ON S. LEUTFRED THE ABBOT
IN THE EVREUX DIOCESE OF NORMANDY.
A. DCCXXXVIII.
PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.
On his monastery, cultus, acts.
Leutfred Abbot, in the diocese of Évreux in Gaul (S.)
BY G. H.
Évreux or Ebroicum, is an Episcopal city of upper Normandy on the river Iton, Monastery of Holy Cross constructed, under the Archbishop of Rouen, from whose city toward the South it is distant about ten French leagues. In this diocese S. Leutfred constructed a monastery, midway between Évreux and the river Seine, where adjacent to it is the Castle of Gallion. Below in the Life num. 14 this monastery is said to be distant from the city of Évreux by two leagues, and num. 24, the river Auctura is adjacent to the monastery from the southern region. about year 690. Its situation is described num. 12 and 13, where it is said, that after some years from the death of S. Audoenus the Archbishop the monastery was built, in honor of the life-giving Cross, and of the holy Apostles and of S. Audoenus. Hence the monastery in the beginning was called of the Cross of S. Audoenus, Death of S. Leutfred year 738. but afterwards on account of the miracles and veneration of the aforetitled Abbot, was named of the Cross of S. Leutfred. S. Audoenus was succeeded in the See of Rouen by S. Ansbertus, by whose and S. Sidonius's exhortation Leutfred withdrew, as in num. 11 is said, to his native soil, and began to construct the monastery. This is said to have been done about the year DCXC, and because in num. 29 the holy Abbot is said to have presided over his monastery for about forty-eight years, the death must be referred to the year DCCXXXVIII.
[2] The day there is added the eleventh of the Kalends of July, on which he rested in peace, Sacred cultus in Breviaries and in the Évreux Breviary (which we have printed in year MDLXXXVI) is prescribed the feast of S. Leutfred Abbot of nine Lessons, with both Vespers to be celebrated, and this Collect is recited: O God who comforted Blessed Leutfred, your Confessor and Abbot, fighting against the savagery of the ancient enemy, by Angelic visitation; with his merits interceding, free us from every bond of sins, and make us rejoice with him in eternal gladness. And then into nine Lessons his ancient Acts are digested; which on the ninth lesson end thus: After his death his virtue and grace for performing miracles, through his invocation, to our times has continued in the monastery: by whose merits and prayers we pray to be helped by our Lord Jesus Christ. The same S. Leutfred's feast is celebrated in the dioceses of Luxeuil, Paris, and others, whose Breviaries we have; and in them are proposed Lessons taken from the Life. The same memory at XI June is celebrated in the Luxeuil Ms., by defect perhaps of one denarius the writer snatched into error: but on this XXI and the true day of his birth his cultus is confirmed by Usuard in these words: and Martyrologies. In the region Madriacensian of Leutfred the Confessor, who, as a monument of exquisite sanctity, is borne by his prayers to have produced a fountain from the earth. Follow generally more recent ones, Bellinus, Grevenus, Maurolycus, Canisius, with various Mss. and the Roman Martyrology. Likewise Wion, Dorganius, Menardus, Bucelinus, in their Benedictine Fasti. The miracle of the fountain produced is referred to in the Acts num. 19, as also the name of the Madriacensian region is read num. 11, which says Mabillon, in the observations preliminary to this Life, that it is that, over which Count Nebelongus, and his son Theodebertus are said to have presided, between Évreux and the town Vernon spread out. Others assert it to be much more extensive: whose opinions and controversies amply describes Charles le Cointe at year 690 num. 12 which let the curious reader consult.
[3] We had the Life from a very ancient Ms. Codex of Arouaise in Artois, Life from Mss. and collated with the Ms. of the Queen of Sweden num. 1466, such as we also found at Paris in the library of Cardinal Mazarin. Besides the same Life was printed by James Brulius of Paris and monk of S. Germain des Prés, in the Supplement of Parisian Antiquities, because the sacred body of S. Leutfred, as will be said below, and various editions. was brought to that city: the same life was also reprinted by Vincent Barralis Salerno in the Chronology of the sacred island of Lerins, because there is preserved among the Relics a Bone of the elbow, brought from Paris, in the year of the Lord MDXCIX. From this Chronology further it was related to the last Surian edition. Finally published it Lucas Acherius and John Mabillon in the Acts of the Saints of the Order of S. Benedict, in the first part of the third century: Compendia indeed are found in the Breviaries above indicated, likewise with Vincent of Beauvais book 23 ch. 12: and other more recent ones with the Martyrology of Saussay.
D. P.
[4] Below in the Acts num. 29 it is said that the Saint was buried in the church of S. Paul, and thence translated to the basilica of the life-giving Cross and of S. Audoenus: Elevation and Translation. which in the Appendix by James Brulius is placed done in year DCCCLI on the day XXII of June by Gumbertus Bishop of Évreux, nay even (as in the said num. 29 is written) by John Bishop of the Dolensian Church and Abbot of the place itself. The same while the Author of the Life asserts to have happened in his times, shows that he then there lived as a Monk, and to that elevation subjoins the Translation to the Parisian monastery of S. Germain, and the donation of Relics made to various Churches. * Hence it is no wonder to me, that with Martinæus on the ancient rites of Monks about him note the Consuetudines of S. Germain, prescribing a feast of XII Lessons with proper Office and Octave in small Capes; the vestments however of the ministers shall be green: the Kalendar of Bec however with the same Martinæus prescribes only III Lessons.
LIFE
By a Cenobite of the Cross of S. Leutfred.
From various Mss. and printed.
Leutfred Abbot, in the diocese of Évreux in Gaul (S.)
BHL Number: 4899, 4901
FROM MSS.
PROLOGUE.
[1] We read written in the book of Ecclesiasticus: Eccl. 44. 1 & 7 Let us praise glorious men and our parents in their generation, who in their days obtained the glory of their nation, and their name shall not be left behind. God to be praised in His Saints: For who with eyes of faith opened has deserved to see, how glorious the Lord is in his Saints, wonderful in majesty, working wonders; with all his forces to the investigation of the life of venerable men he girds himself, that in them he may be praised, who by the gift of his grace promoted them to such glory, that both the souls of those hearing they should irrigate with the shower of the word of God, and to bodily annoyances by the virtue of miracles they should heal. About men of this kind through the Prophet by the Lord it is said; In the light your darts shall go, in the splendor of your arms. Zach. 9.14 For the splendor of arms is the brightness of miracles. For with arms we protect ourselves, with darts we destroy adverse things: arms however with darts, are miracles with preachings. For holy men by their words, as by certain darts, transfix the hearts of adversaries: by arms however, that is miracles, they protect themselves, that how much they ought to be heard, may sound through the impetus of darts; for their virtues and miracles. and how much they ought to be reverenced, may show through the arms of miracles. Therefore finally pronouncing the works of the great God, let us propose to ourselves the most reverend man B. Leufredus, in whom the Holy Spirit prepared for himself a clean seat, and to speak about him let us institute. Whose although his deeds to pursue we are not suitable; with the aid however of omnipotent God, and with the merits of so great a man supported, what from ancient monuments, and partly by the relation of elders to us have become known, to be narrated, we have undertaken.
