ON THE HOLY BROTHERS,
PERGENTINUS AND LAURENTINUS, AND CCCC MARTYRS, AT AREZZO IN ETRURIA.
UNDER DECIUS.
PREVIOUS COMMENTARY.
On their cult and Acts.
Pergentinus, Brother Martyr at Arezzo in Etruria (S.)
Laurentinus, Brother Martyr at Arezzo in Etruria (S.)
Four Hundred, Martyrs at Arezzo in Etruria (SS.)
BY THE AUTHOR G. H. & D. P.
[1] Retium, or with the first consonant doubled, Arretium, a most ancient city of Etruria, and counted by Livy among the three most noble cities, just as under Gentile writers it was held in illustrious fame, so it is reckoned to have been of no less glory, when it received the Christian faith: which they record to have been done by the preaching of St. Romulus, disciple of St. Peter, and Apostle of Etruria and Bishop of Fiesole, crowned with martyrdom under Nero on July VI. But that city, because of continual persecution, could only gradually receive the light of the Gospel. Meanwhile under Decius the Emperor SS. Pergentinus and Laurentinus the brothers illustrated their native land, Ancient Acts from Mss. strong Athletes of Christ the true God, and strenuous Preachers, who deserved to obtain the same palm of martyrdom. Their ancient Acts, which Surius edited with changed style, and which Iosephus de Caselis of Arezzo in the year MDCXLII bestowed in a most elegant Italian paraphrase, and dedicated to Renata of Austria, Queen of the Poles and Swedes; we give in the primitive phrasing, received from the very ancient Codex of Trier of the monastery of S. Maximinus, and from the collection of Gallonius, which we were permitted to peruse at Rome; where among other things we transcribed these Acts of theirs, using for this purpose the benevolent favor of the Fathers of the Congregation of the Oratory. About these moreover it seems to be understood, what Baronius in the Notes to the Martyrology asserts, that they were received from the Church of Arezzo. The same, but contracted, we have from the Utrecht Ms. of S. Salvator, and Petrus de Natalibus published an illustrious compendium, book 5 of the Catalogus chapter 80. To the same Acts Usuard alluded in his Martyrology, when on this third day of June he writes thus: and memory in Martyrologies. At Arezzo, a city of Tuscany, of the holy Martyrs Pergentinus and Laurentinus the brothers; who in the persecution of Decius, when they were boys, after dire tortures endured, and great miracles shown, were cut down with the sword. The same things are had in the Roman Martyrology; and is added "under Tiburtius the Governor," about whom the very many Mss. Martyrologies agree, also under the name of Ado, and later ones printed by various: Wandelbert himself once honored them with these verses:
Pergentinus likewise and Laurentinus, of blood And of family adorn the Threes with twin splendor.
[2] They are said in the Acts no. 3 by the Word of their preaching to have led many to the faith of Christ: and through their miracles no. 4, many believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ministers themselves believed in Christ. The same in no. 6 instruct the converts to the faith, and send them to Cornelius the Priest, that they might be baptized. Whether 400 Martyrs are to be joined. But also nearly sixty men were baptized; and in no. 5 more than two hundred men believed. In the ancient Epternach apograph of the Hieronymian Martyrology these things are read: At Arezzo of Tuscany, of Laurentius and of others four hundred. Rabanus in his Martyrology: In Tuscany, of Laurentius, and of others four hundred. Notker: At Arezzo, a city of Tuscany, of the holy Martyrs Pergentinus and Laurentinus the brothers… and of many others, four hundred.
[3] It may be probable that the spurious Bede looked to this, when on the following day he placed S. Laurentius with forty others in Tuscany, and wished to write Four Hundred, although in the Acts nothing is read of them. It is probable too by the testimony of three authors that they truly suffered at Arezzo: wherefore we have proposed the same in the title. Perhaps among them was also Cornelius the Presbyter, who in the Acts is called Saint: and the sister Pergentina, in the Ms. Florarium, in Greven, Canisius and other more recent ones is indicated, partly on this day, partly on June V. Who is above called Laurentinus, and not Laurentinus; he in Bellinus, in the Venetian edition of the year 1498, is Valentinus: but in the Parisian edition of the year 1521, with correction made, is called Laurentinus; so that it is no wonder if by the error of scribes it has been written Laurentius. We do not however judge that these four hundred suffered martyrdom with SS. Pergentinus and Laurentinus, on the same day or year; but that they were crowned on different days, however after the death of Decius, on account of some connection with these martyrs, and at the same time placed with them.
