Gregory of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine

ON BLESSED GREGORY OF THE ORDER OF THE HERMITS OF S. AUGUSTINE,

OF VERUCCHIO IN THE BORDERS OF THE URBINO TERRITORY.

A.D. 1343

Gregory, an Augustinian Hermit, of Verucchio in the borders of the Urbino territory (B.)

D. P.

[1] The borders of the Urbino territory, stretched out toward the North to the banks of the river Marecchia, Verucchio terminates, distant about ten miles from Rimini, to whose diocese it is numbered. This place, commonly called Verucchio, B. Gregory ennobled by his birth in the year 1225, The reckoning of time from a Notarial writing, surnamed from Verucchio: but in the year 1343, eighteen years more than a centenarian, he enriched it with the treasure of his body, wonderfully conveyed thither. That reckoning of times is clear from a certain compendium of his Life, which lately found among the slips of a certain Notary, of the same family with the Blessed of the Celli, and which together with a book of the more recent miracles most humanely communicated with us Aloysius Torellus, Historiographer of the Eremitan Order, wishing that we should also insert that book into our work, whence other authors are to be corrected: as one which makes most certain faith of the greatest devotion of the Verucchio folk toward that their Blessed citizen; and that to the faith of that compendium so authentic there be exacted and reformed, if anything otherwise he himself wrote in the compendium of the Lives of men and women of the Order illustrious in Sanctity Century 2 chapter 78, following Herrera, and those whom Herrera alleges Jerome Roman, Pamphilus, Crusenius, Gelsominius: who all in passing touch the memory of that Blessed.

[2] the cult especially for obtaining rain: The aforesaid Herrera and Gelsominius allege also Christopher Verucchinus a Capuchin, in the book of the sacred memoirs of Verucchio (which would that someone send us) printed at Rimini in the year 1610: From it and others Herrera asserts, that Gregory shone with the fervid preaching of the divine word, and a wonderful maceration of the body, and various miracles. The peoples flock, he says, to the monastery of Verucchio, rich with his sacred bones, especially to ask for rain; and bearing the body of the holy man in procession, they offer devout minds; and under his invocation and tutelage obtain their requests. The Procession with the head in a silver case Torellus adds in an epistle, given to us in the year 1676: that the experience of certainly obtaining the benefit is held continual: and in that procession, when the drought of the fields requires it to be instituted, and at other times often in the year in the ordinary processions, his head is carried about in a silver case; for the making of which the necessary expenses had been obtained by a man powerful in work and word, Leonard Valentini of Cesena, in the more famous Studies of his Order a famous Professor and celebrated Preacher, and in the year 1647, in which the said Compendium of Torellus was being printed, Prior of the convent of S. James of Bologna. the feast the last Sunday of May. Then the same Torellus admonishes that not on this IV day of May, on which the Blessed died (inasmuch as it is impeded by the solemn festivity of S. Monica) but on the last Sunday of that same month the memory of B. Gregory is celebrated, together with the Dedication of the church.

[3] But this cult was not taken up in any haphazard way: but within the XXIV year from Gregory's death, The Brief of Beatification it was confirmed by Apostolic authority, by Pope Innocent VI, in the year 1358, by a Brief, which with the Life and miracles of that same Blessed they testified, men most worthy of faith, alleged by the author of the Epitome, to have several times seen drawn from the chest, in which the body is kept: who also what concerning the miracles he has elsewhere written, with the book of the Life and miracles are sought. omits to repeat them. That all these things may still survive can be wished more easily than hoped: for if either those original Acts had been kept in the chest itself unto our age, or some collection of the miracles older than this present century existed anywhere; it could scarcely have come to pass, that the diligence of the aforecited authors should have so escaped them, that it is now held a great thing to have found the said Epitome.

[4] It certainly had not yet been found in the year 1655, when the Most Eminent Cardinal Sforza, by force of a Synod celebrated by his Eminence forbade lest on the feast of B. Gregory, which on the last Sunday of May by ancient usage is celebrated every year at Verucchio, the Brothers of S. Augustine of the Verucchio Convent, the impediment in the year 1655 offered to the annual procession in whose hands the Body of that same Blessed is kept, should lead the solemn procession according to custom with the carrying about of the Head enclosed in silver. Wherefore both the Convent itself and the Community of Verucchio, on account of the abrogation of that most ancient devotion, wont to be celebrated with a great concourse of strangers, vehemently saddened, found it necessary, for license of continuing so pious a custom, to have recourse to the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend D. Bartholomew Condella, Apostolic Vicar general of the city of Rimini and of that diocese; which he granted for one time only at Rimini, from the Episcopal Palace on the XVII day of May 1656. The same for the year 1658 on the IX day of May confirmed Claudius Angelutius, likewise Apostolic Vicar, and removed and again for the year 1659 Seraphinus Massini, also Vicar General, on the V day of May. As is clear from the authentic copies of those supplications and permissions emanated thereupon, described by Jerome Cellius of Verucchio a public Notary by Apostolic authority, after the book of miracles wrought by the intercession of B. Gregory, and consigned by legitimate instruments, in the year 1650 collected by the same Jerome, and transcribed for us, under Notarial faith, in the year 1675; which book we give below, under the title of a Syntagma of the graces obtained in this century, as we received it from the aforesaid Historiographer of the Augustinian Order.

[5] Truly it does not appear, what moved the aforenamed Cardinal

to the aforesaid inhibition, except only the presumption, which cause he had had. that B. Gregory was thus venerated without the license of the Apostolic See. But the contrary could have been taught, had not then still lain hidden the aforesaid Epitome, making so express mention of the Innocentian Brief, as several times seen by witnesses most worthy of faith, in the time of the late Rev. Fr. Augustine Benzoni: probably not long dead from the office of Prior before this present century; at the beginning of which perhaps this epitome was written. This moreover being found, the obligation seems to have ceased of yearly seeking new license for instituting the wonted procession. The same Epitome if at some time he had seen it the author of the Franciscan Martyrology Arthur, whether he can be reckoned among the Franciscans? I in no way doubt but that he would have inscribed Gregory to it, whom he would have read to have been driven from his country and monastery, founded through his mother, and to have spent all the last 92 years of his most long life there, where he knew were convents, men serving God by the footsteps of the poor most blessed Francis, with whom unto death he dwelt, among other certain Hermits also then dwelling there. But that we should say, that Gregory took up the profession of the same Rule, his former being dismissed, no necessity appears.

EPITOME OF THE LIFE

Found in a Notarial Ms.

Gregory, an Augustinian Hermit, of Verucchio in the borders of the Urbino territory (B.)

BHL Number: 3683

FROM THE MS.

[1] Be it known therefore that B. Gregory was sprung from the land of Verucchio, of the diocese of Rimini, of the best and most illustrious parents, Nobly born in the year 1225 from the late John son of the late Thomas of the Celli, and Anna, daughter of the late excellent Doctor Albert Corradi: and born in the year 1225, in the time of the Pontificate of Honorius III: and that he received holy baptism in the church of S. Martin the parish of the said land, the Lords Malatesta governing that same land and the neighboring places: and after three years that same John migrated from this life, the little Gregory being left with that same Anna: and piously brought up by his widowed mother, who exhibited so great a care of him, that she thought nothing else, but that she should serve almighty God and be pleasing to Him. For which to that same Most High and to Saints Augustine and Monica, and to the most glorious Mary of Consolation, she poured forth continuous prayers, and dedicated the little boy: and very often joining hand to hand, with stammering tongue she taught him to utter praises and thanks. He filled with the light of God, with equal mind compensated the will of his mother, and so was nourished with such increase.

[2] And when now he had come to puberty, and the prudent mother scrutinized his intention, whether he wished to follow the footsteps of his father, grandfather and illustrious secular forefathers; he answered that, God so bidding, he wished to embrace the Order of the Hermits and take up the habit: and admonished what was to be done concerning the riches left him, the world despised as if not caring, he gave answer that they were to be restored to God: but concerning offspring and the maintenance of the house; For offspring, said he, he sufficiently acquires, who is made worthy to enter the gates of paradise, where holy offspring are beheld, where the eternal God, eternal love, and eternal rest dwell; since others of the Celli do not fail nor will fail. together with her he embraces the institute of the Hermits. And when the pious mother with equal will looked to the salvation of the souls of both, she dedicated herself to Saints Augustine and Monica with her son; and they took up the habit, he being in his fifteenth year, but she in her forty-fifth, which was from the Incarnation of the Lord 1240. But the pious mother began to build the fabric of the convent of S. Augustine habitable and capacious, and endowed it with her own riches, that the Hermits might commodiously serve God, and in every better way she could perfected it in the year 1245; and builds a convent: in the place where before the Confraters of the same venerable Society had built a little cell, under the name of S. Mary of Consolation. And they ceded to the said Reverend Lord Hermits the right of building and dwelling and all their rights.

[3] In which convent, for ten years, while the same Anna lived, dwelt the same B. Gregory. Afterward she, about the fifty-fifth year of her age, migrated from this life. And when the Omnipotent, as gold in the furnace, by whom, his mother being dead, expelled in the 25th year of his age, would prove His servant Gregory, He permitted upon His servant persecutions and injuries, so that even from his own house he was expelled by his Brethren, from the place where he had conferred so many benefits, in his flowery age of twenty-five years, yet senile in labors, vigils and prayers, preachings, obedience, chastity, maceration, poverty and disciplines, and finally in examples of sanctity; and where he had led such a life, that, he living, they were wont rather to name Blessed than Brother Gregory; and with so great a spirit he taught the words of the Lord, that the hearts of men often were converted to the better; and confuted the heresies of the Arians springing up, sown by Buonvilla the heresiarch of Rimini; who dared to deliver poison to the glorious S. Anthony of Lisbon a Franciscan: nevertheless the malice of impure men swelling, his own Confraters, induced by envy of the Blessed's virtues, commanded him to set out from the aforesaid convent, and to dwell elsewhere.

[4] But he wishing to pursue the journey begun, making his way toward Rome, with the Franciscans he lived in the Rieti mountains for the avoiding of the world betook himself into the mountains of Rieti, on Mount Carnerio, at the Dove fountain: where also in the neighborhood he knew were convents of Brothers: whom the report was, following the footsteps of the poor most blessed Francis, the footsteps of Christ, and serving God, to shine with continuous graces and miracles: and with the servants of God he dwelt together, among others certain Hermits, also then dwelling there, unto the last day of his life: and being in his hundred and eighteenth year of age, he flew away to eternal glory, in the year of grace 1343, and on the IV day of May, as in the Brief of his Beatification.

