Hemma Widow

ON B. HEMMA WIDOW,

FOUNDRESS OF THE GURK CHURCH IN CARINTHIA,

YEAR 1045.

PREVIOUS COMMENTARY.

On the situation and fortune of the place, the Epitaph of the XII century, and the more recent Life.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

Gurk, an Episcopal city in Carinthia, under the Salzburg metropolis, owes its name to the river flowing past, [The Gurk monastery, distinguished by the miracles of the foundress from year 1045,] which joined to Oleza finally flows into the Drava. The villa formerly principal, called Gurkhoven, the dowry soil of B. Hemma. She bereft of sons and widowed of husband, when a double there under the Rule of S. Augustine monastery she had founded, and in the common to both by her built church a tomb she had received in the year 1045; with such great miracles soon in the same place she shone, that with the influx of pilgrims more frequent day by day the place, soon suitable seemed for establishing a Pontifical Chair, all Carinthia to have under it. And so Gebhard Archbishop of Salzburg, with a supplication to Emperor Henry IV directed about the year 1072, with the consent of Starchard the Marquis, in the year 1072 into an Episcopate it is changed: Advocate of the Abbey, and the Clergy and people, persuaded and obtained, that in place of an Abbot, a Bishop in the aforesaid Church should be constituted Gunther, by the authority of Pope Alexander II confirmed. So it is read in the brief report, which about the year 1650 wrote R. D. Mag. Frederick Raidestorfer, Canon of Gurk, and which P. Philip Alegambe, Priest of our Society, from Graz here sent to P. Bolland; where the same Canon rightly notes, it is not consistent, with the time of the aforesaid erection, by the Imperial Diploma indubitable, what some wish, that the same Gunther was made afterwards Archbishop of Salzburg; whom one must say were deceived by similarity of name, with him who Chancellor of S. Henry previously, about the year 1023 took the Archbishopric, and held it four years.

[2] A similar confusion from identity of name could creep about the foundation of the Admont monastery in Styria, ascribed to the year 1075; which Gebhard Archbishop, the same who instituted the Gurk Episcopate, is read to have founded, in Hundius in Metropolis p. 8, under the auspices of Hemma, The name of Hemma in that century frequent, who was wife of Count William in Friesach and Zeltschach, as much younger than the Foundress of Gurk, as this was younger than her mother-in-law, also Hemma, niece of S. Henry, about whom below in the Analecta num. 2, so that already then in those parts most frequented seems to have been the name of Hemma, even without respect to this our Blessed.

[3] The Life of this our Hemma, anciently written there was none; there the Epitaph, only near the tomb on a very ancient tablet was read the Epitaph, which the same Canon thus transcribed sent, with verses little well turned conceived. In the thousandth year after fortieth full, When so many had flowed after the nativity of Christ, Hemma blessed, consort of Count William, In peace rested, having obtained the lot of heavens. Of this convent, with Augustine Father blessed, And of the See of Gurk Foundress called faithful. In such great gifts her construction stands grand Which to the Lord of heaven she committed with faithful heart. For such a gift make her, O Christ, to be blessed With the seat of your kingdom, keeping her in perpetual peace. But this Epitaph can seem interpolated, and only originally these verses to have been read, which in older parchment the same gave. O Happy Hemma, of virtues the greatest gem, Of the See of Gurk Foundress called faithful: With great riches your possession stands grand, Which to the Lord of heaven etc. Where Leonine verses all sufficiently perfect, and so could in the XII century have been composed.

[4] Less ancient also is the Life, which from the codex of the Lambertine monastery in Styria, by the command of the Most Reverend Life from a Ms. Lambertine, Abbot Francis, in the year 1675 there transcribed for us, of the same convent then Subprior, afterwards Prior, R. D. Christopher Iager. The Author prefaces, that the very Blessed a certain little poor one (himself he understands) for composing this her Legenda many times admonished, who with the preceding sermon by amplifying the matter, with the following words her Life so briefly compiled. in the 13th century written for the use of her own Office. These Acts therefore consist of three parts; a previous Sermon, which you may name a Prologue; a Life and Miracles brought down to the year 1227, of which the second num. 15 reported, in the other Acts only from old is reported, as taken from the sacred Office of holy Hemma; whence is understood, these first Acts for such use to have been composed, and into nine Lections distributed, as then use bore.

[5] Two centuries after these, at the instance of Emperor Frederick III, From the Process for Canonization fabricated in the year 1464, and the authority of Pope Paul II, was formed for Canonization a Process, to which from the deputies one, in the year 1464 came, John Abbot of S. Lambert: wherefore I would believe him to have brought from there an exemplar of the Acts or Office already said; as in the same place were sent then other Acts, in this century compiled, which by the hand of our Gamans transcribed I have. They deduce the Life somewhat more at length, then miracles collected from the Process, and others in this century performed

augmented, to the year 1634. These when the praised Gamans had received in the year 1669, also himself composed some Life; which similarly I have, and at its end in the autograph I find, it is from the things done by B. Hemma Mss. by author Paulinus Waldner, a second Life compiled in the year 1600, I. V. D. Tirolean Priest, in the year 1600. Likewise from a Ms. report of very Rev. and Most Learned D. Frederick Raidlstorffer, Canon Regular at Gurk; from Lazius, lib. 12 of the Roman Republic, and on the Boii lib. 7 fol. 406, and lib. 6 on the Taurusii fol. 235; Martin Zeiler, in his Itinerary part. 1 ch. 28, with the last miracles to 1634. §. 2; Megiser lib. 7 ch. 30, 31, 43; and Ulric of Chemnitz, in the Lambertine Foundation fol. 29. These it pleased to annotate, both that it be known which of the printed Authors mentioned Hemma; both because I judge here is named the very writer of the second Acts, namely Waldner and his age; whose work when the Provost and his Capitulars wished to be given for printing, was added their Preface to the Reader, with a sylloge of more recent miracles from the Notarial protocol. But the contemplated printing did not have effect; which defect here willingly supplying, the whole Treatise as I received I subjoin.

[6] As to the cult, that it might not impede the festivity of the Apostles, Cult as Saint. in which Hemma had died; long ago it pleased the Gurk Church, to anticipate the feast, and on the Vigil to venerate B. Hemma, with an office of IX lections, which even still in the Library of the Gurk Chapter is extant in manuscript indicates the Canon Frederick, with Antiphons, Hymns, Responsories etc. proper. The Author of the more recent Acts num. 27 says, that although Canonization has not followed, popular piety has not cooled. For many every year from Croatia, Styria, Carniola and Upper and Lower Carinthia flow in great number: but the mentioned cult is not contained by the Gurk Basilica alone; but in other also, both Carinthian, and of other jurisdictions places, Churches, sacred Buildings, Chapels, dedicated to the name and honor of holy Hemma, are frequented with pious celebration; and with various peregrinations of natives and outsiders the memory of the Saint is perennated for posterity. Now for an Appendix let there be the memory of Venerable Beatrix Duchess of Carinthia, Appendix on Ven. Beatrix. whom the Lambertine codex makes the sister of B. Hemma, the Gurk Codex resisting. Certainly if Luitburga the mother of Beatrix, was the daughter of Henry IV, as the Lambertines will (although her others call Birtha, of the same name as her mother) not yet was she born, when already Hemma had died, the contemporary of S. Henry, and his niece through the mother; which thus seems to be understood, that the mother of Hemma was sister of Henry, daughter of Henry the Bavarian and Gisela of Burgundy. Another Appendix will be made by the memorable foundation of the Seitz Charterhouse in Styria, wrongly attributed to B. Hemma.

ACTS

From the Ms. of S. Lambert in Styria.

PREVIOUS SERMON.

On the praise of Matronal Sanctity.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

BHL Number: 3803

FROM A MS.

Often laudable is the Life of the Saints, Lect. I by reason of their humility, and the presumption of arrogance pressing them down, is handed to oblivion; and so finally the prophetic sermon of Wisdom, Sap. 5, 3 as if of the mouth of the malignant ones saying, is proved: These are, The Saints, despised by the world, whom at some time we held in derision, and in the likeness of reproach: behold how they are reckoned among the sons of God, and among the Saints is their portion. Is fulfilled also in them the sermon of Truth, saying; No Prophet is accepted in his own country. By Country indeed, the universal conduct of this age the Lord signifies; Lu. 4, 24. but by Prophet, any Saint to us he designates. For the Saints, with us still carnally living, if by a few, considering God's militia, are accepted; eternal memory honoring God, yet by more are despised: because the world only what is its own remembers and loves, and those denying themselves hands to oblivion and despises. But the faithful Lord does not forget them, as the world; but to their merits the rewards of liberality accumulating, their names written, with the seal of inviolable eternity strengthens; that in the book of mentioned Wisdom, as from the most abundant treasure of his piety, predicting he demonstrates: These are, whose justices did not receive oblivion, and their names will live forever.

[2] If therefore the Lord, with no indigence existing to him, his Saints with so frequent and perpetual confederation to be care to himself commemorates; how much more we, of their suffrage always needing, not only suitable, but also new kinds of praises, to them memorially to be shown, let us learn to fashion? because any virtue to any of the Saints is rightly ascribed, also by us he wishes them to be praised who already in the heavens, from the Bestower of all good things, with full and perfect erudition of virtues bestowed on him, is sought. We can also to their secular conduct, any works of justice by such reasoning suitably ascribe: No one is a saint, except the love of God in him: but love, Paul testifying, is the embrace of all precepts and virtues: and therefore to each of the Saints worthily are attributed the works of all pure fruiting. for the fullness of virtues Therefore also to all the Saints there is one love; and one in all, and all in one commend; and the Lord in all, and all in the Lord glory. Generous therefore is the throng of Saints, the cause of the begun sermon existing, if with the adornments of God's precepts she shall have been clothed, not undeservedly is commended: because all living, both the present life, and its aliments we receive, and to have received the life of eternity given to us faithful in Christ we rejoice.

[3] But what testimony of higher approbation are we still striving to enjoy? The female sex however greatly he exalted, when the Governor and Ruler of all creation, the most noble kind of all creatures principally to be loved he wished to choose; namely the female sex, not only virginal, but also conjugal and widow, in one and the same substance above all sublimated? And therefore any holy matron, whether she was a spouse, or widow, is worthily venerated by the homage of praise: because the most excellent Queen of the heavens, from which choosing the mother for himself. in veneration of all glorified is extolled, and all to her honor most worthily venerate. But since the circumstances of such great virtues, with worthy description of words and proper commendation to prop up, human intellect fails; therefore by various virtues of the world's things, that more they be honored, that conduces to be compared. As if earth, by the sweetness of rains watered, innumerable buds of flowers and leaves exuberates; so a holy Matron, with various fruits of utilities sprouts, infused with God's dew. As if a Garden, with roses of diverse species adorned, But a holy Woman, rightly is compared to a garden, gladdens the sight, and with little plants of odoriferous herbs delights the smell; so a holy Woman, with the beautiful fruits of her womb the people, and with the devotion of prayers pleases the Lord. As if a Vine, with the liquid of its abundance refreshes the body of man, and the acumen of intelligence augments, and finally through abundance the heart for rejoicing exalts; to a vine, so a holy Woman, not only with her natural aliment, but also with the morals of discipline nourishes, to the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, instructs, and to the desire of supernal things by persuading induces. As if a Linden, in the time of heat, to a shady tree, protects those oppressed by weariness with its shading, and extends itself wide for the multitude of bees for gathering pasture; so a holy Woman, those laboring with age and infirmity visits with the homage of consolation, and to those using the office of preaching ministers the homage of convenience, and to crowds of poor displays the largeness of sweet alms.

[4] Never will womanly fecundity, with such zeal of piety made firm, not be to be praised; with whose ministry also, by staying with us the most faithful Shepherd frequently has offered himself; to whom, lying at the tomb, sincere will of anointing she gave; and rising from hell, himself first reviving and immortal he showed: well indeed to the Most High with friendly service pleasing, a turtledove, with titles of honors is by us to be adorned. As if a Turtledove, with natural chastity of the society of one husband desiring, and with him dead all living things spurning and alone flying, with mournful voice is heard singing; so a holy Matron, on the love of Christ alone leans; and for the killing of him to be recompensed, all lovable things of the world she disdains; and for the cause of contemplation alienating herself the Lord by desiring she laments. As if a Cithara, to a cithara, with sweet symphony of strings expelling demons, from their cruelty men frees, and the lost value of the head repairs, and to the exultation of elation the heart secretly provokes; so the admonition of a sacred Woman, from the error of idolatry the mind through faith calls back, and renewed by the subjoining of salubrious hope solidifies, and solidified by the perfection of most desirable charity exalts.

[5] As if a Mirror, by the clarity of its perspicuity, clarifies the eyes of those gazing on it, to a mirror, and the faults of stains to be wiped represents, and the care of any ornament inserted in the head insinuates; so with the example of a holy Woman taken, the height of the Lord's virtue is given to be understood; and what of vices internally ought to be extirpated, and with what virtues the soul of most noble creation it is fitting to be adorned. As if a Crown, signifies the dignity of excellence, a crown: the power of empire, and the suitability of all purity; so a holy Woman, notable for nobility, desirable for the beauty of words, and commendable for sincerity of joys. O! many and innumerable virtue of a sacred Woman, who moved by desire of devotion, prompt to pouring out tears, eloquent to imploring the Most High, to displaying any works of purity is most subtle. She, provident against the perils of the world, astute against hostile wickednesses, always with the provision of sacred faith fortified, with body clean, with mind clear, with the beauty of virtues crowned, like clear gold, and such was Hemma. with the precious pearl of ornament with the aforesaid virtues truly one fully adorned, a certain little poor one, for composing this her Legenda, many times admonished; who in the preceding sermon by amplifying the matter, with the following words her Life so briefly compiled.

SUMMA OF THE LIFE,

In pious works continually expended, together with the faculties.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

BHL Number: 3803

[6] There was a certain very noble Countess, by name Hemma, of the most serene and holy King Henry a kinswoman; Kinswoman of S. Henry Imp., who the brightness of her shining parents, in herself possessed, both in mind and body, showed. Lect. I For the beauty of virtue, the beauty of form in her by growing accompanied; so that the nobility of mind, the dignity of nature excelled; and the brightness of heart, the beauty of form surpassed. She by her parents to a certain Landgrave, by name William, was legitimately joined: who with some years with her spent, asked from her permission to go on pilgrimage; and so with great riches of things and honors in the love of God left, to visit the thresholds of the Saints without return departed. But she, with her husband sent away, and her two sons in the time of adolescence taken from the world, she wishes Christ as heir, Christ Jesus for offspring receiving; he himself above all her goods she constituted as heir, believing his words, which to us in the Evangelic reading in this manner he predicted; If anyone for me the loved things of this age shall have left, he will receive a hundredfold and will possess eternal life. Mat. 19, 29

[7] With these and other discourses, from the most loving

Author of our salvation brought forth, taught, the treasure hidden in the field she found, which acquired from the Lord, in the bosom of her heart with exultation she hid. Lect. II But what she bore in heart, and the Gurk Parthenon she founds: this in works fully revealed, could not lie hidden: for with vain joys of flatteries spurned, and with the height of castles left, to humble things bending herself, monasteries to build she began. Whence first, desiring the life of religion, into the Forest Valley, which now is called Gurka, she transferred herself; and there a choir of seventy Ladies, under the perpetual habit and victual of religion, she constituted; and twenty Chaplains, who daily before them might celebrate the divine Offices, she adjoined. where then were established Canons Regular. After some time, the number of the said Congregation, partly into Canons Regular of the Order of S. Augustine, under the stability of a special monastery, was changed: to whom also the Rev. Father and Lord Metropolitan, namely Gebhard then Archbishop of the Salzburg Church, from the favor of the aforesaid King Henry, set as Antistes, who is called of Gurk, to the present day.

[8] Blessed Hemma also with the multitude of estates abounded: therefore to several places of churches, but also to other Monasteries munificent Hemma, from herself widely distant, large gifts she gave. Lect. III To the Babenberg also of some goods she offered the faculty: to the Admont also estates for the beginning of its foundation she provided: and to the religious Brethren at Seitz to three hundred marks revenue in perpetuity she assigned. Besides to neighboring divine structions of cults aided, and with daily largitions of alms insisting, all things pleasing to God with discretion and wisdom, day and night more studiously she performed. And of such great constancy and seriousness she was, that all things to her subjects once commanded, she wished to be fulfilled immediately without any contradiction. In such therefore industry of honesty, the simplicity of the dove was not lacking to her: because the riches, gathered to herself from the hands of her parents, like a dove, foreign chicks with her own nursing, she paid out. She was seen also in labor very studious: whence, like a leafy and fruitful tree, whose leaves do not fall and the fruits do not putrefy, so she continually procreated the buds of good works.

[9] She was also to those fleeing to her a refuge of protection and security: for like a castle in rock solidified, and made the common refuge of all; those adhering to her, in time of commotion, from the rapacity of those plotting she protected. Lect. IV She was also in devotion most affectionate; so that in the sight of the Lord, like a golden thurible burning with incense, she always brought forth the odor of sweetness; from which, to those still living she gives the aid of peace and salvation, and for the dead obtains remission of sins. But why does it seem that there should be need, that the virtue commended above in general, again in particular be mentioned? But this not to be passed over, that, although by the operation of many virtues she was continued, yet in the four supremely necessary sanctifications of virtues she is joined without ceasing. For she shed by sight, weeping; by hand, gifts to God; by tongue, prayers; by heart, vow in perseverance: nor was she defrauded of the hope of sanctification, because she now reaps the joy of the Saints in glory.

[10] But B. Hemma completed all her labors, she died in the year 1045. in the year of the Lord 1045 handing to the Lord her spirit, who had sanctified him. But her body in the Gurk valley, in the monastery, which in honor of the most blessed Virgin she had begun to build, was buried: where afterwards she shone with many miracles, of which the few to be recited the present letter subsequently shows.

MIRACLES

To the year 1228 inclusive.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

BHL Number: 3804

FROM A MS.

[11] A certain one, from the Provostry of the New Castle Church, into the Gurk See for Bishop, To the Gurk Bishop Werenherus by name Werenherus, was received; who there providing examples of good things by words and works, a laudable end to his labors, which also once in solitary life, for a length of years almost thirty, he had exercised, applied; and so, with the time of his dissolution coming, in the Lord faithfully fell asleep. Lect. V To whom his kinsman, by name Otto, in the Episcopate succeeded elected. the succeeding kinsman Otto, Who his friend predecessor with sacred morals diligently imitating, various flatteries of his noble friends and the commodities of the world despised; indeed rather to fasts, vigils, and preaching he insisted; and with fear the Lord with votive, as became, prayers he sought. In such therefore persevering, when for the cause of business from his church he was somewhat away, and given poison to drink, the hidden fountain of envy, leaping from the hearts of the impious, gave him toxic to drink. But he feeling himself harmed, immediately home to return began with haste: and coming into the castle, called Strassburg, which from the Gurk church a half mile is distant by journey; and there lying on the bed of infirmity, and excessively with fear of death's punishment weighed down; his Chaplain, a devout and faithful man to him, he calls; saying to him: Dear Arnold, do not cease to come to Gurk this night; sends one who would go to consult Wernher's tomb: and in the silence of night, together with the Custodian Vulschalcus, the monastery, to the tomb of my uncle Werenherus the Bishop going, enter; and him in my part beseech, that of things to be experienced in heaven to me he report, whether for me still further to live is possible, or to die necessary.

[12] The Chaplain therefore did as had been commanded him. For coming to Gurk, and taking with himself the Custodian, at night the monastery, with all from there going out, they enter together: and with received burning candles and thurible, they approach the sepulchre of Werenherus the Bishop. Which open they find, and the Bishop long deceased, outside above standing. But them approaching and with fear becoming dumb, the Bishop, he appears to the one sent, with him leads to the tomb of B. Hemma receiving both by name, lest they fear admonished; and such added, saying: I know, that my kinsman Otto is ill; and excessively abhorring death, he has directed you here to me; that through me he may understand, whether him already to die is necessary, or still longer to live is possible. Although however the day of rest and the time of joy, rather than the life of this age, are to be desired; yet, lest his prayers seem to have been in vain, with me, O Custodian, with the Chaplain here waiting, enter the crypt; that through the faithful, holy Foundress of this church, Hemma, who has merited more with the Lord, we may hear, what about our Confrere Otto ought to be done.

[13] [and with her, from there seen to come forth, he goes to the altar of the Mother of God:] They entered therefore the crypt the Bishop equally and the Sacrist, proceeding to the sarcophagus of B. Hemma, surrounded by an iron leaf, which opened of its own accord. And the Lady going out, in the habit of religion and copious light shining, the two coming to her, with the order of pious salutation premised, addresses saying: I know you bring the legation of Otto, fearing death: who yet death, as one rightly living, ought not to fear: but that his prayers may be known effectual, with me you, Bishop, with the Custodian going out, approach the Queen of heaven; that, through the most powerful aid of Christian fidelity, it be given to be understood, what to our friend Otto will seem to be responded. There approached therefore B. Hemma and the Bishop the altar of the most blessed Virgin standing near: and behold soon the altar, was split in the middle, and an immense light from there drew itself out, in which the most chosen Queen of all honor and virtues came forth. Who to her dear ones coming with the alacrity of sweet words offering health, such words subjoined; Let him not fear to be dissolved from this age, whose end stands in reward: for he who justly in the life of flesh has lived, who responds, Otto will die the sleep of flesh securely will taste. For our faithful Otto will die, on the third day, next coming, at the third hour, being secure, that at the time of his exit I will be present to him, and his soul from all anguish I will free.

[14] With such heard, B. Hemma and the Bishop, their heads to the glorious Queen, on the third (as happened) day. reentering her altar, by bowing, departed; she entering the sarcophagus, but he going out of the crypt, and to the two waiting outside, what they themselves, looking in through the window, had partly understood, narrates: and immediately entering his tomb, he laid himself down, and over himself it he closed. But they departing, reported what they had perceived to their Lord Bishop: who on the third day, at the time predicted to him, migrated from the age. But the Chaplain, wishing to fulfill the services of fidelity to his Lord, near his tomb a little dwelling for himself constructed; in which for a whole year on individual days, from the rising of day to evening remaining, sacrifices of prayers he offered; and unless arduous comforts of nature demanding, from that place he never departed.

