Landulphus

ON BLESSED LANDULPHUS,

BISHOP OF ASTI IN ITALY.

YEAR 1134.

Preliminary commentary on cult and life.

Landulphus, Bishop of Asti in Italy (B.)

G. H.

Asti, an Episcopal city of inner Liguria on the river Tanaro, is subject to the Most Serene Dukes of Savoy and Piedmont, of which we have treated at length on March 30 at the Life of S. Secundus Martyr of Asti. Now we are about to treat of B. Landulphus, Bishop of the same city, whom Galesinius, with cited Mss. codices and Tables of the Asti Church, Reported on June 1 referred to the Kalends of June with these words: "Among the people of Asti of Saint Landulphus the Bishop." But Ferrarius, in the New topography on the Roman Martyrology, on the word "Asta," from Galesinius reports the same, but thinks he errs, since the Church of Asti in its Tables does not have this Bishop: and therefore in the Catalog of the Saints of Italy he makes no mention of him. Afterwards however in the general Catalog on the Kalends of June; "At Asta in Liguria," he says, "of B. Landulphus the Bishop"; and in the Notes, from the Martyrology of Galesinius, died June 7. "Who however in the Tables of the Asti Church is not: about whom Baronius in the Annals on the year 1130. He was one of those who adhered to Pope Innocent I." But he must have had very imperfect Tables: nor any Acts, from which it could have been established to him that he died on June 7. Ferdinand Ughellus, in tome IV of Italia Sacra, deduces the Bishops of Asti, and among them places the 29th B. Landulphus, with a long eulogy, which, as in the Prologue he confesses, seems to have been received from the learned and erudite Philip Malabayla, Cistercian Monk, formerly of the Congregation of the Fulienses Monks of S. Bernard emeritus General, Acts written. of the country and of Ecclesiastical things far

skilled. We received the same Acts, here and there more amply deduced, handed by the same author to Philip Alegambe of ours at Rome, in 1649, three years before the said tome IV of Ughellus was published; and we give these here, collated with the edition of Ughellus. Malabayla prefaced, that he gathered this Life from the Monuments of S. Peter in Caeloaureo, and of the Asti Church, and various Authors, the chief of whom are: Landulphus of S. Paul History, Julius Falletus in Memoria, John Philip of Novara in Chronologia, Bernard Abbot of Bonneval and another in the Life of S. Bernard, Gabriel Pennottus on Regular Canons. Malabayla in the title and at the end calls him Saint: but Francis Augustine of the Church, in the Piedmontese History and in the Bishops of Asti, with Ughellus, only Blessed, which we also do.

LIFE

By the Author Philip Malabayla.

Landulphus, Bishop of Asti in Italy (B.)

BY THE AUTHOR MALABAYLA.

[1] How truly was it said by the Wise Man: "A generation passes and a generation comes, but the earth stands forever"; both in all the cities of the universe, and especially in that one which by his birth this Saint of whom we have undertaken to speak rendered more illustrious, and by the Pastoral office happily led to the pastures of salvation, is more than sufficiently perceived. Eccl. i. 4

For in the same place firmly standing the Asti city, Sprung from the noble Vareglata family. very many of those families about which some memory has flowed down to posterity, through various intervals of times, in the manner of flowing waters, with one passing away and new ones in turn yielding to the place,

[2] But truly since it is repugnant to faith, that in the same Abbey a double convent of double institute, but rather Benedictine monks, namely of Monks of S. Benedict and of Regular Clerics of S. Augustine, would have existed together, when no other firmer argument is brought, those words, "To the venerable place itself, and to your Religion etc." will more aptly be received in the same sense as these, premised a little before in the same Diploma: "To the aforesaid Basilica, or to your Almity." Namely that they signify, "To you a kind Man, or to you a Religious Man." Especially since the Rector of that Church, not Provost, but only Presbyter is called. Likewise those words of the Paschal Privilege, "Of Monks or Canons etc." since to this last is not added "Clerics," they are to be held as synonyms: for the same is meant by "Canons" as by "Regulars," such as indeed the Monks were. And even when "Clerics" had been added, rather to some Clerics, living Regularly in some of the 28 Churches, which in the same Bull are subjected to the Abbot, would that word be referred, than admitted, that in the same cenobium a double and different convent would remain. For by those words, "Through Clerics subject to you etc." that mercenary Clerics or Priests are designated, whom Monks use to employ to perform Parochial functions, no one will deny. To say nothing, that even if such a convent of Regular Clerics had existed in that Abbey, those who from the same Abbey are recorded as taken to outside Prelacies, were of the number not of these Clerics subject to Monks, but of the Monks themselves, whose was the Abbey; and among these our Landulphus, reason persuades.

