Silvanus

ON SAINT SILVANUS

BISHOP OF GAZA, MARTYR,

AND OTHER XXXIX OR XL MARTYRS.

A.D. CCCXI.

Silvanus, Bishop of Gaza, Martyr in Palestine (S.)

Other XXXIX or XL Martyrs in Palestine

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

The illustrious of these Martyrs, and especially of S. Silvanus the Bishop contest is celebrated among the Greeks and Latins: to whom all went before Eusebius: Eulogy from the Menology of Basil the Emperor. but it pleases in the first place to bring the eulogy from the Menology Greek of Basil Porphyrogenitus the Emperor, which a clear torch to the rest of the history may kindle, and is of this kind. On the fourth day of the month of May. The contest of the holy Martyr Silvanus. Silvanus the sacred martyr of Christ, was from the region of the Gazaeans, first indeed a soldier, but afterward for Christ having abdicated the camp of the earthly King, the soldiery of the heavenly King Christ assumed. Wherefore also of the Priesthood great worthy held, first Presbyter then Bishop he was ordained. But when of the Church to him committed to the rule with the highest tolerance he applied himself, and many of the heathen by his doctrine to Christ brought: caught by the idolaters, and before the Caesarean people in the midst set, cruelly he was beaten, then hung and with scourges received, and afterward to the metals of brass to be dug condemned: where when many hardships he had sustained, and Christ not only to profess he ceased not, but also to others and chiefly to those, who with him were of the same punishment partakers, Christ the true God he announced; together with other forty Martyrs, and the MS. Synaxarion of Clermont. who by him the faith of Christ taught had been, beheaded he was. These things in the said Menology. In the ancient MS. Synaxarion of Clermont of the Society of Jesus at Paris, in which almost the same are recounted, is added, of the Priesthood made worthy, on account of the eminence of urbane manners and the chastity of life, and at length beheaded with other forty Martyrs, of whom some were from Egypt, others from Palestine sprung.

[2] These reported, what by Eusebius are indicated we bring forth. First he book 8 of the Ecclesiastical History chapter 13 reports the Presidents of the Churches, From Eusebius is had that in the year 308 who of the religion which they preached, the sincerity with shed blood declared: then, Among the Martyrs of Palestine, he says, Silvanus of the city of Gaza Bishop, at the metals of brass, which are at Phæno, with thirty-nine others was beheaded. But in the subjoined treatise on the Martyrs of Palestine more accurately each thing, which to S. Silvanus and these Martyrs pertains, he describes, and chapter 7 these things has: When the fifth now year of the persecution was rolling (that is the year of Christ CCC VIII, together with many to the metals condemned Silvanus (after the narrated martyrdom of S. Theodosia the Virgin, of whom largely we treated on the second day of April) the Governor Urbanus, to the rest of Christ's Confessors transferring himself, all to the metals of brass, which are at Phæno of Palestine condemned. After these things on the fifth day of the month Dius, that is as the Romans say, on the Nones of November, in the same city Caesarea Silvanus, who even then Presbyter and Confessor was, but a little after to the honor of the Episcopate elevated, the martyrdom consummated; and others certain his companions, when for true piety singular constancy they had shown, to the work in the same metals to be done, by him whom I said the Governor, were condemned, and it was decreed that the joints of the feet with glowing iron first to them should be disabled. Again chapter 13 these things he sets forth: The seventh now of the persecution year to its end was verging, and there after some rest, and our affairs gradually without sense by the molestation of the calumniators freed to the eighth even year had proceeded. And when in the metals of brass at Palestine the greatest of Confessors multitude into one gathered an incredible liberty enjoyed, so that churches even they built; the Governor of the province, a man savage and wicked, as from those things which against the Martyrs he did to be perceived easily can, thither carried, having heard their manner of living, the matter at once to the Emperor referred, whatever, as to himself had seemed, calumniously against them writing. Then the Prefect of the metals there arriving, as from an Imperial precept the Confessors into various troops distributed, and some indeed in Cyprus, others in Lebanon ordered to dwell … Others again there abided, again in the year 311 vexed a region separate from the rest apart to be inhabited having obtained by lot: as many namely of the Confessors, on account of old age, or weakness of members, or various diseases of the body, from the work to be done were exempt. Of whom the chief was Silvanus, from Gaza sprung the Bishop, a man who of the Christian religion a most absolute and venerable example stood forth. He when from the first so to say day of the persecution, and through all thenceforth that time, with various contests of confession had grown famous; to that very time was preserved, that all that in Palestine contest the last as with a seal he might close …