[15] Again it must be known, that at Bologna there was a certain Preacher in the Studio, and he fell into the greatest infirmity, Br. Dominican, by B. Hemma appearing to him so that he was anointed, and lay in agony. Lect. VI And about the middle of the night came three Ladies: and one carried a pyx, and said to him; Do you wish to be healed? But he; Most willingly. Then immediately she anointed him in the heart, and made for him the Cross on the breast, with the ointment which she had brought: and immediately he was made whole. And when they were going out, he feeling himself to be healed, hastily rose; suddenly healed comes to her sepulchre. and was following them, and was crying: O venerable Ladies, who are you, who have so quickly cured me? Tell me for God's sake; and if anywhere in the world have you a convent? Who very gently and benignly responded; I am Hemma of Gurk: and immediately they vanished. Meanwhile the Brothers began to sing Matins: and he healed ran to the choir, and most strongly cried; O sweetest Brothers, help me all to give thanks to God and S. Hemma of Gurk, who made me whole. And immediately the Brothers felt a most sweet odor proceeding from this Brother: and they asked him, what had been done to him? And when he said about the ointment, the Brothers washed him on the breast: and whichever sick they anointed with that washing, immediately was healed. But the same Brother, immediately having received license, with a companion adjoined to him, set out on the way, and came here to the sarcophagus of S. Hemma: and immediately fell, crying and weeping most strongly, before the sepulchre of B. Hemma: and reported to all who were present, the grace, which B. Hemma had perpetrated in him.

[16] Likewise another happened. At Reichenvelse had lain a certain honest matron, sick for fifteen years, A woman sick for 15 years and as it were bent and paralytic. Lect. VII And on a day in summer, when all had gone out to their works, and she alone had remained in the house, and was weeping and saddening; entered a certain old man very solemn, and said to her, Would you wish to be healed? But she: Most willingly, venerable Lord: who are you? He responded: I am S. Peter: follow me immediately. by S. Peter appearing she is healed, And she went out; and feeling

herself healed instantly, she hastened to run after him. And not being able so hastily, she followed yet the shadow, which she saw preceding her; which shone forth like that old man, who had appeared to her in the house; and so she followed even here to the mountain there nearby at Passeck. There he stood and waited for her; and is sent to the same sepulchre. and showed her by nodding with hand and finger, here below to the monastery: and said to her: Behold the church in which B. Hemma rests, who healed you: go down, and return thanks to her. And there immediately disappeared the form of that elder: but the matron hastily descended the mountain, and came to the crypt, falling before the sepulchre, weeping and giving thanks; and told all who were found there, how it had happened to her. And for a long time she lay on the ground, prostrate before the sarcophagus of B. Hemma, that scarcely other women supplicatingly raised her up.

[17] Holy therefore Hemma, whom God foreknew to his image and predestined, of Christian parents, The natal days of Hemma. from a good and most prudent royal family, in Carinthia born, with her father Engelbert the Count and her mother Tutta begotten, from her childhood with the zeal of good things grew. Lect. VIII. For chosen from God, sober in morals, full of chastity and modesty, into better things always she was growing. And who can fully narrate her works and virtues? But these few, and from innumerable for the cause of example placed, we shall demonstrate.

[18] In the year from the Incarnation of the Lord 1227, with Pope Gregory presiding over the Roman and Ulric the Bishop, over the Gurk Church, in the year 1227 a contracted person is healed, with the Emperor Frederick reigning, were done these signs in the Gurk church, in the crypt at the altar of the most blessed Virgin, and at the sarcophagus of the blessed foundress Hemma of the Gurk church. On II Ides of September, on the Nativity of the most blessed Virgin, with the Bishop present, Dean, Canons, and others many standing by, with Matins said; a certain boy of Steyrberg, contracted in face, hands, feet; was freed.

[19] In the following year, on II Kal. of May, at the altar of the most blessed Virgin, a certain woman, totally contracted in body, was freed. On XVI Kal. of June, a certain woman paralytic, in head, 1228, two contracted: arms, hands; at the altar of the blessed Virgin was freed. On the same day, when much people for the cause of prayer from remote parts flowed in; a certain woman, in the company of the people sound coming, with adorned head and neck, with a thin and colored peplus; the Priest, while he was in the Canon at the sarcophagus of B. Hemma; the same woman fell to the ground half-dead, on account of a tumor which she was suffering in her neck. And when they wished to remove the peplus from her neck, they could not at all: and with a little knife taken, the part of the peplus adhering to the neck was cut off: which done the woman received strength.

[20] more are cured in another month On the Kal. of June, a certain girl paralytic, with the Ninth Hour celebrated, was freed. And about the hour of Compline, a blind infant from Strassburg, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma, received sight. On IX Kal. of June a recurrence had come about the hour of Compline: and on the following day, on the feast of S. Urban, the same woman, about the First Hour, while the Priest was celebrating at the altar of the most blessed Virgin, was freed, with many seeing. On VI Kal. of June, a certain young virgin, blind from infancy, of S. Stephen near Strassburg, about the evening Hour received sight.

[21] On the first Sunday after the Octave of Pentecost, while the public Mass was being celebrated, a certain young woman, having a curved hand, was freed before the sepulchre of B. Hemma. Again on the same day during the public Mass, a certain young woman, having a curved leg and a withered foot, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma was freed. Likewise on the same day, a boy of six years, paralytic and having a curved hand, at the altar of the blessed Virgin during the public Mass was freed. Again on IV Nones of June, on the feast of Marcellinus and Peter, a certain woman from Friesach, deaf and blind, received hearing at the sepulchre of B. Hemma, and sight at the altar of the blessed Virgin.

[22] Likewise on the second Sunday after the Octave of Pentecost, during Matins, a woman of Glodniz, having a curved foot, at the altar of the blessed Virgin received health. and in June Again on the Nones of June, on the day of S. Boniface, a certain infant curved, of the new field Neson, both in hands and in feet from birth contracted, during the public Mass was freed, at the altar of the blessed Virgin. Again on VI Ides of June, a certain woman, for six years in hands and feet so much contracted, that the use of hands and feet she could not have, and on a litter brought; at Vespers of SS. Primus and Felicianus, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma, was freed. Under the second Vespers of SS. Primus and Felicianus, a certain woman having a contracted hand, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma, was freed. Again on II Ides of June, on the feast of Basilides and Cyrinus, a certain woman, whose … had adhered for five years, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma was freed. Again a woman from the head of the fast was mute, and had a contracted hand, then for the rest of the month, to the Vigil of S. John the Baptist: about the Evening Hour received the use of speaking, and a sound hand at the sepulchre of B. Hemma.

[23] Likewise on the following Sunday day, a certain simple servant, various contracted ones, having a contracted hand, at the altar of the blessed Virgin, was freed. Likewise on the feast of SS. John and Paul, at second Vespers, a certain boy from Syroniz, who had been blind years and a half, at the altar of the blessed Virgin, received sight. Again on the Vigil of SS. Peter and Paul, a certain one from Griffen, who walked in a bestial manner, with his other companions, who for the cause of prayer had come, about the Ninth Hour, in the cemetery outside at the window, beside the altar of the blessed Virgin, was reformed to proper walking. Again on the feast of SS. Processus and Martinianus, a certain woman of Veltkirchen, was curved in back and the leg she had contracted: and a paralytic. she was freed at the altar of the blessed Virgin, during the Mass which there was being celebrated. And a certain servant of Sebtenheim, was deaf and mute for three years, and paralytic from the head of the fast, until the second Feria in the days of Rogations: about the First Hour, at the altar of the blessed Virgin, in hearing and speech was healed; and on VII Ides of July, on the Translation of S. Nicholas, from paralysis he was freed, at the sepulchre of B. Hemma.

ANNOTATIONS OF D. P.

p That is June 25.

q It is distant from Gurk about 6 hours space.

r On day May 2, when the following Ascension of the Lord, was to be celebrated on day 4.

OTHER MIRACLES

From the Process for Canonization.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

BHL Number: 3805

FROM THE PROCESS.

[24] I George, a poor Presbyter, Chaplain at Gombs, In the year 1461 throughout, deaf in one ear recovers near Marchpurg of the Salzburg Diocese, less fit for reporting those things, which are of the praise of God, by these presents recognize, and what happened to me, the truth I say, and in perpetuity to say I do not cease. When in the year of the Lord 1461, I the aforesaid George, was with the Most Reverend in Christ Father, D. Ulric of Gurk Bishop in the Castle of Strassburg, on the eve of the Conception of B. V. Mary; and hearing about the life of B. Hemma the widow to be discussed, and her Legend having read through, I vowed to her church to go, where corporally she rests, and the sepulchre to visit: and when already I was deaf in one ear; as for about one year with grave deafness; and wishing to satisfy, on the Friday next following the feast of Conception, which was the eleventh of the month of December, in the crypt I came to the church of B. Hemma, with the venerable man D. George Swendenkrieg, Plebanus of Marchburg; and when the same Venerable Father was celebrating Divine in the cave or crypt of the same church, in which B. Hemma is seen buried; and when I assisted at the celebration of the aforesaid Mass; omnipotent God, and his Son O. L. Jesus Christ with the holy Spirit, and the whole holy and individual Trinity, suppliantly and devoutly I begged, that by the merits of B. Hemma me a miserable sinner from deafness he would free; returning to the Castle of Strassburg I began with the deaf ear, in a small space of time, as with the other ear to hear.

[25] Lord James Sam, in Decrees Doctor of the Collegiate church of Mt. S. Virgil at Friesach, The injured eye is healed. Provost of the Salzburg Diocese, Deacon of Lower Carinthia, sworn asserted, that in his year 1465, on day October XXV, with his two familiars, and the Presbyter Leopold, then at Gurk Rector of schools, from Friesach setting out for Villach, with the rod, which he was carrying in his hand, struck himself in the right eye casually, so much injured therefrom, that he feared to be entirely deprived of that very eye. And when at the persuasion of the said Presbyter, for the health of the same eye, to the tomb of B. Hemma he devoted himself; on that very night, after some sleep, to former health he was restored.

[26] D. Herduidus, Plebanus of the church of S. Leonard in Jetniz of the Gurk Diocese, A boy with the Saint appearing, Presbyter of LXIX years, the sworn witness asserted; that when he was a scholar of ten years, fleeing the plague in the city of Marchburg, while after some time he wished to return home, on a wagon laden with a cask of wine he sat. With one day's journey therefore completed, at night in sleep there appeared to him a certain woman, dressed in monastic habit, prohibiting him from returning home in the aforesaid wagon. But when the witness, otherwise was not able to come to those parts had responded, the woman said; that on the following day on a certain white horse, drawing in the wagon, which on the same night would fall ill, he should sit. With him asking her, who she was, the woman responded: I am Hemma of Gurk, and you will be to me a perpetual Chaplain; adding, that he should not reveal that vision to anyone, is warned of the danger pressing upon him, until of her canonization there should be treatment. But on the morning of the other day the witness himself refusing the wagon, on the white horse, which on account of the infirmity, which on that night it fell into, could not draw the wagon, was placed. And while to a certain narrow way in the wood, by name Trabalt, they arrived; by chance it happened, that the wagon together with the wine and horses to the Drava river fell. The witness mindful therefore of the vision of this kind, immense thanks to God, and B. Hemma giving, devoted himself perpetually to the same B. Hemma about to serve: and to no one this vision he published, until for the cause of examination of witnesses to those parts it was committed.

[27] Lord Henry Himelperger, Carinthian Soldier; Withered arm of one and another of XL years of age, the sworn witness, asserted, that twenty years ago, while he was returning home from the parts of the Athesis, his left arm began to wither: and when he saw himself in some way deprived of the use of his arm, not to be relieved by the help of doctors; as if unfit for military acts, from his father he asked, that to him the License of entering the Teutonic Order of B. Mary the Virgin of Jerusalem he would offer: about which his father much saddened, him, that he would change such purpose, persuaded. With the term of deliberating therefore standing, the tomb touched he recovers. came a certain noble Armiger, by name Mainhard Verber, the kinsman of the witness himself: who persuaded the witness, that for health to the tomb of B. Hemma he should devote himself; reporting, that some years ago, on account of the great pain of his right arm, to the aforesaid tomb votively he transferred himself; and with the same arm placed on the tomb, that, with the offering and prayer performed, immediately sound he took back. By such persuasions therefore the witness himself, together with the same Mainhard and his mother, votive, with his offering, to the aforesaid tomb proceeding, with prayer poured forth, immediately better in the said arm to have began, and after a few days to full health was restored.

[28] James of Ernau, Two sick are healed, Vice-Domino of the Duchy of Carinthia, the sworn witness, asserted, that in the past week he had heard from the citizens of the town of S. Vitus, that two men of Veldkirchen of the Salzburg dioc. by heavy infirmities oppressed, invoked B. Hemma, sending forth a vow about visiting her tomb: who with vow of this kind made, immediately were healed. He also said, that ten years ago a certain blacksmith of Capell, called Nies Nak, and one suffering from headache. of the Aquileian Dioc. reported to him, that the same for a year and more grave pain of head without intermission suffering, at length, by the counsel of someone, vowed himself about to visit the tomb of B. Hemma: who when to the doors of the crypt had come, an old woman prohibited him, the custodian of the sarcophagus, from entering; but she at length conquered by prayers admitted, had been; and entering, with knees bent applied his head to the tomb, invoking the patronage of B. Hemma herself, and immediately was healed.

[29] Kunegund Dierenpacherin of the Villa of Syronitz, of XL years, the sworn witness, said, Pregnant cast on high, with the fetus is saved. that in the year of the Lord 1454 near to giving birth, through one of her oxen with horns thrown into the air, into the earth so fell, that both about the fetus, and about her own salvation she despaired: and while in bed on account of excessive pain in ecstasy she lay; appeared to her a woman, saying: I am Hemma, foundress of the Gurk Church; if from this infirmity to survive, and a happy birth to obtain you shall wish, on your fetus, which is female, the name Hemma impose. And when the witness herself from ecstasy of this kind, as from heavy sleep was excited; a vow she sent forth, and to health restored, after a few days with happy birth a girl she begot, on whom the name Hemma she imposed. In the more recent Acts num. 29 is added: To the same woman not long after, again appeared B. Hemma, and under sharper threat of her dying little daughter commanded, that the benefit obtained at Gurk she would reveal. With license therefore from her husband obtained, as quickly as possible to Gurk she went, and there the series of the perpetrated miracle by public testimony she made known.

[30] Under a fallen horse crushed he revives. Leonard Aigl, citizen at Murau, reported, how, while he, in the year 1460, with his wife from pilgrimage of D. Virgin of Aquileia was returning home, on the mountain of Zomolsperg on holy Saturday of Easter his horse, which on account of the slope of the mountain, he had drawn with his hand behind him, miserably trampled him to the earth. Who while horribly bloodied he lay, his wife pushing back the horse rolled her husband here and there; but no breath of life seeing in him, with knees bent him to the tomb of B. Hemma she devoted: and with the vow made, soon the witness himself bloodied, opened his eyes; and on the same day coming to the aforesaid tomb immediately better was; and on the same night quietly sleeping, although the whole body bruised on the next day healthy home he departed. The same witness sworn affirmed, and his wife is healed from plague. that his very wife at the same time touched by pestilence, by all was thought about to die. Heard meanwhile the report about the canonization of B. Hemma, which thing was then being treated, to her tomb she devoted herself, and with vow sent forth immediately recovered.

[31] Catharine in the valley of Griffen of XXIII years reported, Furiously mad is restored to herself: how in the year 1464 on the very day of the Nativity of the B. Virgin she incurred such great madness of mind, that with iron chains, lest she should harm herself and others, she was bound, and for four whole weeks so she raged. And when by her friends to the Monastery of Ossiach, of the Order of S. Benedict of the Salzburg diocese, where frequently those mad in mind were helped, and several other pious places she was led; effecting nothing, at length they devoted her to the tomb of B. Hemma; with vow therefore sent forth, immediately of reason was made compos: and the aforesaid chain to the same tomb she carried; and at the time of the Examination the scars of the hands, which from the chain's bond had remained, for greater faith of her deposition she showed. And here from Bucelinus I would have noted, that the Ossiach monastery is not far from Villach, where he in the year 1649 says he saw, a globe of crystal, which they say held between the head and sun by hand, by the very burning cures the sick in head and the mad. In the same place also he says he venerated, the tomb of Boleslaus King of Poland, of him who killed S. Stanislaus, and here made a Convert he hid, until death with penance prolonged: about which I treated 17 May, at the beginning of the Notes to ch. 13, but the monastery I did not know to name.

[32] John, a Peasant of the village of Griffen, reported, that by the faithful report of his mother he had perceived, a blind boy is illuminated, how in the XII year of his age, with white spots of the eyes entirely blinded, for much time he saw nothing: but the father of the witness himself led him by vow to the tomb of B. Hemma, and with prayer made the eyes with the ring of B. Hemma, with the ring of the Blessed touched. which for Relics is venerated, anointed; and from there soon and immediately the light of the eyes he received, and uses it today healthy: and the witness himself this very fact to have been, well remembers.

[33] A certain Villager from the village of Kruskavitz by name George near the Castle of Reichegg of the Aquileian dioc. A girl already prepared for burial, had a seven-year-old daughter, who in the year 1463 oppressed by grave disease, closed her last day; and the very father placing the dead daughter on a plank, and covering with a linen cloth, ordered her to be buried in the morning of the other day. With the neighbors therefore gathering for weeping the death of the same daughter, the father by instinct, as is believed, divine, with knees bent to B. Hemma suppliant prayed, one cow for the building of the Chapel of B. Hemma to offer vowing. With prayer and vow made, is resuscitated. the girl with hands disjoined removed the linen cloth from herself, and on the plank alive and well sat up: which miracle for the reverence of the divine name in the pulpits of churches publicly was pronounced. [As sworn asserted Paul of the village of Weintziel, of the parish of S. Cruz of the aforesaid diocese not commonly pious and grave.

[34] A certain girl of Rochesch of the Aquileian dioc. having a contracted right hand, The contracted hand is healed. with vow sent forth about visiting the chapel, in honor of B. Hemma erected near the Castle of Landsperg, soon and immediately the health of her hand received; and afterwards her own braids of hair she cut, and in memorial of the granted benefit there left.

[35] John of the village of Pristowa, near the castle of Rochesch, To one blaspheming against the Saint penitent sight is returned. said, how his mother, while in the fields laboring saw her neighbors cutting down thorns, where they had proposed to erect a chapel in honor of B. Hemma, near the Castle of Landsperg, burst forth into derisive words, saying: What are these men doing? On account of their laziness impoverished, they strive to build a chapel, that their poverty, on account of the resort of peoples to it, may be relieved; with these words uttered soon was struck with blindness, so that to her own buildings to return she could not; and from there with redness of shame infused, she asked from her son, the witness deposing, that her, not through the common street, but through the vineyards home he would lead. Whom when the son had so led, for a whole week blind she remained, seeing nothing at all. Who at length about the rashness of this kind compunct, asked from God to herself for the merits of B. Hemma the sin to be remitted, devoting herself to the building of the said chapel as far as she could to assist: and that from then immediately sight she received, adding this miracle to be known to all the neighborhood of the same parish.

[36] With hand and foot contracted Barbara from the parish of Mospurg, reported, that her left hand, from the fist to the elbow of the same side, and her left foot, from the heel to the joint of the knee of the same side, were adhering; so that none of these limbs could she move, indeed for a whole two years so contracted she lay in bed. And when on a litter to several shrines of Saints she was led; it happened, while on a day she lay in bed, to hear a certain voice saying; Vow a pilgrimage to me, and you will be healed. The virgin admiring the voice, and seeing no one, whither one should make pilgrimage, did not understand. But in the year 1465 to her lying there appeared a woman, dressed in tawny clothing, and with a white peplus veiled, having a silver ring on her finger, and saying to her: Vow yourself to my tomb at Gurk, and you will be healed. With this vision revealed to her mother, the witness vowed herself to the same tomb about to set out. And so moving herself from bed, sound returns from the tomb. and dressed that to the aforesaid litter she might be carried; soon the hand from the arm, and the foot from the front were released; so that on her own feet, with only the support of a staff, to the tomb of S. Hemma, through the steep places of a high and declining mountain, and the distance of four miles, from her house she walked. Finally several times the aforesaid tomb she approached, and perfect health she brought back, so that without a staff she walks at her will. Of the same hand the fingers were adhering inside to the palm: and she showed for certification of the healing of this kind a scar, which from the loosening of the hand undeleted remained.

[37] Conrad Beslaher of Friesach, reported, The fleshiness from the eye is taken away. how his son Aegidius, an infant of two years, began to have above the right eye a fleshy mass, projecting outside to the size of a hen's egg. And when the father, after the application of many medicaments, could not remove this mass; he had it cut by a phlebotomist: with which cut grew from the cleaner eye another flesh, long after the manner of a leek, extending outside to the middle of the nose. With medicaments applied again, and nothing in them profiting; finally to the tomb of B. Hemma with the boy he set out; when there his eye with the ring of B. Hemma he had anointed, and with the water of her fountain washed; then the boy began to be better, and the leek day by day disappeared, with no scar of such great fleshiness left there: and the boy today lives, restored to perfect health.

[38] Choking with angina is freed, John Vasser of Murau, sworn reported, how with quinsy so weighed down he was, that food to swallow he could not, and so suffocated more quickly he would die. But when he had heard, witnesses to be called upon miracles of B. Hemma at Gurk to appear; immediately he sent forth a vow about visiting her tomb: and from then soon and immediately food he swallowed, and a few days after he was fully healed, reporting, that today he had come here, that the vow of this kind he might fulfill.

[39] John Preyer, citizen of Gurk, sworn said, half-dead suddenly is healed. that his five-year-old daughter Petronella suddenly fell into the greatest infirmity, so that emitting foam from her mouth from morning to the middle of the night she lay half-dead, destitute of the office of all her limbs: but with the father himself for her sending forth a vow about giving one candle for the elevation of the Sacrament of the Altar at the tomb of B. Hemma at Gurk, the very girl breathing, soon and immediately former health she received; and nothing afterwards of pain complained, today she is in human affairs healthy.

[40] A certain young stone-cutter, by name John, of Vienna; Blind, falling into total blindness of the eyes, came to Gurk on pilgrimage. But when after four weeks no remedy he had obtained, the Custodian or Mistress of the Sarcophagus exhorted him, that he ought to make Confession of his sins, and so more easily the grace of health he would obtain. Who when at this information his sins he had confessed, and returning to the tomb itself in prayer prostrate a little had fallen asleep, is not illuminated except after confession. he rose; and before the Canons and many others, that by the merits of B. Hemma sight and full health he had received recognized. Which miracle widely divulged, and everywhere to all was known.

[41] Paul Eybeswalder, noble Armiger, Castellan in Landsperg in the March of Styria, Now about to be buried is resuscitated. sworn asserted, that in that place is erected a certain Chapel in honor of B. Hemma, to which from Hungary, Styria, and other diverse parts a great concourse of the faithful is held, and many recognize, that in various infirmities they have miraculously received graces of health, at the invocation of B. Hemma. Especially however he said, that the daughter of a certain George of S. George near Anderpurg, seven years old, dead for nearly a whole day was, and on a litter placed. With the neighbors however performing according to the custom of the country lamentation, the father of the girl herself before them invoked B. Hemma, vowing to give to her chapel one cow: with which done the daughter, immediately showing signs of life, the veil with which her face was covered cast off, and sat up alive, and restored to former health: and was this miracle public, and in many churches by Priests in the pulpits published.

