translation is more accurate, though the same author is thought to have composed it — both by Du Chesne himself in his Vergy, book 1, part 2, chapter 3, and as can be inferred from the style. It seems to have been written not long before the year of Christ 1000, for mention is made of Duke Gislebert, whom Du Chesne reports died in the year 956; and certain passages indicate that many years had elapsed from the Translation to the writing of the history: "And the place dedicated to the name of the Mother of God and of the same Blessed Viventius is still called and known by the same name to this day." A shorter and less accurate Life of St. Viventius existed in the manuscript of St. Martin's at Utrecht. It is also found in Vincent of Beauvais, as we reported above from Galesin, in Bonino Mombritius, and in Peter de Natalibus — but with the Translation omitted, which alone Du Chesne had published in his Vergy, and ^a part in his Normandy.

[7] An older text, by St. Maxentius as author. That older Acts of St. Viventius existed, and perhaps more authentic ones, the writer of this Life shows when he writes thus at chapter 8, number 45, concerning Agilmarus, Bishop of Clermont: "This venerable Bishop, frequently rereading the conversion and the deeds of St. Viventius — simple and nearly unpolished and described in an unskilled style — would kiss them and say: O blessed and holy simplicity of the ancients, who were more zealous to do the best than to speak well, and knew holy and honourable things rather than how to express them." The author of that history was perhaps St. Maxentius, Abbot of Poitiers, who, as is said in the Life at number 32, "having heard the fame of that most illustrious man, had come to seek him out and visit him, or rather to commend himself to his prayers, and depicted in ^a running style what he partly heard and partly saw." Who that Maxentius was. But which Maxentius this was, we have not been able to discover. The brother of St. Maximinus of Trier, Maxentius, was ^a Bishop, and as we said elsewhere, it seems more probable that he was older than both Viventius and Hilary. Another Maxentius, an Abbot, is venerated on June 26, who gave his name to ^a noble town in the territory of the Pictones on the river Sevre. But this Maxentius lived in the time of Clovis the Great, ^a hundred years after the death of St. Viventius, as is evident from his Life and from St. Gregory of Tours (book 2 of the History of the Franks, chapter 37). Whether it was to this Maxentius, visiting the tomb, that St. Viventius appeared and whose deeds and miracles he then committed to writing, or whether another Maxentius (a common name in that province) existed, we do not wish to conjecture. There certainly was, when St. Maxentius first came as ^a fugitive from the city of Agde into the territory of Poitiers, ^a not undistinguished monastery presided over by Blessed Agapitus; by whom he was received into his discipline, and whereas he had previously been called Auctor, he was named Maxentius — perhaps from an older Maxentius, Abbot or Founder of the same monastery, as often happens.

* Perhaps "cave."

LIFE BY AN ANONYMOUS AUTHOR.

From two old manuscripts.

CHAPTER I.

The conversion of St. Viventius, his priesthood, his preaching. The conversion of St. Cleopatronia.

[1] After the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His wondrous ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples — their hearts being strengthened, all earthly fear having been removed from those whom He had touched — the holy Apostles began openly to preach the Word of God, so that their sound might go forth into all the earth and their words to the ends of the world. But when the ministers of the adversaries contradicted them, the holy (a) soldiers persisted in enduring most patiently every kind of torment for the love of Christ. George preaches at Antioch and overthrows the idols. Whence it happened that in the time of Diocletian, ^a certain Cappadocian named (b) George came to Antioch preaching the Word of God, whereby he caused all the idols of the most wicked Governor Dacianus — whether golden or silver or carved by whatever art — to be reduced to dust, one by one, through the power of the holy cross.

[2] St. Viventius is converted. A certain young man, therefore, ^a citizen of Samaria named Viventius, born of parents who were not of the lowest rank yet held in the error of paganism, learned in the study of letters according to the pagan rite, upon hearing the preaching of Blessed George and seeing the sacred deeds of his miracles, believed in one God subsisting in the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Filled, then, with so great an inspiration, he sought to be baptized as quickly as possible, being firmly established in the faith of the holy and undivided Trinity. For he was ^a man of wondrous simplicity, adorned with the pursuits of all good virtues, fortifying himself on every side with the gifts of prayer and the watches of nocturnal vigils. He is made ^a Priest. Not long afterwards, through the most holy Bishops of the Christians — who, seeing his most kindly manner of life and his most firm solidity in the Catholic faith — he merited, ascending step by step through the ecclesiastical grades, to attain the priestly office.

[3] Then the blessed and God-worshipping Viventius, having been made ^a Priest, He preaches Christ. disseminating the word of preaching far and wide, came to the home of his father and mother. Grieving for their perdition, he urged them to depart from the worship of idols with persuasive arguments, and to believe faithfully in the living and true God, the Creator of all creatures, and to adore Him truly with all purity of heart, for His is the power in heaven and on earth without end. But seeing that he was making no progress, he fixed his knees on the ground for the sake of prayer, raised his palms to heaven, and, invoking the most merciful God, began to pray most eagerly with tears on their behalf — that they might merit to be illumined by the inspiration of divine grace and led to the grace of baptism. At last, when the most blessed Priest rose from his prayer, He converts his parents. as the divine Spirit breathed upon them, already little by little the spark of eternal light illumined their hearts brightly, so that they listened most willingly to the exhortations of their son. The distinguished Priest, seeing that they had given ear with their whole heart, exceedingly gladdened in spirit, first rendering manifold thanks to God, again expounded to them the faith of the holy and undivided Trinity, the resurrection of all the dead, the future judgment, the crown of the Blessed, and the punishment of the wicked. At last he became their spiritual father who had formerly been their son by blood and flesh.

[4] He secretly departs from his homeland. When, therefore, his own parents had been baptized, together with the others whom the providence of the Godhead had predestined, he secretly left the land of his birth — without the knowledge of all his parents — and chose rather to lead ^a pilgrim's life than to dwell any longer among the sacrilegious, as the Psalmist says: "With the holy you shall be holy, and with the innocent man you shall be innocent, and with the elect you shall be elect, and with the perverse you shall be perverted." Ps. 17:26-27. Setting out, therefore, over long stretches of land, He preaches everywhere in the apostolic manner. the servant of God in no way ceased from the word of preaching or from the ministry of the Godhead, taking nothing with him of all that pertains to the desire of the flesh — for he always kept in his heart that precept of the Lord: "Take nothing for the journey, and into whatever house you enter, announce peace to it." Luke 9.

[5] While these things were going on, one night when, exhausted by the length of the journey, he had given himself to sleep, an Angel of the Lord addressed him with gentle words, saying: "O holy Viventius, Priest of the Most High, be strengthened and be more robust, so that you may act manfully, because your holy prayers By command of an Angel he goes to the house of Dacianus. and supplications have reached the ears of the most merciful Creator. Therefore, rising quickly, return, and by the sign of the holy cross smash to pieces the idols of Dacianus, the most wicked (c) Procurator of the Asians, in the city of (d) Thessalonica. When this is done, you shall free his daughter, who has suffered demonic torment for eighteen years; for God does not rejoice in the destruction of the dying, but wishes to snatch her from the jaws of the wicked and lead her to the knowledge of His name, so that she may gain the fellowship of the Saints." And the Angel departed more swiftly than the word. The Priest, having awakened from sleep, giving thanks to God and gladdened in heart, spent the rest of the night in wakefulness with sacred prayers. He overthrows the idols by the sign of the cross. Therefore the most blessed Father, after the admonition of the holy Angel, coming to Thessalonica on the third day, reduced the shrine of the most wicked Governor to dust by the sign of the venerable cross, together with all the images of the idols; and he remained in concealment that same day, intending to return the next day.