[4] at length with companions 39 he was beheaded. Moreover the above-said men, who apart living to prayers and fasts and exercises of this kind after the wonted manner applied themselves, God indeed with a blessed and salutary exit to gift now was preparing, a helping to them extending hand. But that enemy and of all goods the foe, when them always armed with assiduous to God prayers, and to battle ready to bear he could not; to slay, as to himself troublesome, and from the midst to take away strove. Which indeed God to effect to him permitted; partly lest he from his spontaneous wickedness be deterred, partly that these of so many and so great contests the rewards at length might receive. So therefore thirty-nine men, by the command of the most wicked Maximinus, on one and the same day beheaded were. Thus far Eusebius, from whom the indicated year VIII of the persecution falls in the year of Christ CCCXI, in which still raged in the East Maximinus the Emperor. But John who with a great eulogy was praised in this 13th chapter, seems by the Greeks in the Menaea and in the Synaxarion of Clermont to be reported on the day XX of September, when of him it will be possible to treat.

[5] Thus far the Greeks with Eusebius. Among the Latins went before Rufinus the Presbyter, The same praise Rufinus who book 8 of the Ecclesiastical History these things chapter 14 writes: In Palestine first Silvanus the Bishop at Gaza, with very many of the Clergy: but in the metal Fanensian forty together beheaded. Thus his editions of the year MCCCCLXXIX and of the year MDXXVI. Usuard and other Latin Martyrologists. Followed Usuard on this day with these words: IV Nones of May. In Palestine, the city Gaza, the birthday of B. Silvanus of the same city the Bishop, who in the persecution of Diocletian, with very many of his Clergy, with martyrdom was crowned: then S. Quiriacus interposed these are had: Likewise in the metal Fanensian of the holy Martyrs forty, who together were beheaded. Which same consequently, S. Quiriacus being put after, have Ado, Notker and the later Martyrologists. In the day to be assigned went before the Martyrology of S. Jerome, after S. Jerome, in whose apograph Epternach thus is read: At Caesarea the birthday of Silvanus, Alexander and others XL. In the copies Lucca and Blume these thus are indicated: At Caesarea the birthday of the Saints Silvanus. At Alexandria of XL Martyrs. In the MS. Corbie but at Paris printed he is called Silvinus, and Vibianus is added. Like things in other MSS. are read. Who here Vibianus is read, seems repeated Urbanus, among the Martyrs of Africa before placed. So, and Alexander, in others Alexandria, is interposed. Whether because partly Egyptians they were, there some cult they had, or for another cause, it pleases not to conjecture. In the present Roman Martyrology these are had: In the metal Phennensian of Palestine the birthday of B. Silvanus of Gaza the Bishop, who in Diocletian's persecution by Galerius Maximian's mandate, with very many of his Clergy with Martyrdom was crowned. Likewise of the Saints thirty- nine Martyrs who there to the metals condemned, after the burning of glowing iron and other torments together were beheaded. In the Notes is alleged Eusebius, who, as above we saw, asserts by the command of Maximinus beheaded.

[6] The Greeks on other days also S. Silvanus and other Martyrs celebrate: they are remembered also May 2. and especially in the MS. Menaea, which at Dijon in the keeping of Peter Francis Chifflet we found, on the second day of May are reported, with added to the eulogy a distich, one for S. Silvanus, another for the XL Martyrs, who partly from Egypt, partly from Palestine are said to be sprung. Of Silvanus the distich is this. The white-reddish Silvanus' white hair To have dyed the sword and old age I know. The whitening hair of white-ruddy Silvanus The sword and old age, I know, have dyed. To the forty Martyrs these verses are sung. A double score of Martyrs the sword bore, Whom Egypt bore and Palestine. A double score of Martyrs the sword bore, Whom Palestine brought forth and whom Egypt.

[7] October 14. Besides on the day XIV of October is reported S. Silvanus, in the MS. Synaxarion of Clermont and in the printed Menaea and in Maximus of Cythera, with this eulogy. Silvanus from Gaza sprung, a man of mild disposition and sincere faith, of the Gazan Church Presbyter, now great in age to the people of the city of Caesarea led, with scourges most bitterly

is beaten, and on the sides lacerated. Then to the brazen mines of metal condemned, by the faithful with the Pontifical office was set over them. But somewhat after with age worn out, and with weakness broken, he was beheaded.