CHAPTER I.
Birth, studies, solitary life, then monastic at Rouen begun.
[2] The blessed man Leufredus; within the Gauls in the region of Évreux was born; conspicuous by the nobility of blood, In the Évreux region born, born of most Christian parents. He in his adolescence, when in the vain glory of this world he could grow up, all his military service he devoted to the true Lord King; more desiring as a pauper to follow Christ naked himself, than with the riches of the world clothed, for a time as the flower of hay to flower. So soon yet as a little boy, touched by the divine spirit, he was burning in soul; constantly beseeching his parents, that he might have access to some place, where exercises of letters in schools are found. To these
when the father in no way agreed, devout in boyhood, and of his only son said he could not sustain the absence; that devout boy found an occasion, by which what he desired he might perfect. So he asked the father, that it be permitted him to visit his relatives and kin, who in the castle of Évreux dwelt: and when he had paid them the duty of mutual sight and conversation, immediately to his own he should return.
[3] So after he had obtained what he asked, he set out to the suburb of the aforesaid city: where the venerable Confessor of Christ a Taurinus, formerly Bishop of the same place rests: in the church of S. Taurinus devotes himself to studies: and coming to the place, and the aedituus of the house of God addressed, he opened to him the arcanum of his will. He gladly hearing him, with unanimous affection treated: and because he was sincere in mind and beautiful in body, with fraternal love he took care to minister to him. As however he found a master, who in the erudition of letters expended labor on him; with the example of language, by the probity of morals he began to go before others.
[4] Meanwhile when there longer he was delaying, his parents, believing that he had fled into outside regions to some vastness of desert, soon began to circle through diverse places, by his parents sought in vain, is sought again: if perhaps somewhere they might find him: and when days and nights they were spending in seeking him, in the said place he was found. And when more vehemently they urged him, that the grief of his parents he should relieve by his return; with Evangelical voice he responded: No one putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is apt for the kingdom of God. Luc. 9. For after my Lord Jesus Christ has deigned to take me to serve him, it is altogether unbecoming, if from his militia now I should pass to the friendships of flesh and blood; especially when he himself says, Matt. 14, Luc. 10. He who loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and, If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his father or mother, or wife, or children, or brothers, or sisters, and still also his own soul, he cannot be my disciple. By such and so great weight of the sayings conquered the parents, when they could not resist, in his proposal they allowed him to remain. And with them departing, in the begun work more and more he began to insist: until with all his sodalities transcended, also his master he seemed to equal.
[5] And when he had drunk up all things, in which suitable doctors were, whom in the same village he had found; to another village, whose name is b Condatus, he migrated in haste. But when neither there did he find a man, who satisfied him in all things which he was seeking; migrates to Condatus as quickly as possible he yielded to the place, and flew to the city of Chartres; where he had known the doctrine of diverse studies abounded. Where when he had come, with the grace of God always helping, so he was fully instructed, that all with attention marveled at him made from a disciple a master. then to Chartres: And in a wonderful way of industry, wisdom, and conversation holy simplicity in him shone: that with the study of words and abundance of letters, the increments of good works arose. Whence it happened, that he the man of God too experienced, what the other holy Fathers from the enemies of their religion have suffered. where on account of preeminence he suffers envy. For the more he himself was inebriated with the stream of the grace of the Holy Spirit; so much the more sharply the envy of malevolent companions against him broke out. And this from the cunning of the ancient enemy happens to wretched men, that one is tortured by the felicity of another: about which is written; By the envy of the devil, death entered into the orb of lands: but those imitate him, who are from his part. Sap. 2.
[6] Further the man of God when against himself the poisons of the ancient enemy, and the envy of men he saw rampaging; quickly thence departing, Returned to his fatherland to his own possession he returned. When however the fame of his return had reached the neighbors; recognizing in him the wisdom of divine letters to flash, they offered their sons to be taught by him: whom he both imbued with the skill of letters, and informed with the modesty of religion. Finally while he was occupied with spiritual studies, among other things always mindful of the words of the Lord, by which in judgment he will address the faithful, saying; What you have done to one of these least of mine, you have done to me; he provided necessities to the needy, widows, orphans and pupils: and introducing them into his house, profits himself and others. refreshed them with abundance of food; and as he could, to those about to depart he gave provisions. Matt. 25. In the same place of his possession he set up an Oratory, which also with Relics of various Saints he adorned, where no entry nor access was given to women. Indeed although still in lay habit he was detained, the work of a true Monk however assiduously he paid to the Lord; whole night in vigils and prayer persevering, in fastings prompt, in the largesse of alms benign.
[7] After these things seeking always greater and more perfect things in soul, he began within himself the words of the heavenly oracle to revolve, by which is said; If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you have, and give to the poor; and come, follow me. Matt. 19. Wherefore he judged worthy, that with all affects of worldly dignity entirely despised, to the monastic habit he should suddenly fly. Nor did he long defer his proposal of devotion: for he had read the Wise One had said; Son, do not defer to convert from day to day. Eccles. 5. Receiving his parents to a meal So on a certain day, when with more honest foods beyond the customary banquet he had set up; he called father and mother, and also relatives, into his house, and refreshed them with abundance of food and drink, gifts moreover he bestowed on them. And when now the vespertine hour was present, and they in the feasts rejoiced; the servant of the Lord in his heart chanting to the Lord, meditated within himself some secret, and said to them. Hear me, dearest parents, keeping them at night, friends and neighbors, and whoever have deigned to enter our poor little house: now night threatens, deign here this night to rest, and in the morning to your own each return: but I (with my Lord Jesus Christ helping me) what I desire, in haste I shall take care to fulfill. For what however he said this, to all was unknown.
[8] And when they were depressed in heavy sleep, he himself seizing the desired journey, secretly departs: with his parents left, and all things which in the world he seemed to hold, within the shadows of profound night, the true light, that is Christ, to have he deserved. To him making the journey, a certain poor man naked came to meet: but he with the cloak, with which he was wrapped, immediately clothed him: and thence a little proceeding, another poor man met he had naked: whom similarly with his vestments he wrapped around, recalling the prophetic admonition; When you see, he says, a naked man, cover him, and your flesh do not despise. Isa. 58.