[3] Took the habit. In this Abbey therefore Landulphus, with strong and generous novitiate, instructed in regular discipline, continued to make such progress in sciences and virtues; that in a short time his fame both to others and to the city of Milan brought, the Archbishop of this Anselmus, judging that his flock would be best provided for, becomes Provost of S. Nazarius of Milan, if by some reason he could add him to his Clergy. When therefore the occasion offered itself; he constituted Landulphus Provost of the Nazarian Canonica. Which according to some novelty, Landulphus of S. Paul in his Hist. C. 1 (from whom what we have borrowed about this Saint up to his election) asserts to have been done; as truly it was, that a Monk should be set Canonically over Clerics. Landulphus furthermore showed himself in all things so faithful and officious an administrator to Anselmus himself, Companion of the Archbishop dying at Constantinople: that to him setting out for the Jerusalemic expedition, he joined himself as an individual companion. But when Anselmus seeking Syria by maritime journey with his fleet, had met a much more powerful Turkish one; lest unequal in forces he be overcome, he turned back his journey, and betook himself to Constantinople. Here taken with extreme sickness, in respect to each man, charity, diligence, and prudence he experienced from Landulphus, who as he had served him living with the highest assiduity, so when taken from the living solicitously took care that just things be paid him.

[4] It was acted that an Archbishop be substituted, Afterwards, when the death of Anselmus had been announced at Milan, it began to be acted about choosing a successor. There was in that city the Savonese Bishop Grossolanus, or Grisolanus called, from the Monks of Vallombrosa, who bore himself as Archbishop's Vicar. He, having called the Primicerius and the Ordinaries of the major Church, admonished them, that before him they should proceed to the election of the new Archbishop. These however, with a council held with the noble Clerics and the chief of the citizens of Milan, judged that none other than our Landulphus, or certainly another Landulphus called of Badagius, of the same major Church Ordinaries, should be elected. But with Grisolanus, who by simoniacal arts had prepared the way to that dignity for himself, prohibiting that an election be made of an absent person; at the nod of Arialdus Abbot of S. Dionysius, certain Clerics, and a certain part of the people, with whom about electing Grisolanus before it had been agreed, clamored that this one should be elected Archbishop and praised, and at the same time the same Abbot cast the Episcopal mantle over his shoulders. Seeing which Grisolanus himself, ascended into the Episcopal Seat: but not for long was it permitted him to enjoy quiet of the ill-acquired honor. He was still in human affairs Liprandus, Titular of S. Paul in Compito, memorable in zeal against Simoniacs: for who in the year 1077 to the supreme Pontiffs, putting forth all effort in driving simony from Insubria, by the same Simoniacs, because in this matter he proved himself sharp and faithful to them, but because of Grisolanus made Archbishop by Simony, had been punished with nose and ears: whence Gregory VII by letter had congratulated him, as Martyr of Christ. He therefore, taught by what arts Grisolanus had obtained the Archbishopric, with the assembly called together, declared he should in no way be held as legitimate Pontiff, who through a gift from the hand, from the tongue, and from obedience, had obtained the Episcopal function.

[5] But Landulphus after the Synod departing from Rome, by the Canons of the Cathedral of Asti is elected Bishop of his fatherland, is created Bishop of Asti: in the very year 1103. But since of those works, which begot for him among foreigners the opinion of sanctity and of the best Pastor, no monuments thus far we have found in the Archive of the Cathedral, here we shall list what we have known from the same Archive of things done for the splendor and utility of this church. Of such a kind was; that attracted by the odor of sweetness, which his virtues exhaled all around, the Abbot of the Church of S. Theofred Martyr, and Armajenus Provost of the Cervarian Church, receives large donations: to merit his patronage, voluntarily subjected their churches to him: promising, in favor of the same Landulphus to offer annually to the Asti Church, on the day of the Assumption, one pound of incense: and Amedeus, Lord of Anforianus, of Buzolaschus and of Tevoletus, donated these very castles, with all their appurtenances, to Landulphus himself. Besides the Marquis of Montferrat Rainerius son of William, offered to the monastery of S. Secundus of Turris-rubea, the portion belonging to him in Lake Langianus: and Obertus also Marquis of the same Montferrat, gave an oath of fidelity to Landulphus himself, for the town of S. Salvator, which he held from the Asti Church. Valfredus finally Lord of Curtis-Sedonis, bequeathed this to him by testament: and Landulphus in turn not only confirmed donations made by predecessors to the monastery of S. Anastasius of the Holy Nuns of the Benedictine institute, and gave others to the monastery: formerly founded by King Berengar; indeed also added the churches of S. Michael and S. Lawrence, and whatever the Bishop had in the place of Montanerius, in Vulpilius, and Travezolus.