[6] Then he entered the chamber of (e) Cleopatronia, the daughter of the most wicked Dacianus, He prays for Cleopatronia, daughter of Dacianus. and, bending his knees to the ground, he began to pray with tears, saying: "Hear me, O Lord Jesus Christ most high, your servant who entreats You and trusts in Your mercy; and look not upon our sins or the sins of our parents, but for the glory of Your name free this girl from the jaws of the Devil, so that through her many may believe in You; for there is no other God besides You, O Lord, who lives and reigns without end." And when all had answered "Amen," rising from prayer and blessing water with an exorcism and the sign of the cross, he gave it to her to drink and said: "I exorcise you, unclean spirit, by the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that you go out and depart from this handmaid of God, so that henceforth, being free, she may devoutly serve her Creator." At this voice the demon, compelled, went out with ^a cry and dire wailings, and dashed the girl unconscious at the feet of the man of God; but the holy man, making the sign of the cross, immediately restored her to health. He frees her from ^a demon. The demon, thus expelled and conquered by the blessed recruit of God, began to clamour with great wailings and, as if pleading, to say: "I beseech you, O Priest of Christ, do not send me into the abyss, but permit me to enter into the sacrilegious Dacianus." But Blessed Viventius, seeing the most foul spirit, said: "I adjure you, most wicked spirit, in the name of the only-begotten Son of the living God, who was sacrificed for the salvation of the human race, that you no longer harm any of all His creatures, but, walking through deserted and arid places, hasten without delay to commit yourself to the gehenna fire which has been prepared for you eternally and for all your associates." At this voice of the minister of God, the enemy and the envious one of all goodness, striking great terrors into all who stood by and leaving foul stenches behind, vanished. When, therefore, the demon had withdrawn at the command of the Saint, all who were present glorified God at the sight of such ^a miracle.

[7] Moreover, the chosen athlete of God, turning to Cleopatronia, the Governor's daughter, addressed her with ^a magnificent voice, in the presence of packed crowds of people, with these words: "O sacred virgin, chosen by almighty God Himself, my Lord Jesus Christ has sent me to you, to show you the way of salvation, by which whoever walks can attain the perpetual life of the Angels — which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it ascended into the heart of man — which indeed He Himself has prepared for those who love Him." Then, expounding to her the faith of the undivided Trinity, and the mystery of holy baptism, and the trophy of the venerable Cross, he showed in every way the rightness of the Catholic faith. He converts her with 200 and many others. When the girl had heard these and many other words, she believed in God, the Creator of all creatures, and was baptized by the same man of God together with about two hundred people of both sexes who were present, glorifying God and saying: "Truly you are ^a servant of God, O Blessed Viventius, and His word in your mouth is true." When these things had been accomplished, He works various miracles. the blessed Priest, preaching the word of God to the people in the same city for three months, baptized from among them no small multitude, because they saw the signs and wonders which he performed through the grace of God. All who were held by various infirmities came to him, and he healed them by invoking the name of Christ: restoring sight to the blind, giving the ability to walk to the lame, cleansing lepers, casting out demons from possessed bodies, and providing many other salutary remedies to the sick.

CHAPTER II.

Voyage to Rome. Gifts of Cleopatronia.

[8] Blessed Cleopatronia, therefore, adorned with good works and devoutly serving God through the days of her life, remained in good works, preserving the first robe of baptism. Truly blessed, because she has part in the first resurrection, through the duties of prayer, through the gifts of generosity. One night, therefore, when, exhausted, she had given herself to sleep, St. Cleopatronia, by angelic admonition, sends gifts to Rome. admonished by an angelic vision, from her surplus treasure she had two candlesticks made, together with other articles pertaining to ecclesiastical worship. All of these she sent to the Apostolic See of the Prince of the Apostles, Peter, by capable envoys — namely Bishop (a) Benedict and the holy Priest Viventius — asking that lodgings be prepared for her through so great ^a stretch of intervening lands, so that she might eventually visit the shrines of the Saints.

[9] Meanwhile, the rage of Dacianus was fiercely raging against the Christians on account of the destruction of his idols. St. Benedict the Bishop and St. Viventius avoid the persecution of Dacianus. When the holy men — namely Bishop Benedict and the Priest Viventius — heard this, they disclosed to Cleopatronia what was stirring in their mind under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, saying: "O most chaste Virgin, devoted to Christ, let your heart be strengthened so that you may act manfully, for through you many are to believe and are to receive the inheritance of the heavenly fatherland. They bid farewell to St. Cleopatronia. We, however, can by no means remain in this region, lest we be publicly accused and killed by this most wicked generation without any fruit. Therefore it seems better to us to depart from here and to gather the harvest of our God, which now appears ready for reaping, into His granary. Not, however, in the direction we wish, but having crossed the sea, wherever the Lord's disposition shall wish to direct our steps." Then the consecrated Virgin, made no little sad, throwing herself with tears at their feet, merited to receive from them the grace of their blessing.

[10] Setting out together, therefore, mindful of their companions, with firm step, and having discussed between themselves ^a plan by which all could depart equally, they separated from one another — having, however, agreed upon ^a single terminus where they would reunite at the sea. St. Benedict receives ^a cloak from her. While the blessed Bishop was returning, behold, men met him who, bringing him back to the Virgin of God, who again requested that ^a cloak, which she had previously omitted, be carried to Rome by him. Having received it and having summoned his companion, his young charge named Promotus, he began to return on his way. Meanwhile the holy Priest Viventius, having gathered to himself in Christ forty brothers and having loaded camels, together with seven servants, set out by night as far as the seashore. Not finding the Bishop according to the agreement, all were saddened by his absence.

[11] But the most wicked Dacianus, learning from the report of certain persons that they had thus departed, sent his officers, wishing to burn them in ^a frying-pan like kindling, and to make them suffer many torments also on iron wheels which he had prepared for this purpose. St. Viventius flees by ship with his 40 companions. But when Blessed Viventius and the rest of his companions saw the tyrants coming from afar with drawn swords, struck with great fear, they hastily made for the ship and departed under full sail by divine guidance. When the enemies saw that they had thus escaped, combing the topsails of their boats, cutting through the waters, stretching out their arms on every side, they made their skiff fly as fast as possible with oars. You could see ^a battle of sailors — those fleeing and those pursuing: the Saints striving to escape, the wicked striving to punish them. But amid these things, divine aid was sought; they fell upon the bottom of the deck with tears and groaning, calling upon the most powerful Helper with palms stretched to heaven. Immediately, by the blast of winds, the ships of the wicked were driven back, The pursuing enemies are submerged. and, drowned in the sea after the manner of Pharaoh's horsemen, they were sent burning to hell — thus swallowed up by the sea's feast, through the prayer of the holy man of God.

[12] While the Saints were sailing through the deep sea, suddenly ^a great difficulty arose for them on account of the absence of their companion. For the east wind, by divine impulse, turning their boat around, it immediately stood as fixed as if ^a tree were held fast by its roots deep in the earth. For ^a long time, all labouring together in vain, He escapes shipwreck. they paused for ^a while in astonishment, since their empty labour was being reduced to nothing, with the waves of the sea swelling on every side from the excessive blast of the winds. Hope of living further slipped away; but with Blessed Viventius exhorting them, with palms stretched to heaven, with one heart and one voice they invoked the mercy of the Creator, who in no way abandons those who hope in Him. Suddenly the water extended round about, and, rolled up in ^a hexagonal shape, ^a dwelling of water was formed, with the ship remaining untouched, thus enclosed. And so, under God's protection, they were saved unharmed through ^a space of one hundred and forty-four hours.

