Corcodemus

ON SAINT CORCODEMUS

DEACON, AT AUXERRE IN GAUL.

CENT. III

Corcodemus the Deacon, at Auxerre in Gaul (S.)

G. H.

The Acts of S. Amator, Bishop of Auxerre, we illustrated above on the Kalends of May, where also of the Basilica erected to his honor we treated. In this was a famous veneration of S. Corcodemus the Archdeacon, Sacred cult. whose memory is inserted on this day in the ancient apographs of the Hieronymian Martyrology, and the most ancient Epternach with these words: At Auxerre the translation and deposition of Corcodemus the Deacon. Which somewhat more fully are indicated in the MS. Corbie printed at Paris in this manner: At Auxerre the deposition and translation of the body of S. Corcodemus the Deacon and Confessor in the basilica of S. Amator. The same are read in the Blume and Lucca apographs, but in that one the name Corcodonus, and in the other, the first syllable omitted, Codomus is written. Usuard thus contracted these: At Auxerre S. Curcodemus the Deacon; there is added in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck printed in the year 1490, and Confessor. The like everywhere are read in very many MSS. but the name is variously expressed, Corcodomus, Corcodemus, Curcodemus, Curcodomus, Corcodonus, Corcodonius, Corcodinus, Cocordanus, Corobbomus. His cult also is assigned in the ancient Breviaries of the Church of Auxerre.

[2] In the MS. Ado of the Church of the Morini, and the Liège one of the monastery of S. Laurence, Eulogy from the MS. Ado is added that eulogy: At Auxerre the deposition and translation of the body of S. Corcodomus, the Deacon and Confessor: Who when he was of the holy Roman Church the Archsubdeacon, by B. Sixtus the Pope was ordained Deacon, and with S. Peregrinus the Bishop into Gaul to preach the word of God sent. Having completed therefore most faithfully the office of his ministry, after the martyrdom of the most blessed Peregrinus the Bishop, in peace he rested. Very many of these things are taken from the Life of S. Peregrinus the Bishop, on the day XVI of this month of May to be illustrated, from which these few we transcribe. Sixtus the Pope, a man conspicuous for the highest sanctity, the great and illustrious servant of God Peregrinus the Presbyter, and the Life of S. Peregrinus. a citizen indeed Roman, ordained Bishop, but Marsus the Presbyter, Corcodemus the Archsubdeacon he constituted to be Levite, and Jovianus to the burden of Subdeacon assigned … For these supreme worshippers of God the most blessed Pope Sixtus with all confidence even to the sea port leading, the word of God more specially he enjoined them even unto death confidently to preach.

[3] That the body of S. Corcodemus was translated to the basilica of S. Amator, is certain also from the Life of S. Mamertinus the Presbyter, by us elucidated on the day XX of April, and is confirmed by Constantius the Presbyter in the Life of S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre, and of S. Mamertinus, whom resting upon the sepulchre, by him written about the year CCCCLXXX, on the day XXXI of July to be given: in which these things S. Mamertinus of himself narrates: I came to the cemetery, in which they said was the little body of S. Amator the Bishop … and a small cell is shown to my eyes, in which there was one sarcophagus. I enter: upon that I cast myself, the sarcophagus, not knowing who in that rested in the sepulchre … In the dead of night watching I beheld a young man in whitened garments: who emitted a sweet-flowing voice, saying S. Corcodemus, S. Corcodemus, Levite of Christ. These heard the most blessed man Corcodemus from the sepulchre, upon which I had lain, answered: I know who you are, and your voice I hear, say, what do you wish of me, brother Florentinus. Rise, he says, swiftly. B. Peregrinus the Bishop with the other brethren, for the nocturnal vigils to be celebrated, in the church are gathered: therefore you too S. Amator admonishes, seems to have taken into his protection. that you come and be present at the holy assembly. Then B. Corcodemus said: Return quickly, sweetest brother, to the holy and most blessed Bishop, carrying back my messages. This therefore night I cannot from this tabernacle go forth, because hospitality I have afforded to a certain pilgrim. For I know what here is the besieging crowd of whelps, and preparing snares for the guest, that, I gone out, the wretch it may devour and tear apart; and if I have gone out, venomous into him teeth it will fix. Me of His vigils God defrauds not, because there are with me brethren Subdeacons two, that is, Alexander and Jovianus, as well as Jovinianus the Lector. Therefore I beseech you, that to the holy Bishops these things which to you I have spoken you refer, and from them obtain me pardon … After these things again I contemplated, how the most reverend Deacon held my right hand and said: Come with us, guest, to the Masses. As we went therefore, I saw five standing before the threshold of the altar, in most beautiful clad stoles: and I saw myself asking the most blessed Corcodemus, who were those, who before the altar assisted. And he said to me: He who in the midst stands, is S. Peregrinus the Bishop and Martyr, and to the holy Bishops of Auxerre to have led, with whom from the city of Rome I too was sent by the command of Pope Sixtus. Those two, who to the right side adhere, are Amator and Marcellianus the Bishops; who to the left, are Elladius and Valerianus most holy, who the most blessed Peregrinus by degrees succeeded. Thus there. From these are venerated also this month S. Marcellianus on the thirteenth day, Elladius on the eighth, and Valerianus on the sixth. But Sixtus is Pope II, by whom SS. Peregrinus and Corcodemus were sent: but how long this one after the martyrdom of Peregrinus lived, is not clear.

[4] Galesinius adjoins companions with these words: At Auxerre of the blessed Martyrs Curcodomus the Deacon, Antony, Wrongly to him companions martyrs adjoined. Cælestinus and others. Galesinius is described by Saussay, with a marvelous eulogy added, which there can be seen, nor worthy of relation. Cælestinus is the leader of the Martyrs of Africa, on this day celebrated. Antony with Nestorius and Mictonius on this day suffered. But Curcodomus alone at Auxerre in peace rested, on the testimony of Ado above related, whom Galesinius cites with his MS. but very much corrupted.