ON S. FLORIANUS, CHIEF OF THE OFFICE, AND COMPANION MARTYRS AT LAURIACUM,
IN RIVERSIDE NORICUM, OR UPPER AUSTRIA.
UNDER DIOCLETIAN
PrefaceFlorianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)
Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria
BY THE AUTHOR G. H.
Noricum, in Western Illyricum in the Notitia of the Empire under Constantine the Great and his posterity included; is reckoned that region, which from the Oenus river, the boundary of the Rhætias and Vindelicia, to the Pannonias even extended, In Riverside Noricum divided into Riverside Noricum and Mediterranean Noricum. Each under its own Governor or Prefect stood: and Riverside Noricum was neighboring to the Danube, whose city chief was Lauriacum, the Seat of the Governor or Prefect, and for the first Christians Episcopal. at Lauriacum now Lorch, But this city by Attila destroyed, the Chair was to Passau translated. A vestige of the city of Lauriacum is preserved in the village Lorch, as Laurich and Lorich, whence contracted Lorch, in Upper Austria, not far from the inrush of the Anasus or Anesus river into the Danube, where also the town Anasum or Ensium, commonly Enss, which from the citadel of Lauriacum constructed is reckoned. This place was the wrestling-ground of martyrdom for S. Florianus, Chief of the Office, whose dignity in the cited Notitia of the Western Empire thus is explained: S. Florianus, Chief of the Office, suffered, The Office has the worshipful man the Duke of Pannonia the first in this manner: a Chief of the same body, and the rest of the Officials. We do not doubt but that under Diocletian there was in the said Noricum a similar Office, whose Chief was S. Florianus: unless with Pancirolo and others Pannonia a part be called Noricum, and so be established S. Florianus the Chief of the Office in the said at the same time Pannonia, in whose confine and boundary was the Cæcian fortification, in which resided S. Florianus.
[2] remembered in the sacred Calendars. The sacred memory of S. Florianus exists in the Martyrology of B. Rabanus, from Abbot of Fulda in the year DCCCXLVII created Archbishop of Mainz, whose these are the words: On the fourth Nones of May the Passion of S. Florianus the Martyr, in the time of Diocletian and Maximian the Emperors, the most wicked Governor Aquilinus raging, at Riverside Noricum: who when he saw himself overcome by Florianus, ordered him to undergo a capital sentence, and to be led to the river Anesus, and there to be cast headlong from the bridge. These things Rabanus: before whom of the same Saint the memory had been inserted in the ancient Hieronymian Martyrology, but the reading of the place ill perturbed was with these words, And in Nuricopense of places, for in Riverside Noricum at the place Lauriacum: as these in the Martyrology
of Ado are emended in this manner: On the same day in Riverside Noricum at the place Lauriacum of S. Florianus, who by the command of the Governor and presently, all who stood around seeing, the eyes of his caster-down burst. Like things have Usuard, Bellinus, Maurolycus, Molanus, and others with the present Roman Martyrology. But greater encomia exhibit Notker, Canisius, Galesinius, and others, which from the very Acts of the Martyrdom are taken.
[3] The ancient Acts of the passion of S. Florianus various we have obtained: but those we esteem first, Double Acts are given from MSS. which in the first place we give from the codex MS. Utrecht of S. Salvator, and the Legend of the Saints of Poland, in the year MDXI at Cracow printed, collated with the Acts of S. Florentius who in Gaul suffered, of whom below we shall treat. The same Acts but more contracted exist in the very old MS. Trier of the monastery of S. Maximinus, and another Passional MS. Bödeken in the diocese of Paderborn of Westphalia: of which a part with the same words exists in the Breviary of Passau, in the year MDV printed. The same, but with diction somewhat unpolished, edited Surius. Other Acts somewhat more recent we subjoin, from the codex MS. of the Charterhouse of Gaming, to us by John Gamans submitted, and it is noted that the history of the martyrdom was gravely composed and written: the miracles nevertheless about the end to seem by another adjoined: of which some compendium, but with other things mixed in, edited John Cuspinian in his Austria, near the end, where S. Florianus among the Patrons of Austria he reckons: The patronage of Austria and neighboring Dioceses, and as such he is reported in the proper Offices of the Saints of the Cathedral Church and of the whole diocese of Vienna, which we have in the year MDCXXXII printed, in which some compendium of the Life, into three lessons divided and at Matins in the second Nocturn wont to be recited, is exhibited; which same is reported in the Proper of the Saints of the diocese of Passau, in the year MDCVIII printed. The same Saint's memory to be celebrated in the diocese of Regensburg and Salzburg, we know from the proper Offices of the same Churches.
[4] A memorable monument of him also produced Matthew Rader volume 1 of Bavaria sancta page 18, a temple and monastery of S. Florianus. when among other things he reports the following: There was founded to his memory an illustrious temple: there was added in later ages a monastery, for the companions of D. Benedict to inhabit: which thence again, the age reducing all things into antiquity, by Angelbert the Bishop of Passau restored, to those professing D. Augustine's discipline assigned, which finally Altmann the Prelate again falling to ruin, into greater splendor brought, by posterity S. Florianus called. These things Rader. The same confirms Wiguleus Hund in the Bishops of Passau, asserting Engelbert, above Angelbert, to have sat from the year of Christ MXLV until the year MLXV, and the monastery of S. Florianus by the Hungarians destroyed, by him repaired and to the Canons of S. Augustine restored. Then he adds by Altmann, his successor, in the year MLXXX the monastery of S. Florianus with marvelous severity reformed. There is there even now a Provostry of the Canons Regular of S. Augustine, midway between the cities Linz and Steyr.