[13] While the Saints were enduring such things on the deep sea, the blessed Bishop Benedict arrived at the shore with his young charge Promotus. Not finding the brothers either, according to their agreement, he became exceedingly sad and gave himself to prayer with the boy. When the prayer was completed, he paused, and behold, ^a voice fell from heaven saying: [St. Benedict with his charge is carried over the sea on ^a cloak to St. Viventius.] "Fear not, O Benedict, blessed in name and in deed, but trust in the Lord, by whose governance the whole world is ruled. For He Himself will send His Angel as your guide, and you shall find those whom your soul desires, safe and unharmed; for the Lord tested them, because, trembling with earthly fear, they fled without waiting for you." The blessed Bishop, strengthened by this address, spreading the cloak over the sea and fortifying himself with the sign of the Cross, ascended upon it with his young charge, having the Creator of all as his helmsman; and by ^a straight course he arrived at the place where the ship of his companions was held fast by the deep. Then (wonderful to tell!) the cloak was revolving in ^a circle, upon which the holy Bishop stood with his charge; trembling at this, with eyes and palms raised to heaven, he prayed to God more intently. While these things were happening, the storm, at God's command, turning back upon itself, the prow being immediately uncovered, the Saints beheld one another face to face. O wondrous and exceedingly astonishing miracles of God! What weeping, what joy, do you suppose, amid their embraces? Therefore let Christ be praised in all things, because they spent the whole day with great joy in hymns and praises, blessing God; for the Angel led them thenceforward to the shores of ^a good harbour. They, therefore, having immediately cast anchor and prostrating themselves on the ground for the sake of prayer, gave thanks to God, who had rescued them from such great dangers.

[14] When, therefore, they sat down after prayer, being exhausted, their chief cook reported that the supply of provisions had run out; whereupon the Bishop was also informed. But comforting the brothers with gentle encouragement, he said: "God is able to prepare ^a table in the desert." Then Blessed Viventius, rising and chanting the office, walked slowly along the seashore, somewhat separated from the rest. A fish leaps from the sea for them in their hunger. When, therefore, he was looking out at the distant high shores, behold, ^a great fish, leaping from the depths of the sea, remained thus flapping on the shore. The man of the Lord, returning to his companions with quick step, joyfully announced to them, saying: "Praise the Lord, brothers, who never abandons those who hope in Him." And he commanded the servants to go and prepare the fish and take with them enough to suffice for all for ^a week. The preparers, therefore, having completed the task assigned to them as quickly as possible, and the table being set, the brothers reclined with joy and, refreshed by the gift of God, rendered Him manifold thanks and praises.

[15] At dawn of the following day, having set out on the arranged route, they came to (b) Signorissa and remained there for some days. There also, having arranged lodgings for the work of Cleopatronia, they continued on their way, always having the Angel of the Lord as their guide; and wherever they stayed, they always prepared lodgings for the aforementioned Virgin. When they had arrived at Rome, bringing forth the candlesticks with burning candles They offer the gifts of St. Cleopatronia at Rome. and the other gifts of the aforementioned Virgin, they placed everything at the tomb of Blessed Peter. Having completed the ministries of the divine mysteries, they came to the church of Blessed Paul, and thence, visiting the places of the Saints for the sake of their prayers, they returned to the house of the Prince of the Apostles.

CHAPTER III.

Withdrawal to the hermitage. Raising of ^a dead man.

[16] Having at length gratefully received the blessing of the blessed Pope together with eulogies, taking an easy journey, they reached the city of (a) Herbedilica. They remained, therefore, in the aforesaid city for eight days, conversing among themselves and daily giving thanks to God for His most kind mercy and for all the good things bestowed upon them by Him. They part from one another. Having thus recovered their strength over so long ^a period, after pleasant and sweet conversations among themselves, it pleased them to separate from one another and to seek remote places of the desert, far from any concourse of people, where they might dwell in solitude. The sacred Viventius, therefore, bathed in many tears, is reported to have said to the blessed Bishop: "May almighty God, who has rescued us from such great dangers, be the guardian and protector of us from the deception of the ancient enemy, so that as we have been companions on earth, so, with the merciful Lord granting it, we may be sharers in the joy of the heavenly kingdom." When all had answered "Amen" with weeping, and the rest had been kissed and blessed by the Bishop, ^a part of the brothers set out with him, and ^a part remained with his companion; and thus they separated from one another.

[17] Viventius goes to the desert with his companions. Indeed, at the time when these things were happening, Christianity was not yet firmly established in those regions, but the error of the pagans still greatly prevailed. Therefore ^a certain one of the remaining brothers, named Domninus, the chosen one of God, said to the holy Viventius: "Lord, if it pleases your kindness, let us, turning aside from the face of the impious inhabitants of this city, search through the vastness of whatever desert — if perhaps we may be able to find some cave where, hiding for ^a while, we may serve our Creator day and night." The counsel of this kind pleased the servant of God and the rest who were joined to him, because thus the Lord commanded His disciples in the Gospel, and He Himself first did what He had commanded, when He was carried to Egypt on account of Herod, giving us an example. Matt. 10:23. Surveying, therefore, the province of Herbedilica all around, it happened that they met the Blessed (b) Martin of Vertou, by whom they were most graciously greeted; and having heard the reason for their journey, he hospitably received them and provided whatever was necessary.

[18] He is received by St. Martin of Vertou. Nor do I think it should be passed over that almighty God wished to make manifest through His servants ^a striking miracle. While they were engaged in divine conversations among themselves and were drenched in nectareous fragrance in turn, suddenly ^a shameless woman, bearing ^a half-dead corpse at ^a run, with the skin of her breast stripped bare before their eyes, thrust herself weeping and wailing into their midst. Calling by name the one she had never known before, she said: "O most blessed Viventius, Priest of Christ, come quickly to the aid of me in my misery, and do not delay in washing my son with the wave of holy baptism before he loses the breath of the present life." While the mother was still speaking, the boy at last died in his mother's arms without the regeneration of baptism. The weeping woman, gazing upon the corpse of her dead son — she who was no longer ^a mother since she no longer had ^a son — with immense groaning and crying, throwing him down before the feet of the man of God, said with tears preceding her words: "O Viventius, servant of the living God, give me back my son, whom I brought to your sight still alive." To whom the Saint replied: "Why, woman, do you seek from us sinners such things as belong to the holy Apostles and Martyrs? For we by no means presume such things." Then she, repeating with answering voice, said: "I ask you, restore my son, if not to me, at least to baptism, so that you yourself may be called ^a pious spiritual father and I may in some measure be called ^a mother — I beg you, obtain this." As she persisted in her prayer, He raises ^a boy who died without baptism. Blessed Martin of Vertou said to the holy Priest Viventius: "Let us pray together to almighty God, dearest brother — He who raised Lazarus on the fourth day — that for the sake of His most glorious mercy He may deign to have pity on this bereaved woman, by raising her only son to life, whom she seeks to be given life by us." Immediately, turning together to prayer, bending their knees with tears, they poured forth their supplications to Christ, the King of Kings, until the soul was returned to its body and immense joy was restored to the mother. The boy's age from birth was twenty days. Baptizing him and returning him unharmed to his mother, he commanded her not to reveal to anyone in any way the deed that had been done.

[19] Thereupon the blessed Priest of Christ, remaining with St. Martin at Vertou for two months, explained to the brothers in common the reason for his journey and labours. For the flame of the divine Spirit so continually kindled their hearts, on account of the nectareous sweetness of his discourse, He exhorts all to piety. that they seemed already almost to be seeking the sublime halls of heaven, having left behind all worldly things of every kind. While the Father was brilliantly sowing these things while still dwelling at Vertou, he learned from the report of certain persons that the most wicked Emperor (c) Justinian — who everywhere persecuted the Saints of God and slaughtered with various torments all whom he found devoted to the Catholic religion — had been shamefully killed by the Senate, led down to hell, and enriched with this reward: to be perpetually burned among the flame-belching furnaces of Vulcan's hiding-places.

