ON THE HOLY BROTHERS
FELIX AND FORTUNATUS,
MARTYRS AT AQUILEIA.
A.D. CCXCVI.
PREVIOUS COMMENTARY.
On their Acts, Relics, cult.
Felix, Brother, Martyr, at Aquileia (S.)
Fortunatus, Brother, Martyr, at Aquileia (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR G. H.
[1] Among many Martyrs, whom at Aquileia, a city formerly most celebrated, having suffered we relate in this our work, SS. Felix and Fortunatus the brothers excel: of whose life, Ancient Acts of these Martyrs, martyrdom, translations Francis Barbarano of Mironi the Capuchin treats most amply, in book 1 of the Vincentine Ecclesiastical History, in Italian about the year MDCXLIX
published from ch. 20 to 36, where he inserts in ch. 33 the ancient Latin Acts of the martyrdom, distributed into nine Lessons, customarily recited at Matins: which same Boninus Mombritius edited two hundred years ago; and we have found those same somewhat more correctly written in the Ms. Legendary of Carlo Strozzi, Florentine Senator, marked no. 5 fol. 123: which, diligently collated with others, we here give; omitting the Compendia which we have from the Utrecht Ms. of the Church of S. Salvator, and in Peter de Natalibus book 4 of the Catalogue ch. 167, and in the Catalogue of Saints of Italy by Philip Ferrario, on the XIV day of August. The same Acts we found in the distinguished Legendary of the Canons Regular of the Bodecense monastery, where is held the body of a certain S. Felix, which Wolfgang of Aquileia is read to have given to the Emperor Conrad in the Life of S. Meinwerk Bishop of Paderborn, V May n. 109. But that is believed to be another, who suffered with S. Hilary the Bishop on XVI March, whose arrival there is celebrated on III October.
[2] About the Birthday of these Martyrs the Acts vary, and the Martyrologies with them: The day of birth to some 14 May, to others 17 and 19: and first the day XIV May is assigned by Mombritius and in the Strozzian Ms. With these agrees Peter de Natalibus, likewise the Martyrologies of Bellinus, Greven, Molanus, Maurolycus, Galesinius, Canisius, as we have indicated among the Pretermissi for the said day; indeed also the ancient Milanese Missals and Breviaries, the Ms. Florarium and the printed Viola Sanctorum, refer them to the XVII of the same May; but the Calendar of the Capuan Church to the XIX, as in both places among the Pretermissi has been said. But this XI of June as their Birthday is generally established by the more ancient Martyrologies, to others on this 11 June, of Usuard, Ado, Notker and others with today's Roman Martyrology, and they bring forth illustrious elogia from the Acts themselves, confirming the sincerity of the Acts: of which we add one only of Usuard, which is thus: "At Aquileia the passion of SS. Felix and Fortunatus, under the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian: who when they were two own brothers, were hung on the rack, and burning lamps were placed about their sides. Which soon by the virtue of God being extinguished, they were poured over the belly with boiling oil, and at the last in the confession of Christ they were beheaded." Twice as many things from the Acts themselves Ado took, which in him may be seen. Meanwhile in the ancient Vincentine Lessons they are said to be martyred on the XVIII day before the Kalends of September, which would be XV August; to some 14 August. but XVIII Kalends of September should be read: for on XIV August the famous memory of SS. Felix and Fortunatus suffering at Aquileia is celebrated, even in the most ancient Epternacens apograph of the Hieronymian Martyrology: where is added "of Vincenza": is it perhaps that they are venerated there? In some apographs indeed is read "Fortunata"; but this we judge should be corrected. What if it should be read: "At Aquileia of S. Felix, and at Vicenza of S. Fortunatus"? In this sense Peter de Natalibus asserts, it was fitting that the Vincentines should bear with them the body of Fortunatus; but that of Felix should remain at Aquileia.
[3] That division of Relics is thus described in Ado: "The pious contention was so ended by divine nod, that the Vincentines should have Felix, the Aquileians Fortunatus: Division of Relics between the Aquileians and Vincentines. yet so that the head of B. Felix Aquileia, but the head of Fortunatus Vicenza should obtain." The same is read in the Utrecht Ms., but in place of Vicenza, by what error I do not know, Nuceria is written. To this opinion seems to have prepared the way Fortunatus book 8 ch. 4 On Virginity, where after the assemblies of Patriarchs and the Apostolic Senate, he brings forth the laureled crowd of Martyrs and Confessors, in which he adduces Cyprian Martyr of Africa, Quirinus of Siscia, Vincent of Spain, Alban of Britain, Victor of Marseilles, Genesius and Caesarius of Arles, Dionysius of Paris, Symphorian of Autun, Privatus of Gabalum, Julian of Auvergne, Ferreolus of Vienne, Hilary and Martin of Gaul, and Lawrence of Rome: and to these so many illustrious, Patrons of celebrated places enumerated, he subjoins these verses:
Felix by merits joyful Vicenza pours back: And Aquileia bears its own Fortunatus.