[5] And by his command while still living, the Confraters in the same place laid the happy corpse in a wooden chest: the body of the dead set upon an untamed mule and upon an untamed mule, of its own accord there (God so bidding) offered, they set the chest. Which with no leader, save Angelic keeping, making its way, through cities and places, the bells ringing of their own accord, bore the bier. And still in some of the said places, by tradition, this they say happened, and this followed. When it came to his country of Verucchio, there likewise the bells sounding of their own accord, borne to Verucchio with the bells ringing of their own accord gave a sign of joy. The people, not knowing the newness of so great a work and event, compelled by fear, cried out: but at once the cause being known and the sacred burden set down, in the church of S. Augustine of the said land, at the entrance of the gate of that same temple to the south; of the crowd flying together to the new prodigy the fear and trembling was turned into love and into joy. But the sacred corpse uncovered, and by very many recognized, they rejoiced the more, giving glory to God and honor in His Saint, who visited His people and adorned them with miracles. And at once that same mule was made dead, lest with another more unworthy weight it be burdened.

[6] But D. Galeotto Malatesta ruling, who in the time of John XXII the supreme Pontiff had occupied Rimini, and many lands, castles and fortresses, and is placed in his own chapel. commanded a chapel to be built for the said Blessed, and the aforesaid land of Verucchio to be painted, and upon it the images of B. Mary, S. Nicholas and B. Gregory and the insignia of that same House of the Malatesta: and a huge marble chest for the deposit: in which still, the wooden chest borne by the mule, with two iron bands, and within it the aforesaid corpse of that same Blessed, is preserved unto eternal memory. And when in the progress of time, D. Galeotto still reigning, he shone with miracles; the Pontiff in the year 1257 inscribes him among the Blessed, the same D. Galeotto procured B. Gregory to be numbered among the Blessed, that he might afterward open a way to placing him among the Saints; and from the Supreme Pontiff obtained a Brief of Beatification, in the city of Avignon, under the sixth year of that same Pontificate, which was about the year of the Lord 1357.

[7] Which Brief, with the Life and Miracles of that same Blessed, several times to have seen they testified to me men worthy of faith and venerable Lords Pompilius Ferinus and Ascanius de Rannucioli in the convent of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio, by the Brief with the Life and miracles wont to be shown. especially in the time of the late Rev. Brother Augustine Benzoni of the same place: and that they said with the narration of the life and miracles they had seen it drawn out of the aforesaid chest. And he shone with so great sanctity and miracles, that in ancient times the people were wont to name Saint, and not Blessed Gregory: as I myself saw in the archive of the said land, in the public instruments of D. Bartholomew Branchi, in the inventory of the goods of the aforesaid convent of S. Augustine, under these words: Item upon the altar of S. Gregory. But what concerning the miracles I have elsewhere written, I shall not repeat.

ANNOTATA.

k. There, honor.

p. The 6th year of Innocent VI begins on the 18th day of December of the year 1352, with which also Galeotto reconciled to the Church, in the same year, he who had before been Vicar of Louis the Bavarian, was made Standard-bearer of the Church, against those very rebels; and so easily obtained that which in the cause of Gregory he asked.

q. Rogitum was called a public instrument, which the Notaries were asked (rogabantur) to write: Rogatum more Latinly we would say.

APPENDIX

From the Italian printed work of Caesar Ranuccius.

Gregory, an Augustinian Hermit, of Verucchio in the borders of the Urbino territory (B.)

FROM THE MS.

[8] The image of B. Gregory of Verucchio the Augustinian is seen depicted anciently in the sacristy of S. James of Bologna and elsewhere; but his bones, others elsewhere. reposed in the church of S. Augustine of Verucchio, only once every year are shown to the people, two cases being unlocked, of which one is wooden and colored, and is furnished with iron bonds and a grate likewise of iron; the other of great marble, the body translated from the prior place to the side of the altar. containing the wooden one always shut within it. Both were once placed under a certain arched vault, where rather beautifully was expressed the image of the Blessed lying in death, among the hands of Angels holding forth tapers, with the epigraph, Here lies the body of Blessed Gregory V. that is, of Verucchio. Now those chests are composed in another and even more decent place, namely on the left of the greater altar. But when the aforesaid bones are shown, his two iron rings. there flock together from everywhere with a great frequency of devout people to venerate them, and to set upon their heads his iron girdles: because by the public tradition of all the elders it is believed that this servant of God died elsewhere, but the body was brought by a mule, divinely directed hither without the attendance of a leader, the bells sounding to the increase of the miracle with none drawing them… The austerity of his life those two great rings testify, which we see today, wont to be worn by him next to the naked flesh, without any rust, one broken, the other entire. The bones decently wrapped in white and shining cotton, The present condition of the remaining bones. show I know not what of liveliness and ruddiness, which color is noted in the bones of many Saints: yet not all are there: but entire is the shell of the head, with both jaws and many teeth, and the dried brain, which also is beheld, as also somewhat of the skin and flesh, still firmly adhering to the bones, inasmuch as not wholly dried. But all say the body was long entire and incorrupt; cult from of old. but ill-handled in past wars by military insolence, to have been reduced to this state. The sworn witnesses also say, that they once saw publicly hung votive offerings; and his bones, in time of great drought to have been carried about in Procession, with the effect of rain soon obtained.

Thus far he, on account of the silence of the Augustinian Chronicle not about to doubt of the truth of the aforenarrated tradition, nor of the authority by which such a procession was instituted; had there then been in his hands the Epitome of the life, which we have given.

SYNTAGMA OF THE GRACES

obtained through B. Gregory in this century,

from Notarial instruments.

Gregory, an Augustinian Hermit, of Verucchio in the borders of the Urbino territory (B.)

FROM MSS. INSTRUMENTS.

CHAPTER I.

The graces noted from the year 1642 to the month of July of the year 1650.

Instrument 1

[1] In the name of Christ. Amen. In the year from His most holy Nativity 1642, Indiction 10, D. Urban the eighth Pontiff best and greatest sitting, but on the II day of the month of May. By this public instrument let it be clear to all everywhere, and evidently be known, A grave pain of the eye is cured, how before me and the witnesses subscribed personally constituted, honest women, D. Dorothea, wife of Mag. Francis Thedeschi, and D. Diamantes, wife of Mag. Baptista Mazzucchetti, both of the land of S. Marino of the diocese of Feretrana, with the presence of their lords husbands, being before the gate of the oratory of the Venerable Society of the most holy Body of Christ of the land of Verucchio, near the public square, the same D. Diamantes said, how on the days last past she was vexed by a pain had in the left eye, so vehement that she could scarcely bear it. a vow being made of visiting the body, And although she had sought to apply remedy by medicines, yet not being able to avoid the pain, she vowed to B. Gregory the Augustinian, and offered herself ready to visit his holy Relics, being in the church of the Convent of S. Augustine of Verucchio, and invoked his holy aid that she might be freed. And she obtained the grace before she made the visitation; because, the swelling of the aforesaid eye removed and the pain put to flight, whole, by the grace of God and the intercession of B. Gregory, she remained; and praised God in His Saints, and to fulfill the vow on this day visited the sepulchre of that same Blessed; and entire health obtained, now, the twenty-eighth hour of this day completed, the sacred divine Offices heard in the same church, she sets out for her country.

[2] D. Dorothea, rejoicing both in mind and body, said: It is necessary that I here present to the narration of the grace obtained through the present honest D. Diamantes Mazzucchetta, an ill-affected elbow, my fellow-countrywoman, not hide what by the grace of this Blessed befell me. That when for many days back I was vexed by a certain unknown disease, had in the joint of this left arm and hand, by the touch of the iron girdle: with swelling and pain; and coming to visit the most holy Relics of B. Gregory, the greatest pain still persisting, I asked the Augustinian Father, holding in his hand the iron hair-shirt or girdle, which the other faithful kiss, being out of devotion in the church of S. Augustine; that with the aforesaid hair-shirt he would touch my arm, in the place where the pain is. Which touched by the said Rev. Father, at once the pain departed, and rejoicing and whole I return to my country. And so never shall I cease to return thanks both to God and to that Blessed, who may be to me and to all the faithful of Christ propitious.

[3] All which things I the Notary subscribed for the truth unto the perpetual memory of the matter noted down, that the worthy memory of the holy Protector may remain for my posterity and others wishing to behold it: as both the women who suffered each deposed, and let my fellow-countrymen know whither to flee in tribulations and in these calamitous and wretched times, in which wars, seditions, treasons, murmurings, snares, and all kinds of perfidies flourish and reign, and in which nothing but self-interest alone is cultivated: and so may almighty God, through the intercession of this Blessed, deign to protect and aid us, and deign to purge this country and the whole world of the aforesaid and any other vices whatsoever. Concerning all which asking etc. Done at Verucchio, before the greater gate of the oratory of the Venerable Society of the most holy Body of Christ, in the public way, in the chapel of S. Peter, in the district of the square near the common square and its other most known sides; there being present Mag. John Andrew Ghirardo of Verucchio, Mag. Baptista Mazzucchetto a Stone-mason, and Mag. Francis Thedesco, both of the land of S. Marino witnesses asked etc.

[4] And because I Jerome Cellius, public Notary by Apostolic authority, asking a public instrument concerning these things. was present at all the foregoing, and asked to write them wrote and noted them down; and the copy taken, although by another hand yet faithful to me, with its original, being with me and in my public instruments, the collation made I found to agree; therefore for faith I subscribed, published, and signed with my sign which in such things I use, being required etc. In this or a similar manner each instrument the aforenamed Jerome Cellius confirms with Notarial faith; the same probably, among whose slips, left perhaps by his father or grandfather, was found the epitome such as we have given above. But it does not seem to us worth the labor to describe more often the formula of this authentication in the following, as neither the names of the witnesses who make nothing for the confirmation of the narrated grace; but only attest as present when those things were narrated before the Notary; finally nor to describe more scrupulously the very place in which the deposition was received, as here thou seest done, makes greatly to the matter; wherefore also those things for the sake of brevity I have cut away, content to have exhibited an example in this first instrument.

Instrument 2.

[5] In the name of Christ. Amen. In the year of the Jubilee, from His most holy Nativity 1650, Indiction III, D. Innocent X Pontiff best and greatest sitting, but on the VI day of the month of June. (And so thereafter all the rest made in the same year begin, the last three excepted; A sixteen-year-old boy consumed by wasting and his limbs drawn, that it may be enough for us thereafter, the others omitted, to note the month and day) before me etc … Stephen and Thomas brothers, and sons of the late Peter Cantella of Verucchio of the diocese of Rimini, set forth how from the honest woman D. Catharine, daughter of Caesar Majaccus, the said Stephen, her lawful husband, had Peter-Francis, the son of both, now completing of his age sixteen years five months and three days. And for the space of thirteen years and three months to have led life in prosperous health: but afterward,

God so bidding to His and His Saints' glory, to have fallen into a grave disease, and such that by human medicines it could in no wise be cured, although they procured every human medicine to be applied. And to have remained in the same infirmity two years and eight months, for 2 years 8 months, so much that from the aforesaid cause, the excessive pains standing, on account of the abscesses with corruption continually flowing, by a drawing of the sinews, fever, continual debility of the body, failing of strength and of spiritual vigor, he could move neither hands, legs, feet, nor any other even least part of the body, but only the tongue, after the manner of Job saying there are left only the lips about my teeth; and, what ought to be called the evil of evils, he could not fit himself to the proper needs of nature without domestic helps, with pains so to speak of hell, on account of the displacement of the bones and the drawing of the sinews: whence it proceeded, that even the pallet, after the manner of the paralytic of the pool, of whom, in the Gospel of John the Evangelist of the Lord, could not be readjusted often for six and seven months, although the pious parents procured to do it: so that they held neither a living nor a dead corpse.