[20] From there he set out with Aventius and Domninus and the rest of his companions, intending to seek the coast. The Abbot Martin, together with his monks, bidding them farewell and strengthening them in the Lord, accompanied them; and blessing one another mutually, having long embraced in the kiss of peace, they were separated — not without tears — the one to his monastery, the other committing himself to the deep salt waters of the sea, borne by boat, having the Angel of the Lord as guide and helmsman. Thence, at God's command, the winds were made favourable, He goes with his companions to ^a certain island. the swelling waters of Neptune were calmed with ^a desirable tranquillity having been granted, while the Saints were praying and singing psalms without interruption, and the rest were driving the oars. At last they happily reached the shore of ^a certain island, whose name is Vertime. What more need I say? He dwells in ^a cave. By the disposition of the grace of God, ^a cave was found, as if prepared from concave marble by angelic hands, where, dwelling in distant solitude, gratefully rendering praises to God, they led their life.

CHAPTER IV.

Conversation with St. Hilary. Raising of ^a dead man.

[21] He visits St. Hilary. At the same time it happened that the blessed Bishop (a) Hilary returned from exile; whereupon the earth was filled with ineffable joy, because the name of so great ^a Bishop, spread far and wide through all the provinces of the kingdom, was most ardently loved by Catholic men. When so venerable ^a report was brought to the holy Viventius, he immediately went joyfully with his companions to the sea, and crossing the deep by the guidance of ^a boat, he reached the same port where he had formerly found the great fish. From there, directing his journey on ^a swift path with ^a straight course, they came to Poitiers. Catching sight of one another and exchanging greetings, the divine conversation was prolonged, for both were eloquent. The holy Bishop of God, Hilary, therefore, perceiving in the man of God such great prudence of the Spirit and industry in religion, inquired whence and whither and why. Having received his reply, the holy apostolic man said: "The most wicked persecutor of Christians, Dacianus, of whom you speak to me, dearest brother, perished by ^a criminal death, as was fitting; and already (b) about fourteen years have passed. Peace has been given in abundance to all Christians, and the grace of returning from exile — all things remain tranquil. Therefore, most bountiful Father, if you intend to return to your homeland, you may turn aside securely in every direction." To whom the holy Viventius replied: "As you yourself can see, most holy Father — as my grey hair together with my wrinkled brow reveal — I am full of days, and it is not possible to torment my most ancient limbs with exhausting weariness anywhere further. If, therefore, I have merited to find favour in your sight, I beseech your clemency with all supplication from my heart that some portion of your possession be granted to me, where, when dead in body, I may be buried, and likewise afterwards my pilgrim brothers."

[22] The venerable Father Hilary joyfully said: "Whatever your fatherhood may wish, most holy brother, I shall most willingly take care to bestow. But I should like you to express by name, revealing what your heart searches for." St. Hilary gives him the castle of Graulon. Then the Saint said: "You have, Reverend Bishop, ^a property which seems to us very suitable for what we seek — namely what the peasants call the castle of (c) Graulon. This, if it pleases your (d) sincerity, we ask to be given at once." The holy Bishop Hilary, therefore, exceedingly joyful in spirit, immediately fulfilling what was requested from the aforesaid castle, having drawn up ^a charter of donation, confirmed and most fully ratified, bestowed it upon the blessed man to hold in perpetuity. When these things had been thus arranged, the Blessed Viventius sought leave to be given to him for his return. Then, bidding each other farewell, strengthened by the sign of blessing and by the kiss of peace, with inconsolable weeping they were barely separated from one another.

[23] Meanwhile, as the chosen one of God, Viventius, was returning from the aforesaid Bishop, he caught sight from ^a distance of ^a boy slain by the bite of ^a serpent. Pausing briefly in his step, he halted, and fortifying himself with the sign of the life-giving Cross, he proceeded to go to the dead corpse; singing hymns and chanting psalms in his customary manner with his companion named Marinus, he arrived to examine how the boy had lost his life. Having inspected the sorrowful corpse, he found the wound of the deadly serpent. But ^a multitude of people, more than fifty, following him on account of the fame of his good works, weeping and prostrating themselves on the ground at the feet of so great ^a man, besought that the boy be raised to life through his merits. Then the most fortunate friend of God, moved to pity by the tears of the people, having recourse to the most illustrious offerings of prayer, began thus: St. Viventius raises ^a dead boy. "Hear me, Lord Jesus Christ, as I beseech Thee, and presume upon Thy holy mercy — Thou who in Thy Gospel hast promised Thy faithful that they would do greater works by believing faithfully. Look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of those who believe in Thee most faithfully and beseech Thee earnestly: raise up now, before the eyes of all, this boy here present, so that Thy name, which is wonderful, may be praised through the ages." And indeed, with the people confirming the end of this wondrous supplication by saying "Amen," the Priest of God rose from the dust, and the boy, rising from death, restored to life by ^a revived lot, sat up astonished and pale upon the ground. The man of the Lord, extending his hand to him, raised him up unharmed, He commands silence about the miracle. and entrusting him to the men who were overjoyed at so great ^a miracle, he commanded that it not be disclosed to anyone, ordering all to return to their homes under oath. But the boy, restored to the present life, was unable to conceal the new miracle from his neighbours.

[24] It seems worthwhile to insert what lives in praise. Meanwhile, as the most excellent servant of God continued his journey, extending the keen edge of his gaze into the distance, he saw ^a multitude of people of both sexes awaiting him on the shore together with the Blessed Aventius and the rest of his companions. With swift step he came all the way to them. Having greeted the brethren together with all the rest, he inquired what the present gathering might wish of him: it was reported that they had come on account of his favour and the remedy of healing. The divine physician, upon hearing this, trusting in the mercy of the Giver, exhorted all the brethren to seek the aid of the Most High. They, turning at once unanimously to prayer, drawing forth deep sighs, beating their breasts with their fists, knocked upon the inmost recesses of heaven, He heals many. and through streams of tears moved the clemency of God to the grace of compassion. When the holy gift was thus poured forth, they rise together from the dust, the wound of the people having been healed, in mind together with body. What joy then searches the inmost hearts, as they raise praises and lift their voices on high! You might see some rushing forward, embracing kinsmen, and seeking out limb by limb the gift of restored health. With no trace of ailment found, nor any cloud upon the eyes, the limbs of their bodies are illumined with the brightest light. Glory therefore to the Most High Father, equally with the Son, together with the Paraclete Spirit, is given by the whole people. Then, having greeted all and given peace to the faithful, Viventius is honoured, whom all the people praise. O blessed Viventius, indeed you can be greatly admired, but your virtue and merit cannot be narrated.

CHAPTER V.

Retreat to the island of Olonne, thence to the wilderness. Martyrdom of his companions.

[25] At length, as the fame of the Saint spread ever more widely, bearing ill the throng of people and stricken with an excessive disturbance of anxiety, he sought ^a solitary place by fleeing. The sea was cleft by the rowing of ^a boat; the boundary of the island of Olonne was reached. And so the boat was anchored, huts were prepared, He flees to the island of Olonne. as if they were to serve the Lord there in security. Immediately ^a very great difficulty arose: behold, ^a terrible wailing of demoniacs was lifted up on high. At once the man, full of the Spirit of God, perceiving the frenzy of the demons, fortified with the sign of the Cross, together with his companions, directed his steps without delay, led by the love of God, to the place of dire torment. For there were twenty persons there miserably possessed by demons, who tore with the most grievous bites whomever they could reach. Indeed, as the Blessed One drew near, they began to gnash their teeth most fiercely against him and to shriek with their voices, He heals twenty demoniacs. saying: "Why have you come to us, Viventius? Have you come then to uproot us from our dwellings?" Then the Priest said to his companions: "This kind is not cast out except by prayer and strong fasting." Prostrate therefore upon the ground in prayer, with three days of fasting completed without interruption, pressing the earth with their bodies amid ^a shower of tears, and traversing the heights of heaven in their minds, they merited to obtain the desired result. When the prayer was at last finished, the soldier of God immediately consecrated water, and undertook ^a most vigorous battle against the enemies, exorcising and sprinkling the consecrated water upon the demoniacs. When these were vanquished and utterly expelled, the bodies of the men were cleansed; and having their garments changed, he ordered them to be refreshed with food and drink and to return to their homes. The inhabitants, seeing this, praising and blessing the Almighty to the best of their power and knowledge, rendered due thanks. They also, prostrating themselves earnestly at the feet of the Saint, were devising with excessive lamentations that he should never be separated from them.