Finally on the fifth day of November is reported S. Silvanus to the metals condemned, and November 5. where altogether to be believed this Bishop to be understood, because this is the same day, on which the given against him and his companion Confessors sentence indicates Eusebius: and because on the same day in the Martyrology of Basil the Emperor and other Greek MSS. with SS. Domninus, Theotimus and others not only, to the metals condemned he is said; but expressly is added in some, that he was at length beheaded, and that under the Governor of Palestine Urbanus.

ON S. SYNESIUS THE MARTYR.

LAID TO REST AT LUCCA IN ETRURIA.

Synesius the Martyr, laid to rest at Lucca in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 7576

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

Among the Sacred bodies of the Saints, which in the city of Lucca's churches in Etruria very many are preserved, is the body of S. Synesius the Martyr, Memorials in the Calendars, whose memory is celebrated in the ancient Martyrologies of the Church of Lucca, which Francis Maria Florentinius after the Martyrology Hieronymian by him edited adjoined: in which these are had: IV Nones of May of S. Senesius the Martyr. On the same day they remembered him the Carthusians of Brussels, in the written additions to Greven with these words: In the city of Lucca of S. Senesius the Martyr. Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy, in the year MDCVIII printed, under the name of S. Sentius honors him, on the same IV of May, with these words: Sentius, a soldier and Martyr, at Lucca on this day has veneration. The body of him in the greater temple religiously is preserved, and his memory anniversary with a double rite, not only in the city, but also through the diocese is celebrated. Yet the Acts of the Martyr so perished, that neither the place, nor the time nor the kind of martyrdom to be known has happened. For only remain his relics, with an inscription, the name of Martyr containing. And in an Annotation he adds: Whether on this day his passion is recalled, and in Ferrarius or the Finding or Translation, nor that indeed is known. By what then indication was known? The same Ferrarius edited in the year MDCXXV a general Catalogue of the Saints, who in the Roman Martyrology are not, and there thus wrote: At Lucca in Etruria of S. Senesius the Soldier and Martyr, and, as in the Notes he adds otherwise Sentius. From the tables of the Church of Lucca. The body of him in the Cathedral Church is preserved. At Cyzicus he suffered under Licinius it is handed down: whose body first to Rome under Damasus the Pontiff, then to Lucca was translated, as have the MS. monuments of the Church of Lucca: from which Cæsar Franciotti, in the History and Lives of the Saints of Lucca, in the year MDCXIII had edited in Italian the Martyrdom and translation of the body of S. Senesius.

[2] We in our Roman journey twice those Acts in Latin transcribed, first at Florence in the Medicean library of the Great Duke, [The martyrdom at Cyzicus under Licinius falsely attributed from the Acts of S. Theogenes.] in shelf 20 found, then at Lucca from the MS. Legendary of the Cathedral Church. But while each thing we examine, we detected him, who such Acts in the XIII century after the made into a new altar translation composed, in the same manner to have deluded the credulity of the people of Lucca, S. Synesius' passion by himself found falsely asserting; just as about the Life of S. Frigidian, the chief Patron of the people of Lucca, was done by him, who that that Saint an Irishman to be and in Ireland known to persuade, under his name substituted the history of S. Finnian Bishop of Moville, to be given on the X day of September; and the same he did in S. Silao, another Patron of the church of Lucca, applying to him the Life of S. Sinnan, given by us on March VIII. Surely the whole series of the martyrdom, which here is attributed to S. Synesius, pertains to S. Theogenes under Licinius at Cyzicus having suffered, by us on his birthday, the day III of January edited, from various MSS. likewise from Mombritius and the Contests of the Martyrs of the month of January, and there exist but contracted in Vincent of Beauvais book 13 of the Speculum historiale chapter 60, and in Peter de Natalibus book 2 of the Catalogue chapter 41. From the same Acts their eulogies took the Greeks in the Menology of Basil the Emperor, the MS. Synaxarion of Clermont, the Menaea printed and the MS. of Milan of the Ambrosian library, the Latin also Martyrologists Florus, Rabanus, Notker and others in various MSS. so that there is given no place of doubting, but that they are the Acts of the said Theogenes the Martyr, with a few things here and there changed attributed to S. Synesius the Martyr.