[6] But to the domestic persons there was an unspeakable and inenarrable delight in the patience of Peter-Francis, which almighty God by His mercy and piety compensates, on May 29 borne to the tomb of the Blessed, in which hoping and in the intercession of His Saints, on the XXIX day of the month of May of the current year 1650, of the consecration of the temple of the hermits of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio, and of the opening of the marble deposit of B. Gregory, of the same Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine of Verucchio, Peter-Francis being taken in a clean linen cloth upon their own shoulders by the said Stephen the father and Thomas the most dear uncle, they bore that same Peter-Francis half-alive to the deposit of the said B. Gregory, through the whole said day to the whole people of Verucchio and to strangers open, flocking together out of devotion to the Blessed, the believers and faithful of Christ breathing a celestial odor: where having a living hope in God and in His Blessed, they besought the very Reverend Father Baccalaureus John Antony Para, Prior and Guardian of the said Convent, and having a singular care of that same blessed deposit, he asks his head to be applied to his right knee: as also Peter-Francis himself, that out of his benignity and charity he would deign, with the head or bone of the head of that same Blessed, to touch the legs of that boy drawn up to the hips, and especially the right, an effect so drawn by the drawing of the sinews that the beginning of the buttock had become fixed to him, so much that neither by force, nor by medicines, nor by human industry could it be removed: and so, on account of the length of time and of days, the foot of that same side, on account of the continual position from which otherwise it could not be moved, generated a recurved and hardened callus, as also I the Notary subscribed saw with the witnesses subscribed.

[7] To which prayers and supplications the very Rev. Father Baccalaureus corresponding, which done he himself is extended and quickened, exhorted that same Peter-Francis and the aforesaid Stephen and Thomas, to have right faith in God, who through the intercession of the Blessed could bestow on him every kind of health; and thereupon, prayers and orations offered if not due, at least possible through him, the lights kindled with all reverence, the venerable head of the Blessed being taken from the sacred deposit, with it he first touched the knee of that same right leg (wonderful indeed is God in His saints: not without tears this wonderful deed and worthy of memory shall I write) in which he had neither vital spirit, nor flesh, nor blood: and at once he extended the knee, a little after moved the callous foot, and gradually the whole leg: and what is more wonderful, the blood, recognizing its omnipotent maker, ran together into the knee, leg and foot, and corresponded to the grace of the Blessed; as also full of blood, palpable, and of a ruddy color like a sound man I myself saw: so much that the bystanding people invoked with tears and prayers the mercy of almighty God, and gave thanks for the grace obtained: and the more, because the said boy, who before was tortured by abscesses with corruption flowing forth with the greatest pains, attested that he would be free from the fever and from the pains of that same body, and have firm faith in the Blessed for entire health.

[8] And this to me several times questioned he confessed on this aforesaid VI day of the current month of June, the second of the solemnity of Pentecost, being borne again before the chest and deposit of the said Blessed, The same borne thither on June 6, sitting upon a certain wooden seat, to the effect of having again the blessing with that same venerable head: which offered to him he several times kissed, and with it the said knee and leg being touched again he confessed himself free from the pains, fever and distresses: and beyond what was usual, after the said sacred touches and blessings, he professes himself free from his diseases. at home upon seats and couch to sit, to move his hands and arms, to take holy water of himself of his own accord, and to have living faith in the Blessed and in the mercy of God: so much that he hopes every kind of health, God so bidding, and not otherwise, totally remitting himself to His benignity. May God grant it, for in that boy all things shall be more wonderful: because he has only the name and effigy of a man, since from the length of the infirmity he retains only skin and bones, the inner parts do not occupy the place of the belly, and he has the belly annexed with the spine, so that thou wouldst call him a corpse and a mummy: but what I noted as admirable, a face cheerful, joyful and jubilant.

[9] And so the sacred touches completed and the blessings made by the very Rev. Father Baccalaureus John-Mary Dulcius of Verucchio, and he proceeds to hope entire health for his exhausted little body. of the same Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, after the celebration of Mass by him at the altar of S. Nicholas, at which he stood by and heard it with all joyfulness, the aforesaid boy Peter-Francis was borne to his own dwelling, in the parish buildings of S. Blaise: to whom, that same our B. Gregory interceding with almighty God, and to all the faithful of Christ, be granted perpetual health both of soul and body; and to me the spirit and sufficiency of noting down his graces and miracles of virtues, that for posterity, natives and strangers, there may be a worthy eternal memory, an incitement to devotion of so great a Blessed, to the glory of the Saints, the propagation of holy mother Church and of the faith, and the benefit of this our country of Verucchio: and may He make me and all his natives worthy of his prayers, that in the heavens we may visit him and with him without end rejoice. Concerning which etc. Done in the aforesaid temple of S. Augustine, which is situated in the borough of the land of Verucchio, in the chapel of S. Blaise next to its most known sides, before the deposit of that same B. Gregory; there being present Captain Joseph, son of Peter-Paul Masia, and Paul son of the late John Canduccius, both of Verucchio, witnesses asked etc. And because I Jerome Cellius etc.

ANNOTATA.

CHAPTER II.

The graces described in the month of July of the year 1650.

Instrument 3.

[10] In the name of Christ God … in the year 1650 … but on the XVI day of the month of July. To all and singular about to see and read the things subscribed in Sacerdotal manner with my breast touched I affirm and call God to witness, An Augustinian Priest professes, how I Baccalaureus Fr. John Antony Para of Verucchio, of the Order of the Hermits of our holy Father Augustine, before the Lord Notary and the witnesses subscribed, deposed and said it to be most true, that in the year from the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ 1628, with a most grave, not periodic, but continual fever in the month of June I was mortally laboring: and although I had used human remedies with all care, nevertheless I was always more grievously afflicted with the same disease. Wherefore for many days most bitterly vexed by that infirmity, and destitute of almost all strength; at length the aid of our B. Gregory of the Celli, the Augustinian of Verucchio, being piously invoked according to my strength; and to his sacred deposit, that in the year 1628 from a mortal continual fever, as I could, from the cell, in which I was sick, with the greatest labor, the journey made; as soon as I bent my knees, and more vehemently began to offer my slender prayers to him, I emitted the greatest abundance of sweat from my head and whole body, so that the sweat flowing from my brow, ran down from the top of the chest of the said Blessed even to the ground; and a watery humor, flowing from the rest of the parts of my body, totally soaked all my garments even the outer. Whence I rose not from that sacred place, but that wholly and altogether the Lord the bountiful bestower of all good things, by the merits and intercession of that same B. Gregory, restored most abundant health.

[11] Moreover it behooves me to confess, that in the year from the birth of that same Christ our Lord 1635, after His human Birthday I was so distressed by a sciatic pain, that the hip, and thigh, and right leg being greatly impeded, I could little and indeed laboriously go and walk, in the year 1636 from sciatica borne for some months, and constantly for some months of the following year 1636 I limped greatly: because the sinews could be extended by me with difficulty or drawn back only with great pain. And since an infirmity of this kind could scarcely be cured by human wisdom, I distrusting human medicines, to the celestial, though unworthy, raised my mind; and to help to be obtained with the supreme God, through the intercession of our B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, suppliantly I fled; that for me from that same God, the divine physician of all diseases, he might obtain health. Which forthwith was so done. For my prayers, though unworthy, by that same Blessed received, I had not yet ceased to pour them forth, and I had attained perfect health. In memory of which thing to the sacred monument of the said Blessed, a silver hip with the leg, by a vow which still

is seen, there I offered.

[12] Whence by right and merit concerning my tutelary Saint I shall add, how in the year from the birth of that same Lord our Saviour 1640, on account of the frequent and indeed most long journeys, in the summer time made by me, there befell me in the right leg near the foot three deep holes to have appeared, in the year 1640 from ulcers sprung in the leg arisen from a very great swelling, by which in the said leg I was more bitterly vexed: from which gore and corruption continually flowed, and rendered me wholly unfit for walking, nor did the medicines applied by art ever profit. Whence having otherwise experienced the most efficacious intercession with almighty God of our B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, and in all my necessities and distresses his readiness to bring me aid and help; my mind and soul, as I could, I raised to God with piety, and through that same Blessed implored the divine aid. But, O most clement God! the prayers I in no wise offered in vain: because at once the corruption, gore and blood ceased to flow down, the holes forthwith vanish; and the health of the leg obtained, forthwith I recovered. Wherefore a silver leg, by the vow aforesaid, to his sacred chest, in which the venerable body of that same Blessed lies, and shines daily with graces and wondrous and miraculous works, I bore; and gave thanks according to my strength to God Himself and to that same Blessed humbly and earnestly.

[13] But neither this also will I make omitted, that I, for the space of twenty and more years, was tortured by a most bitter pain of the teeth; so much that to manly age I scarcely arrived, and several times was freed from the torture of the teeth: without being wholly deprived of all my teeth by the sharpness of pain of this kind. Nevertheless several times, God so giving and that same our B. Gregory interceding, from the too great bitterness of pain and torture, I suddenly became immune, free and unharmed. Wherefore lest I seem wholly unmindful of so great benefits and graces toward men, that I might leave to posterity an example, all these things, as they most truly befell me, and from the supreme giver God, the glorious our B. Gregory of Verucchio intervening, were granted, and concerning them he signs a public instrument. with my own hand here to engrave I determined and wished, to the praise of almighty God, to the glory and increase of piety, and also to the augmentation of religion toward that same Blessed: and the Lord Peter Francus Ser-Anzalonius, public Notary of this our land of Verucchio, together with the witnesses subscribed Jerome Cellius and Horatius Nuccius I asked that they would wish to confirm and fortify this my true deposition and sworn attestation by their testification, and not be burdened to render it valid. In faith of which all these things as most true I affirmed and said, and here wrote and corroborated with my subscription. Thus far he, and there follow the subscriptions both of himself, and of the aforesaid witnesses and Notary.