[9] And he came to a little monastery, which is commonly called c Varenna: and when by charity those there dwelling for some time wished to detain him, he departs to Verenna, in no way did he acquiesce, because it was a habitation of women. Going out so he sought the place which is called d Calliatus: where the man of God Bertrannus he found, whose in divine matters indefatigable agility of mind was borne. Who while with mutual speech in turn about spiritual things they were treating, thence to Calliatus: it seemed to them that from the sight of men they should withdraw; and as if bound by a chain, within the cloisters of the house up to the end of life in hymns and prayers they should remain. But the man of the Lord Bertrannus, with all things left which he had, abroad set out: the devout however soldier of the Lord Leufredus, where he encloses himself: persisting in the begun, there as in a cave hid himself. There day and night to prayers and vigils intent, his face suffused with a fountain of tears, to the piety of the Omnipotent he commended himself: that he himself in whom he hoped his intention and work even to the end might happily direct.
[10] Time elapsed however, when now divine dispensation through him many to be gained decreed, having heard the fame of B. Sidonius e, the man of God Leufredus came immediately to the city of Rouen: At Rouen he becomes a Monk under S. Sidonius. where the aforesaid man of God Sidonius, born from the British island Hibernia, with the splendor of virtues venerable was held. After however the venerable man of God Leufredus had proved to be true, what fame had brought to him; to the man of God more tightly he joined himself, and in order the arcanum of his will he opened; and sufficiently by him in the regular path and monastic conversation taught, and with the habit of his body changed, he received the sign of the head, by which the soldiers of Christ from the popular assembly are discerned: and under that Father, by vow he bound himself, to keep all discipline of obedience: knowing it is written, To obey is more pleasing to God, than victims; and to listen, than to offer the fat of peace-offerings. And Samuel to Saul said: It is as the sin of divination to resist; and as the wickedness of idolatry to refuse to acquiesce. 1. Reg. 1.
ANNOTATED G. H.
CHAPTER II.
Monastery of holy Cross constructed. Miracles performed. The contumacious punished.
[11] In those days Lord a Ansbertus in the city of Rouen was bearing the Pontificate. He frequently the egregious man Sidonius and S. Leufredus to familiar conversation inviting, About to return to his fatherland, about gaining souls for God with them he treated. It happened meanwhile, that at the exhortation of the Prelate and B. Sidonius, to his native soil the man of the Lord should return; that in his fatherland men, walking in the way of error, to the light of truth he might lead back; of which matter he himself more than another would be sufficient. And going out from the city, with the Holy Spirit as guide, came into the borders of the Madriacensian region; to a place indeed notable in virtues, but with no dwellings adorned.
[12] For some time ago when the man of the Lord b Audoenus, Bishop of Rouen, full of the Holy Spirit, traversing diverse provinces, did not cease to disseminate the word of God; comes into the borders of the Madriacensian region and now consumed by heavy old age was not able to ride horseback;
he used a vehicle, in which lying him two mules bore. So at a certain time when he was so proceeding; it happened that he passed through an illustrious valley, near the river Auctura, where there was a way from West to East: and another way was led from South to North. And when over the very place, where the ways in the likeness of a Cross joined, the vehicle of the holy man had come; immediately as if by divine terror, the animals stopped; nor could they be moved from the place. Then the man of the Lord, where S. Audoenus, perceiving such a matter to be done not without mystery, entered familiar secret with the Lord. And behold looking up to heaven, he saw the sign of the holy Cross with wonderful brightness shining: and immediately the man full of God noticed, with heaven shining to earth, and earth to heaven, that that place in future times of the crucified Lord Jesus Christ would have true worshippers, had erected a Cross who the mortification of the Cross in heart and in their body evidently would bear. By such a vision therefore the glorious Pontiff of the Lord made glad, ordered wood to be brought to him, from which he could fashion the sign of the life-giving Cross. But when the minister did not find any; from a rustic, in the same place tilling the earth, he bought a part of his ox-goad at a price; from which he fashioned a standard of the Cross, and with a heap of turf placed it over, and Relics of the Saints he bound there. Which done he pursued the journey which he had begun: and by that very journey was led to an estate, which is called Clippiacus: c in which he received the end of present life and translated to the hall of the heavenly kingdom, famous with miracles, obtained eternal life. The aforesaid place however with frequent miracles shone forth; so that the multitude of the wretched coming there, to pristine health was restored: indeed also on continuous nights a most splendid cloud was seen over that very place, reaching from heaven to earth. So with the neighbors dwelling in the circuit by the novelty of so great a matter stupefied, one of them took care to set up a little hut of his barn over the pledges of the Saints (which we have aforesaid).
[13] This place finally the man of God Leufredus, after some years from the death of S. Audoenus the Archbishop, attempted to visit: and with the place seen, by its pleasantness (because it was pleasant with the fertility of waters and groves and vines) and also by the prodigies of miracles, which there were done, very much made glad; he hastened to construct there a sacred home for the Lord God, a church and monastery. namely in honor of the life-giving Cross, and of the holy Apostles, and of the chief Confessor of Christ Audoenus the Pontiff: and in that place he set up an altar, where the Cross of paths had appeared. But also after a modest time with suitable dwellings he girded the same little cell, and ennobled with the conversation of Monks: since from diverse parts to him flocked those, who selling the possessions of their fields, brought the prices before his feet, according to the custom of the primitive Church, that it should be distributed to all as each had need. Others however from their resources contended to enrich the same place; that from the revenues of their goods, through future times, the servants of God dwelling there might receive necessities. It cannot be said with what speed the Lord exalted his place: so that in a brief space many, with secular pomp abdicated, were converted to the Lord.
[14] At the same time the pontificate of the Church of Évreux d Desiderius held: from which not far two leagues the place was distant. Who when he had heard the opinion of the man of God, and that many kindled by him with the light of truth, is troubled by Desiderius Bp. of Évreux, followed the Apostolic life; overcome by zeal of envy, that in his diocese he had presumed to do such things; on a certain day with horse mounted, with his Officials taken, he went to the cell of the man of God. He came to the place: and suddenly the man of God with the injury of words he exasperated. But when at these things our Patron remained immovable, and patience strongly preserved; more and more the Bishop agitated with fury, orders his men, that they should lift him onto a horse; but the horse suddenly extinguished, when the man of the Lord himself had now decreed never to mount a horse. And when together they were walking, and the Bishop was trying to lead him to the city, that there in him whatever he wished he might more freely exercise; they had not yet completed a mile from the cell of the man of God, when suddenly the horse on which the man of God sat fell to the ground, and all his viscera were burst. With all marveling, is honored. the Bishop with excessive terror was consternated and his levity greatly reproved, that he had presumed to harm the man of God; and so prostrated at his knees, he asked indulgence. To whom the man of the Lord, mindful of the Lord's prayer, peaceably forgave every injury: the Pontiff however with the highest veneration and obsequy, made him return to his cell: where afterwards with divine help accompanied, through many courses of years, both shone in the word of faith, and flashed in miracles.