[26] Nor do I think that remarkable miracle should be passed over, which almighty God deigned to display for the sake of His most beloved servant. For adjacent to the castle of Graulon there was ^a vast immensity of wilderness, which the man of God had determined to enter after dismissing the brethren, in order to lead ^a solitary life there. But as he was going, it happened that robbers met him, Robbers wishing to kill him slay themselves. who, rejoicing, surrounded him, seeking the treasures of Dacianus, which they believed with certainty to be hidden in his possession. But when the Saint utterly denied this, the most wicked men, instigated by the spirit of malice, being exceedingly moved with fury, laid hands upon him, and administering the harshest torments, dragging him round about, they cruelly resolved that in the end he should be slain by the sword at their hands. To them the Confessor of the Lord replied fearlessly: "All things are in the hand of God; let His will therefore be done, if it has been permitted to you by Him." Accordingly, when the most savage robbers had immediately seized their swords to slaughter him, the first of them, his sides transfixed by his own sword, fell and killed himself by ^a wretched death; the second, running at full speed to the wood, hanged himself suspended from an oak; the third likewise, seized by ^a demon, was deprived of life by such vengeance; the fourth, having lost his sight, was deprived of human comforts; the fifth, full of madness, tearing his own hands and arms together with his whole body with his teeth, lost the joys of the present life; so in order the sixth, in headlong course, plunged into the sea over ^a precipice, and his body was given as food to the fishes, while his spirit was delivered to hell with his other accomplices to be tormented without end.

[27] He lives holily in the wilderness. And so the most valiant athlete of God, Viventius, having gratefully rendered praises to almighty God, with hymns and spiritual canticles cheerfully resumed his postponed journey and arrived at the wilderness. Having found, by the prompting of God, ^a cave in the hollow rock, he entered it to serve God day and night until the end of his life. And since this always remained in his heart — that, withdrawn from the throng of people, he might dwell alone with himself — he was to fight through prayer with tears against the vices of the flesh and the adversary of all goodness. O ineffable man, worthy of praise, whose merit neither tongue nor mind of anyone is able to express!

[28] After these events, no small anger and grief arose among the remaining brethren on account of the absence of so great ^a Father, since indeed he was loved by them with ^a paternal affection, His companions seek him in sorrow. by whom, in every direction, they remained entirely secure, God disposing all things through the prayer of His most beloved servant. And what more? He is sought here and there, as they run about with altered spirits and countenances, grieving with most abundant weeping and shaken by great sobbing. Having at length taken deeper counsel, since he was not found on the present island, they determined to seek him further through the vast places of the wilderness, in case God might wish either to lead them to him, or at any rate to send them to some impious men, where they might suffer for His name. Having therefore immediately left Olonne, about to search through the deep places of the forests and the wastes of the wilderness, while they went forward lamenting together, suddenly the most wicked prince of robbers and persecutor of Christians, Dacianus, met them with his attendants. When he saw them, without delay he ordered them to be seized and brought before him, wishing to inquire of what religion they were. But those servants of God, as they had been taught by their most holy Father Viventius, They are slain by robbers. chose rather to suffer for the name of Christ than to deny the faith of the Holy Trinity in the least. When they were interrogated by the most vile Dacianus concerning the duty of their religion, they replied with one voice, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, that they would never be torn from the law of Christianity. Then that most wicked man, devoid of piety, most swiftly ordered them to be slain by the sword in his sight. This happened in the sixty-fifth year after their departure from the land of their birth — whatever the prior age may have been. Thus, leaving behind the clods of earth, their spirits seized heaven, Christ the Son of God granting it.

CHAPTER VI.

Revelation of approaching death. Miracles at death.

[29] Let the narrative return to its former order, carrying forward the most illustrious work of the Father. St. Viventius, now aged, is visited by Gundicarus. Indeed, when almighty God wished His servant, now worn out by hunger, thirst, and extreme old age, to rest from his labour, lest, afflicted by so great ^a burden, he should fail alone without human comfort, He stirred up the spirit of ^a certain man who, though born of the servile condition of St. Viventius's household — however lowly his origin in other respects — was nevertheless very wealthy in worldly goods, and whose name was Gundicarus. This man, therefore, upon hearing the renown of his lord, whom he had never known in person but loved greatly in his heart, being inspired by God, left behind all his possessions, prepared provisions for the journey, and undertook ^a very long journey. Thence, through fields and towns, cities, villages, and castles, proceeding by ^a direct path — with an angel guiding him, never deviating — he was at last led to the cell of the Blessed One. When they saw one another, they wept, embracing each other for joy. The most blessed Priest therefore blessed almighty God, who had deigned to remember him and had furnished him aid from his own servants. He inquired the reason for the journey and the investigation of so long ^a road, and found that it had all been accomplished, as stated above, by God's arrangement through an angel.

[30] Nor does it seem to me that what divine grace conferred upon him, worthy of remembrance, should be passed over in silence. For when he perceived that his body was touched by some infirmity, before the end of his death should draw near, he ordered Gundicarus to go to the castle of Graulon and to bring before him whatever sick persons he could find, He orders the sick to be summoned to him. so that the mercy of God might deign, before the day of his death, to bestow some power through his prayers. Gundicarus, immediately obeying the voice of the one commanding, gathered the blind, deaf, and mute, the feeble and lame, and an abundant multitude of the sick, both from the castle of Graulon and from the surrounding villages, and led them all to the cell of the servant of God; and ^a multitude of men and women followed them as well. When the tireless soldier of God, filled with the divine Spirit, saw them, he began to speak thus: "At all times, my dearest brethren, in prosperity and in adversity, you ought to bless, praise, believe in, and worship God, because He Himself is kind and merciful, just and compassionate, and mercifully disposed to hear in all good things. If indeed you truly believe that you can be saved by Him, you shall forthwith be freed from all these infirmities by which you are so greatly ensnared." When they replied that they believed with faithful mind in God and that they could be healed by Him, the holy Priest rendered due praises to God. Kneeling therefore upon the ground, and raising his eyes to heaven, he prayed to God more intently, having prefaced with the titles of the psalms, saying: "Hear, O God, my supplication; attend to my prayer." Likewise: "Hear, O God, my prayer, and do not despise my supplication; attend to me and hear me, for Thy servants and handmaids, that Thou mayest heal them all for the sake of Thy holy and glorious name, that they may see Thy power and strength, He heals all by his prayers. and that Thy praise may endure without end." While the Saint was still pressing the earth with his body, doing violence to heaven, ^a very great commotion arose among the sick on account of the grace of healing: the blind marvelled as they beheld the things of the world; the lame leapt for joy; the lepers gazed upon themselves cleansed; the paralytic, the knots of their sinews being loosened, were restored to their former state. What more? All the bodies of the sick felt themselves so strengthened with health that they affirmed they had never been better. Then all the people, praising God with one voice, proclaimed that the holy Priest was ^a servant of God. Thereupon the most renowned athlete of God addressed them gently, saying: He foretells his own death. "The time of my dissolution is at hand and compels me; therefore I admonish you with suppliant entreaty to bury me, ^a pilgrim, in the property which was given to me by the Blessed Hilary by charter." They all unanimously pledged that they would do so. Having kissed them all, therefore, and fortified them with the sign of the Cross, each one returned joyfully to their homes. O man happy in all things and greatly venerable, who by his merits bestowed health upon many, and for himself through the grace of Christ happily merited blessed eternity!