[5] Adds the above-praised Rader, that in the very church of S. Florianus his whole life in fifteen subjects to be viewed represents; Miracles and the eleven prior images in the Acts sufficiently are explained, in the rest these are indicated: A fountain by the sick drunk to not a few was for health. Soon at his buried Relics a dead man into life returned. The two last effigies admonish by the example of a charcoal-burner, into the midst having fallen of a fire, and by the vows of S. Florianus snatched out, that he against the perils of fires a present protection is. And because a Tribune or Centurion he was the histories hand down, chiefly in protection against fire. also in warlike tumults his vows and aid are to be sought, nor have been in vain demanded. These things Rader from the letters of Sebastian von Adelzhausen, Prefect of that toparchy, to him sent. Andreas Brunner book 4 of the Annals of Bavaria, the martyrdom of S. Florianus reported, adds; that to the fury of fires raging against roofs the name of Florianus to this day is opposed; and by many proofs in every age it has been shown, that this protection to houses against flames was for safety. Hence such a deprecation to S. Florianus, after the Acts of the martyrdom, written is found: O Martyr holy Florianus, guard us by night and morning, from the harmful fire's hurt and from all confusion of the world.
[6] In the Cathedral Churches and dioceses of Vienna and Passau is celebrated under a double rite the feast of SS. Florianus and his companion Martyrs, Companion Martyrs. and the Prayer is recited from the Common of many Martyrs: God who grantest us the birthdays of Thy holy Martyrs Florianus and his companions to venerate. That these are the XL Martyrs, below in the Acts reported, indicates Peter de Natalibus book 4 of the Catalogue chapter 125; and asserts that shut up and with want afflicted, at length in prison they gave up the spirit. The same is handed down in the Compendium MS. of the Acts, from the indicated Charterhouse of Gaming to us transmitted. But the remembered Brunner, Forty, he says, his fellow-soldiers through various of cruelty examples drawn, with bodies lacerated, the faith entire and unconquered souls to the triumph with him carried. Those forty Martyrs celebrate Richard Whitford in the Martyrology in English printed, and Canisius in the German, and others. Another controversy is moved from the Acts of S. Florentius the Presbyter, who at Roye and at Saumur in Gaul is venerated on September XXII, Whether his brother S. Florentius the Presbyter? and is believed to have died about the year CCCC. Of him the Acts we have obtained from four MS. codices, and they are said to be written under the grandsons of Charles the Great in the ninth century of Christ: in which it is established that S. Florentius was the brother of S. Florianus, and with him in Riverside Noricum served as a soldier, and torments for the faith bore: but when he was with him into the river to be cast, by an Angel commanded into the Gauls to go, to the Sacerdotal consecration from S. Martin to be received. Of these a compendium exists in Mombritius and Vincent book 12 of the Speculum Historiale chapter 68. But these things to us are less approved, both on account of the deepest about this S. Florentius in the chief Acts of S. Florianus silence, and because the times agree not, since under his martyrdom S. Martin not yet to have been born is certain. Accordingly we doubt whether from the Acts of S. Florianus those were stitched on by the author, who the Acts of S. Florentius, as he prefaces, succinctly written amplified. But these will be more diligently to be sifted on the said September XXII.
ACTS
From various MS. codices and the Legend of the Saints of Poland printed.
Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)
Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria. BHL Number: 3054
FROM MSS.
In those days, under Diocletian and Maximian the Emperors, was made a persecution of the Christians, when in diverse contests contending the Christians, the punishments inflicted by the tyrants with devoted mind for the Lord they received, In the persecution of Diocletian, that of the promises of Christ partakers they might be made. a Then certain ones in the mountains and rocks hid themselves, but certain ones in caves of the rocks lurked, and so through many punishments from this life were freed. Then, sanctity and faith through patience their athletes b crowned and through victory to life everlasting led. Then the impious Judges, commanded by the Emperors, the contest against the soldiers of Christ waged: but the athletes bravely labored and overcame their madness; the venerable faith indeed in all things conquered. Therefore in those days when there had come of the sacrilegious Princes the precept at Riverside Noricum, administering c Aquilinus the Governor; then arriving the governor in the camp of Lauriacum began vehemently to inquire for the Christians, by Aquilinus the Governor of Riverside Noricum, and were apprehended certain of the Saints to the number of forty: who very long contending, and with many punishments tortured, were put into prison. To whose confession d B. Florianus rejoicing approached: forty Christians being taken who when he dwelt at e the city Cetia, hearing the fame of the Saints who agonized for Christ, said to his own: It behooves me to Lauriacum to walk to the Governor, and there for Christ's name diverse punishments to sustain. And bidding farewell to his own he undertook the journey.