Let the reader note, these verses, in the Venetian and Cagliari edition, were wrongly joined to poem 5 of book 7 to Duke Bodegisil, and are so cited by Baronius in the Notes to this day XI, and by Barbarano ch. 26. The same Fortunatus, book 4 of the Life of S. Martin near the end, describes a sacred journey, and brings these forth:
Hence pass through the Venetian glades of the country fields, Tending indeed through difficult mountain castles, Or if perchance you come to the Aquileian city, Venerate the Cantians, much-loved friends of the Lord, And the blessed urn of the Martyr Fortunatus.
Of the Cantians, the three brothers, Martyrs at Aquileia, under Diocletian and Maximian, we have treated XXXI May.
[4] But with Peter de Natalibus, who wrote in the neighborhood, agree the ancient monuments, and the head of S. Felix and the body of S. Fortunatus were borne to Vicenza; but the head of S. Fortunatus and the body of S. Felix remained at Aquileia: [The head of S. Fortunatus and the body of S. Felix were carried from Aquileia to Grado, thence to Methamaucum,] which city by Attila in the year CCCCLII, then by the Lombards in the year DXC burned and devastated, they are believed to have been borne to Grado, a very small city in a small island of Friuli, built near the maritime shore of the Adriatic Sea by the Aquileians, with a Patriarchal See, thence afterwards translated to Venice: but the Relics were transported to Methamaucum (where also was the Episcopal See). That island was distant from Venice two miles, around the year MCX submerged in the waves of the sea in an earthquake; and then the Episcopal See was carried with the Relics of the Saints to Fossa Clodia or Chioggia, situated in the Venetian estuaries XV miles from the city of Venice: about which matter a decree made by Ordelafo Falerio Doge of Venice is extant in Ughelli, Tom. 5 in the Bishops of Fossa-nova col. 1416, in which is permitted from Methamaucum to be transferred into the city of Chioggia a new Episcopate, preserved at Chioggia from the year 1110; the body of S. Felix Martyr and the head of S. Fortunatus and all the treasure. The same things confirms Andrew Dandolus in the Chronicle, in the VIII year of Duke Ordelafus, which falls in the year MCX. "The Duke," he says, "compassionate to the devastation of the city of Methamaucum and of the Episcopal See, with Dominicus Granciariolo Prelate of the Church requesting, decreed, that the same See, with the body of S. Felix and head of S. Fortunatus, treasure and all its honors, should be transferred into greater Chioggia. But these they assert and venerate as Martyrs, under Diocletian and Maximian crowned at Aquileia."
[5] In Barbarano in the said year of Duke Ordelafus is added, in the year 1264 hidden in the altar, that they were Vincentines by nation, and afterwards in the year MCCLXIV, on the XVII Kalends of July an altar was consecrated, and the head of Fortunatus and the body of Felix of the Saints hidden, as there on a tablet is expressed, where on another are read these: "Here rests the body of S. Felix and the head of S. Fortunatus, Martyrs and Brothers." The same were found in the last finding, in the year MDCVIII, in the year 1608 brought forth, as is at length deduced by Barbarano ch. 26 and following, with the Letter of Lawrence Pressati, then Bishop of Chioggia. That then the same in the year MDCXII, with solemn procession on the XII day of the month of July were re-deposited, and in the year 1612 reposed, is written ch. 28; and in the following chapter is brought forth this testimony sculpted on stone:
"This sacred basilica of the immaculate God-bearer, of noble structure, formerly of ample mass, conspicuous with icons, chapels, altars, and pictures, after the solemnities of the divine Childbirth were performed, suddenly consumed by nocturnal flames, the holy bones of the Patron Saints Felix and Fortunatus preserved, unhurt from the fire in the year 1624. under Paschalis Grasso the Prelate, by Venetian munificence, Chiogginese piety, the care of Andrew Dandolus the Praetor, the diligence of John Falconetus Knight, Sebastian Busculo, Felix Vianello the Deputies, on the day of the triumphant heavenly Banner, began gloriously to be repaired. Deodatus Theotius Knight, and Marc Antonius Scarpia colleague in procuration, to the perennial memory of so great a work. In the year of Salvation MDCXXIV, Kalends of October." Thus far there about the said Relics hitherto preserved at Fossa Clodia.
