Germanus Bishop Martyr

ON ST. GERMANUS BISHOP MARTYR

AMONG THE AMBIANENSES IN GAUL.

FIFTH CENTURY.

Commentary of the Rev. Father John Bolland.

Germanus, Bishop Martyr, among the Ambianenses in Gaul (St.)

BY THE AUTHOR J. B.

[1] On the VI Nones of May is celebrated the birthday of St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr. Thus the MS. Florarium: On the same day of St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr. The same has the Matricula of the Carthusian house of Utrecht written two hundred and more years ago, and certain Belgian Calendars. Our Heribert Rosweyde in the Fasti of the Saints: The birthday of St. Germanus. Germanus an Englishman Bishop and Martyr May II. Philip Ferrarius in the general Catalogue of the Saints: In England St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr. Ferrarius cites the Fasti of the SS. of Britain by the author Heribert Rosweyde of the Society of Jesus. But Rosweyde did not describe peculiarly the Fasti of the Saints of Britain, but of absolutely all, whose lives are manuscript in the Belgian Libraries. The same Rosweyde cites, no one else, John Wilson in the English Martyrology, writing thus: In lower Germany the Festivity of St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr: this man an Englishman by nation, crossed into those lower provinces, about to preach the faith of Christ, where at length he obtained his reward, namely the crown of martyrdom. His Life copiously written by hand is extant in some monastery of Belgium, as a venerable Priest of the Society of Jesus testifies, and on this day his Festivity is consigned in the book which is entitled Fasti of the Saints. In the second edition of his Martyrology the same Wilson expressed his elogium otherwise: On the same day in lower Germany the deposition of St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr, by nation an Englishman, who when he had crossed into Brabant; thence into Frisia, about to preach the faith of Christ, for a reward obtained the glory of martyrdom about the year of Christ DCCL.

[2] That Rosweyde wrote him an Englishman, that is not so precisely to be taken, as if he were sprung from that nation, which conveyed from lower Saxony has held Britain for nearly a thousand and two hundred years; but because he was born of some of the several nations, which now obey the monarch of the English, and by St. Germanus of Auxerre, in that very province, which is now called England, was joined to Christ. By the authority of Rosweyde Wilson willingly called him an Englishman. Ferrarius following both, even beyond what they went before, He was not an Englishman, absolutely places him in England, as if there he either held the Episcopate, or met death. But the Writer of his Life calls his parent a Prince of the nation of the Scots, not as if St. Germanus of Auxerre, when into Britain (as below will be said, and Constantius narrates in his Life, and Bede book 1 Ecclesiastical History of the English chapter 17 and the four following) he set out, either went to Ireland, which, as the same Bede writes book 1 chapter 1 is properly the fatherland of the Scots; or to that tract of land situated on the Northern bank of the river Clyde, and opposite the most fortified city Arcluith, to which the Scots (as the same hands down) coming about the same times of Valentinian III, but a Scot, or not much before, made for themselves a place of fatherland. But that Prince of the Scotic nation Audinus was then in Britain, either driven from his fatherland, or having performed some legation to the Britons, or was perhaps then more friendly with the Britons in some province of the Hibernian Scots. Nor is that otherwise unusual, that of nations mutually at war disagreeing, even illustrious men sometimes dwell on hostile soil. And indeed about these same times certain Scots were engaged among the Romans themselves not without celebrity of name, as C. Caelius Sedulius the Presbyter and poet.

[3] This Audinus was afterwards perhaps an author to many of his nation of undertaking the faith, to whom that a Bishop might be sent care was straightway taken. Florentius and Dionysius being Consuls or in the year of Christ CCCCXXIX, Agricola the Pelagian, as in the Chronicle Prosper of Aquitaine writes, son of Severianus the Pelagian Bishop, corrupted the Churches of Britain by the insinuation of his dogma. (by which the nation was then converted) But by the action of Palladius the deacon Pope Celestine sends Germanus Bishop of Auxerre in his stead, and the heretics being driven out reduces the Britons to the Catholic faith. And two years after, Bassus and Antiochus being Consuls, the same Prosper thus writes: To the Scots believing in Christ Palladius ordained by Pope Celestine is sent Bishop. It is likely that Germanus returned from Britain into Gaul, wrote to Celestine what had there been done by him, and that not only the heresies had been routed, and the victory over the Picts and other barbarians reported, but also that some Scotic Nobles had been converted to Christ, to whom some Doctors together with a Bishop seemed to be sent: then that Palladius was sent by Celestine, and himself perhaps a Briton by nation; certainly favoring the Britons, since by his action Celestine sent Germanus to them. For the same Prosper on the same occasion both that the Britons were freed from heresy and that the Scots were imbued with the faith hints, in the book against the Collator, which is the fourth of the Responses against the calumniators of the doctrine of St. Augustine, and is extant in volume 7 of the Works of the same Augustine; in that book therefore chapter 21 he thus writes: Whence also the Pontiff of venerable memory Celestine, to whom for the protection of the Catholic Church the Lord bestowed many gifts of His grace, and a few things being interposed. Nor indeed with less sluggish care did he free the Britains from this same disease, when certain enemies of grace, occupying the soil only of their origin, he excluded even from that secret region of the Ocean; and a Bishop being ordained for the Scots, while he studies to keep the Roman island Catholic, he made also the barbarian one Christian. Celestine studied to keep the Roman province, Britain, Catholic, Germanus being sent thither, and at the same time made the barbarian one, namely Scotland, Christian, some being converted through Germanus himself. The entrance then into the island being laid open through Palladius, without almost other labor's worth, the whole island at length was subjugated to Christ through Patrick. But of these more fully at the Life of St. Patrick March XVII, of St. Palladius July VI, of St. Germanus July XXXI.

[4] I found a sheet written by the hand of Rosweyde, in which he hinted that St. Germanus, Bishop and Martyr, who is venerated May II, seemed to him to be that one, whom Molanus mentions in the Natales of the Saints of Belgium, where he treats of St. Eloquius. But what Molanus has there, are transcribed from the life of St. Eloquius, where they are thus set forth: Therefore in the year of the Word, namely made flesh, nor was he the associate of St. Eloquius in the 7th century. of the Son of God incarnate for the salvation and redemption of the human race, six hundred and forty-six, Clovis now a most Christian King reigning,

B. Eloquius came to the shores of the Gauls from the island of Hibernia, with some venerable men, namely Fursaeus, Ultan, Foillan, Boetius, Mombolus, Adalgisus, Hetto, Helanus, Traesanus, Germanus, Veranus, and Columbanus. But either the Writer of that life was deceived by memory (nor wonder, since he lived two hundred years after the death of St. Eloquius) or some unskilled person interpolated that Life, as we shall say on December III. And indeed the Life of St. Mombolus which we shall give on November XVIII, since it is described in almost the same words, does not mention Helanus, Tresanus, Germanus, Veranus. The Life of St. Algisus, or Adalgisus June II reckons these his companions, Etto, Gobanus, Eloquius, Corbicanus, Rodalgus or Rodaldus. But several writers both modern and of the middle age, when they commemorate the Saints who came from the parts beyond the sea into Gaul or Germany, join them all together, although distant by a long interval of time.

[5] Nearer to the age of our Germanus was that Germanus the Brother of SS. Helanus and Gibrianus. This Gibrianus, as Flodoard ecclesiastical history of Reims book 4 chapter 9 writes, Tesanus, Tresanus, Germanus, Veranus, Abranus, Petranus, with their three sisters Frauda, Promptia, Possena, choosing for themselves upon the river named Matrona opportune places of dwelling, etc. The same brothers and sisters are mentioned in the Life of St. Tresanus February VII, but for Tesanus Helanus, nor of St. Gibrianus in the 6th century. for Frauda Franda. St. Helanus is venerated October VII, St. Guibrianus May VIII, on which day we shall give the rest also, unless we find the proper birthdays of each. Their age Sigebert indicates in the Chronicle on the year DIX Gabrianus the Scot, with his brothers and sisters having traveled in Gaul, illustrates the city of Reims both by his life and his death. Which however Mirée judges added by another hand in his edition of Sigebert, because they were absent from the Gembloux codex; but in the very ancient Lobbes one, which we have used, they were had, and in the edition of Laurence Barr.

