ON BL. PELINGOTTUS, OF THE THIRD ORDER OF S. FRANCIS AT URBINO IN ITALY.
THE YEAR 1304.
PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY. Concerning the Life and cult of the Blessed one.
Pelingottus, of the third Order of S. Francis at Urbino in Italy (B.)
BY THE AUTHOR D. P.
[1] Maynardus, Bishop of Urbino, complained to Fulco Bishop of Città di Castello, that no proper Patron of his city was had; and on that title obtained from him the body of S. Crescentian Martyr, as we said on this very day, The first among the people of Urbino. about the year 1067: nor afterward for two or more centuries, did another fall to the people of Urbino (a rare thing in Italian cities) before this B. Pilingottus of whom we treat, whom some judge ought to be named Pelinus-Gottus. He lived there in his paternal house as a Tertiary in the 13th century, having died in the year 1304: and soon from his death shone with such great miracles; that the body buried in the common cemetery of the Franciscan church, the Brothers were compelled to elevate, and translate into their own church, over which an altar being constructed, the solemnities of Masses to his commendation and glory are daily celebrated, as at no. 24 testifies the coeval Author of the Life; writing the virtues of the living man, the Blessed one obtaining a solemn cult, as he found from those conversing with him, as he has at no. 4. Yet that altar is not consecrated under his name; but that it is sacred to S. Laurence Martyr, writes Luke Wadding in Volume 4 of the Annals, where at the year 1399 no. 37 he undertakes to treat more amply of the Convent of his Order at Urbino, of which, founded about the year 1286, he had elsewhere briefly made mention; about to treat here too at greater length of B. Pilingottus; had he not done it at the year of his death, weaving a prolix epitome of his life.
[2] There wrote concerning him, says the same Wadding, Marianus of Florence, Various ones wrote his Life: (who, as is noted in the margin, cites an old Manuscript Legend) Marcus of Lisbon, an Anonymous Manuscript Author. And the citizens of Urbino sent me another longer Life, written in old character, by an uncertain Author, with many and various miracles added. This without doubt is that, which I praised above; nor do I think another was seen by Marianus of Florence: A faithful copy of it the most worthy successor of Wadding Francis Harold, lately deceased, transmitted to me from Rome about the year 1676, together with an Italian translation of the same Life (whose author at the end is said to have been Father Friar Francis Undefessi a Minor Observant) about to be of use to us somewhat in the Annotations: we give the older one, written by a coeval. but Harold noted at the end of the Latin copy; on the first face of the white leaf, which precedes this Life, there is the following Note:
Life of Blessed Pelinus Gottus of Urbino. N. B. For the Lord Augustinus Veluti of Urbino.
Whether this be the name of the writer or of the possessor, who could say for certain? Of the possessor, I would divine, on account of the name, divided in more recent style. However it be, it matters to not keep silent about this; if perhaps it furnishes some one of the people of Urbino an occasion of investigating something further, and teaching us more.
[3] Mention of him is made, not only by Arthur du Monstier, in his Franciscan Martyrology; but also by those who in the vulgar tongue wrote of the Franciscan Tertiaries, several more recent ones relate the same among the Tertiaries. in Italian indeed Jerome Comboni, but in Belgian James Raps: nor would the most diligent investigator of the Saints and Blessed of Umbria Ludovico Jacobilli have passed him over, had he not resolved to contain himself within the limits of present-day Umbria, from which the Gallic Senones are thought to have cut off all that region, which is now contained in the Duchy of Urbino, the Umbrians being driven thence, and to have called Umbria Senonia. How the same Blessed one escaped the diligence of Philippus Ferrari in both Catalogues, one might rather wonder; but it matters little, which of the Hagiologists made or did not make mention of Pelingottus; when it is established concerning his public cult, of which I have received a most certain testimony from the Acts of the city, Rubric 4 of the Statutes of the Most Illustrious Commune of Urbino page 3, by the benefit of Father Friar Gregory Mantonus of Urbino.
[4] Likewise that by the same Lords Priors, with the assistance of the Podestà and Citizens, another lighting and offering be made, in honor of S. Pilingottus, on the last day of May in the evening, honorably departing from the church of S. Augustine, A public procession to the body on the day before the feast, and going to the church of S. Francis, where his most holy Body resides. In which lighting two torches ought to be carried, of at least seven pounds each, before the Lords Priors, at the expense of the aforesaid Most Illustrious Duke, with trumpets going before; and all the Captains of the Guilds of the said city ought to follow them, with their torches, to be made at the expense of the Guilds; as has hitherto been observed; and to offer all the torches at the church of S. Francis. Thus far the formal words of the Statute itself, written in Latin, and thus before the use of the vulgar tongue was introduced into the public Acts; and that under some Duke of Urbino. But the title of Duke, on the Counts of Montefeltro, was first conferred by Sixtus IV upon Frederick, in the year 1474. It is to be noted however, that nothing new is there established, but "hitherto observed." The feast of the Saint therefore is begun after the first Vespers, sung on the last day of May; and (as Gregory Mantonus writes to me) is continued the whole following day 1 June out of popular devotion: confirmed after the year 1474. nor is anything else done, namely in the Mass or in the Office. But a Duplerium (that I may say this in passing) is a wax torch, named from the number of cords or wicks twisted together, which is elsewhere named an Intortitium.