[15] Finally on a certain day one of the monks, by name Gislehardus, with such great malice of the ancient enemy was struck, A sick Monk by prayer he heals. that suddenly he believed he was exhaling his soul: and running to the man of God, with tearful voice he said; Succor, Father, succor: for I am now about to depart from this light. But the man of the Lord ran to his familiar arms; and exhorted his own, that with prayers urgently they should insist; that the true and eternal Pastor Jesus, one sheep entrusted to himself from the yoke of the devil might deign to snatch. And when he had risen from prayer, he blessed him; giving precept that in fastings he should be devout, mindful of the word of the Lord, who to the disciples said: For to them asking, why they had not been able to cast the unclean spirit out of the boy, he responded: This kind cannot go out by any way, except in prayer and fasting. Matt. 17. After he handed him the staff, which he himself bore in his hands: and said to him; be constant son: you shall not die now. Act manfully: and in good works meditate continually. And that Brother was healed: nor further suffered any such thing.
[16] At another time likewise at night, when the flame of fire with very strong fall through all dwellings of the monastery was flying by burning; Fire by prayer suddenly the man of God raised his hands to heaven invoking the Omnipotent, that he himself should constrain the forces of the flames, who the furnace of Nabuchodonosor made of no avail, that three Boys might be freed unharmed. Then with prayer completed, with such command he restrained the impetus of fire that nothing further could touch: but the whole violence of the winds gathered into one, extinguishes: as if by inundation of showers within itself withered away. Where evident mercy of God, and intercession of the holy Man appeared: for when house stuck to house, all very quickly would have perished, if his servant the Lord had not been placated by prayers.
[17] At another time also the contest of the ancient enemy instigated a certain man, lying to the holy man he is miraculously deprived of teeth. that against the man of God he should act wickedly, and from the things of his little cell to make diminution he should attempt. For which matter the man of the Lord, moved by zeal of the house of God, hastened to the Judge. And when the holy servant of the Lord was setting forth his complaint; that man with foul speeches began to reproach him, and to call him a false-speaker. To whom the man of the Lord with excited spirit said: God himself judge between me and you: and in this shall appear which of us impugns justice, if now teeth from the root all from his mouth shall fall; and let this be a sign through all his progeny. Scarcely he completed the words, and the weight of worthy vengeance struck him and his seed: so that all from his progeny born, with this curse are deformed, up to the present day.
[18] Another similar miracle the spirit of the Lord did through him. A woman reproaching him with baldness becomes herself bald. For when once in the river Auctura he was laboring in fishing; from opposite him a certain woman looked at him, and as if mocking, in her heart said: Truly this bald man, this whole river by fishing exhausting, will empty, and will leave nothing after him for others to catch. So however she thought she had murmured this within her lips, that in no way to the ears of the man of God it would reach: but that the rumor of words to the man of God had come she herself experienced, as afterwards became clear. Finally the man familiar to God, turned to her, said: O woman, why do you envy, or why are you troubled over a good, which to me with other men is common? Let it happen to you behind, and to all your seed, what you see has happened to me in front; so that as this front is naked of hair, so your head and of your seed behind shall be bald. Which words of the man of God soon were fulfilled, as up to today the truth of the matter testifies. Nor is it wonderful: for omnipotent God, neither those things which by his faithful servants even lightly are brought forth, idle and empty allows to pass.
[19] At another time also, when for the cause of praying he sought the city of Tours, desiring to visit the thresholds of S. Martin; At Solemniacum he was passing through the region of Vendôme. And when now in the evening he had entered a certain village e Solemniacum by name, and wearied from the journey had asked water to drink; the host responded: O man of God, with penury of water our fatherland labors: there is no well for us, there is no fountain. With these heard, the man of God said to the Brothers, who accompanied him: Let us beseech the perennial fountain our Lord Jesus Christ, Brothers; that from the veins of this earth an indeficient fountain he make to flow. makes a fountain to spring. Immediately rising from prayer, with the staff which he held in his hand he struck the earth ten times: and immediately a living fountain flowed forth, which remains until today: and all the people rejoiced in the marvels, by which through his servant the Lord deigned to relieve their penury. He however pursued the journey which he had begun: and when he had gone around the places of the Saints, with all performed to his proper monastery he returned.
ANNOTATED G. H.
CHAPTER III.
Approach to Charles Martel. Miracles. Death. Burial.
[20] Besides when most well in his cenobium the throng of Monks in the law of God flourished, From Charles Martel he obtains what he asked. and with great fervor to the supernal fatherland panted; for certain necessary businesses it happened, that our most reverend Patron the most noble Prince Charles Martel, Mayor of the palace, approached: who in the time when a Dagobert the King, son of the most glorious and most just King Childebert, held the kingdom of the Franks, nobly administered the care of the republic. By whom he was honorably received,
and humanely treated: and whatever he suggested he obtained. For also for the merit of his sanctity, that Prince most familiarly used him; and rejoicing that he had found the occasion, about the salvation of his soul with him longer treated. And now when he was returning to his own, he came to the castle of Laon, which they call Clavatum. After whom the aforesaid Prince hastily sent, that they should bring him back to him quickly: for his son b Gripho was tortured by very severe fevers: He heals Gripho his son from fever. to whom they believed death was near: on account of which the Prince with many prayers begged the man of God, that he would by his prayers restore to him pristine health. And when he could not deny, what paternal devotion was extorting; he ordered that he be offered to him by the ministers. Therefore by the hands of the ministers the boy was brought to him, and that night was with him. When however he had sanctified water, and was pouring it over the limbs of the boy, fortifying him with the sign of the Cross, in divine praises and offices he spent that night: among which the boy began to be better, and to pour out humors of fevers by mouth. On the morrow however the servant of God and Priest of Christ celebrating the solemnities of Masses, handed to the boy the Sacrament of the Lord's Body. After this the boy fully convalesced: and rejoiced he was bringing health for himself, and joy for his father. Furthermore the venerable man, after it became known to peoples of what merit he was, returned to his own. Princes venerated him, the plebeian hand loved him; and to imitate him not only his own, but also outsiders from other monasteries hastened.
[21] At a certain time, when from the reclamations of Ecclesiastical matters, which with the secular judges he had deposited, he was returning; He drives away flies by praying: he entered the hospitality of a certain relative of his. Where when with the fervent sun he was suffering the insolence of flies, and his minister was now wearied, not prevailing to drive the flies away; the man of the Lord folding his hands over his eyes, prayed God, that the limbs now wearied by this fatigue might rest. Then suddenly all that disquiet of flies ceased: nor further was a fly seen in the same house.