[42] Several others of that kind miracles, proved by the assertions of sworn witnesses, are reported in the same process of the Apostolic Delegates, to be reported below; which for the sake of brevity, although distinguished by number and magnitude, are passed over. So ends this Ms. from which some things produced in the More Recent Acts are illustrated, soon to be given, and faith is made for several others, there from the same source collected.

MORE RECENT ACTS

By Author Paulinus Waldner, Presb. I.V.D. from the Ms. of the Gurk Canons.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

A. WALDNERO PR. FROM A MS.

PREFACE.

Provost and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Gurk, to the Reader greeting.

[1] About to commit to types the Acts of their Foundress, The more grateful is wont to be and ought to be to posterity the memory of the Saints, the more do the laws of ancestral piety invite us, that holy Hemma, distinguished by many in the past and in this our age signs of holiness and miracles, by type we may print, long since by her virtue and report of sanctity printed in the minds and veneration of peoples. The very celebrated Gurk Basilica, originally initiated to our great Parent Augustine, had her as Foundress; and finally of the same Lateran Canonical Institute, by a new example of virtue, professed. That she ceased to live now goes the seventh century, with great desire of her left with all, and the illustrious opinion of a rarer life. And she deserved indeed already then the suffrage of the Sacred Roman President in this part; grieve that the canonization through the injuries of times was not performed indeed even, both by the most ardent vows of the pious and the zeals of the best patrons, from the City near to be transcribed she was into the Album of Saints (what today still teach the authentic writings of the examination made over that matter) but the iniquity of times which followed, with war and many other casualties injurious to piety, brought delay to the business; and others also, who urged the work, either by age or by immature fate departing, gradually by its mass began sometimes to decline; and with the intervention of the labor at last delayed, while it is not promoted, is turned back from the undertaken business: in that case the more inclined, the more anyone, as he was in those times nearer, so the recent deeds of holy Hemma by imitating, than by the vindicating pen from oblivion to be snatched, was the more zealous.

[2] and the old monuments to be few that survive. Which thing has caused, that from the very full monuments of holy Hemma, very few to the posterior world remain, with the rest for the greater part with a long series of intervening years obliterated; whose glory and magnitude however the popular piety still to be seen abundantly testified makes; whose in single years from various nations frequent altogether is the concourse to the tomb, with religion and miracles especially venerable. And that of such great, and so much expended piety the zeal not only be conserved, but more even promoted, whatever the manuscript and most ancient codices have made residual; whatever the voice of the people, and the very matter speaks, by type to be published we have judged, to the memory of our Divine Foundress and Patroness, in posterior years more abundantly to be cultivated, about to transmit. Favor, Reader, not so much us as the Divine's honor, and receive her under this brief paradigm of life, deeds and miracles. He who sent us this Treatise Christopher Iager, in another more elegant which we keep apograph, says the Provost was Francis Charles, born of the illustrious Kemeterorum family, a man learned and lover of the learned.

The Treatise itself is divided into XII Chapters, briefer than the reason of our work bears: their number you will have in the margin, here receive the titles, and to which our number each of them corresponds.

CHAPTER I.

The natal days, education, marriage of Hemma, and the death of children born from it and her husband.

Ch. I

[3] What about the family and natal days to posterity have flowed down, more by tradition of the people, than by certainty of the matter itself ascertained we hold. Ch. I Megiser among the heterodox neoterics, in the Carinthian History, assigns as parent Marquard Count in Murztall and Afflenz, She was not the daughter of Marquard and Limburga: Lord in Eppenstein; but as mother Limburga: of whom this one after Berthold, Count of Zähringen, by Emperor Henry IV, about the year of Christ 1073, of Carinthia is said to have been ordered Duke; but she daughter of the mentioned Henry and Bertha the Augusta, with several from Marquard begotten children, this one also, of whom we treat, Hemma begotten.

[4] But in this matter sufficiently doubtful, ancient manuscript reports persuade to think otherwise, but of Engelbert and Tuta; born in the year 983, from the most ancient Gurk library; in which there can be both much authority for proving, and not a light monument of faith for believing. According to these Hemma was born in the most celebrated, and today most serene Austrian House family Archduchy of Carinthia, when the year of Christ was being counted above nine hundred, third and eightieth; with father Engelbert of Peillenstein (which is thought to have been the ancestral seat of that family) but with mother Tuta; Counts, not by order, but by origin of blood from a family of Princes and Kings; of which, to omit other things, Niece of S. Henry the Emperor, testimony greater than all comparison, in the year of Christ 1015, under August gave by handwriting S. Henry I, Emperor of the Romans: who in a public instrument of remunerative donation of the mentioned year, written on the Kalends of May, calls her his niece through the mother. But this for our matter makes more illustrious, that Hemma, nobility so great asserted to her descent by grandfathers and ancestors, by her own virtue and report of sanctity by far had made most illustrious.

Ch. II

[5] What familiar otherwise is and the first care of parents, of the best disposition, that the offspring be properly educated, that especially shone forth in the parents of Hemma, conspicuous in every probity: with whom nothing was more important, than that the offspring given to them by God, no less to the honesty of morals, than to the propagation of ancestral honor to form. Of this counsel a more luminous incitement gave the very chosen disposition of the received pledge: for Hemma was in every virtue

to be embraced so easy, that for the form of right and good more born than formed she seemed, and with milk to have imbibed the bud of all honesty. Already namely there flowered in the grass the hope of a great crop, and the seed happily sown showed the abundance of future fruit.

[6] received into the Caesarian gynaeceum. After therefore Hemma further grew up, both with the maturity of age, and her culture; for due solicitude all their counsel the parents turned thither, that in such great expectation no occasion anywhere of nourishing virtue and also of promoting the lineage should be lacking. There was with the best attempts with singular providence God, who moderates the vows of piety by his nod; nor allows them to be in vain, which support his honor and virtue: for by his without doubt direction it happened, that to the Imperial court of Divine Henry Augustus, by the necessity of blood near, brought, of Cunegund Augusta, already then by the report of sanctity conspicuous, to the gynaeceum, more truly the living school of virtues, she was joined. Here she, as she was beyond age and sex of sagacious genius, and of exceptional disposition, the reasonings of universal life by pious emulation began to measure, herself entirely to compose to the will of the Empress, her morals to model, her piety to express, her virtue to imitate, from her footsteps not even a broad nail to depart; and, as she was precious among few, by a luminous example of more fervent life, with great steps to the summit of virtue to strive: she learned namely with such great leader and teacher the form of future sometime sanctity.

Ch. III

[7] About the same time, when in the court of Cunegund Augusta she was staying Hemma, thence by William the Landgrave sought, flourished by age and family, and also distinguished by the title of Landgrave, William, Lord in Friesach and Celtschach, in each dominion of Carinthia and Styria. To him, as the counsel was, the ancestral family to propagate by marriage, so all in it he was borne, that he should add as companion of the marriage bed, equal in family and no less in virtue. It happened opportunely, that to him deliberating about this matter mention came up of Hemma, by lineage and piety most notable Virgin: nor did William delay long: at the first report immediately it pleased to ask her consortship. Therefore with the most honored men and intermediaries sent to the parents, to him she is given he acts that to him be given as wife Hemma. They themselves, already having before observed the family of William, and the nobility of virtue, easily nod to the desire of the petitioner, and this voluntarily to their daughter at once announce. She, as she was wholly to the will of her parents, more to gratify them, than from zeal of marrying, prompt and willing obeys, nor much after is given in marriage to William's vows and will.

[8] As a dowry, and the liberal also of Henry and Cunegund the Augusti, with ample dowry; donation are assigned the castles and towns in the Cilli County, Pillenstein, Weidtenstein, Wisel, in Landsperg, Anderburg; in Carniola Nasenfues: but the greatest donation and dowry was, to have received Hemma, pious, and by divine ordination already from then for sanctity dowered. A noble pair of spouses you would have seen, by heaven, to themselves and theirs given: so great was the likeness of life and morals, that one as it were mind was in two, and was one of each willing and not willing. There stood toward the Heavenly equal zeal of religion in all things. to whom, by zeal of piety equal, To be present daily at the sacrifice of the Mass, the mind on every eighth day more religiously to expiate, the sacred Synaxis to frequent, and all other duties of Christian piety as diligently as possible to perform, to both was domestic and familiar: so that not so much of life and blood, as of virtue could be called an inseparable union of marriage.

Ch. IV

[9] But that in no part should happiness be lacking to this marriage and blessing; God, who weighs the moments of all things and knows how to estimate those carefully zealous for himself, she bears two sons, favored a double male offspring: in first hope indeed for the support of posterity, but by higher counsel for an illustrious monument of piety. The name was to the one from the father, William, Hartwic to the other: two as it were precious gems, divinely so inserted in the lineage, who with mature prudence, for the eternal ornament of the whole family. With these chosen pledges, from their very infancy, both by sedulous formation, and by the example of parents the inspired spark of piety, with age very greatly began to grow with great increments; and the very generous disposition of mind, joined leading prudence to piety. Whom when the father, in more advanced years sufficiently mature, and joined to outstanding virtue noticed; intent on the gold and silver mines of Friesach, in his place his son each, to the works, which around Friesach, the principal seat of the family, in the silver and gold mines he was feeding copious, for the cause of inspecting and urging the work, not infrequently was wont to dispatch. Indeed, when him from home graver businesses compelled to be absent, to his sons the whole matter he committed, as to vicars instructed providently to every nod of the parent and norm of prudence.

[10] They themselves therefore, as they were accurate in surveying the works, while they correct the morals of the workers, so by the leading of virtue, no less slowly were they inquiring into the life and morals of the workers: and when by chance of fortune from some faithful one of theirs they understood, that most were leading a profligate life, some also held entangled in impure loves; and from these one had, by conjugal theft, defiled the bed of another's house with a base crime; impatient of so great and so abominable a crime, most loving of virtue the Counts, lest it should pass unpunished led by zeal of justice, institute over that matter a judicial examination; and the crime sufficiently ascertained, by no means slow in execution (as Cyrus once from his Xenophon by sedentary zeal to give to each his own learned: and they kill the adulterer by hanging, so the young men, from tender years from the school of piety taught to be of advantage to the republic, to keep justice patched and covered, that their own might be the protection of equity, and the just revenge of crime) the guilty one condemned of head, they order to be affixed to the infamous tree.

Ch. V

[11] The kinsmen received the just vengeance with a very iniquitous mind, by conspirators they are slain. considering the disgrace of one head their own; and not sufficiently certain by what way or art they would seek vengeance, the wound meanwhile in the deep breast for the time buried they hold, until the rancor of internal hatred, with their slaughter most innocent blood would expiate. To the perfidious machination fury gave counsel, audacity success, and the very wickedness the mines; which when according to their custom the Counts entered, about to inspect the works; with nothing less judging with accumulated cudgels and blows they assail; until cruel vengeance, sated with innocent blood, the twin hope of great posterity, two most chosen brothers, with more than parricidal hand, equally rejoicing in the flower of age, in one and the same tomb in a nefarious manner buries. Scarcely with the tragedy enacted and finished, the messenger of the funereal matter, by no means slower than the crime, from the mines into the city and citadel, comes to the ears of the mother, at that very time when she was attending sacred things, already long with familiar devotion.

[12] She when she hears of the killing of her sons, otherwise of exalted and heroic mind, having suffered something human, broke into disordered voices, which maternal grief extorted from the unaware. Yet from that sudden movement immediately restored to herself, The mother referring this announced to her to the will of God; she judged the whole case ratified from the will of the highest Numen; and nothing afterwards often she said, more bitterly had befallen her toward the funereal mourning of her pledges, than that confused by the sudden announcement, the divine service with her laments with womanly voice imprudently she had interrupted. But this more often she was wont to say, that of her most loving sons the fall she was bearing more mildly, the better cause of piety she knew them to have died.

[13] From the mother's mouth furthermore and command, The father about to avenge the crime as quickly as possible the same messenger flies to the absent father: whom unexpected bereavement struck so much more vehemently, the more there was in his sons of expectation from virtue, and the more ample in each had settled the hope of nourishing and propagating most noble posterity; especially since with this offspring taken away, his house most illustrious by great-grandfathers, and ancestors (which on these two heads as on columns rested) as if from the stock torn out he saw. But lest unpunished should depart the rashness of the most monstrous crime, which justice dictated, and paternal affection toward sons, the matter among the most joined maturely deliberated, and from their counsel about to take vengeance, he counts from his family a hand expedited from arms; he leads forces to Friesach; and with the auxiliaries of the familiars of Count Marquard of Malentein, and the Lords of Colniz and Dietrichstein joined, with the swiftest journey to Friesach he hastens, that he may overwhelm the criminals unexpectedly. But he finds there those plagiarists and parricides, by the conscience of their crime evilly idle in arms; as if their bloody thirst they had not yet sufficiently fulfilled in the blood of the sons, but the destruction of the father also and the whole family they were breathing. The same therefore so wrongly animated armed he invades: and, as nearly the good cause triumphs, and as victor he punishes only the heads of the faction. with the parricides happily suppressed and overcome, the sum of the matter he obtains. From those whom he had reduced into his power, only the heads of the faction worthily he condemns to punishment; with the rest by his innate mildness ordered to go to their former works. So namely the crime both bore its vengeance, and from the more severe sentence, which all had deserved, the clemency of a princely man triumphed.

Ch. VI

[14] With matters composed to quiet, from the bereavement of sons higher counsels with himself he began to agitate. With many disputed back and forth, About to Rome by vow as pilgrim there came upon William the desire of seeing the sacred thresholds, of the Apostles Peter and Paul reddened with blood, both that the princes of Religion with due homage of veneration he might bind to himself; both that from the City and citadel of faith, he might bring signs and the exemplar and magistery of ancestral piety. Which thought that more strictly he might retain, more zealously he might pursue, of a vow he made himself guilty, and to the Roman pilgrimage he devoted himself. With the matter however first communicated with his wife, with the good favor of his wife, he easily obtained leave from her, whose so great was the mind and affection to animate and to love the zeal of religion. But, what you may wonder in such great nobility, when, with attendant William service could, and with other conveniences of the way provided, to execute the determined counsel; with all pomp of nobility set aside afar, and content with a cheap cloak, scrip and staff, the appearance of a vulgar pilgrim he assumes; so much to himself happier to depart from his country's seat, the less with apparatus he should depart. So therefore with his wife bidden farewell, the way alone he undertakes. on foot he departs; Nothing meanwhile he led foreign to his state, to undergo any difficulties of pedestrian journey occurring, to use the company of more humble men familiarly, content with a vulgar morsel to live: indeed even sometimes himself with the dregs of the needy people to mix; for he had it persuaded to himself, the highest honor for the cause of God to grow more and more cheap.

[15] But out of all things, what a generous mind is wont, magnanimously having striven, where having obeyed his piety Rome he happily reached; whither already long with flaming vow his affection of piety had preceded. There, with the appearance of a cheaper pilgrim always simulated, in this he was wholly, that unknown to all, to God more familiarly he might become known; so much more largely in the school of divine wisdom about to advance. Nor did his opinion deceive him. For amid the pious offerings of Apostolic veneration, he felt himself wholly changed, his mind touched by upper inspirations, accumulated with graces, to exult

with joys; nor sufficiently could he take, what heaven richly and the holy Apostles to their pilgrim were suggesting, delights. he returns to his country; This namely is proper to the wages of true piety, to redound to the author with accumulated interest. Finally the Supreme President, the Vicar of D. Peter by the custom of the elders with due reverence he venerated; and with all duties of religion in the city completed, now full of the ardor of piety to his own seat he was returning; but more it pleased divine goodness to William, ripe for heaven from pious pilgrimage to the heavenly country to transfer.

Ch. VII

[16] Before therefore he came to his own, in the Lavant valley he is seized by disease; and seeming to foresee death, and on the way dying those things which are of Christian duty duly he fulfilled, with conscience carefully expiated; and instructed with the customary Viaticum, and finally anointed with sacred Oil the athlete of Christ, from the contest of heroic virtue to the crown passed. His body was placed in the church, commonly Graebern, distinguished by the protection of Divine Leonard, at Graebern he is buried, which he living in honor of that Saint had built; as a distinguished monument of Catholic piety, so a most worthy sepulchre for the relics of the blessed body. And indeed in such opinion of sanctity William departed, that, since the seventh from death century runs out, the freshest to this very time memory has held among the inhabitants, and even today by familiar use Blessed and Saint they are accustomed to name. A worthy appellation altogether, Commonly called Saint. that, which virtue rightly had merited, the voice and sense of the people with perennial recollection might establish.

[17] As soon as she was made more certain about her husband's death Hemma, This case Hemma bravely receives. although among the vicissitudes of human things nothing graver could happen, with more than heroic fortitude of mind however the deed she received; not as something new or unforeseen, but with mind already long and by thought foreseen. Not to dissolve in tears, not to break forth into womanly wailings, not to accuse the most chosen husband's too rapid death; but, as she was of veteran and exalted virtue, in nothing at all was she seen to be moved by so great a case, far superior to all human events; this with certainty persuaded to herself, as an undoubted oracle of truth, nothing of those things to happen by chance, whatever human fortune had borne: all things indeed to be conducted by the nod and Divinity of great and best God, from whose infallible providence depended the moment of every matter. And indeed already deep roots in Hemma had taken, this one to be most pleasing to God, to his will our wills to unite.

ANNOTATIONS OF D. P.

CHAPTER II.

The life of Hemma as widow, the founded monastery, pious death, and after death cult.

Ch. VIII

[18] From the laws and bond of matrimony loosed, Hemma began to consider, As widow to give herself entirely to piety she decides, how she might then better and more ardently into every zeal of religion and piety lean. Many therefore counsels with herself to turn, thither to direct all things, that herself and all her things to the glory of one God as liberally as possible she might expend, a treasure to herself acquiring unfailing and eternal, prepared in the heavens. Hence to relieve with large stipends the needy, sacred buildings from ruins to restore; of churches, some with new revenues to endow, others with more accumulated to augment: indeed even, that her resources, which she had most ample, in the best place she might place, the Mother of God, whom with primary always zeal she cultivated, of all her goods entirely heir to constitute. As a faithful therefore executrix of her most pious will to come, a Basilica to found she decreed in honor of the Divine Parent, even today distinguished for the splendor of religious majesty, with two simultaneously adjoined dwellings, the other of Virgins, the other of Lateran Canons for performing divine things; but holy she wished each gathering under the institute of Divine Augustine, that the reason of life might be equal, the exercise of profession equal.

[19] Furthermore when about the place with herself she dealt, where most conveniently pious walls she might raise; and to found monasteries of each sex, an old report holds, brought to these times, that Hemma in counsel doubtful, and not sufficiently resolved, sent out onto a free field yoked oxen, with the statue of the Divine Virgin placed on a wagon: them then so firmly there, where the oxen sent without driver, where now in the subterranean crypt the parthenian altar is seen, to have halted, not without indication of a singular portent, that with no goads, no effort, no forces could they be torn away. This as an omen of divine will Hemma took to heart; and with all kinds of masters of the wall-building and smith-working art summoned from every side, with the trace of so great a work she laid the foundations; this one with frequent prayers beseeching immortal God, that her vows for the common good of religion and for pious posterity he would wish and would order to be salutary. the statue of the Mother of God should stand, Meanwhile that the begun mass might rise with great increments, she herself to insist on the cares, to press on the work, to watch over the labors, to apply nothing not of effort and industry, that on the begun work as quickly as possible the final hand she might place.

[20] Delightful here will be to weave, what of Divine Hemma it is mentioned among the works to be paid for was very familiar. Namely with the day inclined to have sat on a certain rock, with the purse openly exposed, and to each to have given the abundance, that as much as each with hand inserted could seize, a miracle in paying the wages of the workers. he should have for himself in place of wages. But, what thing has the appearance of miracle not obscure, no one of all more could take, than to his diligence and exacted labors was due: also the stone, on which Hemma sat, as if with nature changed, so made easy was, that, while it received the Blessed, like wax tractable, the form of a hollow seat assumed; as in our own time it is permitted to see before the doors of the Gurk church. From which indeed already then clearly shone in Hemma the indication of sanctity; since to her the very inanimate things, as if with animate service, the Creator caused to serve.

Ch. IX

[21] The construction to the apex happily brought, Walduin, Archbishop of Salzburg, she interpellates with letters, Amid the solemnities of the church to be dedicated, that with the customary rite the Basilica to the divine Numen he should wish to consecrate. He, as he was a Bishop especially zealous, easily nodding to her most pious petition, came to Gurk: and the church on the very day, which to the glorious Virgin assumed into heaven is sacred, in her honor, with great congratulation and joy of all Orders and the whole people, he dedicated. On this occasion together, about to fulfill the desire of longed-for perfection Hemma; while under the public pomp of Dedication the Archbishop performs the Sacrifice, her things equally and herself to God about to dedicate, she comes forth to the principal altar, in religious habit, with seventy others, whom from their will as companions of life she had chosen: by the authority of the mentioned Pontiff the Canonical Institute of Divine Augustine with great veneration of mind she takes up, she herself with 70 companions is said to have taken the Religious habit, with her most ample faculties by perpetual endowment conferred to the income of the church: whence seventy thereafter Virgins, and for performing divine service twenty Canons in diverse dwellings might be nourished. She herself indeed immediately, as first of the choir, all her thoughts of holy counsel began to fix on the magistery of virtue.

[22] Indeed it was not enough for Hemma, most zealous of heavenly things, of her whole patrimony to have constituted as heir the Divine Virgin; shining as the best example to all. unless also, with the most chosen company of seventy Virgins, herself to her services, and to God first, by sworn religion in perpetuity she should devote; in which one she placed every moment of her, which she could desire, happiness. Already inscribed in the sacred family of Divine Augustine, as mistress of virtue and convent, to all her own with a rare example she was shining; with assiduous prayers, most frequent abstinences, indefatigable vigils; so that many nights often to divine praises wholly she would expend. Nothing more humble than she, although she preeminent over all; nothing more zealous, because wholly always she was intent on the zeal of piety; admirable in devotion, singular in patience, distinguished in mercy, in charity both of God and of neighbor especially before all, and commendable for the rare exercise of all virtues.

Ch. X

[23] By this reason, when for twenty-two years a religious life with many treasures of perfection she had enriched, In the 22nd year of widowed state, feeling herself about to die, she fell into a disease, the prodrome of death to follow. Which when she also, with age now heavy and forces worn down, seemed to feel for herself; she fled to those things, which are wont to be consolation and protection to those about to depart. Therefore having obtained from the Salzburg Archbishop Walduin humbly leave, of the rest which to God and the Mother of God she still had to consecrate to dispose, of her last as it were will (which afterwards the same Archbishop also confirmed) she made testament, a testament she composes: in which to the Salzburg and Bamberg Churches, to Admont, and to the very Reverend Fathers Carthusians at Seitz most celebrated monasteries, and to other places besides she destined very many revenues, which to the present day our Divine as a great benefactress proclaim. With the expiatory Confession then having been performed, which now long since into familiar use she had turned, and protected by the last, with the Bread of Angels for the last journey, and with the sacred Liquor to be strengthened she asked: that the zeals of piety she had always zealously cultivated, near death she might repeat the more ardently, as in such state more is wont to be of moment and protection.