[6] From what has been related is inferred, the Head of S. Felix and body of S. Fortunatus were borne to Vicenza. But that the body of this one rests there asserts Rodulph Bishop of Vicenza, in the Privilege given in the year DCCCCLXXV, Church of SS. Felix and Fortunatus at Vicenza: and by Ughelli Column 2100, related following: in which: "I decreed," he says, "the monastery of the blessed Martyrs Felix and Fortunatus, Vitus and Modestus, situated outside the city of Vicenza, which I found utterly destitute of all monastic cult and divine office... to restore and reintegrate, to the honor of the holy Martyrs Felix and Fortunatus, Vitus and Modestus... I granted to the same holy monastery the Abbey of S. Vitus, situated next to the church of S. Vitus, where his sacred body rests." Barbarano ch. 24, brings forth the Privilege of S. Henry the Emperor, in which is said the Church of SS. Felix and Fortunatus built outside the city of Vicenza, where the bodies of SS. Felix and Fortunatus rest. That the same Saints were elected Patrons and Protectors of the Vincentine city, the same Barbarano confirms ch. 23, by letters of Bartholomew Bishop of Vicenza, given in the year MCCLX, in whose clausula has these: "If anyone shall presume not to obey this, let him know himself to have incurred the indignation of almighty God, and of the blessed Martyrs Felix and Fortunatus our Patrons, and ours." Afterwards in the year MCCCXI, the same Barbarano asserts it was decreed, where they are Patrons: that the feast of the blessed Martyrs SS. Felix and Fortunatus Confessors and Martyrs of God, whose Relics are in the city, should in the future be celebrated every year, on the day following the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ etc. Indeed in the year MCCCXCIII it was decreed, and a feast on 2nd of Easter that all Confraternities should attend the solemnity of the feast of SS. Felix and Fortunatus, which was then celebrated on Monday VII April with an offering of twenty solidi. Besides in Barbarano ch. 34, three Hymns are referred about the Martyrdom of SS. Felix and Fortunatus, and ch. 38. Hymns and Mass, A Mass ordained by S. Ambrose Archbishop of Milan for the feast of SS. Felix and Fortunatus, extracted from the Missal printed in the year MDXXII, to be said on XIV May at the Translation of S. Victor, and Nativity of SS. Felix and Fortunatus. A Missal of this kind we have with us, but variously augmented at various times, so that we should not at once dare to ascribe to S. Ambrose whatever is found there. Against the things hitherto related is brought forth in Barbarano an objection, as if in the year MCCCXXV, particles at Aquileia. on the II day of May the bodies of SS. Felix and Fortunatus, Sigismund the King and Mena had been translated to Aquileia. Which seem to be said of particles of the bones. About the Body of S. Sigismund the King, which both the Pragans and the Imolesi pretend to have thus, we have treated on the Kalends of May.
ACTS OF THE MARTYR
From Mss. Mombritius from Boninus and from the Vincentine Lessons.
Felix, Brother, Martyr, at Aquileia (S.)
Fortunatus, Brother, Martyr, at Aquileia (S.)
BHL Number: 2860
FROM MOMBRITIUS.
[1] Under the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian,
in the twelfth year, an edict and proposal went forth, through all cities, from the Princes and Magistrates, In year 12 of Diocletian that wherever Christians were found, they should be killed by various punishments. Solicitously through the whole world Christians were sought; and it was constituted, that if perhaps anyone purchased or sold, he should first sacrifice to the idols: but if anyone should have concealed a found Christian, he himself should first be punished. At that same time was sent by the Emperors from the city of Rome Apollinaris the Prefect, Euphemius being Praeses of Aquileia that he himself through every province of Italy might appoint Praesides or Magistrates and Judges. But at the city of Aquileia it happened, that to the Praesidate the most impious Euphemius was promoted, who seemed to be far the most savage against Christians. And when he had come to the Aquileian city, entering the temple of Jupiter, he offered impure hosts. But the herald through the whole city with a great voice proclaimed, that all should come with hosts to the Capitol of Jupiter. And when he had placed sacred things through the squares, all friends were handing over Christian friends. But one of the office of the Praeses, by name Apamius, suggested to the Praeses, saying: "Two own brothers have come hither to our city, who profess themselves Christians." Then the Praeses sends from his Office, that the worshippers of God, bound with iron through the whole body, should be brought to his auditorium. And when they had come into the tabernacle, where they dwelt; they found them praying to the Lord, and saying: "Lord, you have been a refuge for us from generation and progeny. Before the mountains were made, or the earth was established, from age and to age you are, Lord."