Instrument 5

[14] In the name of Christ … on the XIII of the month of July … the honest woman Gentilis, daughter of the late James Castellanus, and wife of the late Mag. Peter Franzonus, a stone-mason of Verucchio, a woman from a three months' pain of the foot unable to move, briefly set forth to me, how for three months continuous last past of the current year 1650, she was vexed by pains arisen in the left foot of that same person, so much that of herself she could not move, nor do anything, nor even ever so little go from place to place: and if her sons for food and other things necessary for her life were compelled to move her, the pains became more vehement, and pains gave increase to pains; so that from the aforesaid causes she held herself about to die, and all medicines applied profited nothing. And so destitute, hearing the fame of the miracles and graces of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, she vowed seven times to visit the chest of the deposit of that same Blessed, being in the church of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio, a vow being made she begins to walk and it being fulfilled recovers, as in the days last past she visited. From which deed forthwith she recovered so much of health, that she could fulfill the vow; and from day to day was made more sound, so that on this present day, which was the last of the visitation, the pains wholly vanished. And in token and memory of the grace obtained, a swelling in the aforesaid foot and leg remained, as a scar in a soldier returned from a fight and war: and glad and rejoicing she glories to show her foot to all, to walk, and to give labor to her womanly business; as also I with the witnesses subscribed [the Magnificent Lords Adauctus and Nicholas his son of the Pappii both of Verucchio] saw and for the truth noted down. There are not wanting graces of that Blessed in these calamitous times, full of all malice, which by others with wiser pens shall be described: only we fail ourselves, ceasing to flee to so great a Protector, which seen the Notary himself invokes the Blessed. who never denied to anyone in honest requests grace. I ask thee, blessed and thrice blessed Father, that thou be to me in my pains, afflictions and necessities a helper, and to all my family: but if from them, for my Christian exercise, I be not made worthy to be relieved; at least may I bear them with such patience sufficient for the merit of glory, which by thy prayers may the almighty and merciful Lord, who three and one reigns forever, bestow on me. Concerning which etc. Done in the apothecary shop of the Magnificent D. Adauctus Pappius, situated within the land of Verucchio…

Instrument 6

[15] On the XIII … of the month of July … Sebastian son of the late Jerome Benzoni of Verucchio … set forth how for some days last passed, a poor man is freed from fever and deafness. he was found burdened with a fever, arisen from a certain swelling and great livid mark, which he had on the neck on the back part, descending from the head, from which he had lost his strength and hearing. From which disease and poverty he was so vexed that he could not procure a living for himself and his most poor sister. But on the III day of the current month of July 1650 a Sunday, fleeing to the chest of the father of the poor B. Gregory the Augustinian, being in the church of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio, he attested that he forthwith recovered health, and no more was vexed either by fever or by the great swelling, and obtained every kind of health on account of the intercession of that same B. Gregory, as, the things touched etc. he swore etc. asking etc. Done in the courtyard of the Parish church of S. Peter…

Instrument 7

[16] … on the XIII of the month of July … the very Rev. D. Stephen Canduccius of Verucchio … confessed, that on the last days past, the Pastor of Verucchio receives the faculty of walking: he labored in his legs with a grave disease, so much that with the greatest difficulty he could walk, on account of a concourse of humors. And there being to him the necessity of visiting the sick and of celebrating in the parish churches subjected to his same charge of SS. Andrew and Blaise, he was burdened with the distresses of visitations, charges and pains. But fleeing to the consoler of soul and body B. Gregory the Augustinian, he obtained such health, that both to the celebrations of his charge and to the visitations he could and can satisfy; and recognizing every benefit of health from him, he asked me etc. Done where above.

Instrument 8.

[17] … on the XIX of the month of July … the honest young woman D. Ursula, daughter of the late Benedict Gallus of S. Archangelo in Vado, a girl the use of an impeded hand. an inhabitant of the land of Verucchio … said that on the days past, she labored with a certain incurable disease in the right hand, so much that she could move neither fingers nor hand, nor procure a living for herself by her labors on account of the too great pain and the greatest swelling. She vowed to visit the chest, where the sacred relics of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio are kept in the church of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio, and on the XV day of the said month of July 1650 a Friday, she came to the aforesaid church and with faith and lively hope in God and the intercession of that same Blessed, three times in the manner of a Cross the marble chest of that same Blessed being touched on the outside, at once the pains ceased, the swelling was dispersed, and she obtained total health. And I the Notary with the witnesses subscribed Gregory son of Meus, and Caesar son of Antony Facciardus of Verucchio saw the same D. Ursula laboring with the said right hand … Done in the entrance of my house, situated within the land of Verucchio, in the captaincy of S. Thomas in the district of Postarello…

Instrument 4.

[18] … on the XX of July. By this present faith let it be clear, that when I Peter Francis Marzalonius, a certain Notary vehemently laboring with the stomach, citizen and public Notary of the land of Verucchio, of my age of 47 years, for many and many days continuous had been shaken by an atrocious pain of the stomach, and many remedies used I had never received any refreshment from these, so much that on the XXIII day of June last past so vehement had been the tortures, that scarcely was there to me place of breathing from the too great suffering of my heart on account of the said pains: at length, God so bidding, there came into my mind the assiduous and wonderful concourse of very many troubled persons, who by the recourse made through them to the intercession of B. Father Gregory the Augustinian in the church of the very Rev. Fathers Hermits of the land of Verucchio, and our fellow-citizen, to whom most excellently encomiums can be sung, the consoler of the afflicted and the salvation of the sick, O good Jesus, had attained their former health. I therefore trusting in the merits of so illustrious a celestial sun, in mind doubtless cold, to warm my earthly body with the rays of so great a sun, I dared to implore the aid of the said blessed Father my fellow-citizen, and the particular Patron of my art, that with God best and greatest and the blessed Virgin Mary for my former health he would deign to intercede. on the very day of making the vow he professes himself aided. And a vow being made by me of coming three times, on a Saturday day each time, to the chest of the sacred deposit of the said blessed Father, on that very day of so great tortures, before the lapse of the third hour of the night of the said day not only was I freed from the pains, but I almost reported my former health: and thence ever from good to better proceeding I gave thanks to God and the intercession of the said Blessed. Wherefore lest the illustrious benefits of the Saints be hidden from mortals, I who above, to the honor and glory of almighty God, of B. Mary ever Virgin, and of the said B. Father Gregory, humbly in these acts all the things which befell me I judged to set down to perpetual memory and honor, of the said blessed Father, the fellow-citizen of paradise, and the example and devotion of pious Christians. So I Peter-Francis Marzalonius fully attest and make faith: and for greater strength with my own hand wrote and subscribed, and fortified with my notarial sign.

Instrument 9

[19] … on the XXI day of the month of Quintilis July. Wonderful things at all times through His Saints has the Lord wrought, because He is wonderful in His Saints. Therefore in B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio wonderful Himself God always showed, two brothers consumed by a hectic fever, because for a hundred and eighteen

years He afforded him holy service. But in me Francis-Mary and Francis my brother, youths and both sons of D. John-Mary Borghesius of Verucchio, more wonderful, that same Blessed praying, we saw Himself to have shown. For through many years with a certain languid fever, which they call hectic, with continual perturbation of body and mind, no remission of resting being granted, with an almost total failing of strength, so that the pulse was very weak, so much that at the touch of the lord physicians it scarcely came and seemed almost extinct, and almost dying, we assiduously labored: nay rather at evening daily a heavier accession of heat, pain and fever was brought upon us. Wherefore having tried here and there very many remedies of the physicians, to our former health in no way and by no reasoning could we provide. At length that last thing befell, that afflicted utterly by the force of a most bitter disease, mortally stretched upon the bed, we deemed we should pass our last day. But indeed, the wonderful and miraculous works of that same glorious B. Father Gregory Cellius, of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, being heard, nay seen; we also to his patronage, supported by divine aid, with pious prayers, as it was given us, fled, that from the supreme physician of the feverish mother-in-law of Simon, the health and safety of body and soul he would implore for us.

[20] Forthwith, wonderful to say, but that the deed most worthy of God may be held by all for most certain and most explored; the Lord granting, suddenly they recognize themselves restored. that same Blessed intervening for us, after the manner of the most blessed mother-in-law of the Prince of the Apostles almost dead, from our beds unharmed we rise up, the strength of our bodies entirely restored. And our faces, their former brightness, color and youthful ruddiness in the same space of time wonderfully and miraculously granted, to the sacred buildings of Divine Augustine and the sacred monument, in which the venerable body of the aforesaid Blessed, ever fragrant with a celestial odor and supernal sweetness, lies, we flew; and in token of the grace obtained we offered silver votive offerings; and there with all effort the most humble thanks, to God first, then to that same Blessed the servant of the almighty maker of all, for the health attained, we gave and returned. Wherefore lest we seem unmindful of so great a benefit and grace, nay rather that we may show ourselves perpetual heralds, and stir up and impel the rest of the faithful of Christ to devotion of so great a servant of the Most High; these things by my hand of the aforesaid Francis-Mary, the said Francis my brother consenting and of his own accord bidding, in every better way we could we wished to deliver in writing, before the Lord Notary and witnesses: which was done by a special instrument on the XX of July.

Instrument 11

[21] … On the XXVII of July. Almighty God never fails to show the effects of His divine mercy, A woman delivered of a difficult childbirth, now of Himself and now through the intercession of His Saints, continually and daily in the necessities of miserable creatures of both sexes, of whatever state and condition they be, as from what follows clearly can be known. For when Mag. Octavius Landus of Verucchio and the honest young woman the Magnificent D. Magdalen, daughter of the Magnificent D. Vincent Barbarinus of Sabiniano, his wife, were in the greatest affliction in the month of July of the year 1648, because that woman for some days was in the pains of childbirth, and the infant could not come to light, notwithstanding any medicines whatever applied and used; this deed seemed to be to the glory of God and His Saints. For having recourse to the intercession of our blessed Protector Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, he forthwith as it were meeting and forestalling the prayers of those having recourse, on the XII day of that same month of July, most happily she bore a male. Whence it came to pass that the pious parents gave infinite thanks to God and that same our Blessed, and from his intercession the expedition, swiftness and felicity of the childbirth recognized and recognize: and the sacred laver of baptism being conferred in the church of the parish of this S. Martin, and the name of Achilles imposed, they procure to keep him under the tutelage of so great a Protector.

[22] And because various are the events of human life and often misfortunes, the same son lame from a fall to exercise the hearts and patience of men, God so bidding; it happened that the year not yet completed he fell inadvertently, from the bad care of the one keeping him. And accordingly for the said cause that same boy Achilles remained deprived of the motion, use, and strength of the right hip, so much that without doubt lame and disabled from the aforesaid defect he would be made. Wherefore the parents and the aforesaid spouses again vowed, and to the same holy Protector B. Gregory again had recourse: and in the evening of one day the vow being made, in the morning following, the XII of the current month of July 1650, they obtained the grace of the boy's health. he receives him whole. Who in token of the health obtained, looking in the morning, in the hip of that same boy found to have come forth a certain small black swelling: and thenceforth the boy of himself standing, and then from day to day more conveniently walking, to have obtained every kind of health. And in token of gratitude they clothed him with a white garment of that same Order of S. Augustine; as I the Notary subscribed and others saw him clothed with such garments and he is seen by the men of the same land. All which things to have been and to be true by means of his oath attested the same Magnificent Octavius.