[6] Wilson when he referred the martyrdom of St. Germanus to the year DCCL, seems to have esteemed him a companion of St. Boniface Archbishop of Mainz and Apostle of Germany: for he about the year DCCLV underwent martyrdom in Frisia, nor of St. Boniface in the 8th century. with LII associates, of whom only eleven are named by the authors, none among them a Germanus. Whether of those, whose names are kept silent, Wilson conjectured one to have been a Germanus, or read it somewhere, I know not: to me it is difficult to believe, that among them there was a Bishop, since the diligent writers of the things done by Boniface do not seem likely to have omitted that. It was more inclined, but more ancient. that we should suspect the brother of St. Gibrianus, on this day among the Ambianenses crowned with martyrdom, and venerated with anniversary celebrity; since of the rest besides Gibrianus and Tresanus, the birthdays and deeds lie hidden from us. But this Germanus much more ancient than Gibrianus the history of his Life shows, since by St. Germanus of Auxerre in the year of Christ CCCCXXIX, or not much after, baptized.

[7] Yet this Life is not of the best note, being by an uncertain author, nearly five hundred years after the death of Germanus, written not from ancient monuments, but from the fame of the people. The Author testifies that in the Prologue: His therefore most Blessed acts or passion we have not seen, but yet we have known the codex of his life to have been burned by the pagans. Now however God helping whatever from his deeds we have heard, we strive to elucidate. When was his life written? It might be allowed to esteem that the Writer received not so much by the narration of the common folk what he hands down, as from the very deeds, before read or heard, before they were consumed by fire; if, who he was, where he wrote, or when, were established. He was certainly little curious, as appears from those things, which nothing to the purpose making are narrated about Julian the Apostate, and about the ridiculous, and like to old wives' little fables manner by which the empire was occupied by him. Moreover what chapter 6 number 17 he writes, The holy Man went preaching through Normandy, and chapter 7 number 20 which is the middle boundary of Normandy and France; it is consequent, that this Life was written in the tenth Christian century, or perhaps even later, since Westria or the western shore of France, then first began to be called Normandy, when to Rollo Duke of the Normans, having embraced the Christian faith, Charles the Simple King of the Franks gave his daughter Gisla in matrimony, about the year of Christ DCCCCXII, and for a dowry handed over that province, which Normandy, says the anonymous Author first edited among the Norman Writers by Andrew Duchesne, the Northmen called, because they had gone forth from Norway.

[8] That life from the ancient codices of the Monasteries of Thosanum and Claromarescanum Rosweyde had copied: whence is it here edited? a third copy from Lord John of St. Martin, brother of Peter Lovet of Beauvais a most renowned man, monk of the Folian congregation, I received at Ambianum; a fourth also from the same place from Lord John Cauchie Canon of the Premonstratensian Order, Curate of St. Germanus in the same city. But in these latter two copies the Prologue was lacking. The same Life was extant, and in the same style, in the MS. of the Church of St. Martin of Utrecht, but everywhere abbreviated. The Ecclesiastical Office also, as they call it, which in both churches of St. Germanus is accustomed to be chanted on this day, the same venerable Curate transmitted to us, in whose Lessons, Hymns, Antiphons, Responsories the same things which in the Life are mentioned.

[9] There are among the Ambianenses two churches dedicated to St. Germanus the Martyr: one in the city, in elegance of structure second to none after the Cathedral, His church at Ambianum, for five hundred years given to a monastery of the Premonstratensian Order, in the same city, which is now called of St. John, by Guido Castellan of Ambianum and his wife Mathilde; unless however after that donation it was renewed and more splendidly restored: for, as Adrian Morlerius in book 2 of the Antiquities of Ambianum in the Catalogue of the Abbots of St. John testifies, in the instrument of donation only the altar of St. Germanus is named. And indeed when on the II day of July MDCXLIII the stone slab of the high altar, to be moved forward six feet, as now it is seen, had been raised, under it a small vessel of tin was found, and enclosed in it a parchment in which these things were inscribed: In the year of the Lord MDXXVI, on Monday, the ninth of the month of July, the Reverend in Christ Father Nicholas Bishop of Ebron, by the permission and authority of the Reverend in Christ Father and Lord D. Francis de Hallewin, by the grace of God and the holy Apostolic See Bishop of Ambianum, consecrated or dedicated this church and this altar in honor of St. Germanus Bishop and Martyr and of all the Saints; me the Secretary of the said Lord Bishop of Ambianum subscribed being present. De Courcelles. But that Bishop of Ebron was Nicholas Lagrene, as Morlerius testifies, Suffragan and Vicar of Hallewin Bishop of Ambianum, of the Premonstratensian Order, Abbot of the Monasteries of St. John and of the Mount of St. Martin, before Pastor of the Church of St. Germanus, of which we here treat; and the same initiated Paschasius Broët, one of the first Sodales of St. Ignatius, into the Priesthood on the XII day of March the day before Passion Sunday, not in the year MDXXIII, as the same following the old epoch Morlerius wrote, but MDXXIV when with the Dominical letter B, Easter fell on the XXVII of March. In that church therefore a Canon from the same convent of St. John acts as Parish-priest, on whom presented by his Abbot, as they say, the Bishop confers that office. That that parish should be administered by the Regulars Odo Abbot of St. John obtained in the year MCXCVIII, from Theobald Bishop of Ambianum, William Archbishop of Reims and Legate of the Apostolic See patronizing him. There is extant a Catalogue of all the Parish-priests from before the year of Christ MCCLXXX. Of these afterwards elected Abbots Matthew Lotterellus in the year MCCCCXXIII, and the before-mentioned Nicholas Lagrene.

[10] In this church the life of St. Germanus is seen, not only described in ancient codices, but elegantly also fashioned in the glass window to the left, valued at the price of a thousand gold pieces; and in eight very large tapestries, with which the Choir of the same church is accustomed to be adorned on the more celebrated days. famous for a most beautiful hanging gallery. In the same church is beheld a stone pulpit, twenty feet long, with a flat vault, skillfully wrought in ancient work, which four stone columns at the angles sustain: into it twin stone stairs lead on either side, wound about two columns of the church with notable artifice, and themselves hanging. And all this mass is of such a kind, that it excites great admiration of itself, and among the most excellent works of that tract about the river Somme is reckoned. Here the Parish-priest now is, as I before wrote, John Cauchie a regular Canon of the Premonstratensian Order, a most courteous man, and most studious of amplifying the glory of God and the Saints; who before administered the parish of St. Firminus the Martyr in the valley in the same city, from XXII October MDCXXIV to XIII August MDCXLII.