[22] The phantasms of demons also he powerfully made vanish. drives a demon from the seat occupied For at some time when at an untimely hour of night some of the Brothers of more ardent desire, had risen before the time of vigils, that more secretly they might give themselves to prayer; behold an unclean spirit, sitting in the place where the man of God was wont to sit, having assumed his effigy. Nor is it wonderful: since Satan himself transfigures himself into an Angel of light. And when by those passing he was being adored, because they thought, according to custom, that the man of God had sat there; one of them, not forgetting where he had left the man of God, more quickly came to him, saying; Similar to you, O Father! a man sits in the basilica where you were wont to sit: and now mocks the Brothers, who through error to him exhibit reverence. 2. Cor. 11. Hearing these things the man beloved to God, soon recognized the trickery of the devil: and at the same hour rising, the doors and windows of the church he painted with the standard of the Cross, and made an impetus against him, and began to vex him with scourges. He however fleeing through different parts, did not find an exit by which he might go out. Finally however he found one place, where the man of God had not directed the sign of the Cross: namely the hole of the chamber where a rope hung, by which the signal at canonical hours was struck: and quickly leaning on that little rope, the summit of the temple he ascended: but with him ascending, the cord behind him as if by fire was burned. Still however thinking he could harm the holy man, he carried that signal away from the temple, not far from the monastery, and receives the bell taken away by him: and in a dug-up mound of earth hid it: which afterwards the man of the Lord had raised: for it did not lie hidden from him where it was placed. Recognizing indeed the unclean spirits, their deceits and figments of phantasms before him to avail nothing, they yielded the place, by the sanctity of his merits put to flight. For this power the Lord gave to his Apostles and to all his faithful, who serve him with unshaken faith and perfect heart; Behold (he says) I have given you the power of treading upon serpents and scorpions, and upon every virtue of the enemy: and nothing shall harm you. Luc. 10
[23] Finally also at the same time, a certain girl of Count Guntarius, heals a demoniac: was infested by a malign spirit, so much that she had lost the office of the tongue. And when into the presence of the man of God she had been brought; he sprinkled her with blessed water, and signed her with the sanctification of the Cross. Then placing his fingers in the woman's mouth, and spitting in her face, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ he expelled the unclean spirit from her: and immediately the bond of her tongue was loosed, and at the command of the man of God she soon began to speak rightly: and so the woman was made healthy from that hour.
[24] At another time, while the venerable Father himself with the Brothers was occupied in the labor of hands; Receives by miracle a sickle fallen into the river. on a certain day, when near the bank of the river Auctura, which to that monastery from the Southern region is adjacent, they were cutting down brambles and thorns with all effort; from a certain Brother an iron knocked out of the handle from his hand fell, and was plunged into the interior of the river. That iron tool the rustics call bidubium, which by some is called falcastrum, because it is curved in the likeness of a sickle. When however to the notice of the man of God this had come, he himself approached the river; and began to inquire from the workers the place, where that iron tool had fallen. And recognizing the place, he stood opposite: and the staff, which he bore in his hand, he extended into the river: and immediately as a fish to a hook, so that iron swam, and clung to that staff: which the man of God returned to his worker, exhorting him with gentle words, that he should learn to have faith in God, through whom he saw such things done. For he himself in the Gospel exhorting us to faith, says: Have faith of God. Amen I say to you, if you shall have faith as a grain of mustard, you shall say to this mountain, Be taken and cast into the sea, immediately it shall obey. Matt. 17. 4, Reg. 6. Truly I would call that man venerable, who also abounded in the grace and merit of the prophets. For in this deed he imitated Elisha; full indeed of the same spirit, through which Elisha deserved to do so great things.
[25] But also that must be added, what the servant of the Lord by emulation, stimulated by Christian religion, did in a place near his monastery. For near the monastery was a place, where the custody of herds was held, the field plowed on the Lord's day he renders sterile: whence also oxen were led out to till the earth. It happened finally at some time, that by the farmers on the Sabbath day, according to the custom of their law, in the cultivation of the earth the due service should be paid. But when on that day they could not reach their end, because now the sun was hastening to its setting; the oxherds of the said place with money received from them, against the custom of Christianity, on the morrow, that is the Lord's day, dared to plow the earth, wishing to perfect what unfinished they had left. With them however laboring in this the man of the Lord was present, coming from his cenobium, after the Sacraments' solemnities of so great a day completed: and seeing such a great crime, he groaned heavily, and said. Alas wretched ones! what have you done? Why have you attempted such a great impiety? And turning to the Lord, with tears he imprecated, saying: Let this land, Lord, be sterile, and no fruit come forth from it forever. Which thus done we prove with our eyes, so that until today that place is full of brambles and infruitful shrubs, neither producing nut nor any useful fruit.
[26] For some time therefore a little cell next to the basilica he used: where when he saw the end of his life now approaching, deprives a proprietor monk of sacred burial days and nights in fastings, in vigils, and prayers, to the Lord indefatigably he was free. Meanwhile it happened one of the Monks to migrate from the world: and when the Brothers who were handling his body, among his vestments three coins hidden had found, immediately to the most reverend Father they reported. But he vehemently at these things groaned, and decreed that he was to be excommunicated from the society of the Brothers; and said to the Brothers: Go, and cast him into some place apart, and not in the cemetery of the Brothers: and taking the coins cast them upon him, crying out; Your money be with you for perdition. They going, all things as he had ordered they executed. It happened however, after a circle of nearly forty days, when the man of God was beseeching the face of the Lord, and himself in tears and vigils and excessive fastings for the offense of that Brother was afflicting; by revelation he learned that the Brother was absolved, and at his prayers indulgence of sin had been conferred: and immediately the Brothers called together, he said: Brothers it is time, that we have mercy on the Brother, and afterwards being absolved imparts the same to him, whom by judgment of excommunication outside your lot we judged should be made. The Lord our God, by your prayers placated, has conferred pardon on him: therefore also you communicating with him, his body to your polyandrum recall. And so it was done. O how much can they, who serve omnipotent God faithfully! For behold while here still in the body they dwell, the souls of the deceased in another region they can both bind and loose. Certainly we see that already here in part holy men begin, what the Lord promises them in the future: You (he says) who have left all, and have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit upon twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt. 19. Through the twelve who shall sit, he wished to be understood every fullness of holy Judges; as also through the twelve tribes of Israel, all who are to be judged. For the holy man by divine sentence the soul of the Brother when he wished bound, and when he wished absolved: for of the holy man the most severe sentence strikes sinners, that after the wrath of divine animadversion they may be able to bridle them. For as if at the vows of his Saints both the Lord is angry and spares: he says indeed to Moses, Let me alone, that my fury may be angry against them. Exod. 32. But Moses after he had removed the wrath of the Lord by many prayers from the people, soon turned himself as avenger upon them; and the sin by killing many he purged, and so he was eager to placate the Lord. c
[27] It is long to narrate one by one, how great grace the Lord conferred on his most blessed Priest: for time also will fail me, if I wish to comprehend all his deeds; Builds and dowers a Xenodochium. although they are very many, which the man himself wished to be hidden from men. One is, which we have forgotten, and we have judged necessary to commemorate it, which among other works of piety he performed. For foreseeing that times toward religion would be cooled, the xenodochium of his monastery, for receiving the poor, with things sufficient for alms of this kind he enriched: and that the work of mercy might always remain inviolate, by testament he decreed to corroborate.