[31] It seems indeed worthy of record and not to be passed over in silence that he was frequently visited by angels: He is often visited by angels. for the more securely he wished to be separated from men, the more assiduously the visitation of angels attended him. And since this most holy man, strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit, full of virtues, flourishing in holiness, and always occupied with divine offices, prayers, and vigils in the ardour of charity, did not relax his spirit from heavenly things, but unceasingly took care to fulfil whatever pertains to the worship of the divine religion. He learns the day of his death. But while he was shining most brightly, intent upon these good things, one night, when he had given himself briefly to sleep, weary, to refresh the limbs of his body, an angel appeared with ^a great light, calling him by name and speaking with august voice: "O Viventius, Priest of the most high God, you should not weep but rather rejoice, for God has heard your prayers and has seen your tears; for the glorious time of your calling and of the end of the present life's service is at hand, when you shall be joined, crowned, to the fellowship of the Saints, to feast at the banquet of Christ, enriched with fruit contained in ^a hundredfold diadem, remaining with Him without end. Let this therefore be known to you with certainty: six days hence, that is, on the octave of Epiphany, all these things shall be fulfilled, Christ granting it."

[32] When these things had been thus spoken, the angel was immediately received back among the stars, and the Priest, awakened from sleep, exceedingly joyful at so wondrous ^a vision, hastened at once to prayer and thanksgiving. The holy Abbot Maxentius of Poitiers, He is visited by St. Maxentius. who, having heard the fame of this most illustrious man, had come to seek him out and visit him — but rather to commend himself to his prayers — was present during some of these events, and partly hearing, partly seeing, he depicted everything with ^a running pen. O most holy hierarch of God, to whom the heavenly hierarchy utters divine oracles as he is about to depart! O greatly admirable and exceedingly venerable faith of the Priest! His calling is announced so that he might be more certain of his reward.

[33] He obtains sight for one blind from birth. After these events ^a certain man was present who, blind from his mother's womb, had never merited to perceive any light of the present life. This man, having heard the angelic vision, began to ponder within his heart, and — to use his own words — deliberating within the secret chambers of his heart, he said: "Do you think it could ever come to pass that what nature denied by withholding, I might receive through the intercession of this man of God? Have we not heard that through the Son of God — who promised His followers that they would do greater things — ^a blind man was not only given sight, but what was lacking in him was made perfect? I shall go, therefore; perhaps through His power, His servant Viventius may here be willing to give me sight." Trusting therefore in the mercy of God, he approached the Priest and said: "O Priest of almighty God, I beseech you through Him, have mercy on me; pray to God for my sins and that my eyes may be opened." To this the man of God replied: "If you believe with your whole heart that you can be given sight through Him, you shall receive not only corporeal light together with men and other living creatures, but also with the angels and holy men you shall merit to enjoy perpetually the eternal brightness of God." When these words had been spoken, the most merciful Father by suppliant prayer immediately merited to obtain the petition of the blind man. As the darkness parted openly on every side, the twin windows of his brow were opened, and the light of the sun was born for him, together with all the ornaments of the day; all things were newly fashioned for him, because he then first merited to behold their creation with his own eyes. And if it be permitted to say so, the world seemed to be born after him, to whom it was first given to see. O how great is the mercy of God, who did not wish His servant to be frustrated in His own promises — so that God, first supplying what was imperfect in the man through Himself, as ^a good master fulfilling His promise through His servant, gave sight to one blind from birth! And of this miracle the aforesaid Abbot Maxentius was by no means unaware — indeed, he was ^a contemporary — who, no less full of holiness, strong in virtue, and replete with all good things, awaited the outcome of the matter according to the promise of the angel, and the day of the calling of St. Viventius.

[34] When five days had passed in order, the joyful and solemn octave day of Epiphany arrived. On his last day of life he celebrates. But it seems to us that what almighty God wished to accomplish through His servant on that same day should not be passed over. For when the people dwelling round about learned through both the Blessed Maxentius and Gundicarus that the final day of the Blessed Viventius was at hand, they flocked from everywhere, bringing with them whatever sick persons needed to be cured, to the holy Priest. The man of God, hearing them crying out and moved with compassion, setting aside his own infirmity and more solicitous for them, rose up as best he could to offer the sacrifice. When this was completed, together with St. Maxentius, bending his knees, he began to entreat almighty God for mercy upon the wretched, saying with tears: "Hear me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is bountiful; according to the multitude of Thy compassions look upon me and upon this people held fast by various infirmities. Heal them, O Lord, through Thy power and Thy great mercy, that it may be known to all that there is no God besides Thee, O Lord, who dost not wish Thy creation to perish." When the prayer was finished, immediately all, having received health, began to praise God with pure mind and to bless the holy Priest. He heals the sick. Among this very great multitude there were twenty-four whose lives had been despaired of: some of them were broken by the vexation of demons, others were far advanced in blindness and old age, others were bound by paralysis, others were white with leprosy, others were deranged, others, with their sinews and joints dissolved, had been carried by the hands of others — and now they rejoiced to walk on their own feet.

[35] Nor was the promise of the angel postponed by any delay or interruption whatsoever; He dies at the age of 120 years. but immediately after the sign of so great ^a miracle, not only the day but also the hour arrived when, with bodily ailment pressing upon him and his limbs now broken by age failing him, full of days in ^a good old age, at the number of one hundred and twenty years, flourishing in the splendour of his merits, about to commit his earthly limbs to the earth, He miraculously frees captives. to be present among the choirs of angels, his spirit about to ascend the lofty heavens, fortified with the Eucharist of Christ, he closed his last day. Suddenly, at that very hour, bolts fell as their locks gave way, stocks split asunder, fetters together with chains and shackles were broken to pieces, the depths of the prisons, gleaming with splendour, were all thrown open, the guards fled in terror, robbers and all other prisoners were released, and all who had been condemned in that castle of Graulon were restored to their former liberty by the power of God and the merits of the Blessed Viventius.

[36] His soul is received by angels, while demons clamour in vain. It was also divinely revealed to the Blessed Maxentius that, when the holy soul departed from the body, the Archangel Michael with ^a throng of angels met it and received it to be conducted into heaven. Immediately from the North — that is, from the left side — an innumerable Plutonic host appeared, about to blaspheme the holy soul, saying: "This man is our companion, who through timid flight lost the crown of martyrdom, for Christ says: 'Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been proved he shall receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.' James 1:12 One who is disobedient and ^a transgressor of God's commandments ought not to be joined to His servants, but rather to us, because in this he is like us." While the ministers of the Devil were falsely uttering these things and many others, the Angel Gabriel with ^a manifold host came to meet them. And when ^a great thunder was produced amid the clouds together with immense flashes of lightning, the throng of the wicked was dispersed and cast in an instant into the lowest hell. Thence, with hymns and angelic canticles, the soul of the heavenly citizen was conducted, happily crowned with victorious patience. The body is buried. Meanwhile, the Blessed Maxentius together with the rest of the faithful of Christ committed the holy body to burial, and when the funeral rites had been duly performed, all returned to their homes.

CHAPTER VII.

Miracles after death.