Instrument 12

[23] … on the last of the month of July … the honest woman D. Antonia, another is healed from a pain of the stomach and a continual fever. daughter of the late Alexander Tondinus, wife of Dominic Julius of Verucchio, set forth how three months last past, she was vexed by a certain very great pain in the stomach of that same person and a continual fever, from which she was held subject to death; for though she had applied all possible medicines, nothing profited, and from day to day she more declined. Wherefore hearing the daily graces, had by those having recourse to the intercession of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, she vowed seven times to visit the sepulchre of that same Blessed. And at once the vow being made in her heart, the pain of the stomach and the fever ceased; and the times of the sacred visitation not yet fulfilled, by the grace of God she is found out of danger; as for the truth she confessed, asking me the Notary concerning the foregoing etc.

CHAPTER III.

The graces attested in the month of August of the year 1650.

Instrument 13

[24] In the name of Christ … on the X of the month of August … Thomas son of the late Peter Cancella of Verucchio said, and openly and publicly attested with a word of truth, Two spouses endangered by a continual fever, how he himself and the honest woman D. Ursulina, daughter of the late Robert Silvester of the Chiocchi of the same Verucchio, his wife, were both vexed by a continual fever, so that they hoped little of health and life, because from day to day the aforesaid disease and the pains increased: and destitute of physicians and medicines, for the future life of temporal and spiritual things they strove to provide. But it came to pass that, God so bidding to His and His Saints' glory, having in the house a boy, by name Peter-Francis, their nephew being healed they also obtain grace. their nephew by a brother, who not many days before had the effigy neither of a living nor a dead man, but seemed the corpse of each, on account of his most bitter and incurable infirmity. Who by the prayers of those same spouses and of his parents and of himself, to the intercession of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, obtained health from almighty God, as anyone can see. So also those same spouses, so great a Protector being known, by a previous, if not due, at least possible faith, to the intercession of that same Blessed devoutly having recourse, recovered every kind and their former health, and now in a state of health exist. Concerning which the same Thomas asking me etc.

Instrument 10

[25] … on the XX of August. By this present faith let it be clear to all, that I James Borghesius, public Notary of Verucchio, a Notary twice freed from a fever was held by a great pain of the head and afflicted with a raging fever, and many remedies applied I always had myself more grievously, and the disease from day to day more vehemently grew worse. At length distrusting human remedies, to the aid of B. Gregory Cellius of Verucchio of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, illustrated by so many and so great miracles and graces, I determined to flee: and with the most humble prayers I asked of him that he would rescue me from this infirmity, and render me safe. Which (wonderful to say!) on the same day on which I implored aid from him, by the intercession of that same Blessed, from the Father of lights and Giver of gifts I obtained. Whence I for the grace obtained vowed, before I should set a footstep elsewhere, to go to the church of S. Augustine. Afterward, when after a few days I had again fallen into the disease above written, the aid of that same Blessed being implored, my former health entirely I attained: and this I wished to put in writing, that more clearly I might make manifest the compassion of B. Gregory toward his own and his patronage, and allure others more and more to implore his aid and seek his grace.

Instrument 14

[26] … on the XV of August. Our supreme almighty God, who does not permit us to be tempted above that which we can, not long after gives also to all our evils a cure. Whence when in the month of July now last past, I James Borghesius of Verucchio, by Apostolic authority a Notary, was twice vexed by a most burning fever, nor did the medicinal pharmaceutical helps afford me any help; to the efficacious intercession and defense of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio I fled: and, as in this book is clear, twice from that same evil profusely I recovered: and also, to a more abundant devotion toward God and the Blessed and that I might experience the patronage of that same Blessed and the benignity of God, an assiduous pain in the head a few days interposed bitterly consumed me. Wherefore when on the X day of the said month of August, on account of the devotion of many pious persons, the sacred chest or deposit of that same Blessed was unclosed; at once I went to the church of D. Augustine, that with the sacred head of the said Blessed there might be touched, as is wont to be done, he is cured of a pain of the head by the touch of the sacred head, my head. But when I had entered the said church, I felt myself afflicted with a greater pain of the head, whence with a more ardent faith turned to him, and with more frequent prayers having besought the said Blessed, as soon as the Priest to the forehead of my head applied the venerable head of the said Blessed, the pain wholly vanished, my body resumed its former strength, nor do I perceive by sense any offense of the aforesaid disease, but I enjoy my former health and am very well. Wherefore these things I wished to commit all to the memory of posterity, that they may ever more ardently worship the power of the supreme God in His servant, and from Him ask help and aid in their infirmities and necessities. Which since it is so, therefore with my own pen I have engraved all things…

Instrument 15

[27] … on the XVIII day of August … D. Catharine of the Borghesii, lawful wife of Mag. Blaise Benzoni of Verucchio … for the truth deposed, as also a kinswoman of hers how for many years before passed she was afflicted with a continual and unceasing pain of the whole head, and indeed most grievous. Which pain indeed so much at some times vexed her and

deprived her of health, that she thought of the exchange of the present life with the future: for from that same pain the other parts of the body were afflicted, so that she very often existed deprived of all strength, and sometimes by human virtue she found no relief of such pain and pains. At length the same D. Catharine hearing and with her own eyes beholding, B. Gregory of the Celli the Augustinian of Verucchio to afford to all piously and faithfully imploring him aid and help, in their infirmities and other calamities; and especially on the last Sunday of the month of May last past, on which the sacred mausoleum of that same is opened, to have afforded continual aid to Peter-Francis, son of Stephen of the Cartelli on the same day, who with sinews drawn and full of wounds was incurably sick, with the highest piety and God giving it, so that at his pleasure he is moved, recovers, and the more from day to day acquires his former health.

[28] Hence the same D. Catharine more confidently and surely hoping that she would attain health from God through the intercession of that same B. Gregory; on the Lord's day of Pentecost of the said year piously going wholly to the sacred buildings of Divine Augustine (for on that day, with the recovery of entire health, on account of the piety of certain persons toward that same Blessed, the sacred monument of that same, with a great concourse of the people of Verucchio, was opened) she commended herself to the patronage and pious intercession of so great a Protector and Patron. Afterward to the sacred chest of that same Blessed she most humbly betook herself, nor did she bear her vows in vain. For as soon as the Priest to the head of that same D. Catharine applied the sacred head of the said Blessed, which ever emits the odor of Paradise, and touched it; the assiduous pain of the head ceased and wholly desisted, nor was the body of that same D. Catharine any more troubled or vexed by any pain. Nay although she is in her sixty-second year of age, yet in her face she keeps a brightness and ruddiness, all the preceding pallor removed; and has the strength of her body entire and suitable to such an age: which from the supreme best God bestowed on her on account of the intercession of the said B. Gregory recognizing, and wishing to avoid the vice of an ungrateful mind, to stir up posterity and move them with a more ardent affection of mind toward so great a servant of God, these things to be described she imposed on me, and so to have been and to be affirmed. God to her vows benignly assenting … I James Borghesius … wrote, subscribed and published and fortified with the wonted sign of my notariate being required.

Instrument 16

[29] … On the XV day of the month of August. That which holy mother Church in her hymns divinely set forth concerning the Confessors in those words, To whose sacred tomb frequently the languishing limbs, To Gregory as a common refuge, by whatever disease they have been burdened, are restored; is most known to us daily, on account of the wonderful things, which the giver of all good things the Almighty works through the intercession of the Blessed, nay thrice and four times Blessed Gregory, of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, of Verucchio, not only in the men of the same land, but also in foreigners of both sexes, having recourse to that same Blessed in living hope and faith piously, in their necessities, of whatever quality they be. Nor does it befall by a long series of words and prolixity to persuade anyone, since experience the mistress of things shows this: but only to those not having hope and trust nor fleeing to so great a Protector do the graces and benefits fail, in these times full of all malice and calamitous. For in these charity grows cold, in these are men lovers of themselves; and pursuing as is to be seen, that one full of the Holy Spirit, prophesied of these times, in which the clemency of the Almighty gave a refuge in the tribulations, which have found us exceedingly.

[30] Such a refuge nevertheless recognizing the devout and prudent Illustrious D. Contessina daughter of the late Illustrious D. Lawrence Nanni of Urbania, a woman coming with an impeded arm, inhabitant of Belfort, by the worthy Illustrious and most Excellent Lord John Tuvaglinus of Planano of the diocese of Feretrana, to whom bearing a male son, in the citadel and Apostolic palace of that same land of Verucchio, from the aforesaid childbirth and perhaps other distresses she remained afflicted in the left shoulder and arm, so that neither by day nor by night could she rest, nor by medicines applied could she find any refreshment, only by cries and unquiet she added pains to pains to herself and her most beloved husband; certainly to herself, on account of the unceasing disease; and to her husband, by the virtue of love: and so wholly disabled in shoulder and arm made, since it was as it were wholly drawn up, she could in no wise use it, nor even for the use of food nor for any other thing however small. But hear, thou who despisest the clemency of God and His Saints. The prudent Lady determined and vowed to visit the marble sepulchre and relics of that B. Gregory the Augustinian, reposed in the church of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio: and in every better way she could, with living hope and faith, by the help and aid of other women, the sepulchre being touched she received it whole, on the VI day of the current month of August betook herself to that same chest. And no sooner had she kissed it, with the hand of the offended and as it were lost arm little by little touching it, but at once from immovable movable was made that same arm and shoulder, and for joy she ceased not to use it: and returning to her own dwelling, that same night the pain ceasing she rested. But on the tenth day of the same month and year, recognizing the benefits conferred on her, again she betook herself to the same church, to the effect of visiting the blessed corpse and relics there. But the very Reverend Fathers of that same church and convent assembling, and by their charity the sacred marble sepulchre being opened (nay rather the living, not dead treasure) and thence the venerable head devoutly and with all the reverence which is fitting being taken up, and with it the arm of the most devout Lady being touched, at once whole and free she was made, so that the bystanding people could contain neither tears nor cry and praised the Lord in His Saints. Therefore he who has any sense and professes himself a Christian, let him consider in the Lord, what was the jubilation of that Lady, of her most beloved husband, and of the whole people hearing such things.