[3] But the imposture more appears in the Translation of the body, where the same who had buried the body at Cyzicus in Villa-Adamantis under Licinius, would have carried to Rome, with gross errors adjoined of the body translated to Rome, where by Damasus the Pope with marvelous veneration received it is said, and that at that time, when they were compelled to sacrifice, or certainly if they contemned that to do, with the sword their heads were amputated. It is certain meanwhile that Damasus' election in years about LX after the departure of the tyrants was made. But light these would be unless more absurd things followed these: At the death of B. Damasus the Pope succeeded in the Episcopate the venerable Orosius. At that time held the Roman Empire Constantius the grandson of the Great Constantine the Emperor, who sought and obtained from the said Pope Orosius the body of the now often named Martyr, and led to the Lucanian city, and built the Church of B. Peter, and near the altar placed the body of the aforesaid Martyr. These things are in the MS. Florentine. But where the dreaming author understood that some Pope Orosius there was, and he the successor of S. Damasus. To whom in the year CCCLXXXII having ended life, succeeded S. Siricius, but who then reigned Constantius the grandson of Constantine the Great? There was of him a son Constantius, but he in the year CCCLXI from life had departed, and in the said year CCCLXXXII reigned Gratian, Valentinian the younger and Theodosius. He who afterward the Acts in the Legendary of Lucca found described, that the said errors he might emend, the already related thus contracted. At length by Orosius of the holy Apostolic See in his stead he was received; reigning the Emperor of the Romans, by power was sought S. Synesius by Orosius of the Roman Church the Pontiff, that to the royal power he should come, just as was done. But the body of B. Senesius received he was led to the Lucanian city, and outside the gate of the city placed in the church of S. Peter &c.

[4] These things there. Which all as mere dreams rightly neglected Cæsar Franciotti, and the body of S. Senesius to Lucca brought in the year DCCLXXXVII established, whether the body to Lucca was translated in the 8th century. when this Church of Lucca presided over Joannes I the Bishop. Seems Franciotti by this relying conjecture, that the said Bishop the body of S. Regulus Archbishop African from Populonia, where he had been by King Totila's soldiers martyrdom suffered, to Lucca translated; as Ferdinand Ughelli volume 1 of Italia sacra in the Bishops of Lucca, an ancient instrument adduced, explains, and on the Kalends of September it will be to be said. Besides the same Joannes sitting, the city Lucca was ennobled with a miraculous of Christ crucified image, which they say by Nicomedes was effigied: this to us when in the year MDCLXII at Lucca for several days we stayed, to be venerated opened the chief Canons of the Cathedral Church. But of it can be read, what the remembered Franciotti more largely describes.

[5] But that to S. Synesius we may return, this is certain, at whatever time the body was brought to Lucca, there in the eleventh century of Christ it was with due veneration preserved in the church of S. Peter, outside the walls of the Lucanian city. For as the Acts in the MS. Florentine have, then by the sons of the same Church and the Lucanian people in the same Church marvelously was made a crypt, In the crypt deposited in the 11th century, and in it becomingly was placed the body by Anselm Bishop of the aforesaid city, the Clergy and people much assembling: who that already said Bishop afterward, not much time running, of the Roman Church the See honorably held, and Pope Alexander II was named: in which assuredly place many exuberate benefits, to the praise and glory of the name of Jesus Christ. These things there. The said Anselm chosen was Bishop of Lucca in the year MLVI, but the Roman Pontiff created in the year MLXI, Alexander II is called, dead XXII April of the year MLXXIII. By this Alexander II constituted Bishop of Lucca his nephew S. Anselm, whose Life we illustrated on the day XVIII of March. Then were substituted the Bishops Gothifredus, Rangerius, Rodulphus, and afterward in the year MCXVIII succeeded Benedict, having died in the year MCXXVII. Under whom these things about the body of S. Synesius performed are handed down in the said MS. Florentine.

