ON SAINT INNOCENTIUS
BISHOP OF MÉRIDA IN SPAIN.
CENT. VII.
His notice from Paul the Deacon and others.
Innocentius, Bishop of Mérida, in Spain (S.)
G. H.
Emerita Augusta, formerly a most celebrated city, and Metropolis also of all Lusitania, from ancient times under the Romans and Goths Episcopal was: Sacred cultus. of which see Bishop XIV is reckoned S. Innocentius; whom according to George Gardoso, in the Lusitanian Hagiology on this XXI June, the Church of Mérida among its holy Bishops venerates. The same also with the title of Saint honor Barnabas Moreno de Vargas, in book 3 of the History of the city of Mérida ch. 12, and John Tamayo de Salazar at XXXI March; where after the Acts of S. Renovatus, in this see substituted for S. Innocentius, he published a Catalogue of the Bishops of Mérida, and after the death of S. Massona, which he refers to year DCV and the Kalends of November, subjoins these things: S. Innocentius of this name the I, Bishop of Mérida XIV, Subscribes the Decree of King Gundemar. a man of holy simplicity in fact and in name innocent, and most famous performer of wonderful works, was present at the Decree of King Gundemar in the year of the Lord DCX. Published this Decree Garsias Loiasa, in the Collection of Councils where on page 265 are inserted the names of twenty-six Bishops, who subscribed. Among them second and to S. Isidore Bishop of Seville next, uses these words: I Innocentius, of the Mérida province of Lusitania Metropolitan Bishop, Paul the Deacon praises him. when into the city of Toledo for the Royal occasion I had come, with these constitutions recognized, I gave assent and subscribed. Paul Deacon of Mérida wrote a book on the life and miracles of the Fathers of Mérida, in which the last chapter he has on Innocentius and Renovatus the Bishops: and because the Acts of S. Renovatus we illustrated on the day XXXII March, here we bring forth those things which about Innocentius he himself writes.
[2] After the departure of the most holy and venerable Massona the Bishop, was subrogated a man of highest humility and simplicity, by name Innocentius, whose merit of name the appellation indicated: innocent altogether and simple, and says he was wont to obtain necessary rains, judging no one, condemning no one, harming no one; innocuous always and pious to all of his life times he stood: who also at the same time, at which he was ordained, as is borne, in the order of Deacons last he was held. Of such great sanctity and of such great compunction is reported to have been, that as often as rain was lacking, and from too great heat the earth was dried up by long drought; the citizens of that place gathered into one with him through the basilicas of the Saints, with prayers asking the Lord, went. Suddenly however, as often as with him they proceeded, rain from heaven abundantly was granted, and his Relics for miracles to be celebrated. which most fully could satiate the earth. Whence there was no doubt, that his tears, from such a humble and simple mind sent out, with the omnipotent Lord, not only these, but even more powerful than these could have obtained. Then with the Acts of S. Renovatus interposed, these are subjoined. Of these therefore above said Saints the bodies in one and the same little cell, not far from the altar of the most holy Virgin Eulalia honorably entombed rest: at whose finally venerable sepulchers such great Christ daily confers grace of plentiful charity; that with whatever sickness any one is vexed, with whatever languor he is also afflicted, immediately as the divine Numen there with whole heart he shall have demanded, all diseases from him driven, and all stains divinely driven feeling, joyful and healthy to the desired through God's grace comes health. Venerated is S. Eulalia, Virgin and Martyr of Mérida, X December. About her meanwhile in passing was treated at the Life of S. Eulalia Virgin and Martyr of Barcelona XII February. those found and inspected. In the temple of this S. Eulalia at Mérida, were found under the Catholic Kings Ferdinand and Isabella Relics of twelve or fourteen Saints, and among them of five Archbishops; namely S. Paul, S. Fidelis, S. Massona, S. Innocentius and S. Renovatus: were deposited however next to the altar in an ornate Reliquary, and the feast of translation is still performed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and the last inspection was made in year MDCXXXII. All of which are amply deduced at the Life of S. Renovatus XXXI March from the books of Ambrose Morales and Barnabas Moreno; of whom this one adds, that what he writes is so certain, so true, and of so good tradition, that it is not permitted about it doubt to be moved.