[37] Nor does it seem fitting to suppress in silence those miracles which, after his passing, the Lord deigned mercifully to display on account of His beloved servant. [A blind woman is admonished by an angel to send gifts to the sepulchre of St. Viventius.] For when five years had passed after his glorious death, the Lord, wishing to make His servant known on earth through signs of miracles — so that faith might increase and flourish ever more and more — sent His angel from heaven. Coming to Antioch, he entered the bedchamber of ^a daughter of the King, which was filled with celestial light, and stood before the bed of the sleeping maiden, who was nevertheless blind. Calling her by name, he addressed her with gentle words, saying: "Juliana, arise and send scouts swiftly to Europe with offerings — namely, ^a priestly vestment, ^a chalice, ^a paten, and ^a bell — and command them by no means to cease until the tomb of St. Viventius is found, and moreover that an oratory be built over it in the name of Jesus Christ. When the aforesaid gifts have been placed there, you shall immediately receive the lost light of the present life; and if you believe without doubt, you shall not lack perpetual light." And more quickly than the word, the angel departed. When morning came, the maiden, hastening as much as possible not to delay the angel's commands, sent out explorers with the designated sacramental gifts and ordered the tomb of the Saint to be found and ^a basilica to be built as swiftly as possible, and that they report back to her with all speed. When this is done, she recovers her sight. The envoys, proceeding with the favour of Christ's grace, were led by ^a direct path to the tomb of the Saint. His commands were fulfilled: the tomb was located within, where also ^a book of the Sacraments was found, through which the same Priest had been accustomed to offer the sacraments of the Mass and sacrifices to God. When these things had been accomplished, the noble maiden was found to have her sight; and when the day and hour were investigated, it was discovered to be the same at which her envoys had prostrated themselves in prayer for her at his tomb.

[38] Another blind man recovers his sight. Nor should this be passed over in silence, which almighty God wishes to be made known. For on that very day on which God willed the maiden to be thus illumined, there was likewise present at the threshold of that same oratory ^a man blind from birth, who, immediately upon entering, merited to receive the light which he had never possessed, through the merits of so great ^a patron. Thus in these two, as it were, two testaments are born: in the maiden, namely, the Mosaic law, which was formerly ^a virgin and pure in chastity, but afterwards blinded, because she had departed from the way of truth; but the man who had never seen can not unfittingly represent the Gentile people, who never had the light of divinity. When Christ came in His mercy, both are equally illumined in one day, which is Christ; so that as many as believed from among the Jews, likewise as the Gentiles, are called children of God. And thus in two testaments the light of eternity is diffused; and likewise fourfold through the four regions of the whole world, just as through four beams of the eyes the truest Sun, Christ the Word — which is the four Gospels — radiates.

[39] Thieves, having plundered his basilica, are unable to leave. After these remarkable and universally proclaimed miracles, it happened that petty thieves arrived, broke into his church, and entered through ^a window by night. Having seized the priestly vestments together with the vessels in which the Eucharist of Christ is customarily contained, and likewise the altar cloth — things which they should never have dared to touch, even for ^a good purpose, the divine law forbidding them — they shamelessly gathered together everything that had been found therein. When this was done, like men truly out of their minds, they circled about within the church; but when they wished to leave furtively, the opening through which they had entered could by no means be found, God providing for this. The first of them, while climbing high as if by ingenuity, with one foot having slipped and the other caught in the opening, the wretch hung miserably from the wall, as if in reverse he were walking to heaven with his feet and trying to touch the earth with his head and hands — though heavenly benefits are not acquired in such ^a manner, but rather infernal torments are earned eternally. Another, while in like fashion seeking ^a place of escape for himself around the circuit, the wretch, full of impious obstinacy, came — willing or not — to the sepulchre of the holy body, where he did not belong. There (marvellous to say) the rings with hooks attached so entangled themselves in ^a chain-like fashion, seizing the wicked thief both by his garments and by his limbs, that he could by no means wrench himself free to the other side. A third, likewise frenzied, came to the place where the bell of the Saint's monks hung in the basilica; seizing the mallet as if in glee, desiring to hear the sweet sound by ringing it, and striking it again and again ever more frequently, the entire hall was filled with the noise. Whereupon the guardians, awakened without delay, directing their frightened gazes in ^a circle, discovered that they were beset by thieves. Leaping up at once, they captured the thieves and recovered everything that they had stolen, and kept the thieves bound with cords until daybreak. When morning came, they began to deliberate among themselves about putting them to death; but the mercy of almighty God — which always shone forth in the Blessed Viventius — swiftly pervading the hearts of each one, the thieves were immediately given the opportunity to escape, after first being sufficiently refreshed with bodily nourishment.

[40] At that time, after Dacianus had been struck down by divine vengeance, ^a most wicked king arose on the same throne, by the name of Rictiovarus, who was to reign in India and Asia. Excessively displaying the severity implied by the etymology of his name, with gaping mouth and forked tongue, burning most wickedly with the torches of avarice, he began to rage against the Christians, deceiving them in various ways. For whomsoever he could separate from the law of holy Christianity through various kinds of promises and bend to his own gods, these he held exalted as if by the favour of friendship, above all the rest of his friends. Persecution against the Church. But those whom he could not overcome — since, founded upon the firm rock, they manfully resisted — he strove to destroy by raging through the most cruel engines of torment. This went on in India and Asia for three years and six months. Indeed, counting all this as nothing, having gathered from every side ^a hostile multitude, full of madness, together with Nasarac his god, he did not delay in bursting upon the Roman territories with such an expedition, which, having devastated and laid waste over the course of two years, he proposed the most grievous anguish of tribulation to the Romans in every quarter, seeking by the counsel of his god Nasarac and his princes where he might turn in order to exterminate the worshippers of Christ by the most terrible slaughter. Whereupon, having received ^a response as if divinely given, he determined to make for the territories of the Lombards.

[41] When the Priests and Princes of the Lombards heard these things, they resolved to seek help from almighty God. Having therefore sent an embassy throughout every part of the kingdom and proclaimed ^a fast, they began, weeping and lamenting their sins, to seek the mercy of God, so that through the interceding merits of His Saints an indication of deliverance from the assault of so great an enemy might be given to them. For divine clemency, sudden and propitious, is at hand — which does not spurn the prayers of those who devoutly cry out to it. A certain soldier, putting himself forward promptly, having called for silence with outstretched hand, began to speak with eloquent discourse, saying: "If you would deign to hear the words of so humble ^a person, I believe I can prove something that, with God granting it, will be of benefit against so great ^a perfidy. Today, unless I am mistaken, as it seems to me, it is the thirtieth anniversary since, at your urgent command, we confined in prison ^a certain pilgrim named Viventius, together with twelve robbers, and shut him in ^a dungeon. The garment taken from St. Viventius cannot be sold and shines at night. When we wished to sell his garment for our sustenance, we were by no means given the opportunity to sell it anywhere, and wherever it was placed at night, the darkness of the nights was put to flight by its immense brilliance. Whereupon we, vehemently terrified and perplexed at so marvellous an occurrence — and also at the escape of the man himself, whom the Angel of the Lord, having loosed him from our bonds, caused to go free, just as the Blessed Peter was freed from the custody of Herod — having taken counsel on this matter, we at length learned by lot that the same garment, together with the relics which we had taken from him — namely, of the holy Cross and of St. Bartholomew — ought to be brought to the church dedicated in honour of St. Peter; and so it was done. And this seems to me the proper course in so fearful ^a matter: let the aforesaid relics be carried about in the hands of the Bishops, and let the mercy of almighty God be sought with the performance of Litanies by all the people, frequently invoking the Priest of Christ, Viventius, that he may not permit the worshippers of Christianity to be destroyed by so great ^a fury of diabolical craft." This salutary counsel pleased all, and having resumed their courage, they confidently carried out all these things. While these things were being done, the most impious Rictiovarus with exceeding fury came to the aforesaid basilica of St. Peter and immediately inquired to the worship of what gods they were devoted. Then the Bishops and all the rest of the Christian people, relying on the aid of the Divinity, testified with one voice that they were Christians. The most wicked Rictiovarus, therefore, enraged, ordered them all to be speedily slain by various torments. But the chief Priests, together with all the Christian people, confidently invoked God and humbly implored St. Viventius, that they might be swiftly freed from the assault of so dire an enemy. Without delay, an earthquake arose with great thunder, and with fiery missiles flying thick and fast, The impious are divinely slain through the aid of St. Viventius. the most savage enemy was cruelly destroyed, and not one survivor was left from among all his people. All the Christians, therefore, surviving and beholding such great wonders of God, with ^a loud voice of rejoicing, sang the Te Deum laudamus with joy.