[5] He died in the time of Conrad Bishop of Urbino. The death of B. Pilingottus and thus the beginnings of the cult bestowed on him, fell in the time of Friar Conrad, of the order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, a man by far most learned, by the testimony of Ughelli; whom elected Bishop by the Chapter of Urbino Clement V confirmed, in the year 1300, as from the Pontifical Register the same Ughelli asserts; and he sat until about the year 1329. Him Herrera, in the Augustinian Alphabet thinks to be that one, to whom Friar Augustine of Ancona, praised by B. Augustine of Ancona; adorned with the title of Blessed in the Order, inscribed his Commentary on the books of the Priors thus, To the religious man, Friar Conrad, of the Brothers Hermits of the Order of S. Augustine, son of the noble and wise man Lord Guido Count of Montefeltro: who if he afterward was made Bishop of Urbino (as his birth from the Counts of Urbino, compared with the name of the Bishop sitting at this time, makes probable) it is not to be thought, that without his knowledge anything was done concerning the elevation of the Body and its translation under the altar. by whom the Body seems to have been elevated. And because he was of the Counts of Feltro (as is said); why should he not be the same, of whom in the Life there is treatment at no. 8, and who by the examples of that Blessed one so profited unto the contempt of the world, that having become an Augustinian Hermit; but having become Bishop, he was the author of the offering, to be made by the Magistrate at the expense of the Counts, and continued by the Successors now adorned with the Ducal title.
LIFE By a coeval Author of Urbino. From the Manuscript of the city communicated by Father Harold.
Pelingottus, of the third Order of S. Francis at Urbino in Italy (B.)
FROM AN OLD MANUSCRIPT.
PROLOGUE.
[1] The Blessed one is praised, given to the world for a star, A great sign appeared in heaven, and a clear light was given to the world; which while it remains with the Angels now in the triumphant Church, with so great light and brightness irradiated certain members of the Church militant; and so ardently inflamed their hearts with the love of the Holy Spirit, that leaving the obscurity and pits of sins, themselves and the delights of the world being despised, they worshiped Christ alone, who alone knows to exhibit medicine to the human race at fitting times. For this is the morning star, in the midst of the cloud shining with the clear splendors of life, which those sitting in the darkness of sins and the shadow of the death of iniquities, by a most resplendent illumination directs into the light of the nations, that it may be my salvation forever. This is the light, of which the Prophet cries, The people that walks in darkness has seen a great light: Is. 9:2 of which well the Cabinet of the secrets of God, the Apostle and Evangelist John, in the Apocalypse with a truthful prophecy speaks; I saw, and because he was an Angel in chastity: he says, another Angel, ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God; who also can not undeservedly be called an Angel of God, on account of the highest and fragrant purity, and also the virginity which with him always grew from his infancy. This is also the fleece of Gideon, who, the whole earth lacking the humility of salvation, alone of the love of God, and of neighbor, and of compassion for the poor was suffused with so great fatness of dew, that of his fullness, all who perfectly approach God, may be able to receive.
[2] whose Life is written in a truthful and simple style. Whence because, according to the sentence of our Redeemer, a lighted light ought not to be put under a bushel, but upon a candlestick that it may shine to all; it seems very unworthy and hard, concerning the life, morals, and miracles of so glorious a Confessor and Soldier of Christ to pass with so deaf an ear, that nothing of it be transmitted to posterity. Matt. 5:15. But because I am insufficient to write fully the life of this venerable Father, not that I may weave a history, have I undertaken this work; but rather, that of his life, morals and miracles I may write some particulars briefly and succinctly, as I found from men worthy of faith; lest it be led into oblivion on account of the slipperiness of memory; but rather a good mind and one secret with Christ, by remembering his life, may rest in its sweetness, and by his example be more strongly animated to run after the cross.
CHAPTER I. Merchandise being spurned, Pilingottus hands himself wholly to God, intent on solitude, prayer, alms.
[3] Pilingottus therefore, servant and friend of the Most High, of the city of Urbino sprung from no lowly a birth, from the infancy of his nativity, Having begun from infancy to love God, always bore Christ in his breast; and, that I may say more wondrously, the Father of mercies confirmed him with so great purity, that he not only deserted the diabolical wiles, and the delights of the world, and its defilements, but also all childish things being rejected, reckoning all things as the most foul dung, always seemed to strain to greater things; as from the course of his life clearly appears; so that now from certain indications it could be said, This boy will be something great. For now a certain little fire disposed the tenderness of his heart, to the loves of his Redeemer, with so great perfection, that like melting wax it awaited only the divine, as a seal to be impressed. For when his father was a merchant, he refuses to attend to mercantile gains, and had very many cloths for sale; if at any time he had dismissed the youth of good disposition, that he might answer those asking about them; not as a merchant or bearing care of his own business, did he answer; he did not promise goodness, where it was not; he did not pledge, where he believed he could not, as a merchant with solicitous care has long done; nay, as a counseling man and advocate of those coming, he always said lesser things, to their utility, unwilling to follow greater things to his own loss: so he was led by divine counsel. So the father seeing, the mind of this one captured in divine things, and not giving assent to lucrative merchandise; began to withdraw him from this kind of thing, as insufficient.
