ON S. MAURONTUS THE ABBOT
OF BREUIL, AT MARCHIENNES, AND DOUAI IN BELGIUM.
A.D. DCCI
PrefaceMaurontus, Abbot of Breuil, at Marchiennes & Douai in Belgium (S.)
G. H.
[1] Three places of Belgium are celebrated, by the dwelling, death, and preservation of the Relics of S. Maurontus. The monastery built at Breuil The first is Breuil the estate, commonly Bruel in the town called Mergē or Merville, which some learned men think is called Minariacum in the Itinerary of Antoninus. Situated
it on the borders of Artois and Flanders, on the river Lys, between Aire and Armentières. In this his estate Breuil S. Maurontus constructed a monastery, and there gathering monks presided, and received the exiled S. Amatus, buried him dead, and afterwards to a new church built by him took care to translate honorifically.
[2] The other place is the monastery of Marchiennes, on the river Scarpe, Death at Marchiennes. between Douai and Saint-Amand; illustrated by the burial of S. Rictrudis his mother, and then of Maurontus himself. There in the year from the Lord's Incarnation seven hundred and first, in the fourth year of King Childebert son of Theodoric, he migrated to the Lord, on the fourth Nones of May. So the MS. Chronicle of Marchiennes, in the time of Abbot Simon written about the year MCC, cap. 18.
[3] The third place Douai, the most known city of Gallo-Flanders, which preserves the body of S. Maurontus in the collegiate Church of S. Amatus. Body at Douai. The author of the Miracles of S. Rictrudis, who completed those by writing about the year MCLXVIII, in book 2 number 16 asserts, that the Relics of S. Maurontus rested for a long time in the Marchiennes monastery; afterwards either with God permitting or willing, were furtively taken away, and translated to Douai… On the relics therefore of B. Maurontus, the greatest part taken away to Douai, with God and the people conniving, it was established, that on the third Nones of May (which is the day of his deposition) by all dwelling there yearly solemnly the memory of him should be represented. When however the year revolved would bring back the same solemnity, and the cult is celebrated. this by the Sacerdotes, who presided over the people, on the preceding Lord's day in the churches was announced to all: and with servile work publicly interdicted, all on that day, just as is now done, hastened devoutly to the church. Thus the said Author of the Miracles of S. Rictrudis, adding, how a cobbler contumaciously despising the said solemnity, wounding his hand with a knife rendered it useless, as in the said history, on XII May to be edited by us, more amply can be seen.
[4] Life edited: The Acts of S. Maurontus are contained in the Life of S. Rictrudis, by Hucbald the Elnonensian monk written and to be given on XII May: whence we give some Synopsis of the Life of S. Maurontus, transcribed in some MS. of ours from the most ancient books of the church of S. Amatus. His celebrated memory is inserted in the ancient MS. Martyrologies, the Atrebatensian of the Cathedral church, the Tornacensian of S. Martin, and the Lætiensian in the Auctarium of Bede and Florus; and in the prior he is called Levite; in the other two, memory in ancient calendars. Abbot. In the Centulan MS. or of S. Richarius these things are read: At the castle of Douai of S. Maurontus the Abbot, a man notable in race and sanctity: who is read in baptism the son of the most holy Richarius. Of him made mention Grevenus and Molanus in the Additions of Usuard: likewise Molanus in the Natalia of the Saints of Belgium, Miræus in the Belgic Calendars, Galesinius, Saussay, and in monastic ones Wion, Dorganius, Menardus, Bucelinus, with whom Mabillon ascribes the same to the Benedictine Order.