[11] Another church sacred to St. Germanus the Martyr is seen in a village of the Ambianum diocese, which is called St. Germanus, another, where his sepulchre, where he was crowned with martyrdom. It is moreover a Priory, depending on the Abbey of St. Fuscianus in the wood, of the Benedictine Order, of the Ambianum diocese: yet not the Prior himself, but under him a Pastor administers the divine offices. There is still extant his sepulchre beneath the greater altar; and behind it a monument built of carved stones, somewhat eminent above the ground, within which to those descending a huge carved stone is presented, with which the body of the Martyr was once covered, and it perforated in three places, that a light being brought near the whole tomb now empty can be seen through. Beside the same altar is a cupboard, in which a head fashioned of wood in Episcopal shape, and relics. and in it certain bones of the head itself (as it is believed by fame received from the elders) of St. Germanus are kept; and other relics in an arm likewise of wood. The same history of the life and death of St. Germanus is extant here as at Ambianum, and the same Ecclesiastical Office is celebrated on his feast day as at Ambianum. But on that day a huge crowd of men from the neighboring villages flows together to that church, and many ask to be buried in its cemetery, moved by piety toward the holy Martyr. There flourishes there from all memory back this custom, that the Pastor on the feast day of St. Germanus performing the sacred rites, when he has come to the Offertory, as they call it, turned to the people with a clear voice proclaims, If anyone an inhabitant of the town of Senardi-pons be present, of whatever age, order, sex, let him first approach, even if the Lord of the village himself were present. That prerogative of honor is exhibited to that town, because its Lord once committed the body of the holy Martyr to burial. That village is distant from Senardi-pons a Gallic league and a half, three from Albamarla, or Aumale. Several villages everywhere through all Normandy are marked with the name of St. Germanus, either from St. Germanus of Paris, whose Life we shall give May XXVIII, or from him of Auxerre most celebrated through all Gaul, or from this holy Bishop and Martyr Germanus, who illustrated that western tract of Gaul by the preaching of the Gospel, by miracles, and at length by martyrdom. The same is here patron of the church of the village

called Minidavid, in the Rouen diocese.

[12] All these things once wrote the Rev. Father John Bolland, together with the Annotations on the following Life, and transmitted to Lord John Cauchie Canon of the Premonstratensian Order and Parish-priest of Ambianum of the Church of St. Germanus: who soon published the same in print in the year MDCXLV, and again with new animadversions here and there in the year MDCLXV, which after the death of the said Father he transmitted to us, the French Life and Ecclesiastical Office of the same Saint being everywhere added, which can be seen with him. The same submitted also some history composed by him of the translations, of which the prior made in the year DCCCL is celebrated on the day XIII of November, the latter of the year MDCLX on April III: which very history we subjoin to the Life.

[13] We found also the memory of St. Germanus inscribed in the MS. Martyrologies of Augia of the Regular Canons, and of Paris of St. Germanus des Prés. But what we would wish added to this previous commentary of Bolland and the subjoined Annotations, nothing greatly occurs. For what he says, that the writer of this Life was little curious, is so true, that we would altogether wish it to be reckoned among the Lives of the last note (such as we insert into this work only very unwillingly), excusing the design only by the defect of better history. For to whom can please the preaching of the Saint thus set forth, as if to pagans and heathens to be converted in Britain, Gaul, Spain, Germany, and their shrines to be destroyed his whole life had been almost devoted, in that time, in which scarcely thin relics of idolatry remained, Christ almost alone was venerated at altars and temples, although the Franks subduers of the Gauls were still Gentiles? What that of the judge punished by the ejection of his intestines, of the dragon tied to the Sacerdotal stole and dragged into a well, seem additions taken from some history or other of St. Mercurialis of Forlì, which we gave April XXX? Other things the reader himself by himself will be able to note, in which the author seems to have indulged his genius too much.

THE LIFE

From various MSS. codices.

Germanus, Bishop Martyr, among the Ambianenses in Gaul (St.)

BHL Number: 3452

FROM MSS.

PROLOGUE.

[1] When the most benign founder and most merciful reformer of the whole mass of the machine of the world, for the salvation of the human race, which the ancient serpent by deceiving through the forbidden wood had plunged into darkness, had been condemned to the cross; He preferred to receive death in our flesh which He had taken on, than to lose so many thousands of souls. For He received death temporally, that He might mercifully snatch us from the most hard knots of penalties, and that the truthful sentence of the foretelling chosen prophet of the Lord might be mystically disclosed, saying: Therefore Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou give Thy Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 15, 10, Acts 2, 27 Lest the flesh refreshed by the restored Deity should be corrupted, on the third day claiming for Himself the tartarean spoils, The Apostles and Martyrs corroborated by the Holy Spirit. snatched from the most savage jaws of the serpent, He rose from the tomb; and that supernal kingdom, girt with immense glory, with all His little clients beholding, He ascended, to us once through fault unknown, but now through grace opened. The same ruler of the human race ascended to the ruddy kingdoms of the poles, by no means leaving earthly things: for if He had left them, what would the blessed nativity, what the venerable death, what the admirable resurrection, and glorious ascension have profited us? He did not leave, I say, earthly things, but the most blessed Spirit long promised, He diffused in the hearts of the disciples; through which He had been able to extinguish all the darts of the most wicked enemy, and to lead all to the most sweet path of the most excellent commandments of God. But plainly although the ancient enemy, to their spirits, founded upon the most hard rock, was able to harm by no devices; yet their bodies and those of their successors through ministers worthy of him he caused to be afflicted with the most grievous kinds of penalties, supposing to take with his most foul snare their sacred spirits, whom Christ had already founded in heaven. Among these therefore and the most blessed Germanus, mighty in the Sacerdotal stole, through the Patellites he caused to be slain with many tortures, yet conquered he was not able to conquer the conqueror. His therefore most blessed acts or passion, we have not seen, but yet we have known the codex b of his life to have been kindled with fire by the pagans. Now however, The Acts of St. Germanus lost. God helping, whatever from his deeds we have heard, we strive to elucidate. May the omnipotent God help, that we may be able to fulfill this, who reigns for eternal ages.

ANNOTATA OF J. B.

CHAPTER I.

The age, baptism of St. Germanus.

[2] a In the times of Lord b Jovinian the glorious and most gentle Emperor, who after the most wicked Apostate Julian obtained the principate of the whole world, God assenting; the religion of the holy Christian name began everywhere to grow, so much that even the churches of God, which the impious tyrant, having hateful the magnificent name of Christ, c had ordered to be shut, lest praises should be rendered to the omnipotent God, Julian the Apostate having obtained the empire by tricks, the already said Lord Emperor Jovinian beginning to reign, were opened, and most frequently glittered with many miracles. But in what order the already pre-noted Julian was made Caesar, it will not displease to narrate in sober style. For the same Julian was diligently instructed in the words of the sacred dogmas, so that even made a Cleric, he merited to receive the gift d of the Subdeaconal grade. e But the devil instigating his mind, that he should leave the things begun and invade the throne of the kingdom, (since he was born of royal stock) on a certain day while at the solemnities of the Masses he had recited the lesson of St. Paul the Apostle, and before the sacrosanct altar had cast himself down to humiliate himself by inclining; he wrought by magic art, that a certain royal crown, which was suspended on a triumphal arch before the holy altar, at his approaching should fall upon his head, as if someone had placed it with his own hand: which when the surrounding peoples had seen, they acclaimed him truly Emperor, suspecting that the rule of the whole world had been accommodated to him by the Lord. Which he perceiving usurped the name about to act of Imperial power, he rages against the Christians and began to disturb the Church of God with various storms, casting from himself the religion of the Christian name of God, and embracing vain and deaf and dumb idols. Whence it came about that he ordered the churches of God, which far and wide through the whole world were diffused, to be shut, lest any longer in them the name of the Lord should be invoked. He caused therefore also many f thousands of the Saints to be slain for the magnificent name of Christ. Among these also he ordered the body g of St. John the Baptist to be kindled with fire, and the relics of the SS.: and to be reduced to ash, that no Christian henceforth might be able to gather relics for himself from it, but as it were should avoid a kind of stubble, when he had seen it cremated with such a burning.