[31] Wherefore the same Lady, recognizing so great an Intercessor, and wishes it publicly attested. to give thanks to that same for so great a benefit received, on the XIII day of the same month and year, betook herself to the same church of S. Augustine, and in token of trophy showing the grace received and the blessing, asked benefit and health from that same Blessed: and to me the Notary before the witnesses subscribed [the Illustrious and most Excellent D. John Travaglinus of Planano Doctor of both laws and the Rev. D. Francis-Mary Borghesius and Fr. Stephen Patinus an Augustinian, both of Verucchio] enjoined that I should note down these wonderful things. Which charge more willingly to be executed I undertook: because the same Lady I saw with the witnesses subscribed move her arm at her pleasure and use it; and freely saying we heard, that she had obtained grace and health from that same Blessed, and from him and his clemency recognized it: asking that of all the foregoing I should make public documents. Concerning which … (so may God help me) and for me and all my family may that glorious Blessed deign to intercede … I Jerome Cellius etc.

Instrument 18.

[32] … on the XX of the month of August … the most Illustrious D. Captain Camillus Cupers of Verucchio set forth, The Captain of Verucchio from a continual fever, how on the days passed he was vexed by a grave nay incurable disease, so and in such manner, that drawn up of himself he could do nothing, nor move himself except by the aid of others: and beyond the excessive pains of the body he was vexed by a continual and unceasing fever and disease: and the medicines continually applied, whatsoever however excellent, profited little or nothing. Whence as it were destitute of human health, he thought of the things which pertained to the soul. Prudently indeed, and as it behooves the faithful of Christ. Thinking moreover that he had near a divine physician, who disdains to impart his divinity's and paradise's medicines to none fleeing to him, to him he had recourse, and to the intercession of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, whose sacred corpse and relics are kept in the church of S. Augustine of that same country of Verucchio, for whose prayers and merits almighty God in these times works so many miracles and prodigies of His benignity and clemency, he attests himself freed. as is most known to all. And so to that same Blessed he had recourse, and with living hope and faith asked, that he would protect him, and relieve him from so pernicious and perilous a disease. And no sooner had he offered prayers, but, that Blessed assenting to the health of soul and body, he began to obtain the effects of the grace obtained, and to attain the health of his body: and the evil humors of the infirmity emitting in sweat, entire health thence he recovered, which at present he possesses and enjoys, recognizing it wholly from that same Blessed: as he himself before me the Notary and witnesses attested, that all may believe experience the mistress of things: because he attested these things not in his own house, but in the apothecary shop of the Magnificent D. Adauctus Poppius, to which several times he betook himself, not only for the evidence of the health obtained, but also for the exercise of it and the treating of business. Nay also he gave thanks to the Blessed, and blessed God in His Saints, as unceasingly he ceases not, asserting that he recognizes all the health of his body from the intercession of that same Blessed …

Instrument 19

[33] … on the XXVI of the month of August. Run all ye faithful of Christ, who covet graces: run all, nay swiftly, since the almighty Giver of all good things has opened a fountain of mercy, nor fails to open to those seeking and knocking: and see how pious and merciful is our Lord, who not content to undergo death in the redemption of the human race, for the maintenance also of souls in bodies, to His praise gave and granted the intercession of His most serene, immaculate, most holy mother Mary and of His Saints. Behold the wonderful things, which are such, that unless they were wrought by the effect of His virtue, as a few days ago happened, they would be believed impossible. For before me the Notary and witnesses personally constituted Mag. Francis Franzinus of Macerata, of Feretrana, an inhabitant of the land of S. Marino of the same diocese, said openly and publicly confessed, that he has a son lawful and natural, born of him and D. Frances of the Masi of Verucchio his lawful wife, A boy contracted and dying by name John-Mary, of about twelve years: who tortured by continual most bitter pains for very many days, was deemed without doubt to be about to close his last day. Wherefore that same pious mother procured, that the said beloved husband should be present at the wonted functions of the aforesaid then dying boy, as in his wonted love toward his son he failed not. And both compassionating his pains, grieving the near loss, the so many human medicines applied standing vain and that they had profited nothing,

and that without doubt God would reserve his cure to His glory; concordantly the aforesaid spouses had recourse to the intercession of the most blessed Gregory, of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine of Verucchio; and prayed for the half-alive boy John-Mary, drawn up in all the sinews of his lacerated body; since by the true attestation of Francis himself the father, the arms and legs were not only drawn up and rendered wholly useless; but also the former turned to the shoulders, and the latter to the hips, so much that thou wouldst have said rather the form of a ball than of a rational creature.

[34] But O infinite goodness and clemency of God! How incomprehensible are Thy judgments, almighty God! Who would not have judged that the boy could no longer live? Attend, kind reader; to the vow of the mother for him be astonished all of you at the Evangelical truth, for the corroborating of the holy orthodox and catholic faith, Greater things than these shall ye do. This I hold of them: that the pious mother aforesaid vowed for the boy to visit the holy relics of that same most blessed Gregory for the recovery of the boy's health. Attend lastly the living faith, since she said To visit with the boy: because if she had not hoped for health with faith; she had not said, To visit with the boy. And so at once prayers being offered to the most blessed Gregory, he moved his tongue to the praise of God the Father almighty; he began to move his hands and legs drawn up from the indissoluble knot of the drawing, and afterward to turn them to their destined uses and motions, and to bring them firmly back to their former health, he is set straight and recovers. and for the satisfaction of the vow to betake himself with his mother to his benefactor; as also I, with other men of Verucchio being in the same land of Verucchio, saw him whole, God so bidding. May that most blessed Gregory deign to bestow on me health of soul and body, and make me worthy of his intercession and of the most blessed ever Mother of God, that they may ever be propitious to me and my family.

CHAPTER IV.

The graces openly declared in the month of September.

Instrument 20

[35] In the name of Christ … 1650 on the III day of September. I Peter-Francis Marzallonius, citizen and public Notary of Verucchio, all lying and passion utterly removed, testify before God, how in the month last past, a Notary perilously enfeebled and swollen under the greater Dog-star Sirius and the sun having entered the sign of Leo, for about fifteen days, laboring with the greatest weaknesses through all my life, so that scarcely could I stand, not without a little fever and great fear of the physicians that I could fall into a perilous fever, sleep being utterly lost and a very great loss of appetite: nay rather also the too great agitation of the humors, proceeding from some purgative medicines, which gave to my whole body an extraordinary commotion, affected my left arm near the hand with a great swelling without any flux of blood, so that the swelling of a dropsical disease was feared from the beginning. A humble vow being made to the most blessed Father Gregory the Augustinian my fellow-citizen, of devoutly visiting the most holy deposit of the said holy Father, in the venerable church of the Augustinians of the said my country of Verucchio; by the touch of the sacred head he is healed: to his most holy chest I came on the XIII day of the month; where the chest blessed, on account of the concourse of very many laboring persons, was honorably opened. Before which devoutly kneeling, with the most holy head of the said blessed Father in the venerable Augustinian church, on my head and the offended parts of my body, I was touched. After which touch the weaknesses, alterations and swellings began to vanish, and so vanished, that in a few days my former health was restored to me, by the grace of God and of the most blessed Virgin Mary and the intercession of the said blessed Father Gregory and the other holy Advocates of mine, whose help I ever invoked. Concerning which I made this present faith with my own hand, here set it, and for greater strength signed with the sign of my notariate, to the glory of God and the honor of the said blessed Father Gregory my Patron. I Peter Francis Marzalonius wrote and signed for faith.

Instrument 25

[36] … on the X of September, on the day of the festivity of S. Nicholas of Tolentino my Protector, I affirm for the truth I John Bernardinus Turchini of Monte Ceragnone, public Notary, that when Jerome my wife was sick for four years, another, whose wife deprived of walking lay sick, from the pains which the physicians call those of the womb, and torture of the hams and feet so that she could not walk; and when in this present year 1650 in the month of July, she lay in bed exercised with the said pains and torture; it happened that occasionally having a passage through the land of Verucchio I put in at the convent of S. Augustine, my wonted lodging. Where while I have speech with the Father Prior present concerning the infirmities of my wife, he said to me, that a few days before through the intercession of B. Gregory a certain boy of Verucchio had been freed, who he also for many months had been gravely tortured; and he made me see him. Which miracle seen I said I wished also to vow my wife to that Blessed, as also I did. But returned home and finding that same my wife lying sick in bed, I narrated what I had seen and done, and she ratified my vow. But after four or five days from the aforesaid ratification she began to rise up from the bed, bringing the same woman healed after the vow to the chest. and from day to day better and better to be well, as can now be seen: for I have led her hither to the chest of B. Gregory, to give thanks to God best and greatest for the benefit obtained, by means of the intercession of B. Gregory. But since this is the very truth, I wrote and subscribed this present in the church of S. Augustine, before the chest of B. Gregory, with the consent of the said my wife, affirming all things to be true, there being present, the very Rev. Fathers Baccalaurei Livius Bindi, Paul Fredizzani, and John Mary Dolci, Fathers of the said monastery, who each after Bernardinus Furchini himself testified by their own subscriptions, that they saw the aforesaid signed by him. The whole instrument hitherto written in Italian, concluding in Latin as he had begun, the same Jerome Cellius who wrote the rest.

Instrument 22

[37] … on the XIII of the month of September … Jacominus son of Alexander Monus of Verucchio said, a poor man impeded by an arthritic pain to gain his living that for the space of about two months he had ceased from the works and service, by which he procured for himself a living and other things necessary for the sustenance of life, because he fell into a disease or catarrh, by which in his feet and hands he was greatly tortured, with the greatest pains in the joints, with the greatest swelling and inflation, so that scarcely except with the greatest difficulty could he move himself, whence disabled for working he was made, but was very often most wretchedly deprived of sustenance and food, expelled from service, abandoned by the due Christian charity, banished by the cruel world; and he expected himself to leave that same world. But, my almighty God who permittest none hoping in Thee to be damned, and appeased succorest the wretched! Thinking all these evils to have come upon him for his sins, by a vow he is healed, he had recourse to the intercession of our most blessed Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, vowed to visit his sacred relics, to offer two torches and a wax votive offering, as he visited and offered and obtained entire health: as also I the Notary [there being present D. Julius of the Barbari and Antony Gantinus, both of Verucchio witnesses] in the apothecary shop of the Magnificent D. Julius of the Barbari, saw whole, and giving thanks to almighty God and his most Blessed without end; and affirming, that at once the vow being made, the pains ceased, and the swelling and inflation vanished. O most holy physician, deign from us all to expel all infirmities of soul and body, and with thee in the heavens without end to rejoice. Amen.

Instrument 23.