[5] There is in Hainaut an illustrious monastery of the Benedictine Order, from its founder S. Gislenus already surnamed: Some Relics in S. Gislenus whose ascetics glory that they have the entire Calvary of S. Maurontus the Abbot, Tutelary Patron of the Douai town, decorated with a sumptuous silver gilded head, likewise the half of his arm. Some also of his Relics are in the church of Quercu-Cinctum, at Quercu-Cinctum and Arras one mile distant from Douai. Likewise from the sepulcher of S. Maurontus there are particles at Arras in the Cathedral church, as all these in Rayssius in the Belgic Hierogazophylacium are read. altar and statue at Douai. But at Douai in the collegiate church of S. Amatus is an ample and outstanding chapel, with an altar sacred to S. Maurontus and his parents: in which the statue of S. Maurontus, between the statues of each parent, is in the middle; and he himself is seen in illustrious habit, holding a scepter in the right, in the left a turreted building. Very many things on S. Maurontus collected and edited John Buzelin in his Gallo-Flanders and its Annals, in book 5 of which, from the silver book of the church of S. Amatus, he transmits, that in the year MCXXXIX by the Atrebatensian Pontiff Alvisus the sacred bones of D. Maurontus were translated into a new chest at Douai, Translation of the relics, and among others were present Goswin the Aquicinctan Abbot, and the Archimandrite of Casæ Dei. With a marvelous portent then of the time, either the glory of S. Maurontus was made plain, or the piety of those obeying his honor was approved. For there was seen openly by all an outstanding and various circle, as long as in the manner of a crown all those went around, who handled the holy bones with their hands, until they placed them in the case. Thus Buzelin: who writes that they were elegantly adorned with gold and silver, book 2 of Gallo-Flanders cap. 8.
SYNOPSIS OF THE LIFE
From the most ancient books of the Collegiate church of S. Amatus of Douai, and from another Ms. of ours.
Maurontus, Abbot of Breuil, at Marchiennes & Douai in Belgium (S.)
BHL Number: 5768
FROM MSS.
[1] The father of the blessed man Maurontus Adalbaldus, was a most noble Frank: but his mother Rictrudis, S. Maurontus brought up in the King's court, drew her origin from the more sublime of Gascony. Both therefore stood out clear in race, but most clear in faith. Maurontus also their first-born, succeeded as the truest heir of their twin nobilities a. After however he came to manly years, adhering to the Royal side, as his nobility demanded, given over to its continual obediences, was bound also by spousal bonds: he breaks off the contracted nuptials: but quickly he loosed the voluptuous fetters of carnal love, in which he had set his foot; with the gainer of souls Bishop Amandus suggesting to him the suavities of spiritual love, and the sweetness of eternal pleasantness. But when he had reported the wish of his mind to his holy mother, that he in no way wished to use the cohabitation of his bride; she fearing, lest perhaps through the broken courses of lasciviousness, as is the custom of certain youths, he would deliberate to follow the broad way leading to the inferior; was beginning to be troubled with the greatest molestation of soul: and through a messenger asked of holy Amandus, as the physician of sick minds; that he would come to her aid in so great peril. He coming to Marchiennes, soothing her with mild and to him known fomentations of words, restored her to her pristine alacrity in God.
[2] After then by the same Antistes the solemn celebration of Masses, after the flight of a bee around the head when also Maurontus himself stood by in presence, the often-said Antistes Amandus saw a bee thrice circling his head. And immediately noting with himself and understanding, what the presage of this sign portended, he called Maurontus to him: and began to exhort, that more swiftly by work he should perfect, what once in his mind he had conceived, and what he himself the Prelate by divine auspice had recognized to have been revealed to him. And what that one exhorted, this one did not delay to fulfill. Then the most holy Pontiff Amandus, by S. Amandus is shorn into a Cleric, according to Ecclesiastical custom blessing him, with the hair of his head cut, into a Cleric tonsured him; and made him bear the sign of the crown: by those things which were done outwardly hinting, what by the signification of these were to be kept inwardly: namely that the top of the head laid bare, signifies all the secrets of the heart to God to be naked and open: and whatever is thought or done in secret, lies open to the eyes of the All-discerning. The sacred Prelate also opened to him and taught, that frequent cutting of hair, teaches that superfluous evil thoughts are frequently to be cut off. He intimated to him moreover, that the decoration of the crown expressed the tiara of the supreme Sacerdos, and the diadem of Royal dignity, that through this he might know that he pertained to the Royal Sacerdotium, and after the patience of various temptations completed, might believe himself to receive the crown of eternal life, by God promised to those loving Him. Which the same man of God Maurontus, not only from the salutary tradition of this sacred Prelate, but also from the reading of holy Scripture taking and committing to memory, always strove to fulfill.