[3] When indeed he had done these things, and very many other things exceedingly detestable; the merciful Lord began to have mercy on the weepings of the faithful to Him, and on the mournful sobs, which day and night they sent forth; observing how far He would deign to free them from the jaws of the dire enemy; he perishes badly. and the holy Church, once through the whole world shining, He would deign to preserve unharmed; and to it, the liberty which the most savage tyrant had taken away, He would restore by His sacred power. It came about meanwhile, that after no great space of time the already said Julian the Emperor with insane mind brought war upon the nation of the Persians: in which, God helping, while he wished to wage [it] more than he ought, by a certain h unknown man struck by his own satellites, he lost his life with the kingdom, which against the right of human religion he manfully usurped for himself. After the detestable slaughter therefore of the most proud Judge, there succeeds Jovinian the pious Emperor. the compassionate Lord of all, deigned to give to holy mother Church a pious patron, namely the Lord Jovinian the Emperor. Who as soon as he undertook the monarchy of the whole world, straightway ordered the churches of God to be opened, that praise and glory of Christ in praise might be sung in them, which had been omitted to be sung the impious Caesar living. There began therefore the most illustrious name of Christ everywhere to radiate with most powerful miracles, so much that many of the pagans seeing the great deeds, which in His servants the Lord wrought, the error of gentility left, were unanimously converted to the true and immaculate faith.

[4] i In the times of this most illustrious Caesar, there was a certain man in the district of Auxerre, brought forth of magnificent parents, Germanus by name, who in a short time so grew, that made a Tribune, when he ought to render secular gains to an earthly lord, rather tended to the gain of souls; and whatever he was able to acquire, to the all-powerful God as a most pleasing gift with his whole heart he offered. St. Germanus of Auxerre from a Tribune becomes a Bishop: He took therefore for himself a wife according to the secular custom, begotten of very noble parents, whom, the grace of Christ ruling, he so imbued and adorned with divine instruments, that she was believed to be not a wife, but in true faith a sister. What more? when the city therefore of Auxerre was destitute of a sacred Pontiff, soon with highest voice the whole people demanded that this man be given them as Pastor, whom with pure heart they knew to be a worshiper of Christ. There is constituted therefore the most blessed Germanus in the already mentioned city Pontiff chosen by God: there is joy to the whole city and immense exultation: for they saw themselves to be eager thus in the praises of God, that they supposed themselves to possess not a trembling and short life, but placed in paradisiac glory, and tinged with the mellifluous wave of Jordan. For he was of placid countenance, decorated with Angelic locks, so that to those beholding him, not a human form, but an Angelic effigy, beautiful as the moon, choice as Phoebus seemed: and so great a charity of Christ was about him, that placed on earth, he dwelt in the heavens.

[5] But the most blessed man, after many miracles bravely accomplished, he sets out beyond the sea, k strove to go round what he could of the pledges of the Saints. Not only therefore did he study to visit these alone which were constituted in the parts of the Gauls, but also in the l parts beyond the sea he took care to go round the places of the Saints. The sacred circuit meanwhile being completed, while he was disposing to return to his own city, that the people committed to him he might abundantly refresh with the words of the Evangelic doctrine; it happened that he had meeting him a certain m Prince of the nation of the Scots, Audinus by name, together with his wife, who was called Aquila: in whose company was led their son, quite a little boy, of beautiful face, and comely aspect, but with the parents themselves still held by the error of gentility. he prays for Audinus the Scot, and his wife and son; These therefore when the most blessed Bishop Germanus had meeting him, and had seen them decorated with Angelic form; he groaned, and turned to the Lord said: O Lord, what is it that this form, which after Thy image and likeness Thou hast deigned to create, the ancient enemy possesses? Not in these tabernacles, Lord, ought he to recline, outwardly decorated with Angelic appearance; but the eternal fire ought to be his food. I beseech Thee therefore, my God, that to me the most wicked of all, yet to Thee in heart most faithful, Thou wouldst deign to grant, that their hearts may be converted to Thee the true omnipotent God through me, and recognizing Thee the supreme God, may believe in heart; and love, may praise with mouth, and with countenance

may adore, and Thou mayest be their merciful guide, who never dost forsake those hoping in Thee. The prayer therefore of the most blessed man being completed, invited home he converts them, suddenly Audinus with Aquila his wife having fallen at his knees, asked him saying: We ask thee, most holy of men, that thou wouldst not disdain to come to our tabernacles: for thy face seems to us radiant like Phoebus, and therefore we believe there is something of divinity in thee. Soon therefore the man of the Lord promised that he would go with them. And when they had come home, the most blessed Germanus began benignly to preach to them the name of the Lord, and to draw it out into a long discourse. What more? the son taken up in baptism he calls Germanus. The man Audinus believed the things said together with his wife, and all his household, and they were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. His son too quite a little child the most blessed man took up from the very font of the sacred liquid: imposing his own name on him, that not now a son of perdition, but filled with germane charity, he might be truly called Germanus, and he returned to his own with joy.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER II.

The religious adolescence of St. Germanus.

[6] After the departure therefore of the most blessed Bishop Germanus, the boy of good disposition began so to be filled with the sacred letters of doctrine, Germanus a comely boy, that scarcely could any like him be found in the parts beyond the sea: for he was most comely in countenance, so that to those beholding him he was believed to possess not a human but an Angelic form. His word was so seasoned with the salt of sacred wisdom, that on account of the sweetness of his address, by which to Christ many and innumerable companies of souls he daily aggregated, through his mouth the founder of the world Himself seemed to speak. Whatever therefore of food for the uses of his body he was able to acquire, he strove most lavishly to give to the needy, drink also being joined together: more therefore did he refresh their hearts with spiritual food, milk also he gave them for drink not meat. If anyone rich, if anyone middling, if anyone poor, if anyone noble, benign, if anyone ignoble, if anyone a citizen, if anyone a stranger, some occasion compelling had come to him; never did he depart from him, until he should know the glorious name of Christ, and fully instructed in the salutary word, returned to his own with joy. The most benign sincerity of his mind therefore was demonstrated by the serenity of his most glorious countenance, and the clemency of his exceedingly most pious heart he manifested in the gentleness of his most sweet speech. The largess of holy almsgiving so radiated in him, that when he saw any poor man, he believed himself to behold Christ the Redeemer of the world.

[7] He was so assiduous in vigils too, that it seemed to him that at all hours the judgment was to come, mindful of the Lord's discourse, Watch, He says, watching, for ye know not at what hour your Lord is to come. Matt. 24, 42 In most devout prayers likewise he was so assiduously intent, that unless he had applied to prayer he always believed the tempter to stand by him, and feared his frail body to be mocked by him with various temptations, and that he should compel the spirit likewise to totter in something; remembering the word of the Lord saying, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matt. 26, 41 In charity he was so perfect, that nothing of work did he complete without it, believing that of the Apostle John, He that abideth, he says, in charity, abideth in God, he assiduously preaches Christ: and God in him. I John 4, 16 By sacred doctrines he so refreshed the minds of the faithful, reproving, beseeching, rebuking, in all patience and longanimity, that they esteemed themselves to recline already in the grassy fields of Paradise, and girt everywhere with the most splendid stole of immortality. His speech was so most pleasing to all who heard, that by the gentleness and sonority of his voice, by a certain indication he taught that the Lord Himself had established for Himself a seat in his

mouth, who said: Open thy mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 80, 11 The most invincible little recruit of Christ was therefore engaged in all the precepts of the Lord, without any * disturbance of mind, since he had utterly driven out from himself the prince of the most savage iniquity, treading under his feet his exceedingly most proud necks, and his detestable works. But why shall I speak further? Never did the enemy and most savage adversary of the human race find in him anything which he could deceive by any fraud, nor darken by any malevolent simulation.

[8] Made a Cleric, Among these therefore and other manifold virtues, with which the man of the Lord Germanus was decorated, he wished also to leave the secular habit, and under the Clerical order, following the admonitions of Christ, to live. In which order the merciful and compassionate Lord began to work through him many and innumerable miracles, he heals the sick, namely to restore sight to the blind, the lost gait to the lame, hearing to the deaf, the whiteness of skin to the lepers, and even to raise the dead: he healed paralytics, cured the sick, and all bodily infirmities cured in the name of the holy Trinity: nor only the bodily, but also all the diseases of the mind, by preaching the glorious name of Christ, he cured. He also put to flight the most hostile demons from the very bodies possessed: which trembled at him so much, especially the energumens. that when they perceived him coming, before his sight, sending forth dire voices, they fled away. Worthily therefore this most blessed Germanus is turned in the memory of all, because he always remained among the joys of the Angels, and by thought and avidity of mind, in that court of the heavenly kingdom, remaining in the grace of God, he remained that which he was.