[38] … on the XIV of the month of September. Such are the miracles, which daily through the intercession of the most blessed Gregory the Augustinian almighty God works, the Notary coming to note the miracles, that a most excellent scribe would be required to note them down, and most learned in sacred things and in all the virtues of the sciences, to this end that to the faithful of Christ whatsoever he might persuade the following of Christ Jesus, and the invocation of this most Blessed in all distresses. Behold I pray, that to the effect of noting his wonderful things and graces called, I betook myself to the chest of that same most blessed one, and found three things to be described in the same place. For D. Lucretia, daughter of the late Marinus a miller of Rimini, and wife of Matthew Giovagnonus of Verucchio, commonly a woman of ill fame (this I say to manifest the mercy of almighty God and the compassion of the most Blessed) remaining about the chest in the church of S. Augustine, crying invoked as helper that same most Blessed in these clear words: [first he takes down the words of a harlot professing herself healed from a pain of the leg,] Be thou blessed, glorious S. Gregory, that from that hour in which I vowed on three Saturday days to come barefoot to visit your holy relics, of which now I have completed two days, and there remains to me still a third soon to come, I feel myself healed from the pains which I suffered in the side and right leg, which for many weeks had held me miserably fixed to bed amid tortures of a very perilous consequence. But now to God and to thee, Blessed one, be praises, because through thy intercession I feel no more any pains, nor in the leg do I suffer aught but a slight itching, which tortures me not, but only admonishes me of devotion toward that Saint; and I rejoice that in very deed I can visit him. Thus far she in her vernacular tongue, asserting herself wholly free from the pains, and from the intercession of that same most Blessed recognizing the grace and the deliverance.

[39] The honest woman D. Catharine, daughter of Caesar Majanus, wife of Stephen Cantella, then another woman showing her right hand cured of a horrible swelling, being in the same place before the chest of the most Blessed, crying and with tears setting forth affirmed and said to me: Scribe, note, and in thy writings set down and preserve: that I a woman, though unworthy, when for many weeks I had a swelling in the right hand and an inflation of horrid elevation and of such magnitude and weight, that it was necessary for me to keep it hung at my neck with a cloth with excessive pains; and all medicines applied all returned vain and fruitless; when I believed both my hand and my life to be lost, having at home the example of my son, freed from the grave through the intercession of this most Blessed; as for him we vowed, so also I vowed to visit these Holy Relics. Oh! what is wonderful to say! At once the vow performed before the visitation my right hand was healed and the pains ceased. See, see her free, and brought back to her former health, as if at no time ever I had labored with a disease in it. And she gloried before me the Notary and witnesses, and praised God in His Saint without end, showing us her hand free.

[40] D. Joanna, an honest young woman, daughter of those same

spouses Stephen Cantella and D. Catharine, and of his daughter freed from a continual fever. remaining in the same church before the chest of the most Blessed, glorifying God and giving thanks to God, said: Note down, Scribe, that I a girl, the unworthy handmaid of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the most blessed Virgin, when for many weeks I had labored with a continual fever, and my pious parents had not ceased to apply all the medicines they could, yet all turned out vain, and this for the glory of God and of this most Blessed. For after the manner of my brother Peter-Francis, and of my most beloved mother, I vowed to visit these holy Relics; and at once the continual fever left me, and whole I was made, as ye see me in this holy church: where I cannot cease, for joy of recovered health, to praise God in His Saints; and I profess that I obtained all health through the intercession of this most Blessed. And I Jerome Cellius before two witnesses noted each thing as each one of those women, that all the aforesaid had been and were true, by means of their and of any of them an oath, affirmed; asking etc.

Instrument 24

[41] In the name of Christ. Amen. I Blaise Georginus of Verucchio Doctor of both laws attest, that when formerly for several months I had my heart oppressed with the most vehement pains and a most grievous and almost intolerable suffering; a Doctor of Law attests that he from a pain of the heart, devout prayers being offered to B. Gregory, that he would benignly bring me help of his mercy; in that very instant, my heart, miraculously of all wonted suffering and pain wholly emptied and immune I knew to be, and myself given to my former health: as I make undoubted faith for the truth, to the glory of almighty God and His Saints, and to the eternal memory of the grace received from that same most blessed Gregory. Therefore this writing with my name, surname and seal I have corroborated, for faith at Verucchio on the XXVIII day of August. Thus far he: there follows then the faith of Jerome Cellius subscribing that same writing, exhibited to him on the XX of the month of September.

Instrument 25

[42] … on the XX of the month of September … the very Rev. Father Baccalaureus Paul Joseph Casatus of Milan, of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, Prior of Cervia and at present Prior of the Convent of S. George of the city of Cervia, by means of his oath, his breast touched in Sacerdotal manner, at the relation of me the Notary, made the faith subscribed of the following tenor, speaking in the vulgar tongue for greater intelligence and clarity, how the truth was and is, that the aforesaid Father, sick for the space of four months with a continual fever, after all necessary human remedies applied, and after in vain a better air changed, could not be freed from that his grave disease. But on the occasion of going to Verucchio which pertains to the Legation of Romandiola subject in spiritual things to the diocese of Rimini, when out of his devotion he had caused the chest to be opened, in which lies the body of B. Gregory of Verucchio, and most devoutly had touched his head, and invoked his patronage with God, and his nephew freed from a continual fever. within a few days he remained free from the said disease: as also D. Paul Nicholas Casatus of Milan, the nephew of the said Father Prior, who he also laboring with a continual fever, by means of the intercession of S. Gregory of Verucchio, within a few days became wholly whole and free. Which since all things are most true to the perpetual memory of so great a grace obtained from God through the intercession and patronage of the said B. Gregory, this present faith with their own hands both subscribed. But they subscribed as they had deposed in the vulgar Italian tongue: in Latin then the Notary himself concludes and adds: Done in the Convent of S. George there being present D. Brunorus Baruccus and Matthew of the Fabri, witnesses of Cervia called to this. And I Christopher Armileus, citizen and by Apostolic authority Notary of Cervia inscribed in the Roman Archive and Archivist of the said city: and finally. Because I, says he, Jerome Cellius, Notary and now Archivist of the land of Verucchio, collated the copy taken with the original transmitted and given to me to be preserved with my other public instruments and found it to agree with it, therefore for faith I subscribed and signed with my wonted sign and that of the said Archive being required.

Instrument 26

[43] … on the XXIV of September … Mag. James Mastignonus of Verucchio set forth to me. Likewise another O power of God our Creator! O goodness of that same Saviour! who came into this world, and dwelt with men, that He might impart to them graces and benefits: whence He made the deaf hear and commanded the fevers, so that the crowds marveled and exclaimed with a great voice, Who is this who makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak and commands the fever? Hence it is that through the intercession of His Saints He willed also the same gifts of health to bestow on those piously fleeing to Him. Wherefore the aforesaid Mag. James Mastignonus said and for the truth affirmed by means of an oath, that a few days now passed he had been most ardently vexed and afflicted with a continual and unceasing fever. Nor did the pharmaceutical remedies give him any help that from this disease he might be freed: wherefore he believed he should exchange the present life with the future. But it came to pass that Nicholas a boy son of that same Mag. James, narrated this most bitter infirmity to a certain Augustinian Religious. [recalling that he had been present at the miraculous healing num. 5 and following.] Which Religious exhorted that same boy, to go to his father; and that he should tell him to commend himself devoutly to the intercession of B. Gregory of Verucchio of the Order of S. Augustine. The boy son went home, and narrated all things to his father. Whence that same Mag. James recalling that he had been present in the church of S. Augustine, when that very B. Gregory obtained from God the health of the drawn-up leg and knee for Peter Francis Cantella, at once with what piety of spirit he could, to the powerful and efficacious patronage and intercession of that same most blessed Man commended himself. But forthwith the most fervid and lethal fever began to diminish, and a few hours passed wholly ceased: and by the grace of God and the intercession of B. Gregory the entire faculty of his strength after a few days perfectly he obtained, and now whole exercises his art as before. Therefore he asked me the Notary, that for the example of Christians I should set all these things among my writings. Done in the public square before the apothecary shop of the aforesaid Mag. James in the Captaincy of S. Peter, there being present D. Simon Landus and D. Andrew of the Georgini of Verucchio witnesses asked. And I James Borghesius of Verucchio public Notary by Apostolic authority, the aforewritten copy a diligent collation made with its original found to agree: therefore I subscribed and fortified with the wonted sign of my notariate and published. So the same then James Borghesius in the following ones unto num. 53.

Instrument 27

[44] … on the XXIV of the month of September … the honest woman Frances of the Bronzetti of Verucchio, spouse of George of Imola of Arvertano of the diocese of Cesena and now dwelling in the castle of S. John in Marignano of the diocese of Rimini, At the request of her absent husband, deaf and disabled, that there by his art he might acquire a living for himself and his family, deposed and by means of an oath asserted, that the said George her husband for some months had been afflicted with a most grievous pain and deafness of one ear, by which infirmity he was wholly detained, so that he could not gain his necessary living and his whole body was now deprived of strength, so much that he was even in great fear of losing his life. Wherefore having heard the daily graces, which from B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio are obtained from God by those piously having recourse to him, the wife visiting the chest obtains health for him. she announced to that same her most loving wife that with all the fervor of her heart she should commend him to that same Blessed. Who at once flew to the church of S. Augustine of Verucchio, and with knees bent before the chest in which lies the body of the said Blessed, asked health for the said George her husband from that same Blessed with all her mind. Nor in vain did she pour forth prayers: for a few days interposed, to her greatest joy and cheerfulness of heart she heard, that the said George her husband had been and was free from the deafness of his ear, and that his body was no more detained by any disease nor impediment, but enjoyed the best health, and exercised his art as before and better. Which things thus standing she asked me etc. Done in the house of Mag. John Antony Bronzettus in the district and Captaincy of S. Andrew…

CHAPTER V.

The remaining graces described in the month of October.

Instrument 28

[45] In the name of Christ, in the year from His most holy nativity 1650, but on the V day of October … the honest woman Joanna of the Majani and wife of Jerome Mattona of Verucchio, of her own accord and brought by no force, but impelled by the truth, said and affirmed that for many days she had been detained in bed by a most grievous infirmity of fever; A woman lying sick with a mortal fever is healed, and that for certain she deemed she would pass her day, although she be in flourishing age: because suddenly she was wholly deprived of the strength of her body, nor could the remedies applied expel and drive off the force of the disease. Wherefore when she knew her last day to be impending over her, to the aid of B. Gregory of Verucchio the Augustinian she fled: and a vow being made of visiting three times the venerable body of that same Blessed, who in the church of his most holy Father Augustine lies; at the same time almighty God granted strength to that same woman piously supplicating, through the intercession of that same B. Gregory, so that she rose from her couch, and could seek the said church, as she did: nor did she yet fulfill the vow but that her former health was restored to her by God. Therefore this grace on account of the aforesaid Blessed's patronage conferred on her by the supreme Creator for certain holding, she wished me the Notary, for the perpetual memory of the matter, to place the aforesaid among my other public instruments; as most true and undoubted, as by means of an oath she asserted and affirmed…

Instrument 29.