[2] But when he had come not far from Lauriacum, entering the bridge by which the river is wont to be crossed, he was met with those with whom before he had served as a soldier, who sent had been to persecute the Christians. S. Florianus of his own accord offers himself to the lictors: And when them he asked whither they went, they said to him: Hast thou not heard the precepts of the Emperors which have come to the Governor, where they command all men libations to the gods to offer and present, but those who will not, with diverse punishments to perish? These hearing B. Florianus, said: Brothers and fellow-soldiers, why others do you seek? If you wish, take me, because truly a Christian I am, and here in your presence I am. But they these hearing, he refuses to sacrifice to the gods at once apprehended him led to the Governor, saying: Why others do we seek? for the first and Chief of our Office Florianus to him: Florianus, why are these things of thee said? Come, sacrifice to the gods, like me or thy fellow-soldiers, that thou mayest live with us, and not with the contemners be punished according to the precepts of the Emperors. B. Florianus answered: This I certainly am not about to do: but what to thee is commanded, exercise. Then the Governor moved on the way, force to him to be brought commanded, that even unwilling he should sacrifice. he implores divine aid: But blessed Florianus raised his voice to the Lord, and said: Lord God mine, in Thee I have hoped, and Thee to deny I cannot; but to Thee I serve as a soldier, and to Thee I offer a sacrifice of praise: protect me Thy right hand, because Thy name is blessed in heaven and earth. Lord, give me of enduring strength, and receive me among Thy holy and elect athletes, who before me converted and confessed name Thy holy f. Confirm me, that Thee I may praise and to Thee bless: because Thou art blessed unto the ages. Amen.
[3] But Aquilinus the Governor these things hearing, derided him, a full confession of the faith he makes. saying: Why foolishly dost thou speak, and deridest the precepts of the Kings? B. Florianus answered: I indeed, when human soldiery I exercised, secretly worshipped my God: whence nevertheless could not the devil me draw away. But now thou of my body indeed power hast, but my soul to touch thou canst not: for God alone over it has power. To thy command moreover I obey as much as becomes a soldier: but this to me no one will be able to persuade, that to idols I should sacrifice: for I those phantasms do not adore. But in wrath and fury turned the Governor, ordered him with cudgels to be beaten. Florianus said: So much be angry, as in my body thou seest thyself to have power, or as much as to thee is granted. But if thou wilt know that I fear not thy torments, a fire kindle; and in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ I ascend upon it. But the soldiers began him
to beat. The blows inflicted with cheerful countenance he receives But when they beat him, says to him the Governor: Sacrifice to the gods, Florianus, and free thyself from the torments. B. Florianus answered: I a true sacrifice offer now to the Lord Jesus Christ, who me has deigned even to this hour to lead, and to this exaltation in which now I am. These the holy man saying; ordered him the Governor again to be beaten. But when B. Florianus was being beaten, so cheerful a countenance he showed, as if in joy or in great gladness he were established. and the laceration of his shoulders: Then the Governor ordered his shoulders with sharp irons Florianus the more glorified God, and always himself
[4] Then the most wicked Governor, when himself overcome to be he saw in all things, gave him a sentence, and ordered him to be led to the river Anesus, and there to be cast headlong from the bridge, on the fourth Nones of May. But blessed Florianus the given against him sentence of this kind rejoicing, they are ordered to be cast headlong into the river: and exulting into life eternal, which the Lord promised to those loving Him, so cheerful went on, as if to a laver he were led h. But when he had come to the place where they had him to cast, they bound to him a stone to the neck. But B. Florianus was asking the soldiers who held him, that they would permit him to pray to the Lord. But standing B. Florianus against the East, extending his hands to heaven, said: Lord Jesus Christ, and the prayer made he is submerged. receive my soul. Then bending his knees he prayed about the space of one hour, so that they feared and dreaded him to touch who had led him. Then arriving a youth, full of the rage of cruelty, said to the soldiers: Why do you stand and do not the command of the Governor? And these saying he cast him headlong from the bridge into the river: and at once his eyes burst.
[5] But the river receiving the martyr of Christ was affrighted, and its waves raised, The body carried to a rock, by an eagle is protected: in a certain more eminent place on a rock his body deposited. Then by the assent of divine favor, arriving an eagle, with its wings spread in the manner of a cross him protected. But B. Florianus manifested himself to a certain woman, in heart to God devoted; and admonished that she should bury him in the ground in a more secret place: and with certain indications designated to her the place where she should bury him, or where she to burial should deliver him. But the woman this vision having learned yoked the animals, and to the river hastened: and the body seeking found, and upon in shrubs and leaves she wrapped him, feigning herself as to a little garden to be enclosed to lead. But as she led to the place where to her he had designated, it was made that the animals were wearied by the too great heat of the sun, and they stood, so that they could not walk nor proceed further. Then the woman with anxious mind prayed to the Lord, that to her divine mercy would come to aid. And at once in that same place a most abundant fountain burst forth, and to the testimony of the holy Martyr perseveres even unto the present day, in which the animals healed began further to walk. So she came to the place where to her himself he had revealed, and where him the woman, on account of the eminent and most bitter persecution, under the ground deposited k: in which place are made great healings, the sick are healed, those fevered are cured, the possessed are freed, and all who from faith shall have besought, mercy will obtain l. But done were these things in the time of Diocletian and Maximian the Emperors, acting the most wicked Governor Aquilinus; reigning Our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory and power unto the ages of ages. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
OTHER ACTS
From the MS. of the Charterhouse of Gaming.
Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)
Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria. BHL Number: 3058
FROM MSS.