[24] piously she dies in the year 1045, So with the matters of the soul well and perfectly disposed, in the great frequency of her Virgins, with an outstanding odor of sanctity left, she happily flew away to the paradise of eternal pleasure, born to heaven 1045, on the very natal day of the Princes of the Apostles Peter and Paul: a woman most worthy of the wages of blessed immortality, the more by religion and piety illustrious, the more by family noble, and the more humble in sublimity: by which protections persevering in the splendor of admirable sanctity and innocence, true to herself in heaven established, by no ages to be extinguished, nobility. Magnificently, what her life demanded, she was honored with the parental rites, and with a fitting funeral is buried. not only as Mother and Foundress, but also as the most holy Servant of God, with solemn offices: with a most frequent assembly of all Orders her death celebrated; and her body to the building of the Divine Virgin, amid the festive praises of hymns, was carried; and with the just honors performed according to debt, the sacred relics in an honorable sepulchre, which today still bears the likeness of an altar, into the crypt, with a hundred marble columns to be viewed, were brought, for perpetual memory and veneration.

[25] The public veneration of B. Hemma From her death immediately, by the most deserved right of sanctity, with various apparitions, miracles and prodigies she began to shine forth Hemma, and with unanimous voice of the people, Saint to be heard: which itself afterwards various to those invoking her aids and benefits with very happy event proved, with most present brought often

in diverse evils as remedy. That report, when, with its own continually greater and greater increments, far and wide was published also to foreign and more remote peoples; with their frequent concourse to the tomb, who on account of the help received from Divine Hemma, recognized themselves guilty of a vow; it happened, that there were inscribed of the Gurk temple with the elogies of Hemma; the image of the same Blessed, with a title and shining golden lunule on the head decorated; her Life with sacred verses, and certain prayers and Hymns, indeed even with public Choir office, was celebrated. In which singular matter it is not without admiration, that initial cult, excited by the suffrage of the people, continues even into the present century now for more than six hundred years, to this time, with footstep not lightly impressed, but for perpetual memory fixed, constantly in its vigor perseveres, no otherwise than if into the Catalogue of Saints, by public authority of the Roman Pontifical voice, long since it had been written. But God seems this constancy of peoples in her veneration, by his peculiar providence, due to have willed to his handmaid, to this end, that Divine Hemma, whose virtue while she lived to the greatest praise of itself had grown; after death by immortal, not in heaven alone, but also on earth, memory might triumph; and her tomb with the abundance of graces, as with the most outstanding fragrance of odors of drawn sanctity, might smell.

Ch. XI

[26] When therefore with the frequented number of miracles, everywhere among men of every order, family, and sex Blessed she was heard, On account of the abundance of miracles and as prodigious in sacred virtues Hemma, and each one to her would strive with his services; with zeal of religion kindled Frederick III Emperor of the Romans, in the year of repaired salvation one thousand four hundred sixtieth, fifth or sixth i, on day October XXVIII, with the Supreme Pontiff Paul II and the venerable Assembly of Purple Fathers strove with an eloquent and prolix epistle, that into the Album of Saints she might be inserted, and the heavenly honors to her, which the piety of the people had hitherto shown, the Roman See also might decree k. The same with equal fervor and sense of piety urged with friendly interpellations Augusta Eleonora, about the year 1465 Canonization is sought, consort of Augustus Frederick: their petitions and authority interposed the provincial Estates of the Archduchy of Carinthia, so much more zealously, the greater they felt in her the Patroness of their dominion. Easily nodded to these so great and so accumulated and pious vows the Most Holy Father; and, that the most welcome odor of sanctity already propagated through the mouths of men, by the testimony of the Church might be spread more abundantly, to William Bishop of Ostia, Bernard with the title of S. Sabina Presbyter, and Francis with the title of S. Eustace Deacon, of the sacred Roman Church Cardinals, and Apostolic Commissaries are named. this cause to be promoted he commits. By whom then were named the Most Reverend Lords, D. George of Seckau, D. Sigismund of Laibach, by the grace of God Bishops, John of S. Lambert in Styria of the Order of D. Benedict, Gerard of Victoria, of the Cistercian Order, Abbots; who with examination instituted, as is wont to be done, the matter accurately to be treated should undertake.

[27] But not they, as they were of every religion most observant, The Process is composed; failed in the committed office: to make proclamations, to cite witnesses, to institute examination, to note what each, and with what circumstances would add. With all of which by the customary order of law to the line performed, all the tablets, of the examination made over that matter, with subscription and seals firm, they transmitted to Rome. Why however the action, happily to this point brought, did not obtain the supreme effect, the most grave incursions of the Turks stood in the way, and various calamities of wars; with which when Carinthia and other Provinces and regions were held infested, with the patrons of the business meanwhile extinguished, which although it lacked effect, the whole matter of decreeing public honor to the present day remained unfinished. Which although greatly to be grieved, marvelously yet with God so disposing it has happened, that nothing the piety and vows of the people have cooled; for they every year from Croatia, Styria, Carniola, Upper and Lower Carinthia, in great number flow in, to the due veneration of Divine Hemma; and in the same with new and new benefits is confirmed and with miracles, yet popular devotion has not cooled. of which some, as a stimulus of devotion, a little after we shall recount. The mentioned cult moreover, is not contained by the Gurk Basilica alone; but in other also, both Carinthian, and of other jurisdictions places, churches, sacred buildings, chapels, consecrated to the name and honor of Divine Hemma, are frequented with pious celebration, and with various pilgrimages of natives and foreigners the memory of the Divine for posterity is perpetuated. So namely are honored, whom God has wished to honor.

ANNOTATIONS OF D. P.

p This Sigismund also confirms the correction, made only in 1463 Bishop of Laibach, first according to Bucelinus. But Laibach is a city of Carniola, to the ancients Aemona, as in an entire Commentary J. Ludov. Schonleben proved. Baudrand in the Geographical Lexicon wishes the Episcopate first instituted in 1468, but an error of the cipher must be corrected from here. But it is distant from Gurk to the Euro-African about 30 hours interval. q Abbot of the Lambertine monastery thirtieth, from about year 1448 to 1518; but who is reported to have received confirmation only from Paul II, having suffered many things, as the Annals of that monastery have, edited by George Ulric of Chemnitz in 1604; If he had added the year of that confirmation, probably he would also have been about to confirm the aforesaid correction. r Jongelinus teaches that the Abbey of Victoria in the diocese of Gurk, founded by the Villarian in Brabant Abbot Henry, sprung from the Counts of Carinthia, about the year 1144. The series of Abbots we still seek. s With the kingdom of Hungary still standing, no fear of Carinthia was from the Turks, and Emperor Frederick lived until the year 1493. The cause therefore of the interrupted business would better be referred to the death of Empress Eleonora, solicitous for the honor of her sex.

CHAPTER III.

Miracles, gathered from the Process for Canonization.

Ch. XII

[28] That a more luminous faith for sanctity might be built up, the custom which God best and greatest is wont to keep in his other Saints, he held in Divine Hemma, that namely to the voices and vows of the people, the brightness of miracles should be added: with whose report increasing, more illustrious together the glory of sanctity might emanate.

[29] Among the first and most ancient nearly miracles is held that, The dying at Bologna is healed which in the sacred Office of Divine Hemma is reported, about a certain Preacher of Bologna, of the Order of S. Dominic. But what does it pertain here to repeat, what in the very Lections of the said Office now is had in the first Acts num. 15? To which therefore sending the Reader back, I warn, similarly here to be omitted some other things, both there, and immediately from the Process reported num. 24 and following, unless from here some light may be added; and only here I add of the aforesaid miracle this clausula. And indeed those which at first were rarer, with the course of times, with the devotion of the people increasing, more frequent existed the miracles; of which most by sworn witnesses were published, in the process of examination instituted for the cause of Canonization.

[30] Such is, what in the same place is narrated num. 29, and here is omitted, about a pregnant woman by a butting ox, with danger of the fetus thrown into the air, and several noted above: and saved, with the Saint appearing to her twice. Likewise what here followed, about Leonard Aich, and there is reported num. 30; and about his wife freed from plague. Then from num. 33, the resuscitation of a dead girl; and of another from num. 41; and a sound mind, returned to a certain Catharine raging,

from num. 31; and the illumination of a blind sculptor, from num. 40; and a woman punished with blindness, because she mocked those laboring for the chapel of the Blessed to be built; from num. 35; then the miserable contraction of hand and foot from num. 36; and quinsy cured from num. 38.

[31] John Port a citizen of Strassburg's little daughter, of sickly health, an infant girl is resuscitated, oppressed by her sleeping mother. mother Dorothy when in her arms at night to be warmed had received, through sleep had oppressed: awakened, she found the offspring lifeless, and immediately from grief into voices and disordered cries breaks forth. Astounded the household runs in, and finding no trace of life in the little one, by divine instinct, with prayers and vows pronounced at once, to the great Mother and Blessed Hemma of Gurk they commend the oppressed infant: and at that very moment they see life and health restored.

[32] They are helped, by the fall of a tree nearly killed, One of the colonists, by an unexpected fall, of which he was cutting, the tree, prostrated to the earth, was no different from a dead man. Warned by the spectacle of so tragic a thing, friends are present, and in the desperate aids of nature they pray for the help of B. Hemma: and soon began all vigor to return, and he to revive.

[33] laboring with lethal fever, John Pruner, citizen of Gurk of LX years, with a lethal disease was held given up: he yet firm hope of better health had in B. Hemma: nor with a vain outcome. In the dead of night, to one in extreme danger she shows herself to be seen, with a white robe; and with these words amicably addresses: Eia, what henceforth honor will you show me; if, what you contend, through me you shall have brought back your former strength? Besides the stated daily prayers of the Lord's and Angelic salutation, to her tomb he promises also a pair of candles of virgin wax. B. Hemma disappears amid these things: but the sick man burning with fever, as if pleasantly drenched with cold, rises from his bed; and noted by no trace of disease, in the morning entire resumes his office.

[34] A certain one by name Simon, from the town of Scheifling, touched by pestilent plague, was breathing his last; touched by plague, but he confiding in supernal protection, was nourishing hope of longer life in Divine Hemma; and with a vow at once given, his desperate, what you may wonder, health to the integrum he claimed back. From the Aquileian district a certain blacksmith was held by acute pain of head: suffering in the head, for relieving this he proceeds to Gurk, applies his head to the tomb of D. Hemma with great confidence of mind, and with pious humility of mind supported brought back health.

[35] The field was being depopulated at Hochenegg of the Aquileian dominion, from pestilence dying, and all the surrounding region by the most pestilential plague; and now of one colonist six sons in a short time it had completed: a seventh the same plague was holding, breathing with difficulty, so that manifest appeared the presages of approaching funeral. The parent ignorant of human aid to the invocation of Divine Hemma, to whom otherwise piously he always adhered, turns: and behold suddenly the dying man, returns to himself, praises Divine Hemma; with her aid, who to him in presence had been seen, life given he asseverates.

[36] Memorable is that miracle in another kind, that a man born of distinguished family, 15 years blind, Paul of Aubesholt, by sworn oath testified, about a certain one, who XV years had been bereft of his eyes. For when the little building, in Landtsperg sacred to Divine Hemma, religiously venerating, as the popular custom holds, again and a third time he had circled; with phlegm and pus immediately flowing from the eyes in abundance, having experienced the helping hand in Divine Hemma, he received sight. Similar is what happened about the year 1466, in the month of November, another for 7 years, with George Wochenauer of Gombs near Marburg, a man notable for piety and gravity: who for seven years captured in eyes, in place of medicine used the patronage of B. Hemma; whose Relic when led to Gurk piously he venerated, to the darkness brightest light succeeded with all congratulating.

[37] The same benefit experienced Elizabeth, wife of Paul Stengler, and one for 6 months: from the Gurk diocese, half a year deprived of sight; to whom when had come to memory, with what celebration everywhere were preached the merits of blessed Hemma, she wished to be directed to Gurk; and near the sepulchre on her knees suppliant, blindness amid prayers wiped away. likewise a half-blind tanner. Henry by craft a tanner, citizen at Strassburg, that the acuity of his eyes dulled from tender years he might sharpen, much for doctors had paid out, in vain entirely, indeed with deteriorating outcome. When therefore human means had failed, he runs back to the much-known aid of Divine Hemma: and rolled to her sepulchre, among sighs and vows he falls asleep; but with sleep gently shaken off, he felt equally shaken off the darkness of the eyes.

[38] To Aegidius Beslocher of the Friesach town, on the right eye had grown an ugly carcinoma: Are cured, carcinoma in the eye; nor by any work of doctors did it seem able to be amended; indeed with medicines applied, was rendered day by day the evil more troublesome. He confiding in wonderful confidence, the ring, which Divine Hemma had worn, applied to the diseased eye, and the ulcer with no further trace left subsided. Near the Lavantine valley, in the town of Griffen, a citizen was, one deprived of step, to whom the faculty of walking was so impeded, that he could neither stand on his own feet, nor walk upright; but in the manner of a brute with feet and hands he was walking. Who excessively tired of the trouble, asked to be led to Gurk: and there about the third night watch he crept to the cemetery; and through a window (for the entrance of the temple at that time was prohibited) into most ardent prayers poured out, Divine Hemma, with what greatest effort he could, asks as helper; and having experienced her benevolent, suddenly he is solidified in his feet, and from the ground he raises himself, and then like other men erect walked.

[39] Rudbert Panger, citizen in Murau a town of Styria, another with the use of hands, long-lasting paralysis of the hands for every work, and for taking food and drink had made useless. In this so great calamity he bound himself with a vow of annual pilgrimage to Divine Hemma: from which better day by day he began to be; and finally fully restored, the work of crossbow-craft, which he excellently knew, freely exercised. A certain man with dropsy gravely affected, so that he could in no way move himself from bed, a man with dropsy, hearing his relative summoned in the business of Canonization of Divine Hemma, vowed a pilgrimage to Gurk to her tomb. The vow without delay was followed by effect; for the monstrous swelling began to remit, and the very infirm at first with the support of a staff conveniently to walk; then finally, with all the phlegm gradually exhausted, to former health to be restored.

[40] Leonard from the village of Reichwang frenzy troublesome and frequent was holding: a frenetic, warned to devote himself to Divine Hemma, and taught the Saint, also helper in various diseases; he promised that he would approach her sepulchre, with at the same time a pensum added of five Angelic salutations daily to be recited. From which, when restored to health, incautiously neglecting the promise; it happened, that the left foot, having fallen on level ground, he broke. With cures further applied, profiting nothing, Hemma in sleep appeared; and reproving of the neglected vow, roused him to fulfill the promise. The vow therefore on waking he renews, and at that very moment the foot to such a degree was solidified, that he could approach the tomb on foot; at which while he prays more fervently, after a great noise made, all the residual pain departed, with the whole leg to the integrum restored.

[41] a blind man, When near the castle of Landsperg the chapel (of which mention was made p. 505 num. 35) was being built; a certain one called to the labors of the same chapel, used to say that his own labors were of concern to him. His levity the penalty of blindness received; and for a whole day seeing nothing with his eyes, opened his mind with penitence of the deed; and with a vow of piety to Divine Hemma pronounced, joyfully shook off the darkness. Catharine of the Friesach town, blinded by a flow of humors, blind; much confidence she placed in the merits of Divine Hemma. and mute, With a linen, applied to her sacred Relics, often wiping the eyes, she wiped off blindness. In 1466, Walpurgis, a country woman of the Celtschach parish, destitute of the office of speaking, suppliant at the tomb of Divine Hemma, amid prayer, with what before she had lacked, the benefit of tongue is gifted.

[42] Bartholomew, citizen of Villach, had fallen by chance of fortune on the patents, for the doors of the temple about the citation of witnesses, suffering in head and eyes, over the grace of sanctity of Divine Hemma and her miracles. Which thing when he had held of little weight, not long after pays for it, with most grave pain of head touched, and with such ringing of ears, as if he felt in himself the workshop of hammerers; with the eyes besides projecting from excessive sharpness of pain, that they seemed to leap out. But in vain with several remedies sought, the persistence of the evil rendered him mindful of the aforesaid intimation about the merits of B. Hemma and the grace of miracles. Nor not badly suspecting, that kind of affliction to have happened to him from his small care of that matter; he determined on the day, indicted by the Commissaries, at Gurk to appear. Where when about to fulfill a vow he had come, to head and eyes applying the ring of Divine Hemma, perfect in the amulet health he found. The same benefit was experienced in the application of the ring by a certain citizen of S. Vitus in Carinthia, by name Wolfgang, and another in the eyes, Procurator of the public Court. Who when he had asked for himself this grace, that the ring for the time accommodated to him, more often he might apply to his eyes; relieved from all trouble, he came to Gurk; and the same with great thanksgiving restored, recognizing Divine Hemma the mistress of health.

[43] A certain scholar, by name Christopher, son of a noble man, a young man dying, by sudden infirmity seemed placed in the extremes. Disturbed by this insolent change certain women, run back to the patronage of Divine Hemma; and making a vow for him, admonish him, that her help with devout heart he should implore. Which done, immediately to breathe began the youth; and while the name of B. Hemma, with voice still from sickness stammering, he sends forth, within a few hours full health he recovers. Mindful of so great a benefit father and son, more often thereafter the tomb of Divine Hemma, with offerings, visited. The son of a certain widow, parishioner in Gluneck of the Gurk diocese, of XX years, and another mad; with madness of mind from the maternal home a fugitive, here and there through pathless and devious places was wandering, with very present danger of life; and not anywhere, although by diligent inquiry, found, very anxious was rendering the mother, and full of fear. Devoid of counsel she runs back to the Plebanus: he persuades, that the son with an anathema to Divine Hemma she devote. She obeys the warning; and immediately another son with a gift she destines to the sepulchre of Gurk. A few days from the exacted vow restored to himself the insane one, most present in mind in the house of the brother is found.

[44] Michael Elsenpek, citizen of Strassburg, had a little son of three years: A boy brought to the extremes, he when with desperate condition he labored, and to death than to life was nearer; the father turned to the aids of the Saints, goes to Gurk with embittered mind. Where after the vows of Divine Hemma he had paid, on the return he found the son free from disease, and addressing the father with cheerful voice, who before could not utter even a word. a lame man, A certain lame man, with two wooden supports a pilgrimage had instituted, to Divine Hemma; and there a whole month occupied, frequent prayed at the sepulchre; at length heard, with the supports left in memory, on foot with joy home returned.

[45] There was to John Grever a citizen of Gurk a little daughter of five years, an epileptic, by name Petronella; she through epilepsy was foaming horridly from the mouth; and of senses

destitute of every office, was lying from morning to the middle of the night; but with her brother for her sending forth a vow, about offering a candle at the tomb of Divine Hemma, all pain and langour departed: John attributed his daughter's restitution to votive piety. With a similar disease labored the son of a certain townsman of Weitensfeldt. two epileptics, With human aids despaired, finally the parent devoted him to Divine Hemma of Gurk with the obligation of a candle: and the disease at the pronouncement of the vow, no otherwise than wax, flowed away. The same in the same kind of disease benefit experienced another from the village of Metniz.

[46] Dorothea in Wirbniz, near the castle of Kraig, struck by pestilent lightning, struck by lightning, was lying similar to a dead woman. She seemed meanwhile to see herself, as in sleep, as if into the crypt of Divine Hemma of Gurk she was being led, among the Religious of that place singing over her, with six lamps lit before the altar. To herself returning came up the mind of a vow, about visiting the tomb of Divine Hemma: she vowed, and from the pestilent affliction, suffering nothing further, she obtained health. Cunegund, blind, a country woman in Oberhoff, of the parish of Metnix, with pain and burning great of eyes, for three weeks bereft of lights, sent forth a vow about visiting the tomb of blessed Hemma; and soon, as if with light wind toward the eyes blown, and with the sense of pain driven away, she received the abundance of seeing.

[47] George Prunsleder, by equal affection of pain pressed from the eyes, growing blind; feared lest he be entirely deprived of sight. Taught meanwhile by a girl, by what reason her grandfather of Friesach, in similar case devoted himself to the tomb of Divine Hemma, and began to be better; he equally, incited by this example, makes himself guilty of a vow; and with the pain soon mitigated, wholly recovers; and with serene eyes visiting the Gurk church, to omnipotent God and Divine Hemma the due thanksgiving rendered.

[48] One of the principal citizens in Murau, with most grave punctures suddenly seized as far as the feet, feet gravely pained, feared some greater destruction. But hearing by chance of fortune in the company of men, that to many B. Hemma, in most diverse and most perilous cases of diseases, had brought aid; he immediately on bent knee prays God, that the help of Divine Hemma he would cause to be present to him. Scarcely with prayer finished, the acute pain remitted, and drove away all fear of further evil.

[49] Another from S. Vitus, a most ancient city of Carinthia, nearly devoid of all sight for five years, having accompanied others going to Gurk, long blind one, votive prayers at the tomb of Divine Hemma he performs, and with her ring anoints his most badly affected eyes. And behold, what you may wonder, he feels notable increase of sight: nor much after such lively eyes he obtained, as if by no sickness he had ever labored. The same from the same ring happened to a certain girl from the Friesach town, and another: who reminded by her mother of the intercession of B. Hemma, betook herself to Gurk; where with prayers poured forth at the tomb, and with the eyes signed with the ring, she found the desired health in the sign of salvation. and a deaf man. By the same benefit possessed another, when six weeks of deafness afflicted had held him, he devoted himself to Divine Hemma, and the grace sought happy he obtained. Christina, A grave abscess is cured. daughter of a Friesach citizen, an abscess of the head had brought to the extremes. To her so laboring appears a matron, of elegant stature and dress, and orders her to bind herself with a vow to visiting the Gurk church. She conceives therefore the vow, and in this finds for herself the desired health.

[50] Not in corporal only, but also in spiritual diseases, Divine Hemma was at hand to those invoking her. Lord James Ezipsen, Chaplain of the Gurk Bishop, great dryness and hardness of heart had besieged, so that neither in Sacrifice, nor in Canonical prayers, and other exercises of piety any sense of devotion he could have, however much to it he strove. Fearing therefore lest with the progress of time greater from it danger of salvation should threaten, and dryness of spirit. with counsel taken with himself, he determined day by day from the castle of Strassburg, half a mile distant from Gurk, Divine Hemma with votive prayers to salute. It happened furthermore on a certain day, that with the crypt now closed about evening, the Divine Virgin before the principal altar he was more fervently entreating, in his spiritual necessity, commemorating at the same time the daily pilgrimages, to Divine Hemma without fruit instituted. Amid querulous voices and sighs, he seemed to himself as with a warm urn to be poured upon; and so great compunction of mind he felt, that with tears abundantly flowing, hereafter he was free from all dryness and hardness, and long desired tranquility of mind he obtained.