[6] When in that place through hidden passages of the earth water more often redounded, on account of the abundance of water elevated, and almost even to the middle of the altar grew up, Benedict, by the grace of God of the holy Lucanian Church servant and Bishop, solicitous stood about the treasure hidden, lest namely the water growing up the bones of the most blessed Martyr should touch, and through this in some way the holy body be hurt. Whence it was made, that the aforesaid Pontiff from the Brethren counsel sought what to be done there was need: very much indeed in the place aforesaid of the whole Lucanian people, for reverence of the most holy Martyr, devotion was frequented: who also of the water's redundance, which they saw, nevertheless doubted. It seemed therefore to the Bishop and his Brethren a better and more useful counsel, that this doubt from the midst removing, the people's pious intention they should consult, and the devotion of the same about the divine cult and the Relics of the Martyr they should augment. Accordingly to the aforesaid church of S. Peter the greater coming, the altar, under which lay the Martyr Senesius, is broken: the place, in which lay hidden the venerable treasure, is opened: outside the crypt, by the Pontiff's and his Brethren's hands, with great reverence is carried; and above before the altar of the Prince of the Apostles, meanwhile of most honest men diligently sought and applied guard, is placed.

[7] What there vigils, how solemnly and how celebrated, and in a new altar deposited in the year 1124. and by the Pontiff himself and by all in turn the Clergy of the city, for eight days continuous there passing the night, how great also and how assiduous of men the concourse; how great toward the Martyr (as is their custom) of most devout women the frequency, with wax tapers and lights, which very many on each were brought to the vigils, through the whole night and day not there failing, no one's ever tongue suffices to narrate. On the eighth at length day assembled at S. Peter's the whole city, and from the whole Bishopric the greatest multitude. Was present also Benedict the Pontiff, together with all his Clergy; and a procession celebrated held, the altar which was rebuilt wonderfully he blessed, and through the grace of the Holy Spirit consecrated: under which of the Blessed Martyr Senesius diligently and reverently the bones laid up rest In the year a thousand a hundred twice twelve; And on August's day now sixth and twice ninth August 24, To whose oratory whosoever faithfully and with right intention assemble, divine through the intercession of the Martyr received benefits, not without health of mind and body to their own return. We believe

assuredly that by his intervention, those who assemble, are gladdened; and the Lucanian city by the merits of the same is protected and defended, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.

[8] Thus far the author of the Life of S. Senesius in the MS. Florentine. But on account of the demolition to be made of the said church of S. Peter for the necessity of the war, translated into the Cathedral church in the year 1513. which it was feared by the Florentines to be declared against the Lucanian city, the venerable bodies of S. Senesius and BB. Romeus and Avertanus, by the consent and authority of the R. D. Vicar of the most Reverend D. Cardinal Bishop of Lucca and also of the Chapter of the said Cathedral church, as well as of the magnificent Lords of the magnificent city of Lucca, from the same church of S. Peter to the Cathedral church of S. Martin of Lucca, with great solemnity, in the year MDXIII were translated, at the good pleasure of the depositors to be restored to the new church of S. Peter the Greater: as more largely is contained in the public Tables, by us on February XXV at the Life of S. Avertanus §3 edited. with the intention of restoring it. Franciotti in the Catalogue of the Saints, whose sacred bodies in the Cathedral church are kept, thus interjects: The body of S. Senesius, in deposit, for the church of S. Peter the greater: and the Relics recounted of the church of S. Peter the greater, he adds: Hither ought in their time to be referred three holy Bodies, namely of S. Senesius the Martyr, and of SS. Avertanus and Romeus.

[9] And that very temple of S. Peter was about the year MDLXXXVIII with a noble structure restored from the foundations, and commonly now is called the church of Our Lady of miracles, which until the year 1644 was deferred, on account of the miraculous there of the Mother of God image: but of the sacred bodies the restitution was deferred, on account of certain dissensions thereupon arisen even to the year MDCXLIV: when was made of the same restitution an instrument, which from the Archive of the Lucanian Republic, in the year MDCLXXVI to be transcribed for us procured the most Illustrious Marius Florentinius, of that noble Physician likewise and historian Francis Maria Florentinius, once our host and in this work often praised and to be praised, the son; from the Diptychs of the Church of Lucca, by his once father collected but still unedited, adding, that the arm of S. Synesius in the church of S. Maria of the court of the Orlandingi is kept and venerated, among the Religious Presbyters of the Congregation of the Mother of God, which from the same Florentinian family had of that Francis Maria the brother Father Jerome, a man learned also himself, and with some books edited famous. The instrument of the aforesaid restitution, from the Italian into Latin rendered, of this kind is.