[1] Florianus, by race a Teutonic, of the Imperial soldiery through Eastern Bavaria a Chief was. For it is found in the Chronicle, that when the whole world to the Romans was subject, [S. Florianus Chief of the soldiery in Riverside Noricum ] they had in every region a soldiery, to their obedience for an annual stipend appointed; that if ever a region or some province to the Roman power to rebel should presume, the soldiery of the various regions, the audacity of those repugnant forthwith would refrain. Whence when Eastern b Bavaria (which formerly Riverside new, but now c Austria is called, whose boundaries from the Oenus river even to the confines of Pannonia extend) to the Roman was subject Empire; as through Governors, who to the city of Lauriacum by them were sent, plainly is shown; they had in the same province a copious soldiery. And because S. Florianus in dignity of estate and family the rest surpassed, the Chieftaincy of the same soldiery he merited to obtain. For he was residing in the camp, which then d Cecia, but now Zeizelmaur is called: which with all its appurtenances by divine ordination yielded to the Church in possession; that as with the treasure of his Relics it was adorned; so also with the holding of his estates it was enriched: and that which living in his own person he had used, in the same also dead through his servants he might enjoy.
[2] In those times the gentile savagery two boars sent forth most savage, Diocletian namely and Maximian, who with nefarious teeth the vineyard of the Lord to destruction might devastate. in the persecution of Diocletian, For when there yielded to the same the care of the monarchy to be governed; soon with the Imperial fasces swelling, ardently they desired that race elect from the midst to take away, which the renowned mother Church to the heavenly Spouse joined had begotten. Wherefore the gentiles rage and the peoples meditate vain things, and the Kings into one come together against Christ. under the Governor Aquilinus Then the Emperors sent an edict into all provinces and kingdoms, that whosoever to Christ divinity should ascribe, the loss of death under diverse punishments should suffer. Of this command therefore the executor was a man unbridled, a savage beast, of human blood greedy, by name Aquilinus, who when the bounds of the Norici the Governor's Office discharging he entered, to search everywhere began the dwellings of the faithful, like a lion roaring, seeking whom he might devour. Entering at length full of cruelty the noble camp of Lauriacum (which by abundance of riches, by valor of arms, by the multitude of the people, by the amplitude of the walls, by the celebrity of fame, so the rest excelled, that scarcely the Roman citadel to be preferred to it it suffered) began to persecute and to bind all, who themselves Christians professed. Apprehended therefore was a great multitude of the faithful: after a great multitude of the faithful was taken who before the Tribunal of the judge being set, ready they were for the faith of Christ to all demanding to render a reason; not those fearing, who power have of the corruptible mass of the body to dissolve, but rather Him who besides the body also the soul to send is able into gehenna. And because no kind of torment their adamantine breasts could change, therefore they mocked the empty efforts of the Governor, his threats and promises to a light wind most like reckoning. Wherefore he orders some to be slain, some to be thrust back into prison, until he should devise, by what of torments endeavors of the solace of the present life they might be deprived, if his commands to obey they should contemn. Spread abroad therefore a rumor through the whole circuit of the region of the Martyrs' glorious contest.
[3] Meanwhile Florianus, the renowned soldier of Christ, flourishing as a palm exalted, kindled with desire of martyrdom, and as a cedar in Lebanon sprouting, to earthly things by a slender root clung, ready the opportunity being got the precious pearl of the heavenly Kingdom all things sold to procure, and Christ's footsteps naked to follow. For the vows of the Christian religion covered the ornaments of secular soldiery, after the likeness of grain under chaff lurking. Who when at the city Cecia honorable, as is said, he was held; he heard how Aquilinus the Governor with rash daring the Confessors of the Christian name with dire of stripes torments rooted out: and condoling from the marrow their innocence, with desire soon is kindled of suffering; that as he went before in dignity transitory, so he might excel in the everlasting. For compassionate charity in his heart this had effected, that rather of the present life he would be deprived, taking with him forty Christian soldiers than the dire slaying of the faithful's hearing lamentable to endure. With such desires therefore inflamed, his remaining companions faithfully he exhorts; that to his own and likewise sending forth by hand, the journey with forty soldiers in haste he undertook, his own land as Abraham leaving behind. Approaching moreover the walls of Lauriacum, where the Saints the winepress treading of martyrdom, their garments with ruddy blood had sprinkled; he saw the messengers of the aforesaid tyrant from afar to advance, ready in the manner of little foxes the vineyard of the Lord with nefarious bites to demolish. Whom when upon the bridge of the Anesus undaunted he had met, the cause of their swift journey he inquires. To whom with placid countenance, as to a reverend man, forthwith they answered: he meets the lictors, Hast thou not known that the Roman Princes, decrees sent, the whole world with such have bound, that everywhere of places the majesty of the gods, through whom the Roman power flourishes and the commonwealth increase receives, with sacrifices ought to be honored? Moreover to be apprehended they order certain madmen, who Christ ignominiously crucified worship, and our gods most invincible contemning, their temples assert to be overthrown: and unless from the sacrilegious superstition they shall cease, and our gods shall adore, with diverse punishments they shall perish. The Governor therefore directed us, that of this sect the sacrilegious we should search out, and bound to his sight present. Forthwith the Martyr undaunted, he professes himself a Christian: because he desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ; said to the legates: Brothers and fellow-soldiers, if you seek the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, who from the heavens to the earth coming by His death the empire of death overcame, and the human race as announce to the Governor, that I a Christian am, and here at hand I am. Moreover let the Governor know, that
to that God alone I serve as a soldier, and all hard things to suffer for His love I desire.