[3] ordained Deacon For made afterwards a Levite, he took care to be fitted to the same name, office and conversation worthy: and (as one born of a clear stock) not only by race, but also by the nobility of morals illustrious, in the King's court he shone: so that, honored with the custody of the royal seal, he wrote down the edicts of the King's secrets b as a prudent notary. To whom also, the King's secretary, for accumulating the emolument of holy conversation, God added the holy company of the man Amatus. Who as the blessed man being elected, and to the Episcopate of the city of the Senones sublimated, he receives S. Amatus to be guarded at the time when King Theodoric was exercising iniquitous tyranny, was falsely accused of infidelity before him, and at Péronne, the Monastery situated in the town of the Vermandois, over which Holy Abbot c Ultanus presided, was ordered to undergo exile. Then, after the death of B. Ultanus, was handed over to the aforesaid servant of God Maurontus, that he should commit him to custody in his monastery, which next to the Lys the same Maurontus had recently constructed in his territory which is called Breuil. With whom received, when he had experienced his religious conversation, as a heavenly treasure to be kept, all the days of his life he showed every diligence in serving him, having in him a most beautiful mirror of his own life and of his confreres. After however the most holy exile and Bishop dear to him Amatus the Lord to the heavenly homeland, and dead buries him. from this affliction of troublesome peregrination, on the Ides of September took up; his sacred body S. Maurontus in his possession, honorifically buried; and by the instruments of charters gave him all the estates of his inheritance.
[4] With the term moreover imminent, in which the same glorious soldier of Christ, with the Lord calling, was to receive the wages of his warfare; it happened that he went to Marchiennes, which his most holy mother migrating to Christ had committed to his providence, about to visit his little sheep. I think however more should be asserted, that this was disposed by Divine dispensation, that namely those whose wills, not only carnal, but also spiritual love and sanctity of life had joined, he himself dies at Marchiennes. the natural consortium of bodies also the distance of places should not disjoin. For provided by the Lord by sickness there seized, after the offices of pious administration completed, on the Third Nones of May (as by the holy Fathers it is found written) with his mother and d sisters slept in Christ: with whom living perennial life, with continual glory rejoices e. We beseech you, Most holy Levite of Christ, Maurontus, who as a shining lamp before God reddenest, by your most holy supplications come to our aid: that with pardon of crimes granted, we may merit to obtain the consortium of Christ: who lives with the eternal Father, and the gracious Spirit, through the immortal ages of ages. Amen f.
ANNOTATIONS.
COMMEMORATION
Of the city of Douai preserved through the Saint.
Maurontus, Abbot of Breuil, at Marchiennes & Douai in Belgium (S.)