[4] What more? Even if of all the Confessors of Christ it be read; There was not found one like him; and this be understood, as to some grace of perfection; of this Confessor, most worthy of all praise it can most excellently be said, in respect of that most lofty purity, and hands himself wholly to devotion. which to soul and body so clung to the very marrow, as I found from those conversing with him, that now from this he deserved, not a human, but an angelic life to obtain. So he ceased from much speaking, and earnestly was free for prayer; and the divine office, as the spiritual food of the soul, going round all the churches, he always sought. But when, from the frequent use of prayer, the flame of heavenly desire grew vehemently in him; and now, on account of the love of the heavenly fatherland, he despised all earthly things as nothing; he began to pant after Christ with so great sweetness, that him alone and not another his thoughts apprehended.
[5] At length, when Lent being begun, in fasting and no little contemplation, he had come to the Sunday which is called of the Passion, On Passion Sunday rapt into ecstasy, the fire of the Holy Spirit had inflamed him with so great ardor, that now abominating human conversation, as if drunk in spirit, he disposed to enter war against the enemy. So rising in the morning in the fervor of spirit, for a standard he took a sack, a cord being tied to his neck, as if accusing himself of having delayed so much. Toward the Cathedral he took his way, and fixing his step before the altar of the glorious Virgin, began to invoke her the Mother. And when in this meditation he persisted long, his soul was there so penetrated with the sweetness of divine love, that remaining there as if abstracted for half a day, he seemed to dwell in the heavens. At length while these things were being done, a rumor resounded through the city, as if a pious man had run to be hanged; especially since some saw a cord tied to his neck: and there was made a concourse of the peoples and religious, because he was reputed a good man.
[6] But his parents too approaching, commanded him out of grief, and not being able for a long time to be led back thence, that he now lay aside folly of this kind. But he began to be as a good zealot, and to answer nothing at all to the things which were said; and like the strong Elisha b enjoyed so lovable and sweet a rapture, that standing outside himself, of the things which were being done about him he seemed not at all to listen. But last of all his mother approaching, came with tears, embracing him that he would deign to speak with her. Who moved by natural piety, could not deny an answer to his mother. But his other parents hearing, began to draw him back as if by force to the house, that together with them he might possess the hereditary right. To whom he said: Do not I pray, my brothers, do not be molestful to me. For I feel myself to have found a hidden treasure, which I desire all things being sold to acquire, and the acquired to preserve: for I have the Lord Jesus Christ, who is more precious than every stone, more beautiful than all light, sweeter than every odor, sweeter than all savor, higher than every treasure, and loftier than all virtue. So seeing that he could not quiet them, he received such a promise from his father; namely, that in the conditions of the world, which in his heart he had vowed to God to abhor, he would in no way involve himself; and of his faculties to the poor of Christ, according to his ability, he would exhibit the alms of charity. And many other promises being received from him, which it would be long to narrate each, together with them he returned home.
[7] Furthermore the holy Man remaining so, began with so great elevation of mind to ascend to the Lord, that now he seemed to abhor human fellowship. Wont to walk through the city like one ecstatic, Sometimes he did not go round the squares or streets; he did not run through the houses: but remaining in his house, he desired to serve the living and true God alone. But if at any time going to church he had his way through the squares, not with head lifted up, not with eyes wandering around did he look hither and thither: but, as a good soldier of Christ, lest by the stroke of any vanity and temptation his heart could be wounded, with mind lifted to heaven and eyes fixed on the earth, so everywhere he walked; and, as passing through enemies, desired to finish his way quickly (as an arrow going forth from the bow does not cease, except namely whither it is directed by the archer) so much that he scarcely perceived a salutation made by others.
[8] At length when a certain Count c beheld so great perfection in the most tender youth, he began to be drawn to him with no little admiration and at the same time love, to a Count seizing him he answers nothing; so that he altogether proposed to have a colloquy with him. So he watched when he went out of the church; and running up, took him by the hand; and held him for a great space, expecting to hear some answer from him. But he, like another Elijah ascended in the fiery chariot, as if insensible answered nothing at all. Beholding which, the admiration grew, and the love did not fail. So seeing him to thirst not for human but for angelic fellowship, he permitted him to go free. d This man loved the solitary life, friendly to sorrows; and that he might serve God more freely, and is hardly restrained from the desert to be sought. he often proposed to transfer himself to some desert; that being free for the sweetness of prayer, the just desires, which with him had grown from infancy, he might fulfill. But drawn back violently by his parents frequently, remaining impressed in charity and humility, he studied to serve the Lord.