[4] These heard the soldiers, who had been sent, with gall moved, stopped their ears, like the deaf asp, which closes its ears, that it cannot hear the voice of the enchanter charming wisely. presented to the Judge, And apprehending him they presented to the aforesaid Judge, saying: What else do we seek? Behold Florianus the Chief of our Office, by a malign suggestion deceived, confesses himself to be like a barren fig tree, which fruit does not bear, but the ground uselessly occupies, envying also another's fertility, against him with too great fury is inflamed: he is not moved by flatteries or threats, condescending nevertheless to his nobility, with bland first discourses him he approaches, if perhaps so he could him from his purpose recall. But he in his vow immutably persisting, with the harshest terrors of threats he strives to bend his heart to the sacrifices of idols. Which terrors of threats also being in vain expended commanded Aquilinus, that according to the Imperial precepts the great Jupiter more swiftly he should adore, otherwise as a rebel against the Empire more grievously he would be punished. But he, because a living and pleasing to the Lord himself he had given a holocaust, the simulacrum of Jupiter spurned, saying to the Governor: I will not worship thy stones, of the honor of deity empty: but thou, who art stony, and of reason like stones art destitute, to stony gods owest honor to expend. Then the Governor with wrath filled, orders him unwilling to be dragged to the sacrifice, if perhaps so he could be overcome. But blessed Florianus with eyes raised to heaven prayed, saying: Lord Jesus Christ, he invokes Christ before all hope and the highest salvation of all invoking Thee, in Thee I have hoped and Thee to deny I cannot: but to Thee I serve as a soldier, and of praise to me of enduring strength. Receive me to Thy holy Athletes, who before me converted, confessed name Thine. Clothe me, Lord, with the white stole of Thy virtue: confirm Thy Holy Spirit in me, and permit me not to be changed by the devil, since the counsel of the malignant has besieged me, and the fat bulls to tear me apart desire. But Thou, pious Shepherd, the shield of Thy protection take, and Thou come to the aid of Thy recruit: because Thou art blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
[5] Soon a fervid flame kindled the breast of the Judge, full of the tinder of wraths, with cudgels he is beaten, in that no to his precepts reverence he saw to be shown. He ordered therefore that the sides of him with his back with cudgel-blows strongly should be beaten. But when longer he was beaten, so a countenance cheerful he showed forth, as if a refreshment he enjoyed. And wishing an example of his constancy to the faithful to afford, he said to the Governor: Of my body the power thou hast; but not of the soul. Therefore harm as much as thou canst: because in no way to thy precepts will I acquiesce. But that thou mayest know that thy torments I dread not, a fire vehement to be kindled command, and upon it in the name of my God secure I will walk. Then the Governor, amid the dire torments of stripes, to him again was persuading, that to the gods he should offer libations, ready to walk through fire. and said to him: Florianus most friendly, assent to my precepts, and with immense gifts I will honor thee. B. Florianus answered: To thy command I obey as much as becomes a soldier. But far be it from me, that to demons I should sacrifice or, their phantasms adore. Moreover thy words, as full of mockery, I spurn: but Christ the true God I adore, whom also I worshipped when still human soldiery I exercised.
[6] After these things orders him the Tyrant much more grievously to be cudgeled, still more grievously he is cudgeled, that that precious stone more polished, into the structure of the supernal Jerusalem more apt might be made. But neither could he be overcome: since the interior man of so great contemplation the sweetness had tasted, that the exterior the blows inflicted least felt. Then the most wicked Aquilinus more sharply raging, ordered the shoulders of the holy man with iron hooks to be torn out by the roots. with iron hooks he is lacerated, But God Himself to him with His shoulders so overshadowed, that all kinds of punishments he reckoned for nothing: nay for Christ's name with the sword of faith strenuously fighting, the profane torturers utterly he confuted.