* elsewhere tottering.

CHAPTER III.

The Priesthood of St. Germanus, the preaching in Gaul.

[9] But it happened at a certain time, when he had already come to the honor of the presbyterate, Made a Priest, that he should desert his fatherland and parents, a holy Angel moving him, and attempt to come into these parts of the Gauls. And when he had come to the shore of the sea, he began to think within himself, by the admonition of an Angel, by what or what kind of order he could cross that most lofty sea; and looking this way and that, and beholding no ship at all, nor a sailor who might carry him over the immense deep, Lord, he said, if it is acceptable in this glorious sight of Thine, that I should come to the parts of the Gauls, and my Lord the pious father and most holy Doctor, namely Lord Germanus the Bishop, who baptized me in Thy sacred name, and took me up from the blessed font, may see with bodily eyes; deign now to manifest to me Thy unworthy servant a vehicle, through which I may be able to cross these immense waters. While St. Germanus was praying these things, suddenly by the divine nod a certain wheel of a wagon appeared before his feet; in Gaul sitting on the wheel of a wagon he sails: which the most prudent man ascending began to chant, saying; In the sea is Thy way O Lord, and Thy paths in many waters. Lead me O Lord, as Thou didst lead out Thy people the children of Israel through the midst of the red sea, in the hand of Thy faithful Moses and Aaron, because Thine it is both to will and to be able to help me, who alone reignest forever and ever. But the prayer being completed the most blessed man began to navigate hastily, as if he were standing in a most fortified ship.

[10] But there was on the other part of the shore of the sea a certain Judge, who at that very hour was judging the people of that district, in which the man of the Lord was carried by such a vessel. But when now the most benign sailor was approaching the land, b all the peoples seeing him, who stood before the Judge, coming alone through the midst of the waves, hastily and unanimously went on, wishing diligently to await the event of the matter. the people wondering at it But it came about when the man of the Lord had approached, that the peoples saw him sitting upon the wheel in the midst of the waves, they began vehemently to wonder, who he might be. But some of them said he was a magician, who was carried by such a vessel: but others said, no, but that he was Neptune, whom they believed to be the God of the waters. And when this altercation was among them, the man of the Lord Germanus began to address them with these words: My little sons, I am not, as you esteem, a magician or Neptune; but I am a servant of the Lord God omnipotent, who created heaven and earth, the sea and all things which are in them, and Him I worship, Him I adore, Him with the whole affection of my mind I desire, since all His judgments are just, and all His ways mercy and truth, who freed me placed in such peril, as you now see me to stand. For in very truth from the parts beyond the sea, to this your fatherland by such a vehicle the Lord deigned to bring me, that I might testify to you that you are ignorant of the good way, which in the beginning is narrow, but in the end ample and spacious, through which one comes to the kingdom replete everywhere with all comeliness and beauty, and with inestimable light; he teaches the way of life where neither mourning, nor clamor, nor pain, nor any sadness at all reclines, but there is in it not temporal joy, but perpetual, perpetual light, perpetual glory, perpetual peace, and inestimable brightness.

[11] This good and glorious way you are ignorant of, my brothers; but you know that, which in the beginning is broad and spacious, but in the end most narrow: through which one comes to the kingdom replete with all stench, where are eternal darkness, eternal mourning, eternal fire, eternal gnashing, eternal clamor, eternal misery, and intolerable roaring. This is the way which you know, and which you love, my brothers. But I wish you and beseech to leave this way, and that, and he converts them which I above said, most diligently to embrace: because then the enemy will not be able to prevail against you, and you will receive joys to remain without end. While B. Germanus prosecuted these and things like these, the whole people with the highest joy exclaimed, saying: All things which thou speakest we know to be true, and in all things we are ready now to obey, most glorious Father. Hearing these things the most blessed man glorified God, who saves all hoping in Him. The Governor too seeing what had been done, called all to him, and said: the Judge imputing it to magic, divinely punished. Why do you wish to believe the words of this malefactor? By the omnipotent Gods I swear, that he does not these things through the virtue of Christ, but imbued with magical arts he desires to weaken the minds of men. Therefore do not believe him. It came about therefore, while in a secret chamber for the cause of purging his belly he was sitting, that all his inward parts flowed away, and so the wretch ended a horrible life, because he had thought ill of the man of the Lord.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER IV.

The various miracles of St. Germanus, his Episcopate.

[12] The man of the Lord therefore wrought also another miracle exceedingly most illustrious. For there was in that same province a dragon of wondrous magnitude, a which had seven heads: in those places therefore, in which the most savage serpent reclined, no man dared to stand for fear; but the holy man coming, peace was straightway restored to all. A boy choked by the seven-headed dragon For a few days before the holy [man] of the Lord Germanus had come, a certain little boy, through hardness of heart fleeing his father and mother, while alone he wandered through the paths of the forest, it happened that choked by the breath of the dragon he straightway fell dead. Which deed was hidden from the father and mother. While therefore the man of the Lord had come to that same, as we said, province, and the Lord wrought many signs through him, there was suddenly made a concourse of all the people, together with Maximian the Prefect, crying and saying: Succor us, most pious Father, and free us from the present peril, because all the people perishes, the impious and most savage dragon resisting. To whom the holy [man] of the Lord Germanus answered: If you shall believe in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, it shall be what you ask: but if not, the most wicked dragon itself will devour you. But all again acclaimed, saying: If we shall not believe, holy Father, in the God whom thou preachest, be it according to thy word: only free us, lest we perish. To whom the man of God said: Lead me then to the place, where it is wont to lurk. Who straightway began to lead him trembling. To whom again he said: Why are you afraid? Come, and straightway you shall see bound, whom you dread. They went on therefore, and when they had come to the middle of the journey, they found the already said boy lying dead. They said therefore to the man of God: Lord, behold here by the breath of the dragon he perished. To whom he said: Fear not, for you shall see straightway briskly rise, whom dead you sigh for. And the hand of the boy being taken, he said: To thee I say boy, he raises him: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, arise. Who straightway so rose unharmed, as if he had never suffered any evil.

[13] Then they went on even to the place, in which the huge serpent lay. And when the man of God approached, straightway the most savage serpent having seen him fixed its heads in the earth, and (which also is wondrous to be said) suppliantly turned about both rows of its eyes, as if seeking indulgence for its guilt. the dragon bound with his stole he plunges into a cistern: But his stole being knotted to its neck, the holy [man] of God, all who were present being astonished, in the word of Christ led it like a tame animal, and plunged it into a certain most deep cistern, causing it to be stopped up. The fame therefore being divulged, no small populace came together from every side, and pouring forth tears from abundance of joy, with a great voice cried aloud: Great is the God of the Christians, whom Germanus preaches: one truly alone and true, in whose name we are snatched from this monster, and the boy slain by that very serpent stands unharmed, as if having suffered no evil. May the wrath of God come upon him whoever henceforth shall hold the rite of idolatry, and shall not believe in the God of the Christians. he converts Maximian the Governor, and many others, Then unanimously falling at his knees, they confess that they had gravely erred, asking that they might merit to be baptized; and renouncing the rite of gentility, more than six hundred men, by water and the Holy Spirit

were regenerated. Maximian also with his satellites was baptized with them by B. Germanus, in the name of the holy Trinity.