[9] What shall I say of abstinence? Lent and any singular fasts, as if hungry for them, Frequently fasting, he sought out: but at other times besides these days, four times at least in the week he macerated his own body in fasting. Therefore not only delicate foods, as abominable he fled; but also, by the admixture of water or another liquid, for the most part rendered them insipid. But as often as of the eatables, which fell to him in his portion, what was withdrawn from himself he lavishes on the poor: he could on purpose reserve anything beyond the sustenance of nature, he did not for this please his own gluttony; but, as a prudent merchant, continually springing up from the table, he proposed to carry it to the bosoms of the poor. But of infinite I will relate one.
[10] It happened on a certain day of a great feast, on which men are wont to rejoice together amid feasts, that while his mother and father with the whole family sitting at table were feasting cheerfully; this glorious servant of God began to consider, even at a solemn feast; that it did not suffice for him alone to live, if the poor of Christ were dying of hunger; especially since among all the virtues, which he had impressed to the marrow in his heart, care of nourishing the poor excelled. At length remembering a certain poor little neighbor, who was perishing of want and hunger; he began, like a good father, to eat his bread in mourning and sadness, always holding him before his eyes. So when he could no longer contain himself out of compassion, he swallowed a little broth with bread, as much as would suffice for sustenance; but the meats and other precious things, which he had received for his portion, always mindful of them. carrying under his cloak, he went to the man: and these being set before him, with cheerful countenance departed, remembering what the Apostolic word says; For God loves a cheerful giver: but with how great compassion and charity this one was moved, and with how great joy he who received was suffused, let those say who feel it. 2 Cor. 9:7 But since I have begun to relate of works of piety, I will not pass over, that, since there was innate in him a certain natural inclination toward the poor, by which he was constrained for them with so great compassion, that if at any time he beheld the changes of the seasons toward cold; like a father bearing care of them he cried out, Alas! alas for me! what do you now do, poor of Christ? what do you do, needy and beggars? You will perish of hunger and cold and I cannot help you; always setting before, what the Lord's word says, What you have done to one of the least of mine, you have done to me. Matt. 25:32.
ANNOTATIONS D. P.
CHAPTER II. Other virtues of Pilingottus, and graces divinely granted to him.
[11] Out of zeal for humility, But humility, as the conserver of all virtues and merits, he so tenderly loved, that he studied to appear despised and vile in the sight of all. For when on a certain night holily considering, he saw himself very much venerated by men; he began to insist on the consideration, in the marketplace he exposes himself to be laughed at: how he could so act, that he might be seen a fool by all: and remembering Christ's passion how he was bound, how scourged, how despised by all, in the morning on Friday, at the time of most intense cold, rising in the fervor of spirit, he went to the great square; and there bound himself with chains to the place, where robbers and thieves bound are wont to be held for spectacle; and there so long he stood, and he performs the lowly services of the house. that from the immensity of the cold he was seen half-dead by all; but his parents running up, carried him back to the house. And from then God the Father began to work marvels for him in secret. For he fed also his most sick mother, whom he served with so great reverence and solicitude, that, like a handmaid or a bought servant, he did not cease to perform the offices of humility of the house with his own hands: he lifted her, he carried her, he washed her if it was necessary, and helped her in all things, as a mother is wont to bring up her son.
[12] But the softness of garments he corrected with the highest strictness, he uses a vile garment, and sparing sleep: wearing them patched in various ways from sacks and other pieces, so much that his parents from shame could not look at him. Lying continually upon one board, he slept only as much as he could not deny to nature; and immediately rising he went to prayer. He counted nothing for joy, unless he consolidated all his acts to their due state. And then laying aside all extrinsic things, with so great sweetness, so great pleasantness, so great ardor was his soul drawn upward into God; that, as if gladdened by spiritual food returning to himself, bitter and most difficult to bear things, for the love of Christ, seemed sweet to him. He related however to a certain more secret friend, he wearies himself much in prayer. that to that excellent elevation of mind he could never ascend, unless persisting in prayer he had been much wearied. And therefore he said, that frequently setting Christ's passion before his thoughts, with eyes lifted to heaven, arms stretched out in the manner of a cross, and mind wholly lifted to the spirit, for so great a space he ardently insisted on prayer, that to him returning to himself the muscles of the arms and nerves, veins and other organs of the body, as if broken from the excess of labor, seemed to fall.
[13] He continually stole time, if he could, that by praying he might seek the food of the soul, which he loved. But I found from men worthy of faith, that he had so great excellence of prayer, that praying he was so inflamed, from the fervor of spirit. that changed into another man as if drunk in spirit he was lulled. But if at any time he spoke of Christ with others, his soul recurring to its accustomed things, was suffused with so great joy, that into his praises it burst forth at once. And that of many I may relate one, it happened that on a certain day, he with two servants of Christ charitably eating together, taking corporal food, began strongly to insist on divine colloquies: and persevering to the end, with so great ardor of mind, he appears sometimes scarcely master of himself. it happened that the man of God burst into such a voice. This is, he said, Christ. They entreating him said, Be silent, Brother; be silent, lest we be deemed fools. And he subjoined: In truth, if you permit me to go, I will go to the square; and there with all standing by I will accuse myself, carrying in my hands of those things which I have eaten, because I am a devourer and an eater, and I do not praise my God, as I can.