[6] But from the Archive of the city and other monuments, what follow, we have judged should be inserted in the Acts of this Saint, according to the memorials of Julius Falletus. When in the time of Otto his predecessor, namely in the year 1199, an epidemic had so afflicted the Asti city, takes care that sorceries be removed: that up to 28 thousand are reported to have died from it; for the cure of the sick had been brought in foreign physicians and surgeons, especially from Lausanne. Of whom some when they conferred health especially with magical arts, women gradually gave themselves to them, so that in the progress of time, for conciliating love and atrocious sorceries, they would use them. Which when the holy Bishop perceived, lest the matter proceed and remain unavenged, he treated with the Magistrates. But these having made inquiry, accused of this crime, and among them some of the first nobility, were condemned to burning. But when the holy Bishop himself foresaw, that from the execution of this penalty would arise among their relations enmities; which finally into open hatreds and dissensions, with greatest detriment of the Republic, would erupt; he thought that penalty should be commuted into perpetual prisons within private walls. Judging besides that to terrify those who perhaps still lay hidden, the affines of this crime, more fit would be the length of this penalty, to be turned under their eyes, than the momentary acerbity of the more atrocious one, easily to be given to oblivion, would be.

[7] Then in the tenth year of the following century, when Henry King of Germany had entered Italy, about to set out for Rome to receive the Imperial crown, and in show to profess himself a faithful son of S. Peter; S. Landulphus for the cause of office joined himself as companion to him. And Henry in favor of him, and also at the request of Bernard of Parma, Victor of Bologna, Sigifredus of Vercelli, and Eppo of Novara the Bishop, and Countess Matilda, conceded to the Church of Virania an ample Privilege, reported by Sigonius in Henry on the year 1116. But most opportunely this holy Pastor was conceded to the Asti Church, with the storm of greatest persecution impending on it from the same Henry IV, who in place of the true Pontiff Gelasius had proposed his idol Burdinus to be adored in the Church. adheres to Pope Gelasius the legitimate against Burdinus, In which matter when the people of Asti, following the example of their Pastor Landulphus, had openly and constantly refused to comply with the schismatic Emperor; indignant, when returning to Germany in 1118, he began to threaten the most extreme things. But the city, never polluted by any taint of heresy or schism, and strengthened by the support of so holy a Pastor, did not so hesitate; that to Gelasius fleeing to Gaul it even sent a great sum of monies. Henry, about to avenge which, sent an army against it. But the citizens distrusting the fortifications of the city, because these consisted only of hedges and ditches, sent orators: with whom Henry agreed, to cease from all infestation, provided they should pay him 100 thousand pounds of silver, and supply provisions of one month to his army. Which when the city

had paid, he, despising the oath, of 200 citizens given as hostages, 30 in the midst of the army, in vain reproaching him with perjury, he caused to be beheaded: the rest he led to Germany, where condemned to the mines, those who did not redeem themselves with money, in a short time exchanged this life for the eternal.

[8] Then in 1130 again Landulphus had to contend, and to Innocent II against Anacletus Antipope: to avert another schism from his Church, against Innocent II legitimate Pontiff, raised up by Peter Leo, who called himself Anacletus II. But of what weight was the authority of the same Landulphus to prevent this evil, not only with his Asti people, but with others also even foreigners,

[9] Among these most holy Pontiffs, the more this glory and sanctity of Landulphus shone, in that his Metropolitan Anselmus Archbishop of Milan, not content to have involved his people of Milan in that schism, and the Archbishop of Milan: strove also to draw others of his Province the faithful of Christ, and especially Ecclesiastics, from the obedience of Innocent to the faction of Anacletus. To whose nefarious attempts Landulphus above the rest while he resisted, Innocent, lest either to him or to the other Bishops Suffragans of the Milanese Church, the reverence due to the Metropolitan should put religious scruple, by Apostolic sanction exempted all of them from the jurisdiction or superiority of the Milanese Archbishop. Which because by the Authors who have treated of the Milanese Archbishops was passed over; let it be pleasing to make this perspicuous in the very words of S. Bernard, to the same Milanese; whom the same Saint by his preachings and unheard-of frequency of miracles had led to the obedience of Innocent, although unwillingly and resisting Anselmus. Whence when this, deprived by Innocent of his dignity, and either by force or by fear an exile, had died; the Milanese had elected the same Saint as their Archbishop. To which election although S. Bernard did not at all acquiesce, yet in his favor Innocent had restored to the same Church its Suffragans. There are furthermore words of S. Bernard, admonishing the city of Milan, lest they should think the supreme and divinely given authority of the Supreme Pontiff was to be constrained to their own sense, these of Epist. CXXXI: "Acknowledge rather, in what power, glory, and honor of your Suffragans you have stood deprived. Who was able for you to oppose the most just severity of Apostolic authority, when provoked by your excesses, it decreed to strip you of those ancient and distinguished ornaments? to mutilate your members? And today you would lie confused and mutilated, if it had not been acted with you more benignly than powerfully."