[4] At the end of the Acts it is said, that the Christians having gathered by night, together with Pergentina sister of the Saints, buried them not far from the City near the river which is called Castrum, Where the bodies were buried just as also on the XIX of this month we shall see the bodies of the holy Martyrs Gaudentius the Bishop and Culmatius the Deacon buried, not far from the city of Arezzo, near the Theater and the river Castrum, perhaps the same of which Leander speaks in Tuscany, above Arezzo a river, from the ridges where Mont-acutus is, flowing into the Arno, Ciassa. This more certain, the church of the holy Martyrs Pergentinus and Laurentinus seen situated not far from the city of Arezzo, as Augustinus Florentinus writes, Hist. Camald. book 2 chapter 35; probably at the same place, or in a nearby place, where the bodies were first laid: which church around 1227 was handed over to the Camaldolese, the same Author says there. There also I scarcely doubt that the sacred relics themselves are kept and held in special veneration, unless perhaps because of various calamities of the times they have been taken within the city: which nothing prevents that some Relics may also be believed to have been translated elsewhere. Certainly some of S. Laurentinus the Martyr to be kept at Bologna, Some particle whether at Bologna? in the church of the Nuns under the name of Jesus and Mary, in the Via Galiera, Masini in Bononia perlustrata indicates, on this III of June. If it could be known, whence they had them, it would be more certainly determined, whether they are the Patrons of Arezzo, or not. But I understand from the response of the most Illustrious Count Valerius de Zanis, not only that there is no instrument of donation; but not even the Relic itself, although most diligently sought, is now to be found; so that it must have been a plainly small particle, to which the little label of the name affixed Masini indeed read, but afterwards by accident slipped off and perished.
ANCIENT ACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM.
From various Ms. codices.
Pergentinus, Brother Martyr at Arezzo in Etruria (S.)
Laurentinus, Brother Martyr at Arezzo in Etruria (S.)
Four Hundred, Martyrs at Arezzo in Etruria (SS.) BHL Number: 6632
FROM MSS.
[1] In the days of Decius Cæsar of the city of Rome, there were many persecutions against the Christians, Under Decius and many precepts set forth, that if anyone worshipped Christ, he should be killed by diverse punishments; and those found, if they did not sacrifice, should undergo a capital sentence. At the same time, while the most impious Decius Cæsar was traversing all cities and regions, with his counsellors and ministers, he came into the city of Arezzo. And there was one of the Counsellors of Decius Cæsar, by name Tiburtius, exercising most cruel persecution against the name of Christ. at Arezzo Christian brothers Then one of the Pagans said to him: There are here two men, uterine brothers, by name Pergentinus and Laurentinus, of noble family; who professing themselves Christians, daily go to school and are instructed in letters, that they may most fully know the precepts of Christ, which are written. If you let them go thus, great evil will come to this city, and they will lead all this people to the worship of Christ. Then Tiburtius, having heard these things, in the wrath of his fury ordered them to be summoned, and to be brought before his presence. The soldiers indeed with haste seized them, seized, they encourage one another: and said to the Saints: Our lord Tiburtius calls you: for not by our power are you being led. And as they were being led, Pergentinus said to Laurentinus his brother: Now our combat will approach. Blessed Laurentinus answered, and said: Lord brother, let us not fear these torments, but rather let us fear eternal punishment, and our Redeemer, who taught that we should not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Matt. 10 Pergentinus said: Let us go manfully, and let us stand in the faith, not fearing the precepts of the tyrant. But I choose you first, that you may answer the Judge: since to you has been given the knowledge of speaking and answering, greater than to me.