[2] offered, Then the prior of the Office, who was, seized them; and bound with iron at neck and hands, led them in the sight of the Praeses. But the Prince of the Office suggested to the Praeses, saying: "Before the doors are those, whom you ordered us to seize." Euphemius said: "Let them be brought in." And when they had been brought in, S. Felix, the sign of Christ's Cross made on his forehead, striking his breast, prayed within himself. The Praeses said: "Declare the names, by which you are called." S. Felix said: "I am called Felix, they profess the faith; my brother Fortunatus: we are Christians." The Praeses said: "Are you sprung from this city, or perhaps have come hither from abroad?" S. Felix replied: "We are from here, from a neighboring place, not far from this city: but seeing you to worship vain and impure idols, we left our places, wishing rather to dwell with wild beasts in the woods than with you: because you commit vanities, and sacrifice to demons." Euphemius the Praeses said: "Have you not heard what has been commanded by the most pious Princes; that, if any are found worshipping Christ, they should be punished by various punishments?" S. Felix said: "Let those hear the commands of the Princes, who are like to these, and serve them: but to us who have a King in heaven, there is nothing with the ministers of Satan."
[3] they are beaten with clubs: Hearing these things the Praeses ordered them to be stretched out, and beaten by the strongest men with clubs. And when they were being beaten, as with one mouth they proclaimed prayer to the Lord thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, glory to your piety, since in us you have perfected, what the Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of your servant David, saying: 'Behold how good and how pleasant, for brothers to dwell in one.' We pray you, Lord, that you deign to permit us to persevere in this vocation, to which you ordered us to be called, to the praise of your name, and for confirming the hearts of those believing in you: that all serving idols may know, that there is no other God besides you, Lord, whom the Angels serve." Euphemius said: "Do you not know, that the Lord Emperors are much angered at the name of your Christ?" S. Felix responded: "And if they are angered, can they prevail in anything against those serving Christ? Now hear, that the more you are angered in savagery, the more we are exalted in glory." Hearing this the Praeses smiled, saying: "Most wretched, now I cut off your necks, what glory is it to you?" they spurn the glory of the world, S. Fortunatus replied: "The glory which we expect from the Lord our God, is spiritual, not of this world: for this world passes and its glory: for that glory which he prepares for those believing in him, is everlasting: for what are you or your Princes? For so is your glory in our eyes, as we are in a great tempest."
[4] Hearing these things the Praeses, much enraged, ordered them to be hung on the rack, suspended that they may be tortured with lamps and burning lamps to be placed at their sides. When this was done, SS. Felix and Fortunatus sang a hymn to God, saying: "Lord, King of the holy Angels, direct the Archangel Michael to our help, that all may be confounded who adore graven things." As they prayed these things the lamps were extinguished, and they cried out, saying: "The snare is broken, and we are saved: our help is in the name of the Lord, they extinguish them by prayer who made heaven and earth." Euphemius the Praeses said: "Behold these are vain words, on which you exalt yourselves. Approach and sacrifice to the great god Jupiter, through whom you can merit salvation." S. Felix replied: "Merit his own salvation: for our salvation is Christ. For your gods cannot save themselves, if they are broken; how can they offer salvation to anyone?"
[5] Hearing these things Euphemius, ordered oil very hot, with them stretched supine, poured over with boiling oil they feel refreshment. to be poured into their belly. And when this was done, SS. Felix and Fortunatus said: "Truly through the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, for whom we suffer this, that we feel nothing of heat; but rather you have offered us refreshment." But them being raised with much wrath, the Praeses of iniquity ordered their jaws to be pounded with leaded weights, saying: "Insults to the gods, from the mouth from which they proceed, ought to be punished." But Saint Fortunatus said: "Most impious minister of the devil, devise yet a most wicked punishment, which you may inflict on us: for, the Lord God helping us, with no torments can we be frightened: because at hand is the Angel of the Lord, who strengthens all our members."
[6] But one of the Counsellors said to the Praeses: "Lord, all these things these enemies of the immortal gods seem to have for praise to themselves: but order them to undergo capital sentence." Then the Praeses ordered their heads to be cut off. The ministers led them out, outside the city, near the river which is beside the Aquileian city; where with knees bent praying the Lord, they said: "We give you thanks, Lord Jesus Christ, that you have not despised us, nor our contest: but as from one womb we were born, so we have also run through one contest of martyrdom. We pray and ask, that you so permit us to enter the gates of paradise; where are all, who for your name from this age with the palm of martyrdom have come to your glory." As they prayed these things they gave to each other the holy kiss, and said the Lord's Prayer before all: and the executioner approached, and separated the heads of each. The ministers leaving them departed. But by night came religious men of the city, with clean linens and aromatics, and secretly anointed their bodies: and there came upon the same place provincials from their city of Vicenza, wishing to lead their bodies to their fatherland, but the Aquileian citizens did not permit them. And while there was for a long time contention between them, fearing the savagery of the Praeses and of the Pagans, by God's nod they thus arranged among themselves, that they would hold one with themselves, and to the citizens of the said city of Vicenza relinquish the other. But the Saints of God Felix and Fortunatus the Martyrs were martyred, on the fourteenth day of the month of May, our Lord Jesus Christ reigning: to whom is honor and glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.