[14] It happened besides on a certain day, that an honest servant of Christ, who was connected to him by honest familiarity, earnestly asked him to eat with her, for the love of him, Dining with a pious woman who on account of his exceeding charity showed himself familiar to all. At last the man of God acquiescing to her prayers, on one day turned aside to her to eat with her. So while they sat thus together at table, taking only bread and water; she began to ask, that in the cup he would leave a little of his drink, which out of devotion to him she desired to take. So the woman seeing that he gave no assent to her petition, watched when he took water; and snatching the cup from his hand, with brisk face began to drink. And when she had tasted, she found, the pure water to have been changed into the best wine: water is turned into wine: and she said to the man of God; You see, Brother, what things by your merits Christ has deigned to work: for behold the water, which I offered you, has been made the best wine. Which when he had heard, he grieved from the inmost bowels of his heart, and commanded that she disclose it to no one, until the Most High would deign to lift him from the earth. Yet the woman could not conceal these things, but disclosed them to other servants of Christ out of excessive briskness.
[15] Therefore he subjected his own body to disciplines, asserting to many, he sharply and often scourges himself: that by these, vices are extirpated from our frail flesh. For he took the finest twigs of olives, and them somewhat twisted he scourged himself so sharply, that for very many days remaining with body half-alive, he could not think of human things. This he so often frequented, that from it nature prostrated suffered no little labor. But so his soul, through the frequency of prayer and the toleration of sufferings, was united to Christ his redeemer by the bond of love, that now taught by the Holy Spirit, knowing things future and hidden, frequently concerning them like a prophet he spoke in open speech. he patiently endures detractions: For since according to Scripture; Everyone who does evil, hates the light, there were some against him and his acts, like barking dogs, and with their words detracted from them, and tried to lead them to a certain interpretation; saying, that of these he sought human praise, not the divine good pleasure. John 3:20
[16] he prophetically intimates that he would be glorified after death, But when on a certain day with his companions, about discourse of this kind as it were disturbed, he turned the discourse; he fixed his step a little in speaking, as if he awaited a divine answer about this: and afterward opening his mouth, said to his companions; Truly, Brothers, a time will come, in which to the whole world, whether we are legitimate or natural sons of God, from our works it will be most openly demonstrated. And, that I may say more wondrously, when he disclosed this to his own in the church, he was sitting right above that place, where he now lies honorably buried; as if saying less, understanding more under a veil; and wishing, what God for his love after his happy passing was about to do, openly to intimate. Moreover; since he had a certain carnal brother, from whom the Governor of all so far withdrew his most pious hand, and that his brother would be converted from a wanton life: that falling from sin into sin, like a blind man and a washed sow in the wallowing of mud, he daily went round the snares of sins; concerning whom all, as if Christ being now dead to him, despaired: and when some of him in grief out of sadness spoke; he answered them with cheerful face; Do not, he said, fear: for yet, all these things being rejected, he will become a good servant of Christ.
[17] At another time too a certain Brother, strongly bound to him by the bond of love, he removes scruples for another: when in his conscience he had a certain scruple, no little obscure; began to entreat him with prayers, that of this what it should be he would show. To whom the holy man, irradiated with divine splendor, with so great serenity of mind cut off the wound of doubt, that afterward the Brother, his conscience consolidated, did not doubt to live conformably to Christ. But these and several other things being interposed, which I found, whose narration would extend much into length, it is clear enough openly to a sincere heart and an intellect not obscure, that he was illustrious with the erudition of the Holy Spirit, in how many weeks he confesses from a writing. and not ignorant of the prophetic spirit. But the purity of conscience and soul he conserved with so solicitous a zeal, that if at any time by thought, speech, or any operation he had lightly offended, immediately running he wrote it on paper; lest led to oblivion, what he had offended God, he should conceal: and at least every Friday going to his Confessor, he carried the paper in his hands, humbly accusing himself of all things.
CHAPTER III. The Roman pilgrimage, death, burial, translation on account of miracles.
[18] But among all the things which God deigned to work for his servant, I will relate one wondrous of the suppressed ones. For since according to the divine word, if men themselves shall keep silent the virtues of the Saints, the stones will cry out; Having set out for Rome to the Indulgences, what men strove to conceal, the Angels revealed; so that what the human tongue did not preach to others, the knowledge of the Holy Spirit everywhere through the world impressed on hidden minds. For at the time of the Roman Indulgence a, he with two companions b walking together, met a certain unknown man. Whom when he had seen, as if another speaking through him, the Saint is proclaimed by an unknown man: he burst into such a voice: Is not this that holy man of Urbino? Which when the companions had heard, stupefied, they began to consider among themselves, what this was; especially since they beheld him a stranger and unknown. Then one of the companions said to the Man of God; Do you hear what things are uttered of you by the unknown? But he turned to another side, began to weep bitterly; because he had always been wearied with the desire to grow cheap in the sight of all, that from this he might be free for God in secret more freely, and from now it was seen, that he was so quickly exalted from human praise.