[14] But it is long to narrate one by one, how many through him idols and shrines in that same region were crushed, how many blind illumined, how many paralytics cured, working many miracles: how many lepers cleansed, how many dead raised. But three months and some days having stayed there, and diligently instructing them with salutary admonitions that they should persist in the faith, he withdrew from them; saying, that it behooved indeed to evangelize also to other regions. His departure those bearing ill, as sons not degenerate, many of them wished to be companions of the journey, and complaining that he so quickly left them, followed wailing. To whom the holy man promising that he would return, he migrates elsewhere life being his companion, would not admit any companion to himself; but commending them to God, and kissing them weeping, into the preaching of the Gospel of peace he set out elsewhere. Then frequently crossing the sea, beyond and on this side he ceased not with the mattocks of the word of God to cultivate the stony and thorny hearts, and God being his author he sowed b in very many a sowing of the Lord's harvest. It does not seem to be passed over in silence, how the same Blessed [man] was taken into the lot of the Apostolate, and gifted with the Episcopal fillet. For knowing for certain indeed, that he who labors more shall also receive more of reward, he dreaded the barbarism of no nation, preferring to become by the mulct of death a perfect Confessor, than to hide like a wicked servant the talent of the word of God. To the Gallic nations therefore having begun to preach, for softening the wild hearts of the rebellious for the most part he shone forth by the virtue of signs.

[15] And when very often by the idolaters he had been reviled and scourged, he suffers many things: driven from villages and towns with injury, like a strenuous athlete he yielded to no blows of temptations: but rather trusting in the power of the virtue of God, and clothed with the breastplate of justice with the helmet of faith, and the sword of the Spirit being taken up, the most ferocious nation upon the c river Moselle having attacked, he went on to go even to the metropolis Trier intrepid, he goes to Trier: where already so very great a people of the Confessors of Christ had obtained the palm of martyrdom, that d thence the rivers were reddened with the blood of the slain. But the blessed man revering indeed nothing so great a wickedness, but assiduous for gaining the peoples, like a lighted lamp set upon a candlestick shone for all. His fame of virtues everywhere going forth, e St. Severinus Archbishop of Cologne studied to summon him: and rushing into his embraces, nor suffering him to fall at his feet, I give thanks to God, he said, that I am not defrauded of thy sight, he is ordained Bishop. by whose proclamation the name of Christ is everywhere most greatly diffused. For how much thou hast already suffered for the assertion of the truth, and how much thou art about to suffer, the Lord did not conceal from me, and approves thee suitable to Himself for the lot of the Apostolate. Whence f by our authority and Apostolic receive the Pontifical fillet, and the authority of binding and loosing being received, execute the Sacerdotal ministry, and take care to found the Churches of God in the places in which they are not, or in those in which they are to furnish them with Priests and ministers. And consecrating him Bishop, for some days, in which he kept him most familiarly with himself, he abundantly thoroughly taught him the norm of the Apostolic sanctions. The Episcopal fillet therefore being given him, he was made an exemplar of virtues to those beholding him, and with ampler zeal passing through the contiguous and far-placed provinces, by founding churches, and ordaining ministers, and converting peoples to the faith, and also healing those oppressed with various languors, he showed himself such to all, that he was loved even by the Gentiles, because as a suitable physician of the languors of bodies, so reasonably he condoled with their errors.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER V.

The deeds done by St. Germanus at Rome, in Spain, in his fatherland.

[16] He seeks Rome: Moreover having firm in mind, to go round the places of the Saints, he sets out for Rome: and having entered the basilica of the Prince of the Apostles, as is the custom of the religious especially, he chanted an Antiphon over the memory of the Saints. About to say prayers he premised a versicle of the hundred and forty-ninth psalm, thus continuing: The saints shall exult in glory. And behold a voice sent forth from the inner shrines of the church, following responded: They shall rejoice in their beds. But blessed Germanus subjoined: he is honored with a secret voice: Pray for me B. Peter Apostle of God. And a voice on the other side responded from those parts where the chair of the Apostle was held: a I beg also thee, servant of God, that for me thou wouldst deign to intercede, because thou meritest to obtain, if thou shouldst ask anything from him. Finally his whole body being prostrate leaning on prayer he prayed very long with tears, and as if seized by sleep was caught into ecstasy, and saw the Apostles of God Peter and Paul standing by and saying to him: Ho brother Germanus, partner of our Apostolate, act manfully, be comforted, he is animated by SS. Peter and Paul, nor cease to sow among the people words of truth redounding with the fruit of faith, that thou mayest also become partaker of the eternal retribution. The reward indeed is already prepared for thee for the labor accomplished, but still a huge contest remains for thee for the corroborating of the faith, while thou shalt be drenched with rosy blood, by the animadversion of a hostile sword. At Rome therefore having stayed for some time, and is taught future things: he went round the places of the churches of God by day, but by night he returned to the basilica of St. b Peter, and fixing most sweet kisses on the thresholds in the church, thus with holy desire he was scarcely satiated.

[17] Of the vision therefore of the Apostles made more cheerful, and trusting in their patronage, to the work which he had begun, he returns from Rome: and as if now inspired with greater desire, into the parts of Spain he betook himself, judging that he would obtain there the palm of martyrdom. Where at the fitting time belching with honeyed throat abundantly the streams of life, which divinely he had imbibed with thirsting breast, for arousing and corroborating the tepidity of less perfect minds, and confuting the error of the unbelieving, in Spain he converts many, by the efficacy of signs he shone forth for the most part: whence many divinely inspired, even destroyed with their own hands the shrines, which they had been accustomed to worship, seeking from the man of God the gift of baptism. But the man of the Lord when the c shrines were destroyed, from the munificence and contribution of the religious straightway built churches or monasteries, ordaining ministers from the more perfect in the orthodox faith. And the more by his preaching he saw many converted; the more, that still others also might be converted, he burned with greater desire. And if anywhere he heard some deceived by error to be held captive by the snares of the devil, intrepid like a strenuous soldier, soon going round those same places, he preached with free voice the Gospel of Christ. But where his word of proclamation was altogether despised, he migrated elsewhere according to the precept of the Gospel, in testimony however shaking off upon them the dust from his feet. Matt. 10, 14 But there are very many miracles which the Lord through him in Spain deigned to work, to us indeed partly unknown, he does many miracles: but to God known. But also those which to our knowledge by the narration of the faithful have been brought, if we should wish orderly to prosecute all, the close of the day perhaps will be at hand, before the abundance of narrating should fail. For what virtues did the Lord not put forth through him, when both life to the dead, sight to the blind, gait to the paralytics, cleanness to the lepers, hearing

to the deaf, health to those oppressed by a demon or laboring with any disease whatsoever he restored. Witness is all d Toulouse, where even today the signal tokens of his virtues are commonly narrated, which there he used in his preaching.

[18] Perceiving therefore, by his own and the industry of certain other preachers, that Spain for the most part was profiting in divine love and orthodox belief, by a prosperous navigation he was carried over the waters of the British sea. Having entered also the land of his nativity, by dissembling that he was there, he returns to his fatherland, he hoped to lie hid: but his hope deceived him in this matter. For no age, no sex remained at home, going forth to meet him, because they had never hoped to see him. I am silent about his kinsmen and the Christians, the Pagans and the very Priests of the idols, and the very Lords and chief men of the kingdom flocked together, because among all the name of Germanus was already celebrated. he is received honorably by all: They strove also at least to touch the fringe of his garment, believing his touch to profit them much. He had moreover a great grace also in his countenance, which he had received from the Savior as a gift. For if anyone ignorant of him, among so great a multitude had desired to see him; with no one indicating, he both recognized the purity of his soul in his countenance, and through the mirror of the body beheld the grace of his holy mind: for always bearing a cheerful face, he plainly showed to those coming to him, that he thought of heavenly things. And if any laboring with sinister health had hastened to him, he heals many, even from far-off and more remote places, by him they were restored to health; yet no one ever complained of one vexation or detriment of the laborious journey. This too among other things of grace he obtained, that when according to the precept of the Apostle, he brought forth speech seasoned with divine salt, in the proclamation of the faith he was free of envy among the Priests of gentility. Coloss. 4, 6 Moreover when boys rushing to see him those advanced in age repelled, esteeming the assembly of the people would be a weariness to him; he admits the boys to himself. with tranquil mind he himself said: Suffer the little ones to come to me; and be ye all in malice little ones. Thus by the gift of divine grace he drew back many from the error of the Gentiles and the superstition of idols; and at the expense of his patrimony and the contribution of the faithful, he studied to found very many churches e through one and a half year, and to ordain ministers according to the custom of the Ecclesiastical order.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER VI.