ANNOTATIONS OF D. P.

a To Jager, Eibiswald. c Otherwise, Pagnes. d Ibid. Zeuchelwang. f Zelzachiensis. h To Jager, Guetenegg. k Otherwise, Erpisem.

CHAPTER IV.

Miracles of more recent memory.

[51] These few from very many it pleased to allege miracles, which by sworn testimonies declared the witnesses, for the examination of Canonization of Divine Hemma. But that it may be shown, that to very many, even in our memory, Divine Hemma offers patronage, it seems worth while some, which have fallen in these closer years, and newly ascertained, and by the Protonotary in the codex of Miracles asserted, are, for example to subjoin.

[52] The principal place holds Bartholomew Tantschus, from the parish of upper S. Paul of Laibach. He in the year of Christ 1632, Madness driven away, to a man on the second Sunday of Lent, was struck by a tepid breeze. Indeed I would say it was from a venefic; and sought by venefic, or by the very malign genius possessed. For at that very point of time, his mind from its station all to be moved; a wonderful and atrocious storm or intemperance of thoughts not the best to come over; God and the Heavenly supremely to abhor, and unspeakable voices against them to cast; besides to rage so much, and so far without restraint to bacchanate, that plainly he had to be confined in prison. A year now that madness had held; when to him, with silent I know not what murmur or instinct, was suggested he would recover, if his vows and mind to Divine Hemma he should turn; and in her honor he should arrange Mass to be done at Gurk. He nodded, and quicker than said the mind medicated to return into order, the fury to remit, and all that as it were infernal heat of whirlwinds soon to subside. For which cause to the Divinity and Divine Hemma not long after due thanks and vows he paid, and the matter in order (as it was done) by oath confirmed.

[53] In the month of December of the same year, with the goading of furies or madness, and to a woman. Brigitta daughter of Achatius Dencisching, of the parish of S. Stephen below Bischofflack, troubled, had departed from the power of her mind. For this afflicted and affected little daughter of his the parent solicitous, to B. Hemma suppliant was made. Now, behold to you, this woman's mind to be serene, the fury to be extinguished, and so wholly those troubles to be driven and chased away.

[54] In the year after Christ's nativity 1626, on June 10, a certain Mathias was Kaweschnig, They are saved, oppressed by the fall of a cut tree, of the parish of divine Vitus not far from Laibach. He into the woods went for wood, cut a tree, overthrew the trunk; by its ruin and weight unexpectedly is oppressed, with the breast broken his voice is intercepted, and the very life and soul nearly is crushed out. He takes counsel, for health by vow to decree pilgrimage every year to Divine Hemma. Now behold to you, on the next light, voice from exile to return, pain to be lightened, and so as before the man pancratically to be sound.

[55] In the secular year 1631, George Gottschnig, from the parish of Neustifft, sick in feet, sick in feet, even for ten weeks to bed was affixed. When to do for B. Hemma Mass he had received, he gets on his feet; and without delay was made again an athlete in those parts, which seemed dead.

[56] In the Eisenberg parish of the Carniola province, through the year of Christ 1631, a woman in labor, Agnes wife of George Praesl, by no arts, by no experiments of mortals could bring forth the fetus. She to pray, that help to her in the last crisis would bring B. Hemma; if she would make her compos of vow, sacred Office and pilgrimage to Gurk promise. No delay is interposed: the woman gives birth, the infant with sacred washing is washed, then on the very threshold of life immediately is extinguished.

[57] In this very year Cunegund, wife of Caspar Taschger, from the parish of S. Peter near Laibach, with a most grave disease, and that unknown, desperately sick, for six whole years besieged, all the doctors gave up. Therefore with human things bidden farewell, of B. Hemma she implores help, pronounces vows. Wonderful to hear! The woman immediately to feel a little better, and to Gurk to intend the journey; returning to her country, also the rest of the remains of the disease plainly to drive away. In the year 1632, Blasius Geroching, suffering in eyes and head, outside the city of Stein, suffering in eyes and most savage pain of head, conceived a vow to Divine Hemma; and no long interval intervened, when the eyes corrected, and all langour of the head wiped away he perceived.

[58] swelling in the whole body, In the year 1633, Martina wife of Bartholomew Gernig, from the parish of S. Helena of Valtsch, four years infirm, finally in the whole body so swelled, that the husband seeing all human aid failing, fled to Divine Hemma; and the former state of good health for his wife obtained.

[59] two crushed, In the aforesaid year, on the eighth Ides of June, a certain Margaret, legitimate daughter of Leonard Schmit, below Bischofflack, from a high cherry tree, with the steps of her feet by chance deceiving, headlong was driven; and by her weight, another waiting at the trunk of that tree, by name Gertrude, unexpectedly oppressed. From that case this one, of whom I speak, Gertrude much blood from mouth or other parts of body foully to discharge, and Margaret excessively much to labor from the intestines. The parents of these conceive prayers to B. Hemma: soon these virgins to be thoroughly cured, and now as it were from death most happily to return to life.

[60] a woman in labor; In the same year on the seventeenth of October, to Elizabeth, wife of Nicholas Kolman, from the parish of S. Martin, near Gronburg, laboring in childbirth, asking help against the danger of near death, beyond hope blessed Hemma was for salvation. In the named year, insane spouses, on December XV Christopher Costelz, citizen in Stein, with his wife Magdalene suddenly began to be insane, but with the neighbors imploring the help of Divine Hemma, immediately that act of insanity departed from them.

[61] deprived of step, In the years 1633 and 34, Pancratius Pachman and Margaret daughter of Urban Joschga, with the faculty of walking lost, by the protection of Divine Hemma were restored. In the same years 1633 and 34, George Gruden, for a whole winter; laboring with colic, John Pischgiz, for a month; and John Lienner, for three weeks, with cholic pain were detained; when to Divine Hemma they entrusted themselves, immediately this intemperance is broken, and they safe and sound resumed their office.

[62] In the year 1634, Peter Supan of Rattenstorff, from the parish of S. Udalric, a phrenetic, a phrenetic

little son, by name Primus; to Divine Hemma he devoted; and immediately he observed manifest help. In the same XXXIV year, Mathias Orch, three long ill, from the parish of S. Peter near Cronburg, for whole seven years; another woman, for one whole year; another finally for two months, with a difficult disease, and that plainly unknown were afflicted. They approach as suppliants B. Hemma, nor did the prayers fall in vain: for all, beyond what they had hoped quickly, from this long sickness were refreshed.

[63] In the secular year XXXIV, about the solemnities of the Purification of B. Virgin, Peter Tabet, about to be killed by cold. from the parish of S. Peter in Ramanstorff, through the Alps had a journey; where his vital heat, all but already conquered by cold, he noticed. In this doubtful peril of death to the so widely known asylum of Divine Hemma he flees: when suddenly that fugitive heat to return, and as great as the man to recover.

[64] The year one thousand six hundred thirty-second, third and fourth, to many inauspicious, with burning fevers many attacking, even to the necessity of death had brought. and several others in peril. But scarcely yet had they prostrated as suppliants in prayers to Blessed Hemma, when, beyond what can be said, profusely and quickly, from a capital disease of this kind, and nearly from the jaws of death snatched, to their former health our Blessed claimed them back.

ANNOTATIONS

b To Jager, Fantschur.

ANALECTA

Of old Ms. monuments to the Acts of S. Hemma.

Hemma, Foundress of the Gurk Church in Carinthia (B.)

FROM MSS.

§. I. Her relationship with S. Henry Imp. and the erection and endowment of the Gurk Abbey.

Henry Imp. He who caused the Acts and Miracles of S. Hemma to be transcribed for us, various monuments pertaining to the same added, but with no order. This at present it pleases to take from the reason of time, to which each pertains. First therefore let it be the Charter of S. Emperor Henry, recognizing some niece of his, by name Hemma; diverse (as will soon appear) from the Gurk one, for whose cause we are treating these things. The tenor is this.

In the name of the holy and individual Trinity Henry by divine favoring clemency, Emperor of the Romans Augustus. Be it known to all faithful of Christ and ours, present namely and future, To William the Count, son of his niece Hemma, husband of the Saint, how We, for the petition of our most beloved consort Cunegund the Empress, and at the intervention of Herebert Archbishop of Cologne, and Eberhard Bishop of Bamberg; on William the Count; and also on Lady Hemma his mother, our niece moreover, we have conferred the third part of our Saltworks in the Admont valley with every right, as we had it in our uses; and we gave them a market, on their estate, wherever it shall have pleased them to have; and toll in any place; as a market in his County, which is called Tusach, in perpetuity we have handed over with the mint: and also all the mines of any metal, and saltworks, which on his goods shall be found, may lie subject to their uses: and the universal right, pertaining to the Empire, some rights he donates in the year 1015. we have remitted to them, and to their property with Imperial clemency assigned; with this reason, that free thence they may have power of doing what they will. Given XIV Kal. of May, in Indiction XIII, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1015, but in the XIII year of D. Henry reigning, but in the II year of the Empire. Done at Babenburch happily. Amen.

[2] Hence appears, how the holy Emperor recognized William the Count, The cup of one or the other Hemma is religiously preserved. husband of B. Hemma, to have been the son of another Hemma, born from some either brother or sister of his own. His sister Gisela, married to S. Stephen King of Hungary, to have begotten him some children, is not unlikely: his brother Bruno, in 1003 fugitive to Hungary, having there gained nuptials and children, in which Agatha, mother of S. Margaret Queen of the Scots, in the Propylaeum to her Life, §. I lit. 3, probable to be I judged on day X June. From one or the other Hemma was born, who is the mother-in-law of her about whom we treat; and so corrected let the error of the more recent Acts remain, confounding two Hemmas at num. 4. No more easily would I define, of which Hemma is that cup, which among the treasures of the Gurk Church is kept, with these letters, around the circumference of the rim, in gold inscribed. More than every gem this your cup shines, Hemma.

[3] But how that Church was erected and endowed, the epistle of Walduin will teach, The Salzburg Archbishop persuader of founding the Gurk parthenon, from the year 1042 to 1061 Juvavensian, that is Salzburg Archbishop, invited to the dedication of the now perfect Gurk church, in this manner:

I Walduin, unworthy Archpastor of the Juvavensian Church, reveal to the Christian Universe, the outstanding liberality of a certain most noble Lady Hemma, formerly wife of Count William, but several years now remaining in widowhood: who with whole mind intent on heaven, a Basilica in Carinthia, in my Episcopate, in the village called Gurkha, in honor of S. Mary constructed, a Congregation of Nuns serving Christ continually, by my counsel there constituting, to consecrating which me from Salzburg with charitable prayers she drew.

[4] accepts the dowry constituted for it, There then in the presence of Clerics and Laymen, of noble and ignoble, through the hand of her Advocate Scwiker, by dowry gift to the same Church into property she gave, whatever to Gurkhoven she had, with bondmen and other utensils, with stable tradition strengthening; and immediately the very Church, with the dowry and all things which were given, and which still were to be given to the same, to S. Peter and S. Rudpert she commended. Adding however this law and condition, that, to be conserved in perpetuity, if I or my successors the goods of the same Church, with God's service destroyed, either to Soldiers in benefit to hand over, or into property by any use should wish to reduce; her kinsman Ascwin, with XV nummi the aforesaid Monastery, with all things pertaining to it, should have the right of redeeming to himself from the Episcopal power, and to restore to former liberty, and divine service to reintegrate. On the same day, after the consecration of the Altar, 15 Aug. by legacy she had handed over to the same Church, whatever of property to herself was in the whole tract of Frisach with the market. Lastly her traditions with the hands of the Advocates, and ears of witnesses she concluded: handing over to the property of the same Church, whatever not bequeathed by name to anyone, at the last time of her life she should leave. and Abbess N. consecrates: These things were done on XVIII Kal. of September; with us celebrating the Assumption of S. Mary, on which day also we consecrated the same Church, and by sanctifying there Abbess N. so we established, from the convent of S. Erentrude in our city, with common consent of all Clerics and Laymen assumed. But that the law of the same liberty in future times not be ignored, at the request of the same memorable Lady Hemma, this page from there I had inscribed.

[5] These premised, I add what I received Codicil, by the same Hemma adjoined to the letters of foundation, of this tenor: I Hemma, by divine mercy though unworthy, foundress of the Gurk church, about which matter with a testament composed, make known to all faithful of Christ, both present and future. When widowed of a husband of blessed memory, and bereft of my sons evilly killed, all my possession, both in men and in other things, for the remedy of my soul, and of my husband and the salvation of my sons, to churches I gave, and the habit of Religion at Gurk I took on; my whole family to the same church I so delegated, that, whoever firstborn of that family from servitude should wish to be freed, half a talent and fifteen denarii to that church's Abbess he would give; but the remaining children, wishing to have this liberty, according to the placitum of the whole Convent themselves they would redeem. The Ministerials also, whom to the same church I gave, with the same men by the church endowed this right may not be able to infringe: but the remaining sons may they be forbidden to be redeemed, otherwise the church in the family would incur great damage. These things were done at Gurkhoffen, in the year from the Lord's Incarnation 1043, Indict. IX, on IV Nones of February, happily. Amen.

[6] I have said Codicil: for it does not have the appearance of a full testament, B. Hemma adds a codicil. containing and specifying, which Walduin the Bishop with his diploma confirmed: in which diploma seems to have been transcribed verbatim the whole, which is now required, charter of foundation; but because it was extended, or could be extended by interpreting to more, than was useful to the church; it seemed by this codicil to limit the right of redeeming liberty. Meanwhile from its date is understood, that the Dedication of the church and Blessing of the Abbess, whose year in the aforesaid diploma is not expressed, was done in the month of August, of the immediately preceding year 1042; and after the act of the signed codicil scarcely a year and a half the blessed Foundress survived.

§. II. Of which Institute, whether Canons or Benedictines was the Parthenon of B. Hemma; and those serving them, whether Clerics or Monks: and how with these the Augustinian Regularity introduced to this point perseveres.

[7] At the time in which her parthenon so she instituted and endowed Hemma, not only Benedictine monasteries of the Rule flourished distinguishedly, Although the Sanctimonials are said to have been Canonesses, but also Colleges of Canonical discipline were beginning to be restored, in many things similar to monastic. Hence controversy arose, to which Order it should be ascribed. The Most Reverend Albert Reichart, at the beginning of this XVIII century Abbot of the monastery of S. Paul in Carinthia, although Benedictine, yet in his Breviary of the Carinthian History (which it has not yet befallen me to see) p. 123 confesses, Canons Lateran of S. Augustine, from the very beginnings of the Gurk Church to have been there instituted are said; and the same suppose the Imperial Letters, given to the Roman Curia for the Canonization of the holy Foundress; that I may be silent about the more recent Acts, on which num. 21 lit. c. I began to note, except by prolepsis to be named here cannot Canons Lateran of S. Augustine.

[8] On the contrary our Lambertine Instructor, with Gabriel Bucelinus equally Benedictine, for the Benedictines yet makes the Abbess, taken from them, held for certain, that Hemma with her Virgins professed the Rule of S. Benedict. Indeed it can scarcely be doubted, but that Abbess N. taken from the convent of S. Erentrude in the city of Salzburg, the same Institute which there she had held to Gurk transferred, nor does it appear whence it can be proved, that the Salzburg Parthenon in the eleventh century, in which we are, any other than the Benedictine Rule held. It is not however necessary, that the Brothers, although the Clerics serving them, such perhaps they were. serving the same, themselves also were Benedictines: only from the aforesaid Codicil is established, themselves with their Provost pertained to the jurisdiction of the Abbess, such as today enjoy various Abbesses of the most noble Virgins, at Mons in Hainaut, and Nivelles, and Thor in Brabant, and elsewhere in several places of Germany;

which all are now at least of Canonical Institute, and for the ministry of the Canonesses themselves, have adjoined to themselves in buildings, not the same, but nearest, Clerics, whom usage now obtains to be called also Canons, together with their Provost, subject to the Abbess in many things.

[9] The same persuades the tawny habit of appearing Hemma Meanwhile it seems also to favor the Benedictines, that in the miracles after the older Acts num. 36, the Blessed appeared in the year 1465, not only in monastic habit, as had appeared num. 26; but dressed in tawny clothing, and veiled with a white peplus. For what here is indicated tawny color, does not seem to be understood that more luminous one tending to whiteness, which to no Religious Order we could ascribe; but another more dusky, and tending to blackness, such as of dead leaves is commonly called and is. Such I remember to have noted in that, which still at Bingen in Germany is religiously kept, cowl of S. Hildegard, of Benedictine without controversy Abbess. But what of the white peplus, rather than the black veil, with white veil, as a Conversa. which to veiled Sisters for the ministry of choir solemnly is imposed by Bishops or Abbots? I judge by it to be indicated, that blessed Hemma, although in no way unlettered, as from her Latin Codicil is proved, preferred in the grade of Conversae (we commonly say Lay Sisters) to be contained, for the domestic ministries of the others. But this to all Conversa Sisters, in whatever Order, is common; and so nothing opposes the pretended tradition of the Gurk people, ascribing B. Hemma to the Canonical Order: wherefore I would not pertinaciously oppose them, if any old monument they should at some time bring forth for their cause.

[10] Certainly there were Canons after the Parthenon was extinguished; However these things about B. Hemma and the Sanctimonials by her instituted profession, and about the state of the men ministering Sacred things to them, may be; certain it is, that with the blessed Foundress deceased, and the Parthenon extinguished, the church with all the possessions attributed to it, remained under the power of the same, depending only on the Archbishop; and they, if not before, at least from then on were held, and called Canons: for this appellation Henry IV attributes to them, in the Diploma about the institution of the Episcopate, to be produced below. As to the Regularity, and with them Hildebold the Bishop of Gurk superinduced on the appellation of Canons, we have the constitution of Hildebold the Gurk Bishop, of this tenor.

[11] In the name of the holy and individual Trinity, always to be adored in the substance of Unity. introduced the Regularity of common life, Be it known to all, both present, and future faithful posterity, that I Hildebold, of the Gurk Church, by the grace of God Bishop, in the aforesaid Church Clerics of Apostolic poverty, according to the Rule of B. Augustine, of common life dignity according to the institution of the Apostolic Acts restoring, I have ordained; in which to none is it lawful any right of property to obtain, to whom every possession yields in subsidy of common utility. But this ordination, in honor of O. L. Jesus Christ, and his mother always virgin Mary, and also of the Apostles, and of all the Saints, to institute we decreed, both for pious remedy of my salvation, and of Lady Hemma, by the example of Conrad of Salzburg, of blessed in Christ recollection, who the aforesaid place founded, and with divine prospering clemency completed, and with most liberal dowry of her things enriched.

[12] Furthermore the author and helper of this institution was Venerable, without respect to the Lateran ones, and in Christ's members notable Conrad, Archbishop of Salzburg, who in his Church the form of this blessed poverty, and to the accumulation of so great a good as specimen, provoked many. But to the aforesaid Brothers, for transacting the necessity of present life seventy mansi we have handed over, with all things, to their uses and revenues pertaining. These things were done at Gurk, in the year of the Lord's Incarn. 1120, Indict. II happily. Amen.

[13] Here I for the year 1120, judge must be read, 1124, unless perhaps there is an error in the number of the Indiction, which in the aforesaid year 1120, was reckoned XIII. But Conrad, the first of this name, lived in his Archbishopric to the year 1147; and about him writes Hundius in his Metropolis p. 9, that the common life of Canons Regular of S. Augustine he instituted at Juvavia: but Hilteboldus, the second Bishop of Gurk, from the year 1085 to 1132 that Cathedra held; so that it makes no great matter to investigate, in so long a rule of each Bishop, what year especially fits the Gurk Reformation; but it must be well noted, that no mention is made in the Acts of either of the Lateran Canons.

[14] We find this among the Gurk people for the year 1498, when Alexander VI dispatched to them a Privilege of this kind. whom afterwards Alexander VI aggregated. Alexander Bishop, servant of the servants of God. To beloved sons the Provost, and Chapter of the Gurk Church, of the Order of S. Augustine, greeting and Apostolic blessing. Of the sacred Religion, under which in the spirit of humility devout and sedulous you strive to show service to the Lord, deserves honesty; that upon those things, which the increase of prosperous state can bring, the gracious protection of Apostolic favor we willingly should bestow. Hence it is, that We, you, who, as you assert, of your Gurk Church, in the year 1498, among other Cathedral Churches of those parts distinguished, of Canons Regular of the Order of S. Augustine, of Observance called, of which Canons of the Lateran Congregation they exist, you exist; and that by that reason, that with equal privilege, which the Canons of the said Congregation enjoy and rejoice, you may enjoy and rejoice, indecent not to be judged; with gracious favor to pursue wishing, and any of you from any of excommunication etc. with your supplications in this part inclined, to you, that all and singular privileges, indulgences, graces and immunities in general, granted to the Canons of the said Congregation, with which they enjoy, use, and rejoice, and to use, to enjoy, and to rejoice they shall be able in any way in the future, provided otherwise lawful and honest, and to the sacred Canons, and Regular institutions of the aforesaid Order, and your state contrary they do not exist, to use, to enjoy, and to rejoice freely and lawfully you may be able. Notwithstanding etc. To none therefore etc. Given at Rome at S. Peter's, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1498, on VIII Kal. of May in our Pontificate VI year. B. de Rizonibus.

[15] and Nicholas V in the year 1454 had granted free election of the Provost, Furthermore our Instructor adds, that Pope Nicholas V, at the instance of Emperor Frederick III, through letters given at Rome in the year 1454, gave an Indult, directed to the Gurk Bishop, by force of which the Provosts, Deans, and Gurk Canons of the Order of S. Augustine, after the manner of the Provosts, Deans, and Canons of the Salzburg Church of the said Order, under the same, way of living, and discipline, and Regular institutes might be able to live, and in those to the same Salzburg Church might be able to conform themselves. But to the same Salzburg Canons (as can be seen in the Salzburg Chronicle of Mezger) afterwards under Cardinal Matthew Lang, Archbishop of Salzburg, reduced to the norm of secular Canons, the Gurk Canons themselves continued in their former Regular state, and to this day persevere. The praised Instructor also adds, that the aforesaid letters of Bishop Hilteboldus Pope Julius II confirmed, which Julius II confirmed: at Rome on III Id. of February, in Indiction VII, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1504.