[19] But then coming to the City (Rome), he found a certain venerable and holy matron in her doorway: who when she had seen him, he is honorably received in a hospitality offered of her own accord, forthwith approaching him, urged him to turn aside to her. To whom acquiescing he with his companions, remained with her that night. Who having introduced him began to honor him, and placed beside her with a certain affability began to address him as a brother; but he began to be afflicted with so great a blush, that now he repented of having entered. To whom she thus said: Do not I pray, brother, be disturbed by blushing: for forty years it is c that beside me I have not permitted a man to sit: but now my soul is bedewed with so great gladness, standing beside you unknown, that this without a provident and hidden cause could not be done. But rising in the morning, the thresholds of the Saints being visited, he went to the alms of the Supreme Pontiff, among the poor he is given a more lavish alms. which he had ordered to be distributed to the poor every day: whom when the dispenser had beheld, to the one distributing he thus said; Do not give to this one, as also to others, the smallest part; but as he asks, how much and when, always bestow; as if led by heavenly counsel, he recognized within the perfection, which without lay hidden from men.
[20] But that I may say in one, however much the divine consolations and revelations, So made manifest to men by God, which the Father of mercies made for him, he was seen to hide at a nod, and also to conceal his own perfection or virtue; the things always hidden, the Searcher of hearts so much disclosed to men, that now of him, for the world and the Christian Church, they expected light and no little brightness; and his own city to be protected by his merits from all perils. But, as we said at the beginning, from his boyhood he began to serve the Lord; but most of all from his twelfth year and above, he desires to die, with so great austerity of life he wearied his own body, that in prayers, fasts, scourgings, colds, journeys, disciplines, sheddings of tears, and other works macerated, nature was so prostrated, that to live was hard for him, and he sought with the desire of his soul that he might die: whom his Master beholding from on high, as a good and faithful soldier, willed to hear.
[21] In his last illness he hears only those speaking of God: So the servant of God began to be held by a grave infirmity so strongly, that now almost all beheld him near death. But some of his Confraternity coming for the cause of visiting, and if it should be necessary, of bestowing service, saw him lying half-dead with speech lost: and beginning to speak something of God, forthwith the man of God, although about to depart very soon, perceived these things with so subtle a hearing, that immediately into a voice of praise outwardly with eloquent tongue he burst forth, as if he had remained unharmed. But when that most pure soul prepared itself for departure, a certain pretty d bird, white and beautiful, as if congratulating him on his passing, did not cease to fly around his face. he is visited by an Angel, seen under the species of a bird: But a certain bystander strove to drive it off, but for its importunity could not; so that by all it was most certainly believed, to be his Angel, who guarding him to the end, awaited that glorious soul loosed from the flesh, that associating him he might lead him to that life, which Christ acquired for him with his precious blood.
[22] he conquers the testings of demons, But the malign spirits too approaching, did not cease to present errors to him, that by whom in life they had always been vanquished, at least in death they might catch him by some snare. But he being in agony, frequently said: Why do you bring errors of this kind to me, when I do not propose to acquiesce to them. And when in temptation he had thus long remained strongly in faith, like chosen gold and proved by fire all his adversaries being vanquished, with a clear voice he said; Now let us go secure. But one of the bystanders said: Whither will you go, Father? And he said, To the glory of paradise. And saying these things his face was made beautiful, and all his members were arranged in order of themselves; and most peacefully dies, and smiling a little, that glorious, blessed, holy, and immaculate soul, about to receive the eternal reward, the standard of victory over the enemies being taken, the flesh loosed, and associated with the Angels, as if jubilating to the fatherland so sweetly and pleasantly migrated, that the bystanders together for a long space doubted, whether he was dead or alive. So the servant of the Lord migrated from this world to the Father in the year of the same Lord 1304, in the year 1304 on 1 June. on the first day of June, at the first hour of the night, in which the matin praises are wont to be chanted to the Lord: but he ordered his body to be buried at the Church of B. Francis, that he whom living in the world he tried to imitate, in death too he was unwilling to be separated from him.
[23] In a wondrous manner, when his passing from this world had become known to all, The obsequies being honorably celebrated, there was made a concourse of the peoples, of men and women, of young and old, and together with the Clerics and Religious they carried him to the church with hymns and canticles: and there about him all the obsequies being completed, they honorably commended the body of the Saint with many praises. But because God the provident dispenser of all, he is laid in the common cemetery: is unwilling that his Saints and friends be exalted by human tongue or industry, by his most lofty counsel it was done, that he was laid in the common cemetery; that there from God he might first receive the beginning of his exaltation; and men attending to these things, might believe him worthy of all veneration.
