CONCERNING THE HOLY VIRGINS MAURA AND BRITTA, AT TOURS IN GAUL.
PrefaceMaura, Virgin at Tours in Gaul (St.) Britta, Virgin at Tours in Gaul (St.)
[1] The bodies and names of these Virgins lay hidden; both were revealed by the Virgins themselves. St. Gregory of Tours briefly committed the entire matter to writing in On the Glory of the Confessors, chapter 18. Their Acts were either never composed — because they led a life known only to God and the Saints of Heaven, Revelation of Saints Maura and Britta, far from the crowds and light of men — or they perished in that devastation of the Gauls by the Franks, Vandals, Huns, and other barbarians. Their date is likewise uncertain. It may be conjectured that they lived in the times of St. Martin, or not long after, while the Christian piety that he had so carefully cultivated was still flourishing. Their bodies were found while St. Euphronius, the predecessor of St. Gregory, was governing the Church of Tours — that is, in the sixth century, since he was present at the Third Council of Paris in the year 557 and at the Second Council of Tours in the year 567, as we shall note on his feast day, August 4.
[2] Other holy sisters of a similar name are celebrated — Maura and Brigida — who suffered martyrdom in Beauvais in defense of their virginity, as Peter Louvet, a distinguished man, narrates at length in book 2 of the Antiquities of Beauvais, chapter 13, and the three following chapters. Their elevation is commemorated with solemn celebration on the Sunday after the Ascension of Christ, recorded in the Gallican Martyrology by Saussay on May 5. But there is no doubt that those of Tours were likewise adorned with sacred honors by Euphronius and his successors; annual commemoration. on what day, we do not know. The same Saussay recorded them under January 15, in the Supplement to the Gallican Martyrology; on the preceding day, Canisius, Ferrarius, and Molanus in the earlier edition of Usuard.
HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY
from St. Gregory, Bishop of Tours.
Maura, Virgin at Tours in Gaul (St.) Britta, Virgin at Tours in Gaul (St.) — BHL Number: 5726
[1] Within the territory of Tours there was a small hill, overgrown with thorns, brambles, and wild vines, and woven together with such a density of wild grape that scarcely anyone could break through into it. For rumor had it Their bodies revealed by heavenly light, that two Virgins consecrated to God rested in that place — evidently because on the vigils of feast days, lights divinely kindled were often observed by the faithful. One man, bolder than the rest and relying on the authority of his spirit, did not fear to approach the place in the dark of night. And beholding a candle of wondrous whiteness blazing with immense light, he marveled for a long time, then departed and reported to others what he had seen.
[2] and by repeated apparitions of themselves, Then the Virgins showed themselves in a vision to one of the inhabitants of the place. They explained that they were buried there and could no longer endure the injury of the rains without a roof; and that if he wished to provide for their welfare, he should cut away the thorns and furnish a covering for their tombs. But when he awoke, other thoughts rushing in upon him, he consigned what he had seen to oblivion. On another night they appeared to him again, with threatening countenances, terrifyingly warning him that unless he covered the place, he would depart from this world within the present year. Frightened therefore by this vision, the man took up an axe, cut down the undergrowth, and uncovered the tombs: they are found, with a miracle: and he found solid drops of wax, of the size of frankincense grains, giving off a fragrance of nectarous scent.
[3] An oratory is built there, Then, yoking oxen to a cart, he gathered stones, and when summer came he built an oratory over the site. When the work was completed, he invited Blessed Euphronius, who then governed the Church of Tours, to come and bless it. But that Bishop, already worn out by old age, excused himself from going, saying: "You see, my son, that I have grown old and the winter presses harder than usual; the rains descend and the winds blow everything about with their blasts; the rivers are swollen, and the very roads, from the abundance of rains, have nearly dissolved into mud. The Bishop is asked by the Saints themselves to dedicate it; It does not befit my age to hasten upon such a journey at this time." When the man heard this, he departed from the presence of the Bishop, going away very sorrowful. But when the Bishop relaxed his limbs in rest, he saw two Virgins standing before him, of whom the elder, with a sad countenance, spoke thus: "In what have we proved disagreeable to you, most blessed Bishop? What trouble have we caused to the region entrusted to you by God? Why do you despise us? Why do you feign reluctance to come and consecrate the place which a faithful man has built for us? Come now, we beseech you, by the name of Almighty God, whose handmaids we are." Having spoken, she bedewed her cheeks with tears that sprang forth.
[4] and as he sets out thither, the storm subsides. The old man, having awakened, called the steward of his episcopal household, saying: "I sinned by not going with the man; for behold, I saw two Virgins reproaching me for this, and I fear to incur the displeasure of God if I delay going there." Hastening his journey, he set out upon the road. And as he went, the rain ceased and the fierce violence of the south winds abated. He himself, completing the journey successfully, the stature and names of the Saints, blessed the place and returned in peace. For he frequently described the countenance and bearing of the Virgins, and said that one was taller in stature and the other shorter — not in merit; yet both were whiter than snow. One he called Maura, and the other Britta, saying that he had learned these names from their own lips.