[10] Since therefore Landulphus to Anselmus was denying the reverence otherwise due from Suffragans to the Metropolitan, both because he was adhering to the Pseudo-pope, and because the Supreme Pontiff had forbidden, lest he should hold the same any more for Metropolitan; I do not cease to wonder, how some of the aforesaid Authors have not feared, to condemn in Landulphus this zeal of Catholic unity, whom after the siege of his city he placates with gifts. and due obedience to the Vicar of Christ: and to commend in Anselmus pertinacity and rebellion, of Anselmus himself thus writing: "This Archbishop broke the audacity of the Bishop of Asti, who did not wish to be counted among the Suffragans of the Milanese Church." For Anselmus, perceiving before all that Landulphus was opposing him, and understanding the Suffragans drawn from his Church especially in respect of him; decided to avenge himself with arms, and to prosecute him. So with military forces contracted from the Milanese, and from other cities defending the side of Anacletus, he marched to Asta. But with the citizens so defending themselves, that no hope of capturing the city remained; to devastation of the field, and despoiling of neighboring castles, he turned his arms. These evils, by money or other such loss, judging should be redeemed Landulphus; besides others, gave Anselmus a gold cross of enormous weight, gleaming with gems: which he most desired, as for a trophy, to be erected and preserved in his church.

[10] Receives Pope Innocent: Invited therefore by the fame of the virtues of Landulphus, and by his zeal in defending his cause, Innocent, returning from Gaul to Rome, decided to spend the sacred days of Easter of the year 1132 with Landulphus himself, and his faithful people of Asti. But with him was S. Bernard: who being present indeed could come to know those things, which about the special sanctity of Landulphus and the other gifts he afterwards wrote. The Pontiff then departing, Landulphus followed to Piacenza: in which when Innocent had celebrated a Council, Landulphus dismissed by him, lest on account of his absence, in prejudice of his cause Anselmus should attempt anything, returned to Asta. Where with equal care and solicitude, on all those things which could render himself, and the people committed to him, acceptable to God, he continued always so much more to insist, the more he felt the end of his course to approach.

[11] Dies in the year 1134 But as in sanctity he had spent a celebrated life Landulphus, so also he died most holily, in the 31st year of his Pontificate, and of repaired human salvation 1134. Borne with solemn and pious rite, with all the diocese, not just the city, deprived of this Pastor, groaning; his cadaver then indeed in the manner of those times, customary toward those who were held as Saints, in a marble chest in a high place placed is buried; but then afterwards in the altar of the chapel of S. Agnes, adhering to the Odeum of the Cathedral, is enclosed. But his death in the Necrology, inscribed in the Kalendar of the old Breviaries, is thus noted as read, "On the 7th Ides of June, June 7 died of blessed memory Landulphus Bishop of Asti." But in the Kalendar of a not so ancient Breviary, his name almost in the same manner as of the other Saints, written under the same day is seen: namely, "7th Ides of June, of Landulphus the Bishop." Which surely, as also that his body was buried within the altar, must be said to have happened, when it was declared he was to be held as Saint. And although at what time, body enclosed in the altar. and by whom this was established, is to us still uncertain, we hold it explored, that not before the year 1450 was his body placed in the altar. For in that year Mattheus Catena Archpresbyter of the Cathedral, the very Church established as heir from his entire estate, on this condition, that he should be buried in the Chapel of S. Agnes, near the marble chest, in which had been placed the Body of Blessed Landulphus the Bishop; with pious confidence trusting, to obtain the patronage of the same Saint, that the very neighborhood of his body to the relics of this saint, would in some way profit.

ANNOTATIONS BY G. H.

p Gelasius 2 created at the end of January 1118. But this in the margin is again cited Falletus.

q Equipertus seems here to be the Archbishop of Tarentaise, to be placed between Boso, who presided in the year 1090, and Israel created in the year 1134.

r Hildebrand the 18th of Pistoia in Etruria, sat from the year 1107 to 1133.

s Bernard the 65th of Pavia sat from the year about 1110 to 1132 or the following.

t The Life of S. Hugh of Grenoble we gave on the Kalends of April, on which he died 1131: about S. Bernard of Parma we have already treated.

u This is Anselmus V Pustrella, chosen in the year 1123 whose deposition from the said Landulphus describes Ughellus, as also the election of S. Bernard: about whom also see the Tract cited above. But this in the margin is cited Bern. Ab. Bonævall. in the Life of S. Bern. lib. 2 cap. 2 and soon below cap. 3, and then Guill. Ab. in the Life of S. Bern. cap. 4 and Ab. Bonævall.

x Also about this election see the said Tract.

y In the margin is noted the Author of the book, with title, "Successors of S. Barnabas," and then for Landulphus is praised Falletus.

z Similarly in the margin is written "Nota publ. February 3."