[7] But seeing the Governor, that him to overcome he could not, sharpening his tongue, like a sword, he raged and said: Behold this magician than us stronger appears, and unless with the sentence of dire death he be pressed, with magic studies the whole people he will subvert: and what is worse, the superstitious presumption of the Christians so will be strengthened, that the temples of our gods be destroyed, and there be made a last error worse than the former: the sentence of death received he exults: more therefore it is fitting one man to be slain, than the whole people into error to be led. Forthwith he gave against him a sentence saying; Let a stony mass be hung on his neck, and let him be cast headlong from the bridge into the river Anesus: that his followers by this punishment terrified, from their folly may recover. Thus the stony Aquilinus, for love of the stony gods, with a stone punishes the Athlete of Christ most brave, while to the stones to offer libations he spurns. Blessed therefore Florianus, the sentence of death over him given, rejoicing and exulting went to the place of punishment: since to life he believed himself to come eternal. But when the middle of the bridge, where to be cast headlong he had been ordered, he had reached; he prays with hands spread, they hung on his neck a stone most heavy: the ministers nevertheless of the nefarious crime, overcome by the prayer of the Martyr, of praying space granted. And standing against the parts of the East, with hands spread to God he offered on the altar of his heart of pure prayers the holocausts: because the fervor of divine love his breast with a living flame already had kindled. But the Lord gave so great power to the prayers within himself poured, that the savage torturers their hands feared to put upon him. And when of praying space of one hour about already he had completed, running up saying: Why here all day in idleness do you tarry? Why the unconquered Governor's commands do you neglect: Are also you with the sacrilegious dogma corrupted? And rushing upon him furious, the most brave wrestler of Christ, in prayer standing, and the mass of the stone on the neck bearing, cast into the river. Forthwith by the just judgment of God a punishment merited for the daring of so great a crime he received: he is cast headlong from the bridge into the river. for his eyes burst, that the interior blindness of the heart by the exterior gloom manifest might be made. But the Martyr to the depths falling, received the wave stupefied the venerable body of the falling one; and into the high itself raising, the minister of the casting-down deprived of his eyes. on the summit of a certain stone placed it. And so by God's providence it was made, that to the Martyr holy having suffered for the rock Christ, through the hanging of a heavy rock, was given a place of rest on an eminent rock. And soon the hardness of the rock by the Divine nod into itself along the length of the Martyr bent, a place for the holy body of resting granted, just as at present is discerned. Which done Christ, the most firm guardian of His beloved, a guardian for him from heaven an eagle destined; that through a bird of reason destitute, the irrational acts of the mad Governor He might confute. His body by an Eagle is guarded, Which as a guardian most faithful, not devouring, but conserving the lifeless body; of the salvific Cross the sign with wings spread over it expressed: that the creature rational it might detest, which the faith of Christ to evacuate strove, and the mystery of the Cross abhorred.
[8] Then a certain religious widow, by name f Valeria, with the gift of all virtues most rich, by Valeria the widow to be buried he is carried away. by B. Florianus through a vision admonished, the most sacred body secretly to be buried snatched. And because the rage of the Gentiles she dreaded, in that she was still a lamp hidden under a bushel, she wrapped around the reverend body and treasure with shrubs and leaves, and on a vehicle places it, as if her garden with the aid of a hedge she would dispose to fortify. And although that star most bright, with little branches hidden, an eclipse of the body suffered; with miracles nevertheless with rays she gleamed. For when that faithful matron her journey for fear of the Gentiles to hide strove; the animals, which the holy body drew, the animals are wearied, with thirst and heat wearied, when they had come almost to the place, where the Martyr himself to be buried had shown, so failed, that further to proceed they could not. But the prudent woman, sending her hand to strong things, the help of divine mercy suppliantly demanded, saying in these words: Lord Jesus Christ, whose gifts are at hand to all, who with pure heart Thy suffrages ask: be present to me Thy handmaid, and make me the begun journey to finish. Soon Christ's benignity, which His Saints magnifies, willing also the venerable Relics of the aforesaid Martyr with glory to adorn, ordered to burst from the earth But this therefore, that through all elements the sanctity of the glorious Martyr might be proved. For the water, into the high raising itself, by which the animals refreshed, recover their strength. the sacred body reverently on the rock's summit placed: the rock's hardness, from the element of fire proceeding, into itself bent, a place of resting granted: the air an eagle as guardian directs: the earth from the abyss sufficiently the animals, the precious burden bearing, of the begun course of the journey without the obstacle of weariness they accomplished.
[9] But the said widow coming to the place to her divinely assigned, the body is buried: with due devotion delivered it to ecclesiastical burial with haste, on account of the impending most bitter persecution's dread. And that with ampler reverence the body buried might be venerated on the earth, the Lord showed near his tomb very many miracles, how celebrated in the court of the heavenly fatherland he was held. For as many sick thither flowed together, the benefit of health received. But done were these things about the year of the Lord the Emperors.
[10] In a certain monastery to him dedicated, the birthday of the aforesaid Martyr was kept: to which solemnity when a very great multitude of men from diverse regions had flowed together, There is healed suddenly one grievously wounded, a certain Soldier also for devotion's sake, having mortal enmities, arrives. Who when by his enemies in the cemetery with most grievous wounds had been hurt; by force compelled to the monastery he fled, falling before the altar half-alive. Where when for a little he had rested, all marveling he rose unharmed, all the wounds healed.
[11] When a certain client a certain chapel, in honor of the aforesaid Martyr consecrated, the burner of the chapel of S. Florianus suddenly dies: with a violent arm for plunder's sake had broken; and evil to evil adding, after the despoiling with fire utterly had devastated; into the service of his Lord again he betook himself. And when he stood before him as if secure, a cup holding in his hand, by divine judgment suddenly he fell, and the spirit breathed out. But that chapel a long time without the benefit of restoration existing, it happened that to that chapel was contiguous, so grievous the Abbacy to abandon he was compelled. the restorer receives the dignity of Abbot, At the same time a certain monk of the same Order, who B. Florianus specially loved, by some chance supervening, heard of the chapel's desolation, and of the Abbot's deposition. And calling him, who deposed had been, counsel
to him gave, that to God and B. Florianus he should promise, that the ruined chapel he would restore, and without doubt the grade he would receive of his former dignity. Who when a vow of this kind he had emitted, and also afterward had completed; to his former honor in a brief space he merited to be elevated.