[42] After these events, the Christians, wishing to investigate what they should do with the idol that had been left behind, placed the garment of the Blessed Viventius upon it. The demon is driven from the idol by the garment of St. Viventius. Then the demon who lurked within it began to cry out with loud voices that it should be removed, promising to confess whatever they wished. But when they would not comply, he confessed with what voice he could that he had been at the Cross of the Lord Jesus when He was crucified, seeking sin in Him where there was none. While he was speaking these things, struck by ^a flash of heavenly lightning, he vanished. O Priest of God, to be praised through the power of almighty God! O what ^a most precious garment, through which the devil is vanquished, the dire imperial persecution is quelled, and the divine power, made manifest, is praised!

[43] At length the Bishops and Princes, together with the entire common people, overjoyed at so great ^a miracle and having collected the spoils of so marvellous ^a multitude, A church is built in honour of St. Viventius. consulted with one another and sought with keen investigation how they might render thanks and offerings to God and to His holy faithful servant Viventius for so great ^a miracle of deliverance. Indeed, having discovered ^a counsel of higher wisdom through diligent investigation, with all the people fervently desiring the same thing, ^a basilica was constructed with fitting splendour in honour of almighty God and in the name of the Blessed Viventius, where to this day divine benefits are present, through the bounty of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose praise, honour, and sovereignty, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, endures without end for ever and ever. Amen.

CHAPTER VIII.

The relics are translated to Auvergne, thence into Burgundy — first to Amaous, then to Vergiacum.

[44] It must therefore be committed to memory how, after the manifold splendours of miracles, the body of the blessed Confessor Viventius was translated from the place where it had first been deposited to another territory. For when in the Gallic provinces, and likewise in all other provinces of the world, that saying of the Apostle was being fulfilled — namely, that as iniquity abounded, the charity of many would grow cold Matt. 24:12 — there followed ^a vengeance upon Christians, as dire as it was frequent, by the hands of pagans. At length, Incursions of the Normans. as the accumulated mass of sins demanded, the race of the Normans, having set out from the northern region, consumed with sword and fire the lower part of Gaul all the way to the sea, just as the Hungarians devastated the upper part all the way to Germany. In the year of the Incarnation of the Lord eight hundred and sixty-eight, after Louis and the other most powerful kings, during the reign of Charles the Younger, the aforesaid incursions of the pagans raged beyond measure on every side, as the strength of both our kings and other princes failed to resist them. Accordingly, while the common people perished everywhere by sword and famine, the goods and buildings of men were likewise consumed by fire, and especially the shrines of the Saints and all the churches. Their ministers, that is, the clergy and monks, were condemned yet more cruelly; altars were utterly overturned and desecrated; the sepulchres of the Saints were violated without reverence. Indeed, this destruction raged as fiercely at first as it did even more bitterly in the islands and the western territories adjacent to the sea.

[45] Then innumerable bodies of holy Confessors and Martyrs were removed from their own tombs by the hands of the faithful and carried to other provinces for the sake of refuge. The relics of St. Viventius are brought to Auvergne. For at that time the venerable Confessor and Priest of Christ, Viventius, was resting with honourable veneration in the territory of Poitou — namely, in the very ancient castle of Graulon, which Hilary, that resounding trumpet of the deifying Trinity in the world and jewel among Bishops, had bestowed upon him during his lifetime and established in perpetuity. His monks, diligently gathering his bones out of fear of the aforesaid devastation, together with ^a very great escort of servants of both sexes and the relics of other saints, brought them to the city of Auvergne. The Bishop of that city at that time was Agilmarus, Agilmarus, Bishop of Clermont. ^a noble man and devoted to God, and praiseworthy in all respects in the execution of this matter. He indeed, after the manner of the great Hilary, receiving with eager delight whatever pertained to the patrimony of the Blessed Viventius, and consoling them with words and resources as if they were twin brothers or sons, and longing to prepare suitable lodging for them with himself, earnestly exhorted them to remain. This venerable Bishop, frequently rereading the conversion and acts of St. Viventius — which were simple and almost unpolished, and written in ^a lifeless style — would kiss the text and say: "O blessed and hallowed rusticity of our forebears, which strove more to do excellent things than to speak of them, and knew better how to be holy and honourable than to describe it!" Meanwhile, the same Bishop had ^a property in the parts of Burgundy, in the county of Amaous, ^a possession propagated by estates inherited from his ancestors, He founds ^a monastery of St. Viventius. distant six miles from the river Saone — so endowed with its own resources that it needed to seek nothing from outside, with ^a most fertile soil, most abundantly supplied with waters and woods, meadows and vineyards. There, establishing ^a monastery with cloisters and most suitable dwellings for monks, and transfers the relics thither he dedicated it in the name of the Blessed Viventius, and at the same time conferred upon the aforesaid place all that he was seen to possess, both in the aforesaid county and in many others, together with numerous gifts of gold and silver. There he then installed the blessed Confessor together with his entire retinue of attendants, in which place he also rested most honourably for some interval of time.

[46] It came to pass, however, after ^a course of some years, that as the savagery of the pagans sprouted forth again, and Hastings, the Prince of the Normans, invaded the borders of the Burgundians with his forces, Incursion of the Normans into Burgundy. the aforesaid property recently given to the Blessed Viventius was depopulated and burned by fire, along with almost the entire province, by the same Normans. But shortly thereafter, strengthened by the regard of heavenly mercy and having resumed their forces, certain leading men of the Franks and Burgundians, with Duke Richard leading the way, They are destroyed by Duke Richard. when the same Normans were attempting to destroy what remained by ^a third slaughter, fell upon them in the district of Chartres and destroyed them with such great carnage that they no longer attempted to rush out in raids into the territories of foreigners.

[47] Thereafter there appeared ^a certain man, distinguished in military endeavours and worldly industry, the vigorous Manasses, the closest friend of the aforesaid Duke Richard, and after him one who had obtained the leadership of all Burgundy; whose son Gislebertus was afterwards Duke of the same Burgundy. This Manasses, after having conducted many affairs of secular life, mindful of seeking remedies for his sins, by the counsel of his wife — Hermengardis by name — and of his brother Walo, Bishop of the city of Autun, and of the rest of his noble friends, began to build ^a monastery in the territory of Autun, The monastery of Vergiacum, founded by Duke Manasses. in the most secure place of the mountain of the castle of Vergiacum. To this place he also caused the bones of the Blessed Viventius, together with the bodies of many other saints, to be transported; and the same place, dedicated to the name of the Mother of God and of the Blessed Viventius himself, is to this day so called and known. Both the same Manasses and his wife Hermengardis, after his death, enriched it with accumulated stores of various furnishings and properties most lavishly; and, having made it entirely free from all secular subjection, they committed it to the care of the universal Roman Pope.

[48] St. Viventius is renowned there for miracles. There, therefore, to this day the blessed athlete of Christ, Viventius, is worthily venerated, and frequently shines forth with miracles and virtues. The memorial of his Reception, to be festively observed every year on the Monday after the day of Pentecost in the aforesaid place of Vergiacum, was instituted by the devotion of the Bishop of Autun and other religious men, to the praise and glory of our Saviour, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.