[24] So when one of the poor f, held by a most grave infirmity, two being healed at his invocation, for eight days had so lost sleep from his eyes, that as if made mad he seemed a fool; on the following day he commended himself to him most devoutly, asking his aid. The pious Father was present, whose care of them had been; and suddenly so restored him to his former health, as if he had always remained unharmed. But another hearing this, whose arm had been so broken, that by artificial remedy he could not be helped; with tears poured out fled to his help, to whom too the pious Father did not fail; nay as a good physician of Christ, immediately consolidated the arm with so great health, that as if he had now become forgetful of the former fracture. What more? with so many and so great miracles the man of God began to coruscate, and a troop of peoples from everywhere began to flow to his sepulcher in so great a multitude, the Brothers are compelled to translate the body to the church, that it so incessantly occupied the church itself and all the place around the sepulcher day and night, that the Brothers of that place from this suffered no little molestation: for which cause they were compelled, to carry the exhumed body into the church with hymns and canticles. Wondrous indeed, although with many contradicting, yet by divine power leading, into the church above that place g, where he lies honorably buried, as I expressed above, he wondrously prophesied concerning the exaltation of himself and of his bones, over which an altar being constructed, the solemnities of Masses to his commendation, and glory are daily celebrated.
[25] which from then shines with all kinds of miracles. Furthermore just as that blessed man had shone with wondrous signs of virtues in life, so also from the day of his passing, and at present through the parts of various regions, with illustrious prodigies of miracles, with divine power going before him, he coruscates. For to the blind and deaf, mute and lame, dropsical, and paralytic, demoniacs, shipwrecked and captives, by his merits remedies are conferred, and to all diseases, necessities and perils help is given. So this is he, who purges the languors of many, turning the salt waters of sins into the sweetness of tears. This is the flower; purging from guilts, by whose odor the dead in sins revive. This is the burning bush, He is praised by the Author: by whose ardor the weak and tepid are kindled. This is the cornerstone, squared by temptations, to be placed in the heavenly Jerusalem. This is Samson the most strong leader, devastating the works of enemies in all things. This is the fountain going forth from the paradise of sweetness, by salutary examples irrigating all the aridity of the hearts of the enemies of Christ. This is the balsam of odor, at whose influence the nostrils of sinners are absolved from the eternal snares of Gehenna. This is that most holy Moses, and compared to the ancient Patriarchs, furnishing a way to the people through the desert, that he might lead them to the land of promise. This is that Judas Maccabaeus, who much prays for the people and for the whole holy city of Jerusalem, so that all who with pure heart, and conscience not feigned, implore his help, their petitions firmly obtain a salutary effect.
[26] So to this most pious Confessor let us convert the vows of our hearts from the marrow, that through his merits inflamed with the love of the Holy Spirit, he is set forth to be invoked and imitated, we may confidently seek eternal things: and to Christ too let us swiftly direct the eyes of our understanding, that by the examples of his light shown we may be able to render our acts lucid; that the sweetness of eternal pleasantness being tasted, we may more easily lay aside the anguishes and temptations of the heart; and thence our souls and bodies, our acts too, senses and operations, all things of heart and mouth, our knees bent before him, and irrigated with tears of contrition and penitence, may confidently commit. Because he, as pious and merciful, will come and save us; and if he delay, nonetheless let us await, invoking him incessantly with prayers, because coming he will come and will not tarry, illuminating the hidden things of darkness, and then there will be praise to each one from God. So that by his merits and intercession our hearts may be inwardly so kindled with the ardor of the Holy Spirit, for working fittingly; about to be all things to all, our eyes may be so illuminated by the ray of eternal light, for walking cautiously; our mind may be so filled with the sweetness of eternal things, for not seeking the remaining transitory things; our steps and operations may be so led, for not judging; that stripped of all these evils, which by our merits we suffer, we may happily enter that blessed life, which Christ acquired for us with his most precious blood and poured out from his most sacred wounds upon the cross; where he with the Angels and Archangels, and all the Saints, with the Father, in the perfect eternity of Persons, remains glorious God, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER IV. Certain miracles after death.
[27] But that of the goods, conferred on us by God through him, A few out of many. we may render thanks; to the glory and honor of the Omnipotent, and the truthful commendation of his Confessor, I have disposed briefly to weave in some of his miracles approved and written by faithful witnesses; but my own sufficiency denies it, and the multitude and variety of miracles requires very much study and labor with sweat; especially since he daily through various parts of the world, with divine power protecting him, is adorned with new and innumerable miracles. Wherefore I do not propose to run through writing all, as if desiring to find their number; but I will only briefly touch some, according as the diversity of languors, and the variety of infirmities demands.
And first of the Blind illuminated.
[28] At Castrum-Leonem a, a certain woman had for a long time so wholly lost her sight, that she could discern nothing at all. So hearing the fame of the holy man, growing through all the surrounding parts, and that God by his prayers had recalled many from blindness to sight, inwardly kindled with the ardor of devotion, and assuming hope of recovering health, she asked to be led to his sepulcher with great confidence. But when upon his sepulcher, with tearful face asking his help, she had long remained, the woman slept a little: at last rising, she began to return to her own with her people, no sign of health appearing in her. So when she had gone out near the gate of the city, lifting her eyes, suddenly and beyond the course and order of nature, all film being taken away, she perceived things through so great a distance of the way, that now the eyes of the aging old woman seemed almost changed into youthful vigor. So the woman burst forth, with brisk countenance and prudent mind, into the due praises and honors of the Confessor of Christ, by the intervention of whose merit she felt herself to have been healed.