[10] In the name of the Lord. Whereas from an Instrument by the late Peter John Paul de Piscilla, under the year MDXIII on the day XXXI of August made it appears, when to the petitioning for restitution Canons of the church of S. Peter, that the very Illustrious and most Reverend Chapter of the very Illustrious and Reverend Lords Canons of the Cathedral of Lucca received in deposit the bodies of S. Synesius and BB. Romeus and Averardus or Avertanus, which had been in the Collegiate church of S. Peter the Greater, by the Lords Canons, the Prefect of the fabric and one of the Parishioners of the same church, to be held, kept, and guarded for the good pleasure of the said Lords Depositors, and then to be rendered and restored to the Lords Rector, Canons and Parishioners of that church of S. Peter the Greater, at whatever of their requisition and will, and that under the penalties and in the form and manner in the same Instrument expressed. Whereas also the very Ill. and Rev. D. Laurence Bonvisi, at present of the church of S. Peter the Greater well-deserving Prior, with the aforesaid Cathedral church Chapter has urged, that in virtue of the contracted obligation it would deign to restore those holy bodies.

[11] The very Ill. and most Reverend Chapter, in competent number assembled, the same through the deputies of the Cathedral Chapter, on the day IV of March in the year MDCXLIV among other things decreed, that the Lords Primicerius Sigismund Puccini, Francis Galganetti, and Felix Trenta, before this to the said restitution business deputed, full have authority of consulting and decreeing that which thereupon more useful to be done they shall have judged, for the same most Reverend Chapter's advantage, for the first function future on the feast of the same S. Synesius, and thereupon of making public instruments, under those pacts and conditions which and such as to expedite they shall have judged.

[12] By this therefore authority instructed the Lords aforesaid … give and consign to the very Ill. and Rev. D. Laurence Bonvisi the Prior, it was made into the hands of the Prior of S. Peter, to this constituted by his church's Canons, by an act by me the public Notary asked under the day XXVIII of April, and to D. Joseph Baroni, the present of the Fabric of S. Peter the Greater Prefect, the aforesaid bodies of S. Synesius, and of BB. Romeus and Averardus or Avertanus, to be transferred whenever and howsoever to them it shall please to the now said church, that there thenceforth in the wonted manner be honored, on this condition that the most Reverend Chapter the right preserve of celebrating a solemn Mass at the hour of Terce in the aforesaid church of S. Peter the Greater, in the morning, on the day IV of the next month of May, when shall occur the feast of the said S. Synesius, in that manner and form in which before it was wont to do the Reverend Chapter in the aforesaid church of S. Peter before the aforesaid deposit on the feast of the same Saint.

[13] on the day April 30, By this therefore consignation thus made, the aforesaid Prior and the Fabric's Prefect, absolve the aforesaid deputies from all obligation, which perhaps from the force of the aforecited instrument could against the most Reverend Chapter be pretended, in whatever manner or title, a stipulation adjoined and whatever exception excluded. Of all which on both sides done and reciprocally promised, was made the present instrument, under penalties against the infringers of this convention established, to be paid as often as &c. Done at Lucca in the sacristy of the Cathedral Church of Lucca, before and present there the very Rev. D. John Antonetti the custodian of the said Cathedral, and Bartholomew once of Lord Merlus, citizens of Lucca, witnesses asked, under the year of the Nativity of the Lord MDCXLIV, Indiction XII, on the day indeed XXX of April, at folio 559 of the protocol of instruments of the Excellent D. James de Matronis, in the archive public of the most Illustrious and most Excellent Lucanian Republic existing. I James de Motronis Public Notary asked,

[14] From this therefore time, as by new letters from time to time the above-praised Marius Florentinius me taught on July VII of the year MDCLXXVII, where now the bodies under the high altar are held. the bones of S. Synesius and of BB. Romeus and Avertanus rest in the chest of the now said church the greatest, in three distinct little chests of cypress, with damask and scarlet silk adorned, laid up, behind an iron grating gilded, by which the said altar to the custody of the same little chests is fortified. And of holy Synesius indeed the feast is celebrated yearly on IV May with divine Offices, a solemn Mass with musical modulation, and an oblation of wax tapers in the name of the Republic to be made; not however at the same, as was wont of old, is present the most Excellent the Republic's Standard-bearer with two Decemvirs, because introduced by custom it is that they now more rarely into public go forth. B. Avertanus' celebrity on the day XXV of February is recalled, and of him likewise a Mass is performed: but of B. Romeus nothing particular is done.