[16] both after the undertaken union with the Lateran ones. From what has been already said it is plain, why I asserted, that the Canonico-Augustinian Regularity, by Bishop Hilteboldus brought into Gurk by the example of the Salzburg ones, had no respect to the Congregation of Canons Regular Lateran of S. Salvator, which first was begun in the XV century. For although already from the beginning of the XI century certain Canons living secularly, began at Lucca in Etruria to be reformed to the norm of Apostolic discipline; and by their example were reformed gradually other and other, at Ravenna, Eugubium and elsewhere through Italy, with their holy Bishops striving; yet no consequent thence was the dependence of monasteries among themselves or congregation; until Pope Martin V, who by the Constitution of the year 1411, sanctioned, that all Canons Regular, collected into one Congregation under that title, of Frisionario commonly called, and their Colleges might be reckoned one body, and likewise one Congregation similarly and mutually connected; and under one and the same law and unity of regular observance, and conformity of morals, and the same customs, privileges, ordinations and statutes might be subject. To these Frigidionarii meanwhile the appellation of Canons Lateran of S. Salvator did not accede earlier, than Pope Eugenius IV, with the Lucca Frigidionarii called out, this Basilica to be reformed and ruled committed, in the year 1446; decreeing, that henceforth all the conventos and places of the said Congregation, in the year 1411 and especially 1444 from the title of this holy Basilica, and head of the whole Congregation, take a name, and let the Congregation of S. Salvator be called. But neither was this durable, with the Frigidionarii from that Basilica once and again ejected, and with the seculars again entering; until Pope Sixtus IV, in the year 1476, to the same, whom in vain he had tried to bring back into the Lateran, gave a new, which under the title of S. Maria della Pace he had founded, church with monastery: and he confirmed to them the title of the Lateran Congregation, and all privileges, as follows: Lest into doubt it can be called, whether, from certain letters of Pope Callistus and his own, even after the Lateran basilica was given to seculars again. of Sixtus, the name and entitlement of the Lateran Congregation, suppressed and removed had been, and the immunities, graces, privileges and indults, to the same Lateran Congregation, both through Eugenius himself, and through other Roman Pontiffs granted, would be reckoned revoked… Sixtus declares, to them in no way was prejudiced or derogated, or is in any way.

§. III. How and when the Gurk Church was made Episcopal.

[17] The rapid defection of the Gurk Parthenon, With Walduin dead, twenty-fifth Archbishop after S. Rutpertus Apostle of Bavaria, succeeded in the year 1061 Gebhard, born of the noble family of the Swabian Counts of Helfenstein, Scribe of Henry IV, as Hundius asserts in his Metropolis p. 7, and in the year 1073, on May 2 he dedicated the Gurk building, namely new and more ample from the alms, gathered at the sepulchre of S. Hemma; where before was the convent of holy Virgins; and constituting in it the Episcopal See, he ordained Gunther Bishop. There exists about this matter, of Henry himself, then still only King, within 30 years from the death of the Foundress; but afterwards Emperor, a distinguished Diploma: which before I exhibit, it pleases to consider, how it was done, that the Abbey of Virgins, scarcely from thirty years by B. Hemma founded and endowed, so quickly ceased to be; and indeed so, that the Archbishop about to introduce so great a change, was only warned to take care, that he inflict no force on the Church; but with consent and good will both of Clergy and people, he should constitute for himself a Coadjutor there; it is not to be ascribed to the danger, and made no mention of the Nuns (to whom 72 Prebends constituted by Hemma, he had prefaced) or their Abbess, as if they had long ceased to be.

[18] Our Instructor judges the cause to have been, that in the Catholic Church then by no means were approved those double monasteries of men and women; from the conjunction of each sex to be feared, with some

ones citing the Canons prohibiting them. But these truly only take care for public honesty between men and women; nor either then or afterwards have monasteries of this kind, both Benedictine and Canonical Institute, ceased to be had. Indeed even the Premonstratensian Order, through S. Norbert in Gaul near Laon, with several monasteries of this kind both then and now laudably existing, in this same XII century founded, and soon through Gaul and Germany propagated, under the rule of the holy Patriarch himself, near the monasteries of men, had the dwellings of sacred virgins, only under his successor B. Hugh, by judgment of the General Chapter, removed, or further put away. And at the end of the same century S. Robert of Arbrissel, under the same form of Government, in which our Hemma here, in the XII century instituted the most noble Order of Fontevraud in the same Gaul, in Gaul, Italy and Germany; by various Pontiffs and Abbots vehemently praised, as our Bolland expounded at his Life on the XXV day of February; of whose Institute also a Defense, against old and new calumnies, under the title of the Shield of Eubrald, again in three Volumes in the year 1684 published John de la Mainferme. Indeed in Volume III of this June on day XVIII, is given the Life of B. Elizabeth of Schönau, who in the year 1140 in the diocese of Trier ruled a monastery, only by the common Church's interposition separated from the male convent of the same Benedictine Order; and contemporary with her in Italy S. William, Founder of the Hermits of Mount Virgin in the Kingdom of Naples, various monasteries of each sex, both there and in Sicily founded, of which the very large Guletan near Nuscum, now deserted by the Virgins, still shows the very vast ruins of the sacred Parthenon, with the church, where his body is deposited, and with frequent concourse to it honored, as I taught at his Life on day XXV. Finally that I may be silent about other examples, our Lord Jesus Christ himself to most holy Brigid for her Vadstena monastery of each sex in Sweden, in the XIV century dictated a Rule, under which the Order of S. Salvator to be instituted by her, from Sweden even to Italy should be propagated, such as today still distinguishedly flourishes.

[19] Considering all things furthermore, no more probable cause of the Gurk change appears, but to the premature death of the Foundress than that the holy counsels of the pious Foundress, by her quick death intercepted, did not have the designated outcome; and the new Abbess called from Salzburg, either quickly died, or for another cause returned to S. Erentrude's monastery, whence she had come, and to greater utility, with those whom perhaps she had brought as companions; leaving the place to the men, to whom for their ministry 20 prebends Hemma had constituted. It can also be, that the Archbishop Walduin himself, surviving Hemma by nearly 30 years, with what she had conceived in mind matters not yet fully constituted, with the counsel of his Salzburg Clergy, judged the utility of the new Church daily taking greater increments, and the peoples subject to it, more congruent, to be acquired to augment the dignity of the Canons, with every kind of liberty from feminine empire constituted for them, under the rule of one Provost, depending on himself alone, to the norm of his Salzburg Chapter; to which this new Gurk one he wished to be assimilated, with the Prebends also augmented from some portion of those, whence the sacred Virgins with their Abbess hitherto were nourished, and with the obligation of Religious vows removed (if however they had ever sent them forth).

[20] from the change of an Abbey into an Episcopate; With matters so constituted, perhaps it also began to be considered, about constituting a new diocese there, which would be a suffragan of the Salzburg itself, too widely extended. This counsel certainly received its maturity under Walduin's successor Gebhard, as is established from the subject diploma of the aforesaid King, which thus sounds.

that it be done Emperor Henry the Bishop of Salzburg asks. Henry, by divine favoring Clemency King. It befits the royal dignity, to sublimate and stabilize the honors of the Churches of God, that afterwards with Christ in eternal rest it may be lawful to live happily; whence to all faithful of Christ and ours, both future and present, we wish to be known, how our beloved, Gebhard the Juvavensian Archbishop coming to us, asked, that by our authority to him be granted a Cathedral See in his Episcopate to constitute, namely at Gurkhoven; where a certain noble Countess, by name Hemma, by the goad of divine (as we believe) admonition pricked, of the estates, which by God's grace and hereditary right of parents into the dominion of her possession had come, and into the property of her husband Count William had passed, for God's service had instituted an Abbey, with seventy-two Prebends of Nuns, and twenty of Canons; asserting, on account of the excessive amplitude of his Parish, and hard labors of the ways, to the flock entrusted to him in divine matters he could not suffice.

[21] who is ordered to approach the place, We therefore the petition of our beloved already said Archbishop in all things nodding to, we have commanded, that he should approach the place, equally hear and investigate their assent; with venerable Bishops taken with himself, Otto of Regensburg, and Altmann of Passau; and also Starchard the Marquis, the Advocate of the same Church, and other Princes of the Kingdom, conspicuous in prudence and counsel, and should inflict no force on that Church: but according to the fear of the Lord and the honor of that Church, and to ordain a Bishop, with consent and good will both of Clergy and people, he should constitute a Coadjutor for himself there; we have commanded the above-said Archbishop, that in this he should be solicitous, that the Church so noble, and by the above-said Countess endowed with such great gifts, by his own also, that is, peoples and tithes, if it be made an Episcopate, be honestly augmented and enriched. So with Gunther ordained he confirms his Privileges, Therefore the often already said Archbishop approached the Gurk Church, with the abovementioned Bishops and Advocate taken with himself, and other men of high counsel; [and] with consent and good will, both of Clergy and people of the Gurk Church, with equal vote and free election, D. Gunther, a noble man, into Bishop they elected.

[22] And since with special prerogative of love and grace we embrace and love the Gurk Church, of the same Church the Clergy, family, possessions, and all things movable and immovable, which the very most noble Countess Hemma, for the ardor of the heavenly fatherland, there with liberal hand conferred, with this reasoning we confirm; that our faithful Gunther, now of the same place first Bishop, with subjection to the Salzburg Church. and his successors in perpetuity, may securely possess them, and may have free power to order, compose, and augment the things and properties of the same Church, with the consent of Clergy and people. Let that Bishop be free, and from every extraneous power secure: besides this, which to the above-said Archbishop and his successors he owes, obedience and reverence, for the Vicariate of the Juvavensian Church and the boundaries of Churches, and Tithes to be possessed by them: insofar as those serving there the memory of the first foundation worthily to perform, and adds some new things, and the perpetual salvation of our predecessors; and us as fautors and corroborators they may be able and willing to God with prayers to commend; the universal also right in all these things pertaining to the Kingdom, that place to honor in the Lord and to exalt wishing, on account of reverence for the blessed Mother of God Mary, and through the intervention of our most beloved consort Bertha, and also of our faithful, Anno Archbishop of Cologne, and Gebhard Archbishop of Juvavia, Otto of Regensburg, and Altmann of Passau, to the aforesaid Bishop and his successors we remit forever.

[23] Now also by our liberality to the same Bishop and his Church, a village in Bavaria, and whatever predecessors Kings and Augustan Emperors, Arnulph and Louis, Otto, Henry, and Conrad, to the often-already-said most noble Hemma, and her parents previously granted, and whatever from these can be amplified, we grant; and we warn, and in the Lord Jesus we ask, that no one of our successors, those which we, for the remedy of our soul and of our Predecessors and successors, to the Gurk Church have indulged, with rash daring should wish to infringe; or if anyone shall have infringed, to God and his Mother to be judged we commit. This also at the request of each Church, by our authority to be preserved in perpetuity we establish, that with Bishops dying in each Church, their successors in the election of another Bishop reciprocally and primarily should be heard, and have the first votes; but the Gurk Church, fearing, lest in the future by the very Archbishop, or by his successors it should be harmed, asked, that every convention, society, and deed of each Church, the Lord Archbishop should subscribe with his privilege, and confirm with his seal: which he also did. And we with royal authority will it to be valid and stable in perpetuity: with our privilege also and impression of seal we corroborate and fortify.

[24] Sign of D. Henry IV King, I Sigehard Chancellor, in the year 1072 in place of Sigefrid the Archchancellor have recognized. Given V Ides of January in the year of the Lord's Incarnation 1072, in Indiction X, in the year of the Ordination of D. Henry IV, as King XIX, of the Reign XVI. Done at Regensburg, in the name of the Lord happily. Amen.

§. IV. Series of Gurk Bishops to the end of the XVII century.

[25] In the year of Christ 1072 therefore in the month of March, the Gurk convent of Nuns of the Order of S. Augustine, founded by blessed Hemma, with the consent of Alexander the second Pontiff, and the will of Henry IV Emperor of the Romans, through Gebhard Archbishop of Salzburg, and Otto of Regensburg, and Altmann of Passau, Bishops, was transformed into an Episcopal See.

[26] First of all Bishops, in the year and month above-said, was named, and a little after at Salzburg consecrated Gunther, a noble man of Krapfeldt, with the above-said Bishops assisting. He presided over the Gurk Church for 13 years, died in the year 1084, buried in the Cathedral temple.

II Hildebold or Hildebald succeeded Gunther; he the Regular life of Canons of S. Augustine in his Gurk Church instituted, and established the Chapter there, to which also the faculty of electing the Provost he granted; and added to the Provost the office and title of Archdeacon, but the Chapter's goods with seventy subjects he augmented: he presided over the Gurk Church for 47 years, died in the year 1132.

III Romanus first of this name, presided for 35 years, died in the year 1167, buried in the Cathedral church.

IV Henry, first of this name, formerly Abbot at S. Peter's of the Order of S. Benedict at Salzburg: he the body of B. Hemma the Foundress transferred from the Cemetery into the crypt of the Cathedral temple, and a noble sarcophagus constructed: he presided for 7 years, died in the year 1174.

V Romanus, second of this name, first Provost, presided for 4 years, died in the year 1178.

VI Diethericus, presided for 6 years, died in the year 1185.

VII Wernerus, presided for 10 years, died in the year 1195.

VIII Eccardus, or Egehardus, presided for 5 years, died in the year 1200.

IX Waltherus, presided for 13 years, died in the year 1213.

X Otto, first of this name, designated indeed Bishop, but not confirmed, administered however the Church for 7 years. A man of so innocent a life, that the report of sanctity everywhere shone; whose mention also is found inserted in the miracles of B. Hemma. Died in the year 1220; buried in the Cathedral church.

XI Henry II, presided for 7 years, died in the year 1227.

XII Volscalcus or Udalschaldus, presided for

for four years; he died in the year 1231 on the day of S. Urban.

XIII. Utricus, or Udalric I, presided for twenty years; he died in the year 1253, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

XIV. Diethericus II obtained, by the sentence of the Emperor Rudolph and of Udalric Duke of Carinthia, the lordship of Albeck from the Count of Pfannenberg, and joined it to the Bishopric in the year 1254. He presided for twenty-five years; he died in the year 1278, on the day of S. Martin the Pope.

XV. John I, formerly Bishop of Chiemsee, presided for three years; he died in the year 1281.

XVI. Hardivicus, otherwise Hartwindus, presided for seventeen years; he died in the year 1298.

XVII. Henry III, a noble man of Helffenberg, very dear to Albert son of the Emperor Rudolph, presided for twenty-eight years; he died in the year 1326.

XVIII. Geroldus, sprung from Friesach, founded the collegiate church of S. Nicholas in the town of Strasburg, and adorned the citadel with larger buildings. He presided for seven years; he died in the year 1333: he was buried at Friesach, where he had been Vice-Lord, in the church of S. Bartholomew.

XIX. Lawrence I, sprung from Grunung, died in the year 1337 at Avignon in Gaul, where the Papal See then was, having discharged embassies of the Dukes of Austria, Albert and Otto, and having died in the same place: he presided for four years.

XX. Conrad I, of the Cistercian Order, presided for seven years; he died in Grades, the Episcopal fortress, in the year 1344.

XXI. Ulric II, of Waldhausen, presided for six years; he died in the year 1351.

XXII. Paul Praunspeck, Chancellor of the Dukes of Austria, did not preside for long, but was soon requested from that See for the See of Brixen.

XXIII. John II, called of Plagheim, Chancellor of the Dukes of Austria, was himself also called away to the Bishopric of Brixen.

XXIV. John III, surnamed Tockhaimer, Chaplain of the King of Hungary, Founder of the morning Mass in the collegiate church of S. Nicholas at Strasburg; he died in the year 1376.

XXV. John IV, surnamed Mayerhoffer, first Provost of Vienna, presided for nineteen years; he died in the year 1395.

XXVI. Conrad II, surnamed Hebenstreit, first President of the Austrian Chamber, presided for fifteen years; afterward, having been taken to the Bishopric of Freising, while he was preparing to take up the management of affairs there, he was slain by his Chamberlain in a town of Carinthia called Bischoflack: concerning whose marvelous death the History of Freising relates more.

XXVII. Ernest Avei, a Noble of Bavaria, Chancellor of the Dukes of Austria, presided for twenty-two years; he died in the year 1432.

XXVIII. Lawrence II, surnamed Leichtenberger, having scarcely been promoted from the Bishopric of Lavant to that of Gurk, was again expelled hence by the Apostolic Nuncio John Schallerman. Being afterward made Patriarch of Aquileia, he died in the year 1450.

XXIX. John V, called Schallerman, Apostolic Nuncio; relying on the goodwill of the Emperor Frederick III, he obtained the Bishopric of Gurk in the year 1433: he presided for thirty-two years: he resigned and died in the year 1465.

XXX. Ulric III, surnamed Sonnenberger, Counselor of the Emperor Frederick, presided for five years; he died at Vienna in Austria.

XXXI. Lawrence III, surnamed Freiberger, Bishop from being Provost of Gurk, presided for seventeen years: he died in the year 1487.

XXXII. Raymund Bertrand, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, presided for eighteen years; he died on a journey while discharging embassies, in the year 1505.

XXXIII. Matthew Lang of Wellenburg, likewise Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, requested for the Archbishopric of Salzburg in 1519, died in the same place in the year 1540.

XXXIV. Jerome Balbus, a Venetian, first Provost of Pressburg, named Bishop of Gurk in the year 1519, and died at Venice in the year 1525.

XXXV. Antony de Hoyos, a Spaniard, presided well over the Bishopric for twenty-six years, afterward wickedly murdered by his chamberlain in the town of Koniglohn, and buried in the same place, in the year 1551.

XXXVI. John VI of Schonburg, a Bavarian, from being a Canon of Passau, Abbot of Melk of the Order of Benedict in Austria; afterward Bishop of Gurk; a most excellent steward, he presided for only three years. He died in the year 1554.

XXXVII. Urban, formerly court Preacher of the Emperors Ferdinand I and Maximilian II, presided for nineteen years; and having deserved most excellently of his Church, he died in the year 1574.

XXXVIII. Christopher Andrew, Baron de Spager, formerly Dean of Brixen, named Bishop of Gurk by John James, Archbishop of Salzburg, presided with great praise for twenty-nine years; finally, being called away to the Bishopric of Brixen, he resigned that of Gurk in the year 1603.

XXXIX. John James, Baron de Lamberg, Canon of Salzburg and Passau, presided for twenty-seven years; he died on the 7th of February in the year of the Lord 1630.

XL. Sebastian, Count de Lodron, of Trent, formerly supreme Prefect of the Court of the Archduke Leopold William, afterward Bishop of Gurk, who deserved most excellently of his Church, died on the 4th of September at Concesio in Italy, in the year 1643; and in the same place he was buried.

XLI. Francis, Count de Lodron, own brother of his predecessor, appointed to the Bishopric of Gurk by Paris, Archbishop of Salzburg, fell upon difficult times; he died at Trent in the year 1652.

XLII. Sigismund Francis, Archduke of Austria, named in the year 1653, presided for twelve years, being at the same time Bishop of Augsburg and Trent; and while he was resigning the Bishopric of Gurk, he died at Innsbruck on the 25th day of June in the year 1665.

XLIII. Wenceslaus, Count de Thun, Bishop of Passau, also named Bishop of Gurk by the Emperor Leopold, on the 10th of August in the year 1665; he presided for eight years and five months: he died on the 6th of January 1673.

XLIV. Polycarp, Count de Khinburg, named from being Provost of Salzburg in the year 1673; he died in the month of July in the year 1675.

XLV. John VII, Count de Goes, Counselor of Leopold, Emperor of the Romans, having discharged various embassies, was named in the year 1675: afterward, having been created Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church by Innocent XI, he died at Rome in the year 1696, in the month of December, after he had presided for twenty-one years. This man magnificently repaired the Episcopal Palace, already long ago transferred from the old Abbey of the Nuns in the city to the town of Strasburg, four miles distant from Gurk, together with the citadel surrounding it, and by his example left it to his successors thenceforth to be inhabited.

XLVI. Otto II, of the Order of S. Benedict, Abbot of S. Peter and Dionysius at Banth, Counselor of Leopold, Emperor of the Romans, and likewise Legate to very many Electors and Princes of the Holy Roman Empire, was named Bishop in the year 1697, on the 10th of January. Whom may God the Best and Greatest deign to preserve long unharmed for the Church of Gurk.

Thus desired, in the year 1701, Christopher Jager, the author of this Catalogue, which he professes to have derived to himself from the very fountain of the Episcopal Archive itself; and therefore he judges it to be reckoned more genuine than that which Jerome Meginserus has in the Chronicle of Carinthia, book 7, chapter 26; the brothers Mezger, in the Chronicle of Salzburg, book 5, page 1144; besides others also Gabriel Bucelinus.

§ V. The cult of B. Hemma, notably increased under the Bishops and Canons.

[27] As veneration grew So swift and great a change of affairs in the Church of Gurk, founded by S. Hemma, so far from hindering the promotion of the cult of the deceased, that it contributed much thereto, both increased now in the head and in the members. For the fourth Bishop, Henry, as has already been said, transferred the Body of the Blessed one from the common cemetery, the Body is elevated about the year 1170 about the year 1170, into the crypt of the Cathedral church, and constructed a noble sarcophagus: concerning which, in the Process formed for the Canonization about the year 1465, the Pontifical Commissaries speak thus.

[28] We approached the tomb of B. Hemma, and saw it with our own eyes, surveyed, read, and beheld it, together with the paintings, and into an elegant crypt, figures, and tablets, with the prayers of S. Hemma there described, and others regarding the tomb itself, together with the wax candles there offered and lighted, which are held to be such. In the choir of the Church there is a certain crypt, of the length and breadth of that same choir, marvelously constructed of a hundred lesser round columns, and six greater square ones, of cut marble stones, erected evenly under a vault, and adorned with four altars. And we saw in the same, at the head of the fourth altar, it is carried to its own altar, which is commonly called the altar of B. Hemma, on the right side of the front square column, toward the south, a Tomb attached, constructed of similar cut stones, after the manner of a monument, and raised from the ground to a height of about half a cubit, lifted up by six marble supports variously sculptured: but in its upper part made of one whole similar stone, and joined at the seams with fine cement, and covered over with woven and painted linen cloths after the manner of an altar; and one wooden tablet placed upon it, in which is seen decently painted the image of B. Hemma holding a Church with two towers, and of Count William her husband after the manner of an armed man, bearing a lance in his right hand; and also certain pieces of linen and wool offered: and the Tomb itself, on the other three sides, surrounded with old wooden lattices, with two little doors toward the East and West, for entrance and exit to the enclosures, fitted out with locks, appeared: and between the Tomb itself and the little doors a stone chest, closed and locked, for the preservation of the ring and gem of B. Hemma herself; and opposite, a lamp with a burning light. But on the lattices and certain appendages, within and without, were waxen images of various human members, which were said to be frequently brought as a sign of grace received through the merits of B. Hemma, and otherwise from the vows of the faithful, and in process of time converted into candles for divine worship. Under the Tomb also, and beside it, were seen fragments of candles and ashes and traces of lights, and a wooden seat, in which the Keeper of the Tomb and the lattice was wont to sit at the time of divine worship and the gathering of the faithful. But outside the lattice, over the little door, tending toward the West, a Prayer and verses written down are found hung up.