[5] The commemoration of S. Maurontus is held at Douai on VI January, on account of the city preserved on that day, chiefly by his benefit. Concerning which thus writes Arnold Wion, by birth of Douai, in book 3 of the Tree of Life: At Douai of Flanders the Commemoration of Saint Maurontus the Abbot, The French enemy, on the vigil of the Kings about to occupy the city Patron of the same city, that on this day, by his merits and presence, the people of Douai were freed from the betrayal of Gaspard de Coligny, the Admiral of the French, in the year of the Lord MDLVI. For when on this night, on which especially the Flemish people from ancient custom is wont to indulge in wine, he was striving to capture the city, because he thought he would find all drunken and given over to sleep; S. Maurontus appeared in dreams to the custodian of the church of S. Amatus (in which his sacred body rests) and commanded him to give the signal for Matins three times. Which when he refused to do, asserting that the hour of Matins had not yet come; compelled by him at last he did so. But when he believed himself to ring for Matins; the bells themselves, [with the Saint commanding the bell signal to be given and appearing on the walls he is saved.] gave not the signs of Matins, but of arms. By whose sound the people roused, hastening with haste armed to the walls, the Saint himself, in monastic vesture shining, sprinkled with golden lilies (for so he is depicted) clothed, and with the right hand holding a royal scepter, and going around the walls, with clear eyes saw; and him, until the people was roused, his city to have defended most openly recognized. For which benefit by the Senate and People of Douai on this day solemn Processions were instituted, in which his venerable Relics, placed in a silver case, with the greatest frequency and devotion of the people, by the Canons of the church are reverently carried.
[6] the apparition is testified by him who saw: The aforesaid author then adds in notes, that his parent Amatus Wion, Procurator General of that city, was the first of all to ascend the walls armed, and to behold that marvelous vision. The deed thus narrates our John Buzelin book 11 of the Annals of Gallo-Flanders to the year MDLVII. The Belgians thought nothing hostile in their soul, when at the beginning of the year MDLVII (MDLVI says Wion, because then we Belgians still began the year from Easter) the Archithalassus of France Gaspard Coligny, with a nocturnal theft of war attacked Douai before light, on the very feast of Kings. He had conceived hope, others however otherwise narrate the matter that with nocturnal carousings the citizens would be more deeply fallen asleep, and easy access to him would be through the walls, with all sunk in sleep. But the matter turned out otherwise, than he had hoped. For when very early he had applied ladders to the walls, sudden fear deterred him, and compelled him to draw back his foot. It pleases some, that some of rustic men, the day before towards evening having entered the city, and admonished the Senate of the danger: and therefore with watchmen placed on the crown of the walls more than usual, and a watchman striking a cymbal from the Praetorian tower, the snares were met.
[7] More truly others record, that by the work of S. Maurontus the town was preserved. For about that time, in which Coligny was leading his men to the walls, and now diligently and silently was hastening all things for the ascent; Blessed Maurontus, the Patron of the city, to the still snoring sacristan of the Amatus church through dream gave himself to be seen, but to the prior narrations faith is confirmed by annual commemoration and admonished a third time that he should give the sign of the Matinal office with the bronze bell. When he by no means obeyed, and contended that the time of the bell to be sounded had not yet come; the Saint compelled him to do this, which was being commanded. When therefore the sacristan according to custom strikes the bell, it by no means so sounded, as if the Clergy were being called to the divine office, but rang out something warlike, as is wont to be done, when to taking arms in trembling matters citizens from the public watch are incited. While the people roused by the heavy and incited sound of the bronze put on themselves, and snatched arms, S. Maurontus meanwhile, conspicuous in monastic vesture and golden lilies sprinkled, and holding a royal scepter in his hand (in which figure he is wont to be painted), went around the walls of the city diligently, and by his presence so defended, that in it none of the enemies escaped: him being seen by the citizens, ascending the walls in arms, then was seen: and at his first sight rejoiced the Procurator of the city Amatus Wyonius: thence flowed the anniversary ceremonies of public supplication, in which the memory of so great a benefit the Clergy, Senate, and people, on the very feast of Kings, with great pleasure celebrate.
[8] which also are inscribed in calendars, Of this matter to foreigners also the fame penetrated: for in the Benedictine Calendar, of Macconius edited in the year 1622, these things are had: VI January Commemoration of S. Maurontus the Abbot, who was seen in monastic vesture shining, sprinkled with golden lilies, and with the right hand holding a royal scepter, defending the Douai city from the enemies. Ferrarius also in the general Catalog of Saints on the same day: At Douai in Belgium of S. Maurontus the Abbot.