[28] After therefore through many courses of years, with long peace he ruled the assembly of monks, whom he himself for the Lord by examples and salutary admonitions acquired, Seized by fever, the time of his calling from the world approached. And when now omnipotent God wished his faithful soldier to rest from labor, and to remunerate his course with the prize of supernal remuneration had decreed; full himself of the Holy Spirit soon by fever of body he was touched: and with limbs daily failing he had his sons called together to him, whom in Christ he himself had begotten; seeks the prayers of others: and exhorted them with many sermons. Then he sent the blessing of eulogies through the places of the Saints, both near and far; asking that by the intercession of religious men, before the memorials of the Saints, indulgence for himself and remission of offenses might be obtained. With these things thus completed, those returned who had been sent: and with all awaiting the last day of his life, he the man of God did not allow his soul from the praises of God to rest: but that last night entirely in vigils and praises of God he led, and the psalter in its entirety with his own he chanted. and with Sacraments received dies So the matin synaxis with the Brothers performed, his departure he fortified by the perception of the Sacraments; and between the words of prayer and deprecation bidding farewell to the Brothers, he closed the last day: and completed his days in good old age, an old man and full of days; and what he always desired, and with strong contest sought, among the troops of holy spirits received, of the perpetual vision of his Creator without end he rejoices.
[29] He was buried however in the Church, which he himself in honor of B. Paul the Apostle had founded: in year 48 of his governance. and thence in our times he was translated by John the venerable Bishop of the Dolensian Church, and Abbot of the very place to the older basilica, which was built in honor of the life-giving Cross and of S. Audoenus, the chief Confessor of Christ. He had served the good soldiery the man of the Lord Leufredus under the Princes of the Franks d, Childebert, Dagobert, and Chilperic, namely the younger Kings. At which time Grimoaldus and Charles the elder, by successions Mayors of the palace, administered the care of the Kingdom. He presided over this monastery for about e forty-eight years, and rested in peace on the eleventh of the Kalends of July. By whose patronage we believe ourselves to be helped before omnipotent God and our Lord, that both in the course of the passing world rightly and piously we may converse, and afterwards as his coheirs in the retribution of the just we may deserve to exist: with our Lord Jesus Christ granting, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, now and always and through ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATED G.H.
CHAPTER IV.
Miracles performed after death.
[30] We have explained those things, which about the life and acts of the blessed man Leufred the Lord granted to be able to be described; now let us say in few words, what after his departure signs of virtues, to his memory, the omnipotence of the holy Trinity has deigned to work. For at his ashes (if there be present in those asking entire faith) the blind are illuminated, the deaf receive hearing, the lame step, the obsessed by demon are freed: the proud also, who the servants of God, before his memorial day and night keeping vigil, by the infestation of their tyranny to oppress they do not fear, with terrible vengeance are struck.
[31] In the days therefore of the great and most glorious Prince Charles, Hucbaldus, an Abbot of no small dignity to the world, presided over the monastery itself. He a certain of his domestics, [The Oeconomus refusing to treat the monks more sumptuously on the feast of S. Leutfred,] by name Batericus, over the same place he had placed; that by his care the things of that Church might be administered, and food there to those serving God, according to the rite of monastic institution, might be offered: who began to appear toward them fierce and austere. It happened however that on the day approaching, on which solemnly the passing of the holy confessor of Christ Leufredus the Abbot was to be celebrated, when nothing beyond the customary for the uses of the servants of God of more sumptuous foods he prepared, Offa the Dean of the said place approached the same oeconomus; and that more mildly with them he should act, by the grace of so great a festivity he was persuading. He however, as he heard the name of the holy man Leufredus, blasphemed; and puffed up with the spirit of pride, spurned saying: Do you name Leufredus? Who is that Leufredus? so also the swineherd of my father is called: but know, that for his memory, no preparation by me to you will be exhibited. The next day rising he went to hunt: and following a doe of white color, when after her he was greatly wearied, he could not catch her. The Monks however with litanies and prayers begged the Lord with all forces in common, that upon them at last he might clemently look, and be indignant over such great blasphemies inflicted on his name. And behold, when he sat at table with his wife and necessary friends, among other things a fish was brought; is struck from heaven and dies. and he said. By no means from this shall the Clerics of Leufredus eat. To whom suddenly appeared a certain monk of the same congregation, by name Hercus, long since departed life, having a staff in his hand. Said however Batericus: I see Hercus, holding a staff, and coming against me: certainly, as I see, he hastens to my evil. And when his wife and all who were present were stupefied, as those who saw nothing such; he affirmed it was so. But he who was being seen terribly making an impetus against him, struck him with the staff in the chest: who immediately leaping from the table, threw himself on the ground; and with blood from mouth and nose spurting, he fell: and immediately he commanded that to the monastery all things necessary from his own should be most honestly prepared for the Brothers. But himself with the very pain of the wound growing heavier, after a little departed from human affairs.
[32] Recently also someone almost twenty years blind, came to the memorial of the man of God. Where on the third day after the feast of holy Leufredus, the mercy of the Lord, The blind man is enlightened and the aid of intercession of the same man of God he was awaiting. And it happened, that with the Brothers in vespertine hour insisting on prayers, and the aforesaid blind man standing in the church, a dove (as he himself asserted) coming from the side of the altar, leaped into the eyes of the blind man. And immediately the blind man cried out with a great voice saying; Help me, S. Leufredus. At this voice came some of the Brothers to him, and saw drops of blood flowing from his eyes, and they found him truly to have received sight: and asking that drink be given him, he drank and was strengthened, and made healthy went away.
[33] and a blind woman; Another likewise woman blind near the monastery coming, when she had known that no entry to women was open there, she sent a candle to the memorial of the man of God by a certain man. And when the candle was being kindled before the sepulcher of the holy man, that woman the energumens are freed. immediately received light. Demoniacs also chained and bound with thongs, often led to the same place, by the virtue and merits of the holy man, to pristine health were restored.