[2] And when they had been brought before the presence of Tiburtius; he said to them: Why do I hear these things of you, brought to Tiburtius, that you forsake the Gods whom the most pious Emperors worship, and to whom our Lord bends his neck; and follow Christ, who was killed by the Jews? Blessed Laurentinus said: We know no other God besides Jesus Christ himself, the son of the living God, and steadfastly having professed the faith, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them. The Gods, of whom you speak, we know to be befouled with every pollution, deaf and dumb, without sight or hearing; and unless they are guarded by men, they are stolen; and lest they be cast down by any push, they are constrained with iron chains and lead: who can give help neither to themselves, nor to others. Tiburtius the Counsellor said: I spare you for now, they are dismissed: since you are of noble family. Go and leave that vain religion, which you worship: for if I hear these things of you again, I will make you perish by diverse torments.
[3] Then the Most Blessed Laurentinus and Pergentinus went out of the presence of Tiburtius; they convert many: and more enkindled in the faith of Christ, daily entreated the Lord, day and night bending their knees. Through each of the days therefore the holy faith grew in many works; and by the word of their preaching, they led many to the faith of Christ. And because truth cannot be hidden, as the Evangelist testifies, who says, A city set upon a mountain cannot be hidden, nor do they light a lamp and put it under the middle, but upon a candlestick, that it may give light to all who are in the house; and because light shines in darkness; Matt. 5, 15 the Pagans, seeing the wonders which God was working through his Saints, and because many were being converted to the faith of Christ; brought back to Tiburtius were indignant, and seized them, and led them to Tiburtius the Counsellor. Who said to him: The word of your preaching availed nothing. Behold these, whom you taught to withdraw from superstitious vanity, not only did not listen to you, but by their magic arts have subverted the whole people. Tiburtius
the Counsellor said to the Saints, Why have you so done, that neither the most pious Cæsar, nor me, have you wished to have favorable? S. Pergentinus answered: We have favorable the Lord Jesus Christ. Let those seek your favor, who do not deserve to have Christ favorable; and let those fear your terrors, who do not fear the eternal King.
[4] Suspended, they are cut with clubs: At once Tiburtius, leaping from his seat, tore his garments, and said: Have I not given you a respite, that you might forsake the vain doctrine? But your Christ now you preach in my presence. And he ordered the Saints to be lifted up with chains, and to be cut for a very long time with clubs. And while they were being cut, the Saints sang psalms, saying: Lord God, attend to our help, Lord make haste to help us: and suddenly the arms of those who were striking them were withered. Seeing these things, Tiburtius was stupefied: the ministers indeed for pain were crying out: Our arms are as if withered: we beseech you servants of God, pray to your Lord for us: and if he will make us safe, the withered arms of the lictors are healed, we will believe in him. The Saints indeed besought the Lord, and their arms were made whole. Seeing these things, many who were present believed in the Lord Jesus Christ: but also the ministers themselves believed in Christ, and praised the Lord with one voice, saying: There is no other God besides him, and they convert many. whom Laurentinus and Pergentinus his servants preach. S. Pergentinus said to those who believed: Hear, Brothers, hear and understand our precepts, and be baptized, and you will be freed from every bond of iniquity.
[5] Cast into prison, Seeing these things, Tiburtius feared: but he ordered the Most Blessed Laurentinus and Pergentinus to be thrust back into prison: and he ordered that they should give them neither bread nor water. And when they had been brought into the prison; S. Pergentinus said to Laurentinus his brother: Brother, arise, let us call upon our Lord Jesus Christ for our help. And rising they sang psalms saying: Lord God of our salvation, in the day we have cried and in the night before you, after a three days' fast, let our prayer enter in your presence, incline your ear to our prayers, Lord. Thus for three days and nights they took no food: for an Angel of the Lord coming from heaven, nearly in the middle of the night, brought them heavenly bread, and said: Arise and eat, what the Lord has sent to you that you may eat. The Angel of the Lord entered, they are refreshed with bread given by an Angel: and the whole prison was illumined; and the jailers, terrified for fear, became as dead, and fell asleep. The Saints indeed, refreshed with heavenly bread, sang psalms saying: Merciful and compassionate is the Lord, he has given food to those who fear him.