[29] In the County of Ancona, a certain man had for a great space of time so wholly broken his right eye, that not only could he discern nothing by its sight; but also, on account of its great deformity, by all he was seen one-eyed. At last the fame of the Man being heard, with the devotion that was fitting, he committed himself to his protection. Wondrous indeed. In the evening he sent forth a vow, to whom the pious Father was present, as the most perfect curer of languors, and suddenly repaired for him the eye before broken with due harmony, so that in it no trace of any bruise appeared at all. But rising in the morning, and beholding himself freed, with clear sight he disposed to come as quickly as possible to his sepulcher, where he might render grateful praises to God, who had deigned to cure him, for the merits of the Saint, from such a wound.
Of the Mute and Paralytic.
[30] At the Castle of Tavoletum b in the County of Rimini, where the holy Father deigned to work many miracles, a father and mother had a son, who had now completed his fifth year of age, and no faculty of speaking seemed to be in him. When his father and mother were vexed with very much sadness and grief, especially since they had no other posterity, they vowed a vow to the Lord, that if he would deign to loose the bonds of his tongue, they would honorably visit his sepulcher together with the boy, and take care that the novelty of the miracle should become known to all. But the vow being sent forth, suddenly with all hearing the boy opening his mouth says; Mother, I wish to be carried to the church of the Saint who freed me. But those who were present being stupefied at the novelty of so unusual a miracle, and studying to fulfill the vow, from then began solicitously to serve the Saint with inner devotion.
[31] A certain Priest of Monte Coupiolo c, for forty years suffered a most vehement paralysis of the tongue, and by the remedy of any art could not be helped. And when he had commended himself to the Confessor of Christ most devoutly with tears poured out, he deserved to receive so great health of his tongue for the merits of the Saint, that from then he spoke with so eloquent a tongue, and open speech, as if he had never had any impediment. So coming to his sepulcher, rendering thanks to him for so great a benefit, he related to the Brothers the order of the matter done, as it was; promising on this account to go to the Court of the Supreme Pontiff, if it should sometime be necessary, for his Canonization, and there to render true testimony of all things, as he had it in truth.
Of the Contracted.
[32] A certain man named John, of the City of Foligno, had his right shin from the time of his nativity so contracted and withered, that without a staff and no little difficulty he could not walk: but in the knee he had a certain thickness from the contraction of the nerves, on account of whose swelling the knees collided with each other in walking, by whose cause he suffered continual pain. So when he beheld so great an anguish of his mind, to imploring the help of this Confessor of Christ, he converted all the affections of his heart; and coming before his altar, did not cease to pour out tears and emit silent wailings; firmly believing, that the piety of the Saint, which he had heard so much commended, would bend to hearing his petition. But from excessive weariness he began to sleep a little. But while he thus slept, there appeared to him in a vision the holy Pilingottus: who having seized the knee and shin, turned himself to the Cross of Christ, which there was depicted: and said; Lord, free him. But the sick man hearing this, out of desire of being freed, snatched the answer from the other, and said: And so, Father, free me. And saying these things, he stretched out his hands, that he might seize the Saint: and he was aroused; immediately finding two cloths, left to him in his hands by the Saint. But with all who were present hearing and seeing, the shin and knee began to be shaken with a certain crackling, and the contracted nerves to be extended. But others running up took the cloak, which had been the Saint's, and placed it upon him. And immediately those members were so perfectly consolidated, that there no sign of infirmity or of any pain was henceforth seen.
[33] A certain man of Monte-locco d, for twenty-two years had had his feet contracted, and twisted toward each other; and so in walking he placed on the ground not the sole of the foot, but what is commonly called the neck (of the foot): nor on account of so long an inveteracy of this infirmity did the pains cease; but rather from the abundance of humors flowing down to the place, they were daily augmented. So when he had vigorously invoked the merits of the Saint as he could, immediately he began to be so visibly freed, that without difficulty he could go wherever he wished. Furthermore this man was not unmindful or ungrateful of so great a benefit; but immediately taking his way to his sepulcher, did not postpone to repay him due thanks. In a wondrous manner! Men are wont to be very much wearied from the labor of a journey, and the nerves and organs of the body to be strongly weakened: but this man as he began to come, was continually strengthened by a certain supernatural power, and all his members were consolidated, so that henceforth he walked, as if he had never been held by any infirmity.
Of the Broken (ruptured); Rubric.
[34] In the city of Fano a certain man had for a long time so suffered a perilous rupture, that all his intestines descended to the virile members e: but not being able to walk for the torment, with which day and night he was tortured, he made a vow to S. Pilingottus, and suddenly found himself sound.
[35] There was at Urbino a certain man, so gravely sick, that sometimes he passed eight days and nights sleepless, and seemed almost out of his mind: but he too, as soon as he commended himself to B. Father Pilingottus, received health. Which when a certain other sick man in the same city had learned, whose broken arm could by no art yet be healed; he too invoked the help of the Saint, and similarly was dismissed from his infirmity.