[34] Very many we have omitted, which even in recent time are reported to have been done at his Memorial; fearing lest perhaps, when we obey the will of religious men, we should beget weariness in readers. But may omnipotent God look upon the devotion of his servants, and our obedience: and to his society (of whose merits, although in unskilled speech, but devout we discuss) make us come: where is glory to all his Saints, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.
APPENDIX.
On the elevation and translation of the body by the Author James Brulius.
Leutfred Abbot, in the diocese of Évreux in Gaul (S.)
FROM MSS.
[1] In the year of the Lord's Incarnation eight hundred fifty-first, but of the reign of Charles the Bald twelfth, Body elevated in year 851 on the day XXII June, Gumbertus Bishop of Évreux, the body of holy Leufredus the Abbot, which on account of the incursions of the Normans still infidel had been buried in the ground, thence raised, and placed in a new and decent chest, to the principal edifice of the monastery, dedicated to holy Cross and B. Audoenus Archbishop of Rouen, transferred. The same also he did regarding Blessed a Agofredus, brother of that S. Leufredus.
[2] In the times of Charles the Simple, King of the Franks, the monks of the Cross of S. Audoenus (which now is of S. Leufred) their Abbey by the Normans plundered, and nearly all destroyed, deserted: and with the sacred bodies of Audoenus Archbishop b, and likewise Thuriavus Archbishop of Dol in Britain (which Archbishopric not long after was reduced into a Bishopric) and of Leufredus and Agofredus brothers, came to the monastery of S. Germain des Prés, handing themselves and all their things over to them: that taken into the consortium of others, they might also become equal participants of the goods of this place: which indeed most humanely to them for some years was offered. Foreseeing however Robert Count and Marquis, brother of the once King Odo, transferred to Paris and father of Hugh Magnus, and also first usurper as much of the name of Abbot of S. Germain, as of its revenues, that the Leufredian Monks, with a happier breeze blowing, could from their proposal depart, and the goods given perfidiously seek again, which the event taught, this Abbey of holy Cross, not so much to be confirmed to the Germanic assembly, as to be given anew from Charles the Simple he asked, and obtained. And the privilege of this donation given in year of salvation nine hundred eighteenth, still entire remains in the archive of the said S. Germain: where these things among others are read: We have donated and subjected that Abbey of the Cross of S. Audoenus (whose head is in the Madriacensian region to S. Germain des Prés,
upon the river Auctura) to S. Germain, in year 810 and his Monks for their table: with all villas, lands cultivated and uncultivated, vineyards, meadows, woods, waters, and watercourses, mills, with slaves and tenant farmers, and with all other appurtenances.
[3] In the same year however, the Leufredian Monks, when the Norman war, so long to the Gauls infesting and deadly, through Rollo first Duke of Normandy (who by Francio Archbishop of Rouen having been baptized, with the returning monks and by Robert the Count above mentioned from the sacred font received, and called Robert, this region first called Neustria, with Egidia daughter of Charles the Simple as dowry received) finished, by no means saw rise again, to their proper seats to return they were eager. Wherefore the aforesaid monks of S. Germain des Prés, piously assenting, restored their Abbey to them: in such a way however, that in memory of the human reception of them, and through some years of nourishment, The body of S. Leufred is detained and of the now granted return, there should remain in the aforesaid S. Germain monastery the body of B. Leufredus the Abbot. They also brought back with them the bodies of Blessed Audoenus Archbishop, and Agofredus brother of S. Leufredus: which previously had been brought to S. Germain is clear from the aforesaid privilege of Charles the Simple. The monks of holy Cross also judge, that here remained with S. Leufredus the body c of B. Barsenorius, formerly likewise their Abbot: but no memory exists.
[4] In the year of the Lord one thousand two hundred twenty-second Galterus XLVI Abbot of Saint Germain des Prés, and is placed in a new silver chest in year 1222, the Body of S. Leufred from the old chest into a new wooden one, with the thinnest plates of silver (which related his chief miracles sculpted on the chisel) covered, to be transferred through d Guido Bishop of Carcassonne took care. There was present also at this transposition the Abbot of the Cross of S. Leufredus; who by the will of the same Galterus the Abbot and the Convent of the Church of S. Germain, received one bone of the relics of the Saint himself, with two ounces of fingers. There was given moreover one rib to the Church of Suresnes, and one bone to the aforesaid Bishop of Carcassonne. The bone however which the Leufredian Abbot received, is that of one arm, which from the elbow to the hand extends: with some bones however restored. the ounces however are two joints of the thumb, which separately enclosed in silver they offer to be kissed. For these received relics, the Leufredian monks celebrate a solemn feast every year on a certain day: which they call the relation of the Relics of most holy Leufredus from Paris to their cenobium. Who if they had had any right in his whole body (as some in our times did not blush to assert) by no means would they have omitted to seek it again: especially since their Abbot was present at this translation from chest to chest. Who however believed it was acted well enough with him, when he received the aforesaid Relics from the hand of the Abbot of S. Germain.
[5] In the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred sixty-third the Monks of S. Germain des Prés, by necessity compelled, The silver of the chest of S. Leufred is sold and with the consent of the most Reverend Cardinal Bourbon, their commendatary Abbot, sold the silver Relics, to the sum of two thousand and twenty-three pounds and seventeen Tours shillings: that they might make new winepresses at Antoniacum and Verreriae, in place of others which the impious Huguenots making war had burned. And then on the day twentieth of June, the chest of S. Leufred above mentioned was stripped of silver: for which weighing fourteen marks, the goldsmiths gave one hundred sixty-eight pounds Tours: the mark not estimated at more than twelve pounds; because such silver, in their judgment, was by no means pure pure.
[6] In the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred seventy-seventh on the day twentieth of June, given to the Suresnes the chin to the inhabitants and dwellers of Suresnes (who the rib of S. Leufred, which in the time of Galterus the Abbot they had had, as above is referred, had lost) the Religious of S. Germain gave the chin of the same Saint, in which were three molar teeth, with the bone of one shin. But these Relics they possessed only thirteen years: for in year of Christ MDXC on the day fifteenth of October, with their church they perished in fire: which indeed the military troops of Henry the fourth, King of the Franks, from heretical stain not yet purged, set.
[7] and part of the rib to the Chapel of the Saint. At Paris, between the bridge of the millers and the great (as they call) Châtelet is the chapel of S. Leufred: which since it had no Relics of him, in year of Christ one thousand five hundred ninety-second, on the day seventh of June, a part of the rib drawn from his coffin, from the Religious of S. Germain aforesaid, wishing the devotion of the people toward so great a Confessor to be increased everywhere, received. Into a new chest the remaining bones are transferred:
[8] In the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred ninety-fifth, on the day sixteenth of July, the bones of B. Leufred from the chest, made in the time of Galterus the Abbot, by e Arnaldus Pontacus Bishop of Vasates are extracted, and into a new wooden one gilt on the outside are transferred.