Miracles at sea and in Normandy.

[19] But desiring to be now dissolved that he might be with Christ, and groaning that the palm of martyrdom was deferred to him, he disposes to return into France, which he knew still a in part given to idols. And instructing those whom he had gained for Christ about all things which are of faith, and bidding them farewell, he ascended a skiff: and ordering it to be driven higher into the deep, He saves the foundering ship, a demon being cast out: he himself indeed prostrates himself on the benches, that he might indulge his weary body a little of rest. But a bland slumber now relaxing his tired limbs, a sudden concussion of the ship was made with too great a crash, and it was almost submerged as if from too great overweight, not only the clefts gaping, but also the waves flowing in from above. Whence the sailors astonished, and seeing themselves now to be absorbed by the deep, horribly cry out with tears: Awake man of God, and succor the perishing. Who disturbed from sleep leaps up, and sang a verse of the sixty-fourth Psalm: Hear us O God our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and in the sea afar off. Psalm 64, 6 And all being looked round, he sees sitting on the stern the adversary of human salvation: and the salutary sign being given; Depart, he said, enemy of truth. Soon like smoke it vanished, leaving a most foul stench, as it were certain traces of itself. No wonder, he said, if you were in peril, who had unknowingly taken with you the rival of your salvation. But tranquillity being straightway restored, he calmed the lifeless breasts of the sailors; and those taken out of the present peril, he admonished that the peril of souls was more to be feared, and the cunning of the devil to be guarded against. Afterwards by his prayer crossing with a fortunate navigation, they arrived in the port b of Mogdunum, where to make known the merit of His servant, what the Lord wrought through him, although in uncultivated speech, we insert into our narration.

[20] A certain most noble man's daughter, a native of Mogdunum, blind from the womb of her mother, and destitute of the function of all her members. a blind and paralytic [woman cured,] She admonished in sleep that she was to be supplied healed by B. Germanus, for about seven years awaited him solicitous: but his coming being known, with what effort she could she strove to come to him. At length offered by the domestics, and by the blessed man immersed in the laver of salvation in the name of the Trinity, she obtained the supplement restoration of eyes and members, and was instructed in the purity of chastity c. Thus by the merits of the man of God given to health, she converts many: she was to many the cause of salvation: for so great a miracle being seen, a deep stupor moved the idolaters to put their necks under the yoke of Christ. Far and wide this deed became known, and the peoples flowing together in rivalry, were marked with the sign of Christ, and renouncing the devil and his pomps, with munificent contribution built churches of God.

[21] Wherever also the holy man went preaching through d Normandy, all the people went forth to meet him, because the fame of his virtues the betrayer everywhere flew before. But when he was making for the city e Bayeux, on the journey afflicted with thirst, to the Count, who presided over the city, his boys being sent he commanded, that for refreshing he would deign to send him wine. But the Count of canine tenacity, the wine of an avaricious man by imprecation he dries up; making little of the legation of the Saint, disdainfully sent them back empty. Whence the mind of the blessed man somewhat moved against the Count, he beseeches God with his companions, that the wine should altogether fail from the casks and storehouses of that man. And He who does the wills of those fearing Him and hears their prayers, did not delay the will of His servant: for so suddenly all the wine of the Count as if by vanishing failed, that not even a little drop was found in all the vessels. A miracle of this kind being discovered, a certain Gantius an illustrious man, hastily met B. Germanus with many gifts f, which he most devoutly offered him with most humble prayers. But the man of God took for himself nothing except one little Ass, he blesses the liberal: with whose sweet carriage he was afterwards content: and the Saint blessed him with his sons and daughters and all things which were of his right.

[22] And so coming to Bayeux, for certain prisoners, that they might be released, he asked, nor could he obtain it; and with too great perturbation of mind having imprecated evils on the one delaying, at Bayeux he undermines the wall with his foot, with his heel he struck the wall, and the greatest battlements of the wall in part from the foundation he undermined: which still the city itself, and all that region proclaims, and even today there appear the traces of so great ruins. But having gone forth from the city, he sees borne to be buried the dead body of a boy, he raises a dead [boy,] the parents following it with celebrated mourning. But when passing he was recognized by the running crowd, straightway before his steps the sad funeral is set down. What more? Compassionating those weeping and the tears of those praying that he would have mercy, he bent his knees to prayer, and rising the name of the Lord being invoked restored him living. And all who were present, and saw these signs, from abundance of joy weeping cried: Blessed art Thou Lord Father, and Thy son Jesus Christ with the holy Spirit, who hast given us such a Pastor, through whom Thou showest so great marvels. But when into the city the fame of this kind was brought, a sudden dread struck the minds of all, and going forth they offered many gifts to the man of God. he frees the captives. But in whose heart the whole world had withered, and to die alone was gain and to live was Christ, took nothing of these for his own uses: only twenty-four prisoners he released, and with carnal nourishment refreshed also with spiritual, and admonishing them about the salvation of souls, thus he set out on the way of the begun journey.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER VII.

The martyrdom of St. Germanus.

[23] But lest a prolix discourse be a weariness to those reading or hearing, the miracles being omitted, with which he shone in very many, how he a departed from being a man, let us succinctly explain. Therefore as we have often said, desiring to be dissolved that he might be with Christ, by Divine instinct from Normandy tending into the district of the Ambianenses, he undertook the journey: and now the day of his

dissolution being just about to be at hand, on the night preceding upon the b river Elna, in a municipality, he divinely understands that the next day he is to die: which is called c Mare-mortuum Dead-sea, he remained in lodging. Where when he had given his members to slumber, by Divine revelation he learned, what he had long wished, that on the morrow by the mulct of the sword he was to be joined to the ethereal Senate. And leaping up from sleep cheerful, and as it were master of his vow, to discharge to God the nocturnal duties he excited his companions; and the praises being finished, what remained of the night most devoutly in prayer he spent. But having gone out on the way at highest dawn, he almost went before his companions nimble, like a stag thirsting for the fountains of waters, to run ahead to the heavenly prize destined for him. Having crossed also the brow of the mountain, which is called d Old Rouen, he had his way under the walls of a tower, which even today is called e the Mansion of the tyrant Hubaldus, where at that time Hubaldus himself dwelt, by the tyrant Hubaldus, a chief worshiper of idolatry, and most bitterly hostile to the Christian religion. Which Hubaldus, as soon as the passage of the man of God became known to him, soon swelling with the bile of an envious heart, very many accomplices being called, prepares to follow his footsteps, grieving that by his proclamation the faith of Christ was everywhere insinuated.

[24] But the blessed Bishop having crossed the f river Auda, which is the middle boundary of Normandy and France, entered to pray a contiguous church of the blessed Virgin Mary; and the peoples flowing together from every side, preaching and praying because that very church was of narrow capacity, having gone out before the doors, he insisted on the word of Divine doctrine, hedged about by a multitude of the people. When meanwhile he sees that satellite of Satan, surrounded by a great band of soldiers, approaching. Certain therefore of dying, the sharp point of his eyes intent on high things, he broke forth into these words of prayer: Holy, Holy, Holy, invisible, incomprehensible, triple simplicity, and single Trinity, now is the time: take me, if it please, from the clayey hurdle of the body, nor suffer me any longer to dwell in this troublesome life. he is slain: But I commend those whom for Thee I have gained; and I pray that whoever shall be mindful of me, or in memory of me shall beseech Thee, in every business Thy mercy may be present to him. Scarcely had he completed these words, when the cruel tyrant plunged a sword into his throat, and wishing similarly to rage against the people standing by him, he drove all into flight. But a dove of snowy whiteness was seen to go forth from the body of the Saint, and even to the heavens to fly up on light wings. But the cutting off of the head he suffered on the sixth of the Nones of May.