[12] When three thieves a certain chapel of S. Florianus intended to despoil, nor entrance could have through the door; The Image against the thief turns itself. one of them by the roof broken leaped in: and seeking an instrument, by which the lock he might break, that for the rest of his companions he might prepare an entrance; to whatever part the thief turned, thither also the image of the aforesaid Martyr turned itself. Which when the thief considered and stood stupefied, he is rebuked by his companions outside standing, why delay he made in opening: and narrating to them the vision, the chapel's despoilers two being extinguished, they ordered that the face of the image, with the altar's cloth he should veil, that it could not behold what he did. Using therefore their counsel, the companions he let in, who carried away thence whatever they wished: and when not far from the church they had departed, one of them, who the face of the image to veil had ordered, into fury turned, miserably expired. But the other on a horse sitting, into the Danube himself cast, and so life ended. the third is amended. But the third who within had been, seeing the vengeance divine, compunct in heart to the Priest hastens, and to him all things which were done in order confesses.
[13] A certain religious woman so long a time had been sick, that of the strength of body altogether destitute, There are healed the use even of her feet she could not have. And when thus she lay, she saw a dream, as if a multitude of the languishing near the fountain of S. Florianus rested, a nun of the strength of body destitute, and health from heaven awaited. But these making a stay there some little while, one of the sick cried saying: The benefit of cure we receive not, unless first there come such a woman, by name expressed. But awaking the woman to the Priest the vision recites, and that her to the fountain to be led he should cause, and a Mass for her of the aforesaid Martyr he should perform, more earnestly entreats. The Priest therefore her petition satisfying, her to be carried over, and at the fountain to be deposited ordered: he indeed the office of the Mass began. Wonderful to say! About the middle of the Mass, the woman to her knees raised herself, and after that she who by the hands of the bearers supported had entered, the office completed, through the merits of the aforesaid Martyr, to the cloister without aid returned.
[14] When a certain workman, there where the Saint is buried, from the wall of the monastery had fallen; from a fall having suffered a rupture in the genitals, and with broken genitals with most vehement pain weighed down, in the monastery resided; the others going out, he himself outside to go forth could not. Wherefore to the altar in the midst of the monastery placed he bowed himself: where when for a little time he had rested, he rose sound, no thenceforth from the same rupture grievance feeling.
[15] These and other benefits which to enumerate long it would be, the Lord through the merits of B. Florianus daily works. Therefore, most blessed Florianus, of purple innocence the flower; at the eventide of mortal life, The Saint is invoked: which dawns to the Saints into rest; at the end of the course of the present stadium, while the prize is received of the merciful God; to us slowly running, by thy faith, hope and charity, that to the kingdom we may come supernal, succor now and forever. Which to us to grant may deign the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
sailed, might be doubted. Known is Florianus who to his brother Tacitus the Emperor having endeavored to succeed, within sixty days died, living then S. Florianus.
the ancient dominion of the Norici, and S. Florianus among the Bavarian Saints by Rader book 1 of Bavaria sancta and Andreas Brunner book 4 of the Annals of the Boii and others is reported: and to him S. Tozzo Bishop of Augsburg in Waltenhofen, on the river Lycus in Bavaria, built a church in the 7th century, of which consult the Life of S. Tozzo January 16 number 10. Of the Boii's vestiges over the Anisus in Austria treats Lazius on the Migrations of nations book 7 page 227.
between the mountain Kalenberg and the Abendwerth, not far from the town Tulln, 4 German leagues distant from Vienna. Consult Lazius book 12 of the Roman Republic section 7 chapter 9, Merian in the Topography of Austria, and others.
taken asserts Cuspinian. But 40 soldiers in the prior Acts before Lauriacum taken, with many punishments tortured, are said shut up in prisons.
ON THE TRANSLATION OF THE BODY INTO POLAND, AND ITS CULT.
Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)
Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria
BY THE AUTHOR G. H.
[1] Two of the Sacred body of B. Florianus the Martyr are indicated Translations: one from Riverside Noricum or Austria the upper to the city of Rome: the other thence into Poland. But in what manner the prior Translation happened, hitherto we could not attain. The body carried to Rome is handed down Very many calamities suffered Austria from the Hungarians neighboring still Heathen, by whom the monastery ancient of S. Florianus to have been destroyed above from Wiguleus Hund we said. Perhaps then some monks, of the Benedictine family, the fury of the Hungarians shunning, fled into Italy, and with singular love toward S. Florianus their Patron kindled, his sacred Relics together with the Acts of the martyrdom with them carried to Rome, and to some Supreme Pontiff offered. That these things so could have been done is not what we should doubt. That in fact this or in some similar manner it was done, and thence into Poland: gather the Poles from the Acts of the second Translation, when the sacred Body from Rome into Poland was carried.