[9] The Feuillant Monks, of the Order of S. Bernard, and of him now nearly lapsed true repairers (who in the Parisian suburb of S. Honoratus dwell) one finger of that same S. Leufred, whence a finger is given to the Feuillants, with certain other Relics of other Saints from the monks of S. Germain, the reformed regulars before others venerating, in year of Christ one thousand five hundred ninety-seventh on the day nineteenth of July, received: processionally going there, and a high Mass with great affection there celebrated.
[10] From civil and external wars, which nearly exhausted all the substance of the people, with Gaul finally breathing again; the Suresnes inhabitants judged no better way of long retaining peace, than if with the morals of corrupted life amended, they should worship God more holily than wont, and for the remission of their offenses constitute pleasing Patrons before him: and to the Suresnes again of whom they had as special from the first foundation of their Church S. Leufred the Abbot. But with his Relics from eight years past into ash by the truculent, impious and heretical soldiers reduced, less confidently him to implore they seemed. They asked therefore their Lords, the Prior and Convent of S. Germain, that other sacred pledges of the same Saint they wished to bestow they would deign again. Who in the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred ninety-eighth on the day Friday, twenty-first of August, that the devotion of this people they might satisfy, the chest of S. Leufred from the lofty board of the chapel of Divine Margaret Virgin and Martyr to the lower descending, and into the sacrarium or sacristy carrying, thence with all who were present watching, took the bone of the shin slender and thin, of ten geometric ounces or thumbs in length, which extends up to the ankle (commonly cavilla) of the foot: they took also a joint, or the prior part of the middle finger of the hand, part of the shin and finger equaling two thumbs in length. Then the chest itself in the apse of the chapel of S. Germain (which once had the name of the Bodies of saints) under his chest they placed. On the day twenty-eighth of the same month however, the Curate or perpetual Vicar of Suresnes, and all the Priests of the same place and of the village of Puteanus, with the greatest crowd of either sex, came here, moved by no other desire than the promised Relics. Which (first however with a Mass solemnly celebrated of the same Saint, and with hymns and antiphons in his praise sung) with the highest exultation they received: and them returning; some Religious, clothed with the better ornaments of the church, accompanied to Suresnes. To this donation of Relics was present the Apostolic Notary Stephen Cordonnier: who in the literal instrument over this composed did not omit to add, that those to us to be returned for keeping they should be held, as often as war or other evident danger threatened their borders. and the bone of a finger to Rupifucaldus.
[11] In the year of Christ one thousand five hundred ninety-eighth, on the day twenty-eighth of October, to Lord Alexander Rupifucaldus f, of S. Porcianus Prior Commendatary (whom piety, doctrine, and nobility of birth have rendered most known) the bone of one finger of the hand of B. Leufred, with his life recently at our impulse printed, we handed over: that from that very reading, how great this Abbot was he may better know, and the sacred crozier of S. Maximinus of Nunciacum g (which is offered) having obtained, to conform himself to him he may be eager.
ANNOTATED G. H.
PRIVILEGE
Of Charles the Simple, King of the Franks, on the donation of the Abbey of the Cross of Saint Audoenus (today of the Cross of Saint Leufred) made to the monastery of S. Germain des Prés.
Leutfredus Abbot, in the diocese of Évreux in Gaul (S.)
In the name of the holy and undivided Trinity, Charles by divine clemency favoring King of the Franks. Since God omnipotent, who is King of Kings, Bodies of the Saints duly to be honored, our highness of his gift has worthily preferred to his kingdom and people; therefore it behooves us not only to preside, but rather to be of benefit to holy churches, and especially to destroyed ones: from which by the savagery of pagans, are driven the bodies of Saints, hitherto lacking due veneration. Wherefore let it come to the knowledge of all faithful of the holy Church of God, and our skill of those present and future; that Robertus venerable Marquis, indeed of our kingdom both counsel and aid with us, at the same time Abbot of the Monastery of S. Vincent the Martyr, and also of the egregious Pontiff of the Parisians Germanus, approaching our sublimity, together with Count Heribertus and exquisite Bishop Abbo, suggested both for the veneration of the holy ashes, namely of Audoenus the Archbishop, and also of the blessed Confessors Leufredus and his brother Agofredus, Leufred and others as also for our and the whole salvation of the Kingdom, that we grant the Abbey, which is called Cross of S. Audoenus, to the monks of the aforesaid Confessor Germanus; that henceforth and thereafter the aforesaid members of the Saints, long lacking divine Office, by the same cenobites might be reverently received, and with divine cultus next to the blessed limbs of Germanus placed might be honored. Whose congruous petitions of our faithful assenting, we have donated and subjected that Abbey, whose head is in the Madriacensian region upon the river Auctura, to S. Germain and his monks, to their continuous table; except the part of that Abbey, which we granted to the Sequanan Normans namely Rollo and his Counts, for the protection of the Kingdom. Therefore the things
of the aforesaid Abbey, with all villas, lands cultivated and uncultivated, vineyards, meadows, woods, and watercourses, this monastery he subjects to the monastery of S. Germain. mills, with slaves and tenant farmers, and with all other appurtenances there (except the portion of the Normans) we have decreed to hand over and subject and confirm, for food, vestments, or also other uses of the congregation of S. Germain; that every year, on the fourth ides of February, the anniversary of our most beloved spouse Frederuna, with Vigils and oblations of Masses they may frequent; the day also of our anointing, on the fifth Calends of February, on the solemnity of S. Agnes, with the highest refection they may celebrate. After our death however let the aids both of prayers and refections be changed to the day of our migration. And upon this authority of cession this our royal precept we have ordered to be made: by which we decree and order, that no one of the faithful of the holy Church of God of the present and future, of the aforenoted matters, disturbance, or refragation, or prejudice, or violence nor the Abbot himself of that cenobium should attempt to make: but rather, without any subtraction or diminution and division, let it be permitted to that same Congregation to possess and enjoy these things with all integrity inviolably, without any calumny and contradiction, securely and perpetually. Therefore this prescription of our authority, that it may firmly obtain the vigor of continuation, and may truly through the courses of succeeding years be believed; with our own hand confirming below, with our ring we have ordered it to be marked.
Sign of Charles the most glorious King.
Gozlinus the Notary, in place of Herivei the Archbishop and supreme Chancellor, recognized.
Given on the II Ides of March, indiction VI, with Charles the glorious King reigning, redintegrating XXI, but with larger inheritance obtained VI. Done at Compendium Palace, in God's name happily. Amen. Amen.