[29] And this, says our Instructor, is the ancient appearance of the place, in all things very like the modern, except that, I, the number of the columns is not correctly expressed: for there are not but ninety-four lesser columns, and six greater ones, sustaining the whole arched vault. II, these things are now changed in a few respects, that the Tomb is not only made after the manner of an altar, but now actually serves as the ordinary altar. III, that for entrance and exit of the chapel there are not two, but a single little door, facing the altar: the ring also and gem are not preserved in that chapel, but in the sacristy of the Church; nor is there any trace of the wooden seat, on which the Keeper might sit. IV, that the aforesaid chapel, of great antiquity, is adorned with elegant incrustation and statuary fillets, together with graces depicted by the painter's hand. But if it please anyone to know more thoroughly the whole structure of the crypt, it is such. I, The individual columns are distant from one another a little more than four Viennese feet. II, The chapel of B. Hemma occupies the space of six columns. III, Their height is six feet and a half: but their roundness is nearly a foot and a half. IV, The length of the Tomb or Altar is six feet.

[30] and adorned with more recent paintings: Thus he: moved by which, I asked that everything be delineated separately and accurately, to be engraved in copper, so far as it should seem worth the trouble, rather than that which had been sent here, a copy of a larger tablet, but of most recent

workmanship, which fills the whole side of the chapel and represents the seven principal miracles of the Saint, impressed upon as many shields. But the answer was given that a more accurate delineation of the painting itself was permitted neither by the availability of a skilled painter, nor almost by the matter itself, owing to the usual scarcity of learned antiquarians; but by the peevishness of others, who often hold suspect the excessive diligence of those who would investigate, and sometimes even take it in the worse part. Meanwhile it is signified that the image of the altar, as it now is, represents the Saint, within a crown of Nuns and Canons piously praying, dying upon her little bed, with Angels carrying her soul to heaven as she breathes her last: but on either side the same woman on one part and her husband William on the other, with the form of the church of Gurk belonging to them, sustained by their hands. Finally there were sent the verses written round the sarcophagus, not very finely turned, in this manner.

In the year, after one thousand and forty-five The old Epitaph; Had flowed since the Nativity of Christ, Hemma the Blessed, consort of Count William, Rested in peace: and having obtained the lot of the heavens, She, the faithful Founder, is called of this Monastery of the Blessed Father Augustine, And of the See of Gurk: By such great gifts her Construction stands firm.

[31] Of equal antiquity with the Tomb and Altar may be seen the Mass The proper Mass, ordained in honor of B. Hemma. It is such.

INTROIT. ALLELUIA.

Gem of virtues, Hemma the bountiful Founder, Pray to God for us, lest the prow of the world Treacherously submerge us, but may it piously cleanse us From all sins, joining us to God among the Blessed.

Prayer. O God, giver of grace and glory, propitiously open to us the bosom of Thy mercy; and grant that we who have here no abiding city, may be led, by the intervening intercession of B. Hemma, to the future one which we seek. Through our Lord, etc.

Secret. With a kindly countenance, O Lord, look upon us, offering to Thee those things which we have received from Thy hand: and that these very gifts may please Thee, may the grace of Thy kindness, by the prayers of B. Hemma, wipe away that which in us displeases Thy eyes. Through our Lord, etc.

Postcommunion. May the saving Victim we have received, we beseech Thee, O Lord, guard us from all adverse assaults: and after the labors of this exile, may it lead us at last to a bountiful rest, by the intervening merits of S. Hemma. Through our Lord, etc.

[32] To this Mass those seem to have had regard who, from the Roman Curia, residing at Avignon, signed the desired Indulgences in favor of the Church of Gurk in the year 1359, with Indulgences as follows: To all the children of Holy Church, to whom these present letters shall come. We, Raphael of Arcadia, Francis of Lampsacus, Peter of Valence... Bishops, eternal salvation in the Lord. The Splendor of the paternal glory, who illumines the world with His ineffable brightness, then especially pursues with kindly favor the pious vows of the faithful, who hope from His most clement majesty, when their devout humility is aided by the merits and prayers of the Saints.

[33] Desiring therefore that the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and of S. Anne, situated before the Chapter of the Church of Gurk, may be frequented with fitting honors, and especially that those who shall be present at the Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of S. Hemma, Founder of the Church of Gurk and of its Crypt, on each day, and shall devoutly say seven Angelic salutations and as many Our Fathers; and while the Salve Regina is sung; as often as they shall have devoutly done the aforesaid, signed by the Cardinals at Avignon in the year 1359 or shall have procured them to be done; trusting in the mercy of almighty God, and in the authority of His Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, we each of us mercifully relax in the Lord forty days of Indulgence from the penances enjoined upon them: provided, however, that the will and consent of the Diocesan shall have been added thereto. In testimony of which thing we have thought fit to affix our seals to these present letters. Given at Avignon, in the year of the Lord's Nativity 1359, in the twelfth Indiction, in the seventh year of the Pontificate of the most holy Father and Lord in Christ, the Lord Innocent, by Divine Providence Pope VI.

There follows beneath the bull itself, sealed as aforesaid, the subscription of the Bishop ratifying the Indulgences themselves, as was required: and confirmed by the Bishop of Gurk. And we John, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See Bishop of the Church of Gurk, Chancellor of the renowned Prince the Lord Rudolph Duke of Austria, hold the aforesaid Indulgences and concessions as ratified and welcome; confirming them by the Ordinary authority with our seal appended, of certain knowledge. Given at Strasburg, on the day of S. Augustine. In the year of the Lord 1361.

[34] Three years afterward there was added the foundation of a yearly Mass in perpetuity, signed by this Capitular Act.

In the name of the Lord. Amen. Albert the Dean, Germanus the senior Canon, A perpetual Mass is added Otto the Sacristan, Otto the Parish-priest, and the whole Chapter of the Church of Gurk, to all, for the certainty of those present, and the memory of those to come. Whereas the Reverend Father and Lord George, our Provost and Archdeacon and that of our Church of Gurk, founded by the Provost of Gurk, beyond the possessions entrusted to his administration, by ever-watchful providence acquired others, namely revenues containing fifty marks of Friesach pennies in value yearly, under his governance; thereafter devoutly awaiting from God the reward of eternal recompense; and asking that we should give our consent to the ordinance written below for a perpetual Mass of B. Hemma, which he has resolved to institute for the memory of his Anniversary, and bind ourselves perpetually to that same ordinance, and accepted by the whole Chapter, in the year 1362. and, so far as in us lies, deign to add the strength of perpetual firmness, etc. In testimony of which thing we have caused these present letters to be strengthened with the protection of the Seals of the aforesaid Father and Lord George, our Provost, and of our Chapter. Given and Enacted in the sacristy of our Church of Gurk, in the year of the Lord 1362, on the 6th of the Ides of November.

§ VI. The Canonization having been requested from the Pontiff, a Process is formed toward it.

[35] Frederick III the Emperor The care of honoring B. Emma did not stop at the foregoing, but in the time of Ulric III, the thirtieth Bishop, doubtless at his urging and suggestion, the Emperor Frederick III, in the year 1465, intending to seek a solemn Canonization, dispatched a supplication of this kind to the then Supreme Pontiff.

To the most holy Father and Lord in Christ, the Lord Paul, Supreme Pontiff of the holy Roman and universal Church.

Most blessed Father, most Reverend Lord. We doubt not that Your Holiness, from the office entrusted to you, especially tends and inclines toward those things he sets forth to the Pontiff the fame of the sanctity and Miracles of B. Hemma, which are known to promote the increase of Divine worship, the honor of the Saints, and the devotion and salvation of the faithful of Christ. Since therefore for very long times past the fame of the sanctity of B. Hemma, once a noble Countess, Founder of the Church of Gurk, situated in our Duchy of Carinthia, has so grown, that by the faithful peoples she has hitherto been commonly held and reputed a Saint, and is held and reputed by them; considering the illustrious works of virtue, by which she confirmed her present life with religious observance, and in death, and afterward, is proved to have shone and to shine forth with various visions and miracles, so that those same faithful have been wont frequently to flock to the place of her burial in the said Church of Gurk, and are seen daily to flock thither, and the devotion of the peoples toward her, hoping to be more frequently relieved by her merits in their various necessities, just as very many also acknowledge themselves to have been more readily consoled; deeming it unworthy that she should not be commonly held by the Church of God in more solemn veneration; especially since in certain other places, even distant, chapels have been erected in her honor, and are much frequented. Moved therefore by her so clear miracles, and virtuous works, and by the prayers of the Prelates and Provincials of our aforesaid Duchy of Carinthia, who daily exhort us to undertake her Canonization at the Apostolic See, to be set forth more fully to Your Holiness; and therefore he asks that she be canonized in the year 1465. we beseech that both for the praise and honor of the Most High and of His Saints, and with regard to us, you may deign to proceed to the Canonization of this B. Hemma, and clemently and piously to institute and command her veneration in the holy Church, by Apostolic Authority; so that to her patronage, together with the other Saints of God, in the adversities by which the world is now variously shaken, a safer recourse may be had by us and the rest of the faithful, and that we may feel (as we surely hope) more ready aids of the salvation of soul and body to proceed therefrom. This will redound to the glory and honor of the Most High and of His Saints, to the increase of divine worship, and to our gratification, with a most welcome reciprocal return to be merited toward Your Holiness; whom may the Most High deign happily to preserve, for the long-lasting governance of His holy Church. Given in the New City on the twenty-eighth day of the month of October. In the year of the Lord 1465.

[36] These letters being thus fully transcribed, our Instructor subjoins thus the rest of what followed therefrom. Of nearly the same tenor the same Emperor on the same day, year, and place addressed the College of Cardinals, in this manner.

Frederick, by the favoring clemency of God, Emperor of the Romans, ever Augustus, etc. To the most Reverend Fathers in Christ, the College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, also to the Cardinals our most dear Friends, greeting with the increase of all good.

Most Reverend Fathers and most dear Friends, we write at present to our most holy Lord Paul the Pontiff, for the Canonization of B. Hemma, Founder of the Church of Gurk; who, on account of the manifold works of virtue and merits of grace, by which she shone in life and death, is frequented among the Saints by the faithful of Christ. he commends the cause. We exhort therefore your most Reverend Paternities greatly, that for the honor of God and of the Saints, and the common salvation and devotion of the faithful of Christ to be further extended, you may be willing to apply your favor, zeal, and effort, concerning the effecting of this Canonization, and the ecclesiastical veneration of this B. Hemma, with the aforesaid our most holy Lord, to the glory and praise of the Most High, the honor of His Saints, and to our singular gratification, to be in turn merited toward your most Reverend Paternities. Given in the New City, on the 28th day of the month of October, in the year 1465.

Under the same formula it was also written by the same Emperor to the Cardinal of Nicaea, of S. Angelo, of Siena, to Dominic of Brixen, and to the Bishop of Ferrara.

[37] The Empress Eleanor, imitating her husband, gave these. Most blessed Father, The Empress Eleanor does the same most Reverend Lord. At present there writes to Your Holiness the most Serene and most Invincible Prince and Lord, the Lord Frederick, ever Augustus of the holy Roman Empire, our most dear Consort, in the matter concerning the Canonization of B. Hemma, a noble Countess, Founder of the Church of Gurk: whose fame of sanctity for very long times past has so grown, that by the faithful peoples she has hitherto been commonly held and reputed a Saint, and is held and reputed by them, just as (we doubt not) the same Your Holiness has sufficiently understood from the letters of our same Consort. But because the Canonization of B. Hemma, on account of her illustrious works of virtue, by which she shone both in life and after death, and is perceived to shine daily, is much at our heart, since by it both divine worship and the devotion of the faithful of Christ are increased; and we hope to be made partakers of her merits, and to be undoubtedly relieved in our adversities; we greatly ask Your Holiness, that both for the honor and glory of the Most High God and of His Saints, and the salvation and devotion of the faithful of Christ to be further extended, with the hope of conciliating her patronage to herself and others.

both with regard to our aforesaid Consort and to our prayers, you may deign to proceed to her Canonization, and clemently and piously to institute and command her general veneration in the holy Church, by Apostolic Authority; so that to her patronage, together with the other Saints of God, in the adversities by which the world is now manifoldly shaken, a safer recourse may be had by us and the rest of the faithful; and that we may feel (as we surely hope) more ready aids of the salvation of soul and body to proceed therefrom. This will redound to the praise and glory of the Most High God and of His Saints, and to our singular gratification from the same Your Holiness; whom indeed may the Most High deign happily to preserve, for the consummation of her Canonization, and for the long-lasting governance of His holy Church. Given in the New City, on the 28th day of the month of October. In the year 1465.

[38] The same as the Emperor and Empress did with the same Pontiff and Cardinals, the Estates of Carinthia performed, And with the additional prayers of the Estates of Carinthia suppliantly demanding the Canonization of B. Hemma. At whose instance therefore the said College of the Lords Cardinals, having had the living-voice oracle and mandate of the Most Holy Pontiff, issued on the last day of January in the year 1466, at the suggestion of the Emperor, subdelegated as Commissaries in those parts, to receive information concerning the life, death, and miracles, the Lords George of Seckau and Sigismund of Laibach, Bishops; and likewise the Lords, John of S. Lambert of the Order of S. Benedict, and Gerard of Viktring, of the Cistercian Order in Carinthia, Abbots of monasteries: the Pontiff being moved in the year 1468 there being handed over to those same subdelegated Commissaries a Roll of points, to be proposed and verified in the examination, namely,

I. That the said B. Hemma, about the year of the Lord 900, he commands Commissaries to be named and a Process to be formed, was begotten, born, and baptized of noble and illustrious Christian parents, and religiously educated in the Catholic faith; and that from her earliest age she grew up virtuously, and afterward was given in marriage by her parents to a certain powerful Count in the parts of Carinthia and the March of Styria, in and under the Diocese of Salzburg; with whom she lived faithfully and clinging to holy works, and continued the same life with great austerity after the death of her husband; and especially, that in her widowhood she gave great alms, and built from her own goods a double monastery of the Order of S. Augustine, both of Canons and of Canonesses Regular, yet in separate cloisters: with whom this same B. Hemma lived, and religiously died, in the place which is called Gurk, in the said parts of Carinthia.

II. That after death she shone with frequent miracles, and shines forth today, concerning the Blessed one's life, miracles, altars, and chapels. and is commonly held for a Saint; and that to her burial in the crypt of the same church of Gurk, or to her monument, there magnificently constructed under enclosure and lattices, as is the custom to be done at the memorials of Saints, daily, and especially on the anniversary day of her death, the peoples of those and the neighboring parts, with their offerings and vows, assemble as to a holy place; where the Lord daily works many marvels, through the intercession of B. Hemma, in various infirmities and necessities.

III. That in honor of B. Hemma, as of a Saint, several chapels and altars in the parts of Styria and the March, far distant from the church of Gurk, erected long ago, are much frequented by the faithful out of zeal of devotion, especially regarding the shining-forth of miracles.

IV. That in honor of the same B. Hemma, from time immemorial, the frequent use of the name in Baptism, many have caused and cause to be imposed upon their daughters to be baptized the name of Hemma, out of singular devotion.

V. That the Psalter, Ring, Cap, Garments of B. Hemma herself, the veneration of her Relics and tomb, and the like left by her, have been honored as holy Relics, and are so honored at present.

VI. That at her sarcophagus, situated in the crypt of the church of Gurk, and in various places, processions and vows have been wont to be made, and the public fame concerning all things: and are made up to now: and that concerning the sanctity of her life, her virtuous works, the foundation and structure of the Church of Gurk, and the miracles, and all the other foregoing things, there has been and is public report and fame.

[39] All which things indeed, in the examination of the Commission itself, were thus found, and by sworn witnesses and ocular inspection deposed and acknowledged. Which being done, the same most August Emperor, and also the Estates and Nobles of the renowned Duchy of Carinthia, by letters given in the same year 1466, which though they lacked success, yet popular devotion did not cease but grew, urged with the Supreme Pontiff and the College of Cardinals for the execution of her Canonization. But that their vows did not obtain their effect, the incursions of the Turks and other public calamities prevented. Not on that account, however, did devotion toward B. Hemma cool down to these very times, since to her tomb from Carinthia, Croatia, Styria, Carniola, very many flock yearly, in crowded throngs, voti causa for the sake of a vow, God supporting their devotion with frequent signs.

[40] Thus far our Instructor: who, being asked to gather from the original Process a more distinct notice of the Altars and Chapels erected to B. Hemma, concerning which was the third Question; replied that the first two Witnesses indeed said that nothing was known to them; the third, Heinrich Himmeberger, a Knight, a native of Carinthia, replied that he believed the Article to be true from fame. Then the Instructor adds, that the Lord Ludovicus Schoonleben, also far from Gurk in chapels of S. Hemma. Deacon of Carniola, etc., in the Habsburg Holy Year on the 29th day of June, asserts that various edifices sacred to B. Hemma were erected of old, but names only two; one at Landberg, concerning which, however, nothing can be known either from the Carinthian history of Meginzer, or from the Carniolan history of the Lord Valvasor; but the other of fitting size, concerning which the Fathers of the Society of the College of Graz wrote, that it is distant one day's journey from Graz, situated on a steep mountain, under the parish of Globaisniz of the diocese of Aquileia, an hour and a half distant from the Provostry of Eberndorf, in the Jaun valley, founded in the year 1196 by Count Achatius Jozelinus and his wife Cunigunde; which Provostry, in the year 1604, Ferdinand the Archduke, afterward Emperor of his name II, assigned to the College of the Society of Klagenfurt. The Informant says, finally, that a most frequent cult perseveres, not only of private but also of public supplications to the aforesaid edifices.

FIRST APPENDIX.

Concerning the Venerable Beatrix, Duchess of Carinthia, sister of B. Hemma, if not in flesh, yet in manners.

[41] Although I have shown that it cannot be that the aforetitled Beatrix was the own sister of B. Hemma, since by age she could have had her for a grandmother; The Sepulchre at Hoff, it pleases me nevertheless (both because of the similarity of life and manners, and because she too is called a Saint by some, and because the day of her death is unknown) here to append at least the Epitaph, which our Gamansius once transcribed from the book of the Lambertine Foundation, fol. 29, because he found written in the margin "the sepulchre of S. Beatrix at Hoff"; nay, I would gladly here exhibit those very ancient effigies commemorated in this Epitaph, if equally with the verses, with a lengthy Epitaph, their witnesses, they had endured to posterity.

[42] If thou desirest to behold spectacles of no light matters, Hither fly quickly, beloved Reader: Worthy of every kind of praise, and of the life of the Gods, under the effigy of her brother Henry and her own, Behold, a small tablet holds Henry for thee. There Marquard, shining with nobility, Prince of the ancestral Land and Father of Carinthia; Famous for the countless gifts of fortune and of mind, They report that he begot her, named Luitpurga. But she who is painted, a Matron with a modest countenance, None holier than this was there in her age. This is Beatrix, sister of Prince Henry by title, deservedly called Beatrix, For she was distinguished by much uprightness. True therefore is the saying of the learned Plato, Who thinks that a name is not in things in vain. Free from vice, she remained celibate and chaste, After harsh death violated her wedlock. But the deeds rather than words, the great miracles, Reader, I will recount, which this brief picture holds. Her riches cast away, Beatrix, consecrated to Christ, Becomes a beggar, faithful enough handmaid of God. She gathered the gifts of law-giving Ceres everywhere, Bearing a thousand hardships with a ready heart. who, all things renounced, Her brother did not endure this: he asked his sister sternly Often, that she beware of leading a needy life. For he thinks it a disgrace that his sister should beg, She who had been mighty in lineage and in riches. Beatrix once met her brother, Bearing in her bosom morsels of bread covered; When the brother saw, he said: "What, ignorant of our Race, do you wish to stain us with a shameful mark? Why do you of your own accord undergo poverty? why do you, needy, wander the begged-for loaves Through various houses with no reason? Are you not ashamed to carry crumbs in your bosom, and begged-for loaves? Come, let me see what lies hidden in your bosom." Beatrix answered that she had gathered flowers: Behold, he sees roses (which before had been loaves). Astonished, suddenly recognizing the miracles of the Gods, He thereafter allows his sister to live as she pleases. made the roses to be seen. When these things were done: the Matron, wholly devoted to God, Gave herself and her riches to this temple. And beneath this stone, after her mind sought the stars, She bade her body be buried with her son. Therefore, lest Flesh, World, and Hell harm the wretched, Pray often to the heavenly powers for us.

SECOND APPENDIX.

Concerning the Carthusian house of Seitz in Styria, wrongly ascribed to B. Hemma as Founder.

[42] Together with the documents pertaining to the Church of Gurk, B. Hemma is said to have endowed this Charterhouse, I also received others regarding the Carthusian house of Seitz, to this end, that I might be able to judge whether and how far it is credible, what is said in the later Acts, that B. Hemma assigned fixed revenues to that House, on account of which those Religious proclaim her their Benefactress: which is held only from obscure tradition, but she had died twenty years before: I find noted in the margin of the documents of Seitz. Among these the chief place and authority are held by the privileges of Ottokar the first and second, Father and Son (of whom the former was Margrave, the latter the first Duke of Styria), and also of Ottokar King of Bohemia, signed in the years 1165 and 1270; in which there is no mention of Hemma; but an express declaration, that the elder Ottokar, twenty years after the death of Hemma, began the foundation of the place; and died before he could complete it; which the son says he does, supplying the meagerness of the paternal donation with several new rights, revenues, and lands, which disposition of his, a hundred years later, Ottokar the King confirms by his own Privilege, and augments from his own.

[44] Located near Gurk itself, These things having been accurately read through, considering that the bounds of the Cell of Seitz are designated by the father on one side up to the estate of the church of Gurk; I seem able to suspect, from the neighborhood of the place, that the aforesaid tradition in both Churches has no other foundation than that the aforesaid estate was one of the possessions assigned to the Church of Gurk by B. Hemma,

and perhaps afterward transferred into the right of the Seitz Charterhouse itself: unless one prefer to introduce here a third single Hemma, and much younger; who herself also benefited the people of Seitz, and was confounded with the Founder of Gurk, although such a Hemma is unknown to the three Ottokars. The Privilege of the first is this.

In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Ottokar Margrave, by the grace of God.

[45] Ottokar I, Margrave of Styria By the favoring Clemency of God, I, Ottokar Margrave of Styria, hand down to all the faithful of Christ of the present and future time a thing to be remembered; and that I may wipe away the cloud of oblivion from all, I order it to be inscribed in a Privilege, and I corroborate it with the impression of my seal; how I have transplanted the Order of the Carthusian Hermitage into the March of my dominion. Therefore, to the praise of almighty God, and of the perpetual Virgin Mary Mother of God, I have happily consummated, by the cooperation of divine grace, a vow long since foretasted by the desire of my mind; and, that I might more quickly become possessor of my vow, I appealed to the Apostolic Clemency by sending embassies; that, by his authority interposed, by admonishing, asking, exhorting in the Lord, he might incline the holy Fathers of the aforesaid Order to my petition; and so, relying on so great a patronage, I at length, through God's mercy, worked out the begun work. There is a village, which is commonly called Gunivitz, in the Patriarchate of Aquileia, where there is situated an estate, hedged about with rather lofty mountains, most apt for the aforesaid Order, which I acquired from Leopold my ministerial, by a lawful exchange, giving back to him four villages, namely these: Malchen, Cobilenbach, Lonche, and one manse in Windisch Gratz, to him and his wife and his children, in right and hereditary property. On which estate, in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ and of His perpetual virgin Mother Mary, and of S. John the Baptist, and of all the Saints, I founded a Cell of the most reverend Order, and there bequeathed the exchanged estate upon the altar with a mighty hand, with all the uses and appurtenances pertaining to it, acquired and to be acquired, cultivated and to be cultivated, pastures, fishings, waters, and water-courses: I determined besides the bounds of that cell, as the waters and snows run down, from the peaks of the mountains down into the valley itself on one side, and on the other side up to the estate of the Church of Gurk.