[2] The History of the Translation describes Martin Cromer, book six of the Polish Affairs in Casimir from the Sandomir Duke into the Prince of all Poland assumed, The History of the Translation by Cromer described and these things hands down: He had obtained from the Supreme Pontiff Lucius, of that name the third, the Relics of Florianus the Martyr, and these by Ægidius Bishop of Modena brought, to the seventh mile from Cracow, with a huge of every kind of men throng; and with a solemn pomp of Priests to meet having advanced, reverently had received and in the suburban of Cracow northern, which afterward into the form of a town reduced Cleparia now is called, having built furniture had endowed, and a College of Priests Canons in it had instituted, having attributed to them a rich revenue both from his own and from the beneficence of Bishop Gedeon: but particularly to the Provost the greatest part of the incomes, from the parish of S. Michael of the Rock detached he had assigned, and with the highest veneration the new guest and Patron he was attending. By chance the day, to the Martyr's memory sacred, which on the fourth Nones of May anniversary was instituted, had come: there Casimir that whole day to the divine office in the church of the Saint, and to pious to the needy and afflicted bounty gave. These things there Cromer. Reigned Prince Casimir from the year MCLXXVII, until the year MCXCIV. But Gedeon or Gedeo, the XVI Bishop of Cracow, assumed in the year MCLXVI sat twenty years, dead MCLXXXVI, at Cracow buried: in whose time S. Florianus' Relics to Cracow brought, and a church in his name founded. So the Lives of the Archbishops and Bishops of Cracow, after Christopher Katski by John Cæsarius in the year MDCXXXIII edited. And these of the Prince and Bishop who the sacred Relics received. But who gave was Lucius III the Pope, who presided over the Church from the year MCLXXXI until the year MCLXXXV. But who by the command of the Pontiff brought the Relics into Poland was Ægidius, of the Garzoni family, of Bologna, afterward created Bishop of Modena, namely in the year MCXCV. From the year then MCCVI Archbishop of Ravenna, in this translation by later writers through a certain πρόληψις is called Bishop of Modena.
[3] But S. Florianus a soldier and Martyr into the kingdom of Poland as Patron was assumed, The patronage and cult in Poland. and is venerated on this fourth day of May, and where there shall not be a Church of S. Florianus the day before the Vespers of the Finding of the holy Cross are said, and by the Chapter is made of S. Florianus, with a commemoration of the holy Cross and S. Monica. But where there shall be a church of S. Florianus, entire Vespers of him are made. Moreover both the Hymns at Vespers and Lauds, and various Antiphons and Responsories are taken and adorned from the Acts of the passion of S. Florianus already given. The Lessons of him. Of all the compendium is contained in three Lessons, which on the first day in the second Nocturn at Matins are recited, and here are subjoined.
[4] Florianus the Martyr suffered under Diocletian and Maximian the Emperors, in the tenth persecution, and that the last. When at * Thecia he had heard, forty soldiers, who under his standards once stipends earned, to Lauriacum of Noricum for martyrdom's cause sent away, Of his own accord he offers himself to the Governor, and there with various torments consumed to have been; in haste to that town he betook himself: shameful thinking, a veteran in so beautiful a victory by recruits to be conquered. Apprehended he is presented to Aquilinus the Prefect. Who when in the confession of Jesus Christ constantly he persevered; with cudgels, by the Prefect's command, once and again he is beaten on the shoulders, then with sharp iron grievously he is scourged. At the last, he is ordered to be cast.
[5] Rejoicing went from the sight of the Judge Florianus. At the bridge where he came, he obtains time of prayer. The Martyr dies: In which when a whole hour he tarried; a more audacious one runs up, and the Martyr into the river cast, into which forthwith fell gloom and darkness. But behold to God's servants serve all things: carries the river the Saint's body, and at a rock exposes it. Sent by God of unusual magnitude an eagle, which the body of the Saint from every injury protected. Appears at length in dreams to a pious certain woman Valeria, and that his body she should bury, The body to Rome is carried, admonishes. To Rome afterward it is transferred, and with the chief Deacons Stephen and Laurence is placed, to the great consolation and protection of the city. For at his coming
all the fury of the barbarians, which then the city and all Italy was vexing, subsided, and the wished-for peace was restored.
[6] At length in the year of the Lord one thousand one hundred eighty-three, Casimir, and to Cracow is transferred in the year 1183 in war and peace illustrious Prince of Poland, together with Gedeon Bishop of Cracow, to Lucius the Third the supreme Pontiff sent; praying, that to them of some of the holy Martyrs the bones he would impart, who to the nation and city against the Prussians, Tartars, and other barbarous nations for a wall and rampart might be. Sent therefore through Ægidius Bishop of Modena the sacred bones. The nation whole with its King to seven miles so great a guest to meet poured forth advances. Deposited honorably the Martyr in the temple by Casimir built: a part of the body into the chief temple is carried, and in a marble altar enclosed. And as Jerusalem in Stephen, Rome in Laurence; so in its own rejoices Poland in Florianus.
[7] Some memory of the Translation of S. Florianus the Martyr is noted in the MS. Florarium Sanctorum on the day XXVIII of April. Among other Relics, some particle at Lisbon. which from Prague to Lisbon in the year MDLXXXVII brought to the church of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus, by us on January XXV are remembered, is some Relic of S. Florianus the Martyr, in the XII reliquary placed. In the Diary of the Metropolitan of Prague is said an of S. Florianus the Martyr notable fragment brought from Aachen to the aforesaid church, in the year MCCCLXXII by Charles IV the Emperor, whose in this kind notable zeal everywhere in this work to be praised comes: and therefore we asked, if any of that Relic ancient instrument there be held, to be sent us, but answer we received that it is not found. Is venerated S. Florianus the Martyr, also on this day at Vicenza and Jesi in Picenum, other Martyrs called Florianus. and Scopuli are said to have the body of S. Florianus some Martyr, but from the said Florianus diverse. Of these treats Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy.
ANNOTATIONS.
* otherwise Cecia