[46] … on the VII day of October … Peter-Francis, son of the late Mag. Francis of the Manducci, of Verucchio, asserted and for the truth affirmed, Attacked by masked enemies, that on the IV day of the said month and year he went to the church commonly called della villa of the very Rev. Fathers Friars Reformed of S. Francis, that there he might confess his sins, as he did. After confession he set out from that same church to return to Verucchio. But when he was distant from the said place of the Villa by a fourth part of one mile, near a reed-bed or cane-brake situated near the public way, three men, with veiled faces, loaded with divers arms, from ambush attacked the said Mag. Peter-Francis, with intent to kill him. Wherefore the wheels of their warlike engines being released, all took care to wound that same man mortally: preserved from their guns not catching fire, and that same Mag. Peter-Francis, knowing naturally that he could not avoid the certain peril of death, with a pious affection of mind and with all his heart the aid of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio

earnestly asked and implored, that from a sure and inevitable death he, God granting, would wish to free him. Whence it came to pass, that God, on account of the said Blessed's prayers and patronage, heard the very short prayer and commendation of the supplicant. For God permitted that the fire within the said warlike engines was not kindled and the balls could not come out, although the smoke of the powder was seen outside; and so from that peril of death he escaped unhurt.

[47] Nevertheless the said assailants took away the dagger from the said Mag. Peter-Francis, and several times struck him, and from the blows inflicted with the dagger, and especially with one stroke pierced him in the belly, from which stroke and blow they so fixed the dagger within, that together with an olive tree they left that same Mag. Peter-Francis pinned, and believed him to be now dead: from which blow he himself also thought he had wholly lost his life. But that same Blessed preserved him unharmed from this peril also and rendered him immune: because the breastplate with the undergarment alone was hurt. Whence after the said assailants departed, he scarcely could draw the dagger from the olive, because it was twisted, bent, folded in that tree from the force of the blow. Wherefore at once to the church of D. Augustine, where the sacred monument of the said B. Gregory stands, B. Gregory being invoked. he went: and giving thanks to God for his life preserved by the patronage of the said Blessed, to the chest of the same he devoutly hung the said dagger, that there for the perpetual memory of the matter it might remain. And because he intends so great and so singular graces not to be deleted from the memory of men, therefore he asked me the Notary, that those things, as most known and most true, among my public instruments I should inscribe.

Instrument 30.

[48] … on the X day of October … Jerome Scarpa of Verucchio asserted and for the truth of his own accord affirmed, that on the days passed he had been so seized and afflicted by a sudden and most vehement pain of the head, nay pains, on the left part, A most intense pain of the head is cured, that his head seemed to him to be cut and divided into two parts; wherefore also by the force of a daily and continual fever he was afflicted, whence he had lost the strength of his whole body and deemed he would die. But because it was and is sufficiently clear to him, that B. Gregory the Augustinian daily shines with graces and miracles, therefore to that same Blessed he offered prayers, with the greater humility of spirit he could, that he would deign for him from almighty God to obtain his former health. Nor in vain did he pour forth his prayers. For at once such strength to that same Jerome God granted, by the touch of the linens of the chest, that he could go to the church of D. Augustine, in which lies the venerable body of the said B. Gregory. To whose sacred chest when he came, prayers being first offered, he touched with his head, full of pains and afflicted, the linens placed over that chest of the said Blessed. Wonderful indeed to say and to hear, because at once all the pains of the head vanished, the fever wholly ceased, and wholly left him, and a few days interposed he resumed the strength of his body. Therefore recognizing so great a grace of health given him by God on account of the merits and patronage of the said B. Gregory, he wished me the Notary to engrave all these things and to set them among my public instruments as most true, as, the things touched etc. he swore.

Instrument 31.

[49] … on the XXIV of October … the very Rev. Father Baccalaureus, Fr. Paul Fedrizzonius of Cervia, professor of the sacred Augustinian institute, and of the family of the convent of S. Augustine of the land of Verucchio of his own accord said and for certain affirmed by means of his oath, and a torture of the shoulder rendering his arm useless, in Sacerdotal manner his breast touched, that in the year 1649 in the autumn time, for two months he had been vexed by a most ardent and daily fever, from which through the intercession of D. Nicholas of Tolentino he escaped immune. But in his left shoulder a most bitter pain remained, by which assiduously he was so gravely afflicted, that his arm even was almost useless from the said time of the aforesaid infirmity unto the last Sunday of the month of May 1650. On which day when the sacred monument was opened, where the venerable body of B. Gregory Cellius the Augustinian of Verucchio lies, according to the annual and wonted manner of opening it; the very Rev. Father Baccalaureus Fr. Paul aforesaid, commended himself to the powerful intercession with God of that same B. Gregory from the heart, the sacred head being applied, and humbly asked him, that from the aforesaid pain of the shoulder he would wish to free him. And because the head of that same Blessed, ever fragrant with a celestial odor, was held forth by the Priest to the pious bystanders to be kissed; that same very Rev. Father Baccalaureus Fr. Paul with an ardent affection of spirit took care, that for him by that same Priest the shoulder, offended with a most vehement pain, with that venerable head might be touched. From which touch that pain so vanished, that no more thereafter did the said Rev. Father Fr. Paul feel any offense; but enjoyed his former health, God so giving and B. Gregory interceding. Wherefore lest so great a grace be at any time delivered to oblivion, but ever more the merits of this blessed servant of God Gregory with God and men may shine forth, he wished me the Notary the aforesaid all to inscribe among my writings and public instruments.

Instrument 32.

[50] … on the XXVII day of October … honest young girls, namely Baptista and Mary, both daughters of Luke Lord Rodanus of Verucchio, Likewise two poor girls afflicted with continual fevers. of their own accord and by themselves deposed and said it to be the truth, that for many weeks of the months past they had labored with continual fevers and lethally torturing them, from which by no human art could they be freed: whence it came to pass, that since they are poor, a living and other things necessary for them they could in no wise prepare and gain. But trusting in God; and the patronage of B. Gregory the Augustinian of Verucchio, who freed very many other persons from infirmities of this kind by his intercession with God, as to those same Baptista and Mary is sufficiently clear, implored with all their mind and heart, and a vow being made of visiting several times the sacred sepulchre of that same Blessed, being in the church of S. Augustine of Verucchio, as they strove to fulfill it with all the piety of spirit possible to them; the Almighty and bestower of all good things God and the certain salvation of the sick, through the intercession of the said B. Gregory, to both bestowed most clemently the desired and implored health, and rendered them wholly immune from the aforesaid fevers, as also to the son of that Evangelical Ruler God Himself granted. Hence both Baptista and Mary, desiring in what way they can to make these graces known to the rest of the faithful posterity, that they may be kindled toward so great a servant of God with the fervor of love and devotion, asked me the Notary unanimous, that I should describe all the aforesaid, and into my public instruments as most known and most true I should wish to insert it.

[51] Thus far the Instruments, as they call them, described by James Borghesius, continuing the instruments brought down by Jerome Cellius unto the month of October: which all since within five months they were noted and even almost wrought; it appears how great a forest of similar graces could have been collected, if either in the prior years such diligence had been applied or in the later continued. But as in human affairs nothing is constant and perpetual, so neither in the cult of the Saints: whose favors often the more frequent they are, the more negligently they are noted: as if it were now by no means necessary to commit to writing those things, the like of which mortals daily experience. One nevertheless, seventeen years more recent than the prior, at the end is thus added.

[52] In the name of Christ. Amen. In the year from His most holy Nativity 1667, Indiction 5, and in the year 1667 an Augustinian Friar laboring with the stone divine providence sitting our Holy Lord Pope Clement IX, of his Pontificate the I year, but on the III day of the month of October, before me the Notary and the witnesses subscribed of his own accord and freely constituted the Rev. Father Baccalaureus Fr. John Antony Para of Verucchio an Augustinian, of the diocese of Rimini, his breast touched in Sacerdotal manner, by an oath asserted and for the truth affirmed, that for some years he had been bitterly vexed with an infirmity of the kidneys and stones, and for that cause with great difficulty and pain had emitted urine: but on the XXVII day of the month of May last past, that is on the Friday preceding the most holy festivity of Pentecost, on which solemnity was to be opened, according to the manner and custom annual, and indeed most ancient, the sacred chest, in which are kept ever with a most sweet odor fragrant the sacred and venerable bones of B. Gregory Cellius the Augustinian of Verucchio; that same Baccalaureus Fr. John Antony was so vexed and afflicted with such most afflicting and most bitter pains both of the kidneys and stones, that he no more emitted urine from his body; but a flowing forth and the greatest abundance of blood, through the whole aforesaid day XXVII of the month of May, he never ceased to make water. Concerning which thing providing the Baccalaureus Fr. John-Antony himself, nor rendering anything but blood for urine. and knowing that he could not resist those most efficacious pains by the strength of his body, but rather ought speedily to expect death, nor any medicines to bring him aid; with what greater fervor of spirit he could, as he had done otherwise in his infirmities and necessities, to the celestial help and intercession of B. Gregory of his Augustinian Order he fled. Nor that in vain: since in the late or toward the evening of that very aforesaid XXVII day that flux of blood wholly ceased nor afterward was he affected with such infirmity, but emitted urine at that time clear; nay the sacred functions of his church the following days, namely of the Sabbath and of Pentecost and also of the solemn day of the Dedication of his Augustinian church and of the solemnity of the said B. Gregory, most excellently he could fulfill. Which all things since they are so, he asked me Peter Ugolinus public notary, that of all the aforesaid I should make these public documents, as asked I did and to his pious vows being required I assented…

[53] These things thus transcribed from the original book among the Augustinian Fathers by the said Peter Ugolinus, there followed the public faith of the Priors and Community of the land of Verucchio concerning the legality of that same Notary, The faith of the Notary transcribing all these things. given on the XVI day of January 1677 with Michael Faviardus the Secretary subscribing: and finally the authentication of the Notary himself conceived in these words. And because I Peter Ugolinus of Verucchio, public by Apostolic authority a Notary, the present copies from the book in which are inscribed and authentic the prodigies of B. Gregory Cellius of Verucchio, as in it they can be seen, well guarded and preserved in the Convent of the very Rev. Fathers Hermits of the Order of S. Augustine, and from the public instruments of the late Peter-Francis Marzalonius, Jerome Cellius, and James Borghesius and of me Notaries public of the land of Verucchio, faithfully and word for word with my own hand, except the legality of the most Illustrious Community of Verucchio, extracted, nothing added nor diminished, which might change the sense; which a diligent collation made with their originals I found to agree: therefore for faith I wrote, and to these I subscribed,

and with the public sign of my notaryship, which I use in such matters, I have fortified it: which sign indeed displays a branching trunk plucked up by the roots, to whose stem is affixed a little scroll with the initial letters of name and surname, P. V.