[6] After these things came those who believed in Christ, that they might visit the Saints, the converts to the faith they instruct, together with Pergentina their sister: and they brought gifts to the guards, that they might admit them to the Saints: but the prison was open, and the jailers lay as dead. They entered then to the Most Blessed Pergentinus and Laurentinus, and cast themselves at their feet, and with weeping said; Lord Fathers, behold the prison is open, and the guards lie as dead. Come and go out hence, and tarry elsewhere (because your life is necessary to us) and instruct us further, of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Saints answered saying; Far be it from us, Brothers, that we do this thing; and the crown, and they send those to be baptized to Cornelius the Presbyter. which by our faith we have deserved, that we lose it now: but hear our precepts, Brothers. There is here one of the Priests, by name Cornelius, who is now hiding for fear of Tiburtius: Go and seek him out, and if you can find him, announce to him all these things: and how much our Lord Jesus Christ has wrought in us: because he himself, both us, and our parents, and our sister, taught of the name of Christ, and baptized us. He will baptize you with water and the Holy Spirit. But when baptized, remain in the faith. And they cast themselves again at their feet, and lamented for a very long time, and asked the Saints, saying: We ask you, our Lords, that you pray for us to our Lord, that our souls may be saved. The Saints indeed preached to them, and prayed for them to the Lord, and said: Lord God, immortal King, who permitted us to come to your faith; permit also all these to attain to your mercy. And signing them, they sent them away from themselves: and going out, they sought Saint Cornelius the Presbyter. And when they had found him, they announced to him all things about Pergentinus and Laurentinus. Saint Cornelius rejoiced with great joy: at once he catechized them: and nearly sixty men were baptized.
[7] Hearing all these things Tiburtius the Counsellor, ordered the Most Blessed Pergentinus and Laurentinus, with all haste, to be led before his presence. And when they had been led, he said to them: they stand upon coals with feet unhurt: By your malefactions you have overturned this whole city. S. Laurentinus answered and said: They are not malefactions: but benefactions of God. We are not malefactors, but we are servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. Tiburtius said: Why do you talk so much? Either sacrifice to the God Jupiter, or by diverse punishments I will now kill you. S. Laurentinus answered: You worship the God Jupiter, and your kindred: for we worship Christ. Tiburtius indeed was indignant, and ordered live coals to be brought, and ordered the Saints to stand upon the coals with bare feet. And when they had stood upon the coals, suddenly the coals died, and became as cold water. The people therefore the more believed in Jesus Christ. The Pagans said to the Judge: You see that nothing avails us: if you let them go further, you will destroy both the city and the whole people. Tiburtius therefore ordered Jupiter to be brought before his presence, and said to the Saints: Sacrifice to the God Jupiter. S. Pergentinus said to Tiburtius; they reduce the statue of Jupiter to dust: Now you shall see our sacrifice. And they approached near the idols: but the people were making fear, and were yielding that they themselves should sacrifice to the God Jupiter. And the Saints placed their knees on the earth, and adored a very long time the Lord: and when they had lifted their heads from the earth, at once the idol was liquefied as lead: and they cast themselves again on the earth, and gave thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ.
[8] A great clamor was made in the people, and in that hour believed, in Christ Jesus, for a very long time cut down, more than two hundred men. The Pagans indeed rushing upon the Saints, cut them for a very long time. Seeing these things Tiburtius, and that he was conquered by the Saints, striking a slap on his own forehead, said. Woe is me! I am overcome. And he ordered at once the Saints to undergo capital sentence. The soldiers then led them outside the city to be beheaded. And as they were being led, the Saints said to the soldiers: We ask you, brothers, hold a little, that we may entreat our Lord Jesus Christ. And casting themselves on the earth, they adored, and said; You are our Protector, Lord; into your hands we commend our spirit. At once one of the soldiers, with drawn sword cut off first the head of Laurentinus, and similarly cut off that of Pergentinus. they are beheaded: The soldiers indeed returned to their Lord Tiburtius, and reported to him whatever they had done. Then the Christians, together with Pergentina their sister, gathered themselves by night, and buried them, not far from the city of Arezzo, nearly a thousand paces, near the river which is called Castrum. The Most Blessed Martyrs of Christ, Laurentinus and Pergentinus, suffered, 3 of June. under Decius the Emperor in the city of Arezzo, on the third Nones of June; our Lord Jesus Christ reigning, to whom is praise and glory, forever and ever. Amen.