[25] The head therefore of the blessed man being cut off, the trunk body apart lay even until the morrow, exposed to the birds and beasts, for the bloody tyrant's command also forbade the last rites of the funeral. But the precious pearl, although humanly unguarded it lay, yet the divine providence was not absent, which both effected what the lesser dreaded by the tyranny of Hubaldus, through the chief men of the kingdom. For Him whom He already glorified with Himself in the heavens, that He might also magnify among men on earth, the dead [man speaks:] in the extinct limbs of His Martyr He showed the power of His virtue. For a certain young girl was accustomed on certain days to hasten to the aforesaid church to pray, whom coming on the morrow according to custom, the mouth of the cut-off head with a living voice thus began to address: Come here, daughter, nor fear our funeral, but our hair wet and clotted with blood, with your hand take, and to the right side of our trunk body and lying apart join: nor let it grieve you, for the compassion of the human condition and the love of God, to hasten to Senardus the Prince, once familiar to me, who now is absent, not too far hence, namely in the village which from his name they call g Senardi-pons. To him therefore relate, how I lie slain by the impious executioner: and that in the same place, in which he shall find it, our little body he should commit to burial. he is buried by Senardus the Prince: Who although she at first long hesitated, yet obeyed his command sedulous. The death therefore of Germanus the Bishop being discovered, Senardus taking with him the orders of Clergy, and a religious frequency of array being assembled, no fewer bands of people likewise accompanying, hastened to come where the holy body lay. But the body of the blessed [man] somewhat advanced by Angelic guidance, in the place where the girl slain had left it, was not found. And embalming it most diligently with aromatics, in the place where he found it, in a new and wondrous sarcophagus, which he composed, the pious members of the Priest he studied to place, and to build a church above. But many virtues, he becomes illustrious by miracles. there while he was being buried, and now even, the Lord works, who lives and reigns through all ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATA.

THE HISTORY OF THE TRANSLATIONS

By the Author Lord John Cauchie lately composed, that it might be recited in the Ecclesiastical Office.

Germanus, Bishop Martyr, among the Ambianenses in Gaul (St.)

FROM MSS.

[1] When for above three hundred years the body of St. Germanus the Scot, Martyr and Pontiff, was venerated with the highest religion in the bounds of the Ambianenses, on the bank of the Augia, On account of fear of the Normans in the district which he had consecrated by his martyrdom and name; it happened that of the family of St. Benedict, which there in that place had devoted itself to the divine cult, the Prior and Religious, when they saw all things sacred and profane violated by the flames of the Danes, decreed that so great a pledge was to be carried out into a safe place. Therefore of these Religious two undertaking the journey toward the Veromandui, and having entered by night the suburb of the town a of Ribodimons, of the Laon diocese, The body brought to Ribemont, they deposit the relics in the little chapel of St. Anne, which of its own accord had opened its doors to them, as if about to invite them. The following twilight when they had impigrously given themselves to the way, after long wanderings through the whole day, to the same little chapel, whence in the morning they had departed, they were astonished that they had returned. it remains immovable. And when the following dawn they strove to lift the deposited body from the altar, it was suddenly depressed by so great a mass, that since by no force they could move it, they easily understood, that it was of God's counsel that Ribodimons should be the asylum of St. Germanus, and in turn Germanus himself should be the protection of Ribodimons. In a moment of time the fame of so great miracles spreading through the city, the whole Clergy and the Lord with all the Citizens, with no less joy than pomp, the chest of St. Germanus, it is carried into the church of St. Peter from the altar of the little chapel with no effort lifted, carried into the parish church of Divine Peter Prince of the Apostles, about the year of salvation eight hundred and fifty, on the thirteenth day of November. 13 November in the year 850. Moreover the little chapel that it might show itself grateful toward Divine Germanus, through whom it glitters with so many miracles, assumed his name, which even today it keeps.

[2] And that the Citizens with their Lord might rival in religion toward the Martyr, the head, arm, body are enclosed in silver caskets: they enclose separately the head and arm of the martyr in silver caskets, but the remaining body they deposit in a chest of equal price; where the chief miracles of the Divine [man] and his Martyrdom, on silver plates overlaid with gold, are known to be engraved. But the Lord built in his fortress an excellent church, in which Canons should daily pay fixed prayers to God, who had enriched Ribodimons with so great a treasure. A little after in the place of the Canons were substituted the nurslings of Saint Benedict, from a neighboring monastery, whose name is of Divine Nicholas b from the meadow. And that this monastery might acknowledge so great a benefit, a Benedictine monastery is joined. they chose blessed Germanus as Tutor and President of their monastery, and of their city of Ribodimons. And the sacred Orders by a solemn supplication, which the Royal Magistrate and people follow twice every year, namely on the Natal day, and on the day of the Translation proceed to the little chapel, where the relic-casket of the Martyr was first deposited. And that they may perpetually renew the memory of the miracles wrought in it, the chest where the body is, on the greater altar; but the caskets which hold the head and arm, on lower altars disposed at the side they place; fevers driven away. a great multitude of men flowing together from neighboring places, who place under the chest those vexed with various diseases, but most of all those afflicted with fevers, about to experience the help of the Martyr, which innumerable freed from their pains have perceived.

[3] In the year six hundred and fifty above a thousand c, when a hostile army was plundering Ribodimons captured, In the year 1650 nor were the faculties of the Citizens enough for the appeasing of its cupidity, it burst into the church, where the chest of the glorious Martyr had remained for this reason, because its very antiquity had hindered it from being carried out together with the caskets of the precious head and arm brought into the shrine of St. Quentin: and that, which seemed to be to the dishonor of the Divine [man], turned to the highest glory. the chest of relics preserved in the hostile irruption. For scarcely had the sacrilegious broken open the relic-casket, when a terror divinely cast struck, they rushed into flight, the silver wrapper of the chest and the little stones with which it was distinguished untouched; which the treasurer of the church there found, the bones indeed wonderful to Fara d, the most fortified citadel of the Laon diocese, more swiftly carried; but ten years after John a Canon of the Premonstratensian family, and the same Curate of the Ambianum parish, in the year 1660 some relics again brought to Ambianum, which is marked by the name of the same St. Germanus, when he wished his church, conspicuous in structure and cult, to be most holy with the Relics of its Patron, after many journeys at length was made partaker of his vow. For a not small part of the sacred bones of Germanus, consigned by public acts, he carried with him to Ambianum. Which to be exhibited publicly, both for inflaming the piety of the people toward Divine Germanus, 3 April, and for meriting the protection of the same Martyr over the pious people, Francis e the fourth Prelate of Ambianum, for his religion toward the Divine [man], granted MDCLX, on April III. they are enclosed in a silver chest And when the same Parish-priest

and the people committed to his care, for that kindled zeal of theirs toward their tutelary Saint, had prepared a silver chest, perfected with notable artifice and glittering with gold; into it the same Pontiff enclosed the most holy Relics; and with a supplication, which in the flourishing city could be as great as possible, he carried it into the Parish church consecrated to the Martyr; where after the sacrifice celebrated with Pontifical rite, he himself in a notable panegyric embraced the virtues and miracles of blessed Germanus, especially those which happened in the translations, in the year of the Lord one thousand six hundred and sixty-two. in the year 1662.

ANNOTATA.