And I gave such a Precept, that no one should presume to disturb the contemplators of God, or to disturb their order, by hunting, fishing, or pasturing flocks, or felling wood, free from all subjection, or by any tumultuous approaches, within the bounds of the Hermits dwelling there. But if anyone, recognizing the edict of this our constitution, shall be a rash contemner; let him pay to the Advocate of the place, if he be free or a ministerial, ten pounds; if he be of the plebeian order, let him pay thirty shillings. Let it not be permitted to any of my successors to break the series of this my institution. I also will not, and I in every way forbid, that the Patriarch, or any of the Bishops, should have power of changing the Carthusian Order in the aforesaid place. But if the aforesaid Order, by intervening causes (which God avert), shall at any time not be in the same monastery; let the same estate be brought back into my uses or those of my heirs. For the confirmation of this my tradition and bequest, the witnesses written below are subscribed, drawn by the ear. I Ottokar by the grace of God Margrave of Styria. Heinricus Pris, Erchenbertus his son-in-law, Leopold of Stoenech, he founded it in the year 1165. and his Brothers; Wergandus Aliam, Richerius Gotschalech, Otto Wulvich, Otto Dietmar, Albert Ulrich, Ortolf Ulrich, Liutwin Ulrich, Juvam, Liutolt, Marcuart, and very many others. These things were done in the year of the Lord's incarnation 1165, Alexander III presiding over the Apostolic See, Frederick the Emperor reigning, Udalric presiding in the Cathedra of Aquileia, Basil being Prior in the Carthusian Hermitage, Beramundus being Prior of this place, happily. Amen.

[47] There follows the Privilege of Ottokar the King, indeed a whole century later than the first, but embracing the Privilege of Ottokar the Younger, confirming and augmenting the paternal donation, without note of date, which however you cannot defer beyond a few years. The tenor of both thus joined is here.

We Ottokar, by the Grace of God King of Bohemia, Duke of Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and Margrave of Moravia; Lord of Carniola, the March, and Eger; wish all to know, who shall inspect these present letters, that Friar Jacobus, Prior of the Monastery of Seitz, exhibited to us a certain Privilege, under the seal of Duke Ottokar of pious memory, not cancelled, not corrupted; whose tenor is such. In the Name of the holy and undivided Trinity. I Ottokar, by the grace of God Duke of Styria, the son Ottokar I, Duke of Styria wish it to be made known to all the Faithful of Christ, both future and present, by these present writings; that my father of happy memory, Ottokar, Margrave of Styria, to the praise and glory of almighty God and of His Mother and perpetual virgin Mary, of S. John the Baptist, and of all the Saints, by the counsel and aid of the most Reverend Pope Alexander, brought Brothers of the Carthusian Order into the March of our dominion, and placed them in the place which is now called the Valley of S. John the Baptist.

[48] But we, the successors of his name and inheritance, more fully consummated the vow of the desire of his mind foretasted, considering the meagerness of the paternal endowment, but, death which spares no one coming first, less completed. But the Brothers who first came, not knowing the custom of the country; and observing less carefully whether the land was fruitful or unfruitful; accepted much less than could suffice them, although my father had wished to give them more: whence after my father's death they had come to such want, that the place was almost destroyed. But we, recognizing this, more quickly stretched forth a hand to their restoration. My father had given them twelve modii of salt at Grouscar, twenty masses of iron of Leoben, and one load of oil in the same place, he added many new revenues, nineteen measures of honey at Tiver, and very many other things. But we add to these, all the hides and skins, whose flesh we consume, from three provostries, Marchburch, Rackerspurch, and Tiver, except on Sundays, and three days, at the Birth of the Lord, and Easter, and Pentecost. We also gave them the village which is adjacent to them, named Seitz, and all the male and female servants who at that time were in the same village. We gave them also whatever we had in the village which is called Rogom, and one manse at Oplotniz.

Besides we appointed that there be given to them each year eight marks from the alms of my father: from Graz one, from Ruckerspruch one, from Marchburch one, from Rohazz one, from Tiver one, from Diernstein one, from Lescenich half a mark, from Leoben half, from Judenburg half, from Saxenvelde half. Furthermore, and confirms what was given by others, because the pastures which are within their bounds do not suffice for their cattle, we granted them pastures throughout our land, both in the alps and in the more level fields. We also granted, that if any of our Ministerials should wish to confer upon them their estates or any other things, which they cannot give without our consent and license; that he may do so freely and without anyone's contradiction, and that they may freely and without anyone's molestation possess them by perpetual right. Ortolph also of Gonwiz, and Ottokar and Leopold his brothers, for the remedy of their souls and of all their predecessors, freely and absolutely granted to the Brothers serving God in the aforesaid place the fishing throughout the whole water which is called Oplotniz; and likewise throughout that which is named Treuna; and this they ordered to be noted for perpetual memory in this Privilege.

[49] These and other things, which either my father or We conferred upon them, and decrees full liberty for the place, acquired with those to be acquired, with those to be cultivated, and with all the uses pertaining to them, fields, vineyards, meadows, pastures, fishings, huntings, we handed over freely and without all secular disturbance. We also established such a Precept, that no one should dare to disturb the contemplators of God, or to disturb the quiet of so great a religion, by hunting, fishing, or pasturing cattle, or felling wood, or any other tumultuous approaches whatsoever, within the bounds of the Hermits dwelling there. But if anyone shall be a rash contemner of this our edict, let him pay to the Advocate of the place, if he be free or a Ministerial, ten pounds; if he be of the plebeian order, let him pay thirty shillings. The Advocacy of that same place, neither my father, nor We, wish to hand over to anyone, save to ourselves. But that these things may remain ratified and unshaken, we confirm them by Privilege, and more firmly strengthen them with the impression of our image. Moreover we have added to the aforesaid, and a right to the metal mines, if any be found. and decree it to be firm and ratified, that if at any time God shall grant them to find silver or anything such in their estates, they may freely and without anyone's molestation possess it. The witnesses of this matter are: Otto of Chunersperch, Heinricus of Trus, Leutwinus of Sunenberch, Heinricus of Buten, Leopold the brother of the Duke, Dietmar and Ulric his brother of Butenow, Arnold of Rustdorf, Arnolf of Wartenburch, Otto Sun and his sons, Duringus, Otto, Heinricus, and Hergninguer; Popo of Chlam, Perhtold of Stegue, Rudolf of Chindenberch, and many others.

[50] Truly because the goodness of divine Clemency bestows the greater gifts, the more by them it shall see the religion of its dignity enlarged; We, in view of eternal felicity, and also for the salvation of our forefathers, holding ratified all the donations, liberties, Ottokar King of Bohemia confirms and augments all things, favors, with all rights, made to the aforesaid Brothers and to the House at Seitz, by the said Ottokar Duke of Styria and by his Father Ottokar, do by title of property give, grant, and also hand over to those same Brothers and to the House at Seitz two villages, namely Praepuhet and Praepuel, situated in the office of Marchburch, nearest to Pettau, having forty-six manses, with all appurtenances, meadows, pastures, woods, fields, cultivated and uncultivated, in recompense of the eight marks of pennies which they received divided in various places or offices, as is expressed above, to be possessed in perpetuity, with the same liberties with which the said Brothers have hitherto possessed their other goods. Besides we give to the said Brothers and to the House at Seitz eight masses of iron of the greater weight, and we ordain it with the Officials at Leoben, whoever they may be for the time, in place of the twenty masses of iron which they were formerly wont to receive at Leoben: we also will, that thenceforth the aforesaid Brothers do not require the aforesaid eight marks from our Officials. In testimony of which thing, we have ordered these present letters to be strengthened with the protection of our seals, the witnesses written below being present, who are: Ulric Captain of Durrenholz, Otto of Haslanue, Otto of Perhtoltsdorf, in the year 1270, Herthengerus Steward of Landese, Gundacharus Cupbearer of Hauchspach, Heinricus of Hawenvelde, Ulric of Hauchspach, Heinricus of Helfenberch, Frederick of Pettau, Frederick of Graz, and his brother Ortolph; Chrafco Parish-priest, Ortolph of Gurchvelde, and very many others. Given by the hand of Master Ulric the Protonotary, in the year of the Lord 1270, in the 13th Indiction.

[51] These are the most certain documents of the origins of Seitz; with which, would that the marvels which tradition adds were equally certain: and they would perhaps be, were it not that

by the Turkish burning of the year 1530, and the fury of the heretics, who in the year 1630 laid waste everything, most of the writings of the place had perished: yet, the monastery having afterward been restored into the form in which it is now seen, there was found one who would gather the traditions of the elders in writing, beginning from the beginning, and continuing to the end, would carry down the catalogue of Priors up to the year 1684; prudently passing over in silence the Benefactress Hemma, whom he judged to be brought in gratuitously. It pleases me to give this collection also here to be read, for the sake of the Order, which with humble silence conceals most of its glories, and in honor of S. John the Baptist, by whose marvelous vision the elder Ottokar is said to have been moved to the aforesaid foundation. The narration is such.

[52] The people of Seitz relate concerning their founder, Since, as the sacred Eloquence attests, A generation passes away, and a generation comes; and deeds, both divine and human, unless committed to letters, perish by oblivion, and are by no means transmitted to posterity; and indeed, to hide the secret of a King is good, but to reveal the works of God is honorable: for this reason, to the honor of that same almighty God, it has pleased me to hand down, to be remembered by present and future generations, by the tenor of the following, the prodigious origin of this our Charterhouse of Seitz. Therefore, Eugene the third the Roman Pontiff steering the little ship of Peter, and Conrad, likewise the third, governing the reins of the Roman Empire; Ottokar of Orneck presided over Styria (which, as one signed with the Cross in the year 1147 Aeneas Silvius being witness, some have called Valeria, erected into a Margravate by Otto III in the year 1000, on the Ides of April), residing in the principal city of this region formerly called Savaria; sprung from his father Lui, whom the fates took away, Innocent the second being Pontiff, and Lothair likewise the second; but from his mother Sophia, daughter of Henry Duke of Bavaria, surnamed the Black, of the stock of Charlemagne. This Ottokar, in the year from the virgin birth 1147, but in the third year of Eugene III Roman Pontiff, and the ninth year of Conrad III King of the Romans, in the tenth Indiction, with the same King Conrad, with Frederick Duke of Swabia afterward Emperor of the Romans the first of this name, and returning from Syria in 1149 and other Princes, signed with the Cross at the preaching of S. Bernard Abbot of Clairvaux, set out to recover the Holy Land; but in the year of our salvation 1149, in the fifth year of Eugene III, the twelfth year of King Conrad, in the twelfth Indiction, he returned with the same King of the Romans.

[53] And when at a certain time he wished to lighten his mind, burdened with cares, and falling asleep at Seitz, he commanded his subjects to prepare themselves for hunting. And it happened that, going forth into distant parts, he came into the shady glens of the mountains; where, seeing a hind of marvelous whiteness, he began to urge his horse with spurs to pursue and bring it down. Hastening therefore to take it, he came to the place where the monastery is now seen constructed: where the hind which he was pursuing vanished from his eyes. Which the Margrave, devout to God, perceiving, he sees John the Baptist in Carthusian habit, dismounted from the horse on which he sat: and casting himself down beneath a certain tree near by, pressed by the slumber of the Lord, he began to fall asleep. In which interval he saw the marvelous vision which follows. For a certain one, brighter than the radiance of the sun, clothed in the skins of camels, bearing above a cowl of marvelous form and of snowy color, descended from on high, and stood fixed in the air, saying: "Son Ottokar, hail: be a strong man, and do not fear." "And I rejoice, O most holy Father," he replied, "that you have deigned to come to me a sinner. Yet who you are, and for what cause you have come, declare, I pray. For behold I am before you; and command all things which you will; and, the grace of God supporting, you shall one day see them fulfilled." To whom the Saint: "I am that John the Baptist of the Lord, son of Zachary, whom Herod, for the proclamation of the truth, caused to be beheaded: and to you (to please God the creator of all, that in this vast wilderness in which you now lie, you may construct a monastery of the servants of God, to His honor and the memory of my name; [admonishing him that, a monastery being built there, he bring Religious of that habit,] who for you, otherwise entangled in the cares of the world, and for yours and for all who either know or venerate the name of Christ and of His Mother, may pray) I come to announce."

[54] To this the Margrave: "O how willingly," he said, "would I pursue this command of God in deed, established sixty-six years before by S. Bruno: if I knew of what Religion the disciples were that should be placed in this place. But yet be not angry with me, I pray: tell what this white marvelous cowl, with which you are clothed, means: for that you used any garment other than of camels' hair, I have nowhere learned from the Gospel reading." To whom the Saint: "That garment which you behold is the habit of those same servants, whose dwelling, according to God's precept, you ought to found in this place." The Margrave replied: "How shall this be? This Habit is strange to me, the Order unknown, and in what place I may find men of such a habit I know not." The Saint: "Do not fear," he said, "obey my counsel, and all things shall be closed with a good end. For sixty-six years ago, Bruno, a German by nation, salutarily smitten by a certain terrible example, having gone out from the city of Paris with a few companions, withdrew to the wilderness of the Charterhouse; where from the holy father Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble, he received the habit with his companions; and began the Order, which should be called Carthusian and was so, from the place where it had its beginning. But this place, or wilderness, is in the farthest borders of Savoy, in the diocese of Grenoble, among the loftiest mountains and most rugged rocks stretched up to heaven, situated six miles from the town of Schemerinum, which some call Camerinum.* Whose access is very difficult: for one must pass over the ridge of a steep mountain, through the midst of two opposite rocky masses, with a terrible rock from above threatening to fall. Thither send messengers, who shall ask for Brothers to be placed in this place from the Prior of the place, called Basil." The Margrave, exhilarated, said: "It shall be done, it shall be done." Which said, the Saint disappeared.

[55] and that, near that place a monastery having already been built, Meanwhile the Margrave's retinue, pursuing the wild beasts, with noise, crash, shouting, and great howling (as is the custom in such matters), began to approach the place where the Margrave, astonished by the preceding vision, still lay. Meanwhile a hare (marvelous to relate! and yet so it was done), fleeing the jaws of the pursuing dogs, began to hide itself in the bosom of the sleeping Margrave, as though wishing to protect itself under a safe refuge. Who, sensing the hare and at the same time the shout of the hunters, awakened, thundered with a cry, saying in the Slavonic tongue: "Seiz, on Seiz." From which deed, he gave the name Seiz to the place, because he had been awakened by the hare (which is called Seiz in Slavonic). The magnanimous Ottokar the Margrave therefore, striving to fulfill the vision, turned his mind with fervent zeal to building a monastery. But because the place in which John the Baptist had appeared to him, commanding a Monastery to be constructed in the same, seemed too narrow; from Leopold of Gonabiz, his ministerial (who, after many benefits conferred on the monastery, at last offered himself too to God, taking the habit of the Carthusian Order in the same; fulfilling that saying of the divine Jerome: "He gave all to God, who offered himself"), he procured the village of Gonabiz, where there was a larger and more spacious place for building a monastery. The village of Gonabiz having been procured, in it he founded a monastery, in the year from the salvation restored 1151, in the seventh year of the Pontificate of Eugene the third; in the thirteenth year of Conrad King of the Romans, in the fourteenth Indiction, and brought it almost to perfection together with a church: although the place for building the monastery had been declared to him by the blessed John the Baptist (as aforesaid) to be that in which he had the vision concerning building this House of God.

[56] he was admonished by a new vision, But when the church and monastery were nearly finished, the divine John the Baptist appeared again to the founder, ordering the building to be destroyed; saying: "Not in this place did I command the monastery to be built, but in the place of the first revelation. But unless God knew that you had done it with a simple and good mind, His wrath would rage against you. Destroy therefore quickly the work built in part." Then the renowned Margrave, obeying the divine precept, constructed the monastery in the place of the first revelation made to him, and imposed the name Seiz; to transfer all things to the place of the first vision: because in that place the hare, which is called Seiz in Slavonic, had run into his bosom as he slept, and crying out, "Seiz, on Seiz," had named the place Seiz. The monastery of Seiz, which now exists, being built, although not yet perfected; he beseeched the Roman Pontiff Alexander the third by sending legates, that from the Charterhouse Religious of the same institute might be sent, who should inhabit the built monastery according to God's precept. Alexander, which being done he summons the Carthusians, the supreme Archpriest, willingly giving assent to his prayers, ordered by his precept Monks to be sent from the Charterhouse to this Seitz monastery: which the disciples of the Charterhouse received, rejoicing no less than obeying: and forthwith they sent planters, who should inhabit the monastery.

[57] Ottokar the Margrave therefore, having become possessor of his vow, and he signs the charter of foundation in the year 1165. received them with very great joy and veneration: and handed over the monastery to be inhabited, and resigned into the hands of the said Fathers the testimonial letters of his foundation, corroborated with his seal; many Nobles being employed for these things in testimony, and that in the year of our Savior one thousand one hundred sixty-five, Alexander the third presiding over the Apostolic See in his sixth year; in the eleventh year of Frederick the first, Emperor of the Romans, surnamed Aenobarbus or Barbarossa; in the thirteenth Indiction; Udalric the Diocesan presiding in the Cathedra of Aquileia, in his fourth year; Basil being the eighth Prior of the Hermitage of the Charterhouse; Veremundus being Prior of this place of Seitz; in the seventy-ninth year of the begun Carthusian order, and in the sixty-fourth year from the death of S. Bruno the Founder of the oft-named Order, in the second year before the confirmation of the same Order.

[58] The monastery having been handed over to the Fathers, although not yet wholly completed, Ottokar the Margrave, the course of his life having been run; The Son founds a Hospital in the year 1180. was called by the Lord from the prison-house of the flesh, on the last day of the month of December, associated with the spirits on high, to receive from God, the rewarder of all good things, fitting rewards: buried under white marble, together with the consort of his bed, in the sacristy, where he had the first vision concerning building this monastery. He being translated from this mortal to immortal and heavenly life, Ottokar his son by Joanna daughter of Wladislaus the first King of Bohemia, the successor of his name and inheritance, who in the year of the Lord 1180 first began to be called Duke of Styria; continuing the structure, happily in a short time put the last hand to it, and brought it to perfection. And because he greatly feared the wrath of God on account of his Father's disobedience, on that account in a valley, a place (which is now called the Hospital), he consecrated from squared stones, specially always protected by the most blessed Mother of God Mary, his little chapel, for our consolation and that of many devoted to him. And that place is sacred, and frequented by Angelic spirits. For often by the Sacristan, and other rustics dwelling near that place, on the vigils and feasts of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, at the dead of night a bell is heard to be rung; and a signal, as if for assembling in the church for the divine praises, manifestly and clearly to be given; the Sacristan especially affirming

that, on hearing the sound of the bell, he hastens as quickly as possible to the church; yet finds no man there; nay rather, finds the very church barred and shut with iron bolts.

[59] But Ottokar, the son of our Founder, who first (as has been said) began to be called Duke of Styria, by the common fate of mortals, exchanged his life with death, or rather death with eternal life; Styria transferred to the Austrians, leaving after him a son named Ottokar; who, dying without children in the year of the Lord 1187, left the Duchy of Styria to his kinsman Duke Leopold of Austria, grandson of S. Leopold the Margrave through his son: who died at Graz the metropolis of Styria, in the year of the Savior 1195. From the same time, namely the year 1187, the Duchy of Styria remained with those old Austrian Dukes of Austria; until in the year of the Lord 1246, Frederick, the last of that family, fell in the Hungarian war. But afterward in the year of the Lord 1282, in the Diet of Augsburg, with the consent of the Princes of the Roman Empire, Rudolph the first, Augustus, the Habsburg, handed it over to his son Albert, afterward Emperor the first of this name, together with the Duchy of Austria; and it remains under the dominion of those same most serene Austrian Habsburgs at this very time. The place of this monastery, in the year 1165 the place is augmented with new lands, which in the year 1165 was revealed and shown by the divine John the Baptist, was in the following year 1166 endowed by Ottokar Margrave of Styria, and handed over to the first Brothers sent from the greater Charterhouse, as the foundation letters attest: and because the foundation made so holily by both Ottokars, father and son, scarcely and too meagerly sufficed for sustaining the dwellers in the hermitage; the most pious Counts of Cilli, Frederick and Hermann, augmented it with several manses, tithes, and notable favors of privileges in 1444; whence afterward ten and twelve Monks were numbered. Great calamities did this Charterhouse, the first of all Germany, and the fifteenth of the holy Religion, suffer in the time of wars and heresies, whence twice deserted it had come into alien hands.

[60] Thus in the year 1530, under the Lord Andrew, the forty-second Prior of the place, which afterward suffered various disasters, it was devastated and burned by the Turks and Tartars, and the most venerable Prelate himself, blessedly martyred by the Ottoman sword, with some of his men fell at the foot of the high altar. Then in the year 1564, having been handed over to Zachary Cardinal Delfino the Venetian, in the year 1580 on the ninth of February, a great sum of money having been paid, we recovered it from the same Cardinal. Not long after, in 1588, a new alienation intervening, the most religious Fathers of the Society of Jesus received it after two years; who, the eminent father Francis of Aquitaine pleading the cause, ceded the monastery, collapsed indeed in building, but entire in its rights, in the year 1593; over which afterward, in the year 1595, the most Reverend Vianus Gravellius was set: by whose industry this House was restored to its former soundness, in spiritual and temporal matters. But in the year 1630, under the Lord John Uto or Otto, and was once and again restored the confederate peasants raging in the County of Cilli, and the Slavs rebelling, this Charterhouse was assailed by nearly two thousand rebels: who, the armory broken up, the granaries ruined, the cellars spoiled, plundering all the utensils, so despoiled the church and monastery with the estates, that not even a nail remained to the wall. Only the succession was spared, on account of the imperial troops coming up.

This House has had Priors, up to the present day, to the number of sixty-seven, of whom three were Generals of the holy Order, John the second, under the 67th Prior it began to be notably restored from the year 1684 Christopher the second, and B. Stephen of Siena; one Martyr, Andrew by name. And although the foundation is only for ten monks, yet there are nourished, and actually are, with two Novices, eighteen. Two cells are still in building; and so in the summer of this year the twentieth number of Cells will be completed. The Dukes Albert and Lupold, brothers, established a penalty of a hundred marks of gold against those who should disturb our solitude, or assail it.

The Names and Successors of the Priors in Seitz.

* nay rather Camberium