Theodore

ON SAINT THEODORE

BISHOP OF BOLOGNA IN ITALY.

ABOUT THE YEAR DL.

Theodore, Bishop of Bologna in Italy (S.)

G. H.

The sacred memory of this Bishop on this V May in the present-day tables of the Roman Martyrology is preserved with these words: At Bologna of S. Theodore the Bishop, famous for merits. Ferdinand Ughellus tom. 2 of Italia sacra in the Bologna Archbishops composed for him this encomium. Sacred cult S. Theodore obtained the same See of Bologna, to which Pope Agapitus asserted authority over all the monasteries, churches, Presbyters and Clerics of his diocese. He died on the fifth day of the month of May: which day in honor of the Saint is held solemn, and he was buried at S. Felix. S. Pope Agapitus sat ten months and some days partly in the year DXXXI, partly in the following year. He is venerated XX September. Which monasteries here of the Bologna diocese he subjected to S. Theodore, those in monasteries. Sigonius enumerates thus book 1 on the Bologna Bishops: SS. Vitalis and Agricolas in Arena, S. Proculus, SS. Felix and Nabor, SS. Gervasius and Protasius, S. Stephen in Jerusalem, S. John in mount Olivet, S. Mary in mount Palense, S. Michael in fundus Paterno, S. Helena, and S. Barbatian.

[2] Antonius Paulus Masini, part 2 of Bologna perlustrated in the Bologna Bishops, asserts, time of the See: that S. Theodore presided over the Bologna church from the year DXXX to the year DL, and was buried in the ancient Cathedral church, which is now SS. Nabor and Felix; and is preserved still before the altar dedicated to S. Francis, burial. and thence at six feet in a separated stone these words are read: Here rests in peace Theodore. The same Masini in the prior part on this V May asserts, that the said church of SS. Nabor and Felix is of nuns; and that the Pontifical gauntlets are preserved in the church of S. Mary among the Servite Fathers. The same on this day celebrate Ferrarius in the Catalog of Saints of Italy, Celsus Faleonus book 1 of Historical Memories of the Bologna Church, Ludovicus Zacconus in his compendium on the Lives of Saints, and Nicolaus Brautius in the Poetic Martyrology: who composed for him this distich.

Highest over Abbots, conceded both every sex,

Pastor to the Pastor: every right good, to the good.

ON S. JOHN OF MONASTIER

AT CHINON IN THE DIOCESE OF TOURS.

CENTURY VI.

John of Monastier, at Chinon in the diocese of Tours (S.)

G. H.

Caino, by some Chinonium, a town of the diocese of Tours, toward the Poitou tract on the Vienne river, seven leagues from Saumur to the east, and five from Loudun is distant. Extant are the proper offices of the Collegiate church of Chinon, printed at Saumur in the year MDCXIX: but without mention of S. John of Monastier. But in the prefixed Calendar, by hand inscribed we have these words: V John of Monastier the Confessor, Cult not Pontiff, double: and this cult was confirmed for us by John Baptist de la Barre of the Society of Jesus, sent to us from Paris, the Lessons, which are had on S. John of Monastier in the Office of the Chinon Church, chapel. and in the Chapel of the same Saint, and look to this fifth day of May, just as we received them thence, here we give. From the ancient Tours Breviary we have excerpts, in which also on this V May the memory of John of Monastier the Confessor is celebrated.

[2] In the town of Chinon rests in the church of S. Maximus, Leading a solitary life, not far from the chancel of the same Saint, a certain John the Presbyter: who by nation a Briton, religious in faith and fervent in devotion, that he might more blessedly lead a contemplative life, segregated himself from the company and sight of men, and hid himself in a nearby forest, where for a long time, vacant for fastings, vigils and prayers, he dwelt. Afterwards near the church of the Chinon town itself on the top of a hill, he chose a little oratory cell in the cavern of a rock: from which leaping forth at night, to the sepulcher of B. Maximus frequently supplicating the Lord, he was wakeful in vigil. There in a small piece of land he had planted a green-place and laurels with his own hand, under whose shade by day he often read, often for the consolation of neighbors he wrote, often to those coming to him for the salvation of souls he preached, more often was occupied in divine contemplations, and to the laboring marvelous benefits of healings and graces, with God helping, he ministered.

[3] he is visited by S. Radegunde Him B. Radegunde the Queen, while withdrawing from the court of King Clothar she undertook the journey toward Poitiers, and was passing through the village of Chinon, and obtains for him perseverance. visited, moved by the fame of his sanctity, and with him mixed consoling colloquies on heavenly things: whom thereafter she always cultivated with great love, and in her perturbations sought his counsels, and commended herself to his prayers. She also ordered a most precious ornament of the weight of one thousand solidi of the purest gold to be brought to him, with which in the service of God for her suffrage he might use: from him in turn asking a haircloth, with which in place of royal vestments she might lacerate her tender limbs; and asking that by his supplications she might obtain from God, that nothing against her most holy purpose by the most pious King her husband should be borne. To her postulation a prompt hearer and efficacious intercessor he was lacking neither in word nor in effect. For after a three-day fasting and continual prayers a voice slipping down from heaven he heard, Be secure, John, about B. Radegunde, because in her holy purpose most holily she will persevere: which then the event of the matter proved.

[4] a dry tree planted by him after two years is dug up and is multiplied. After the death of the servant of God it happened, that from those trees, which the whole green-place with their broad branches overshadowed, when one through age had dried up, from

it the custodian of the place adapted a bench, and now for two years had used it. But presently touched, as it is pious to believe, by divine inspiration; and pricked in heart, that for private and profane uses he had used a tree, planted by the hand of so great a Sacerdos; with the soil dug up he placed the bench under the earth. Wonderful to say! The dry wood, animated by divine vigor, sent forth new shoots, which growing each year, abundantly sufficed for those things which were to be built around the tomb of S. Maximus. The merits of the holy man God by many other signs, he himself shines with miracles. but especially by curings of diseases and expulsions of demons declared: on account of which his oratory, which under the name of B. Radegunde over the church of S. Maximus is venerated, is visited by the neighboring peoples with great frequency and devotion.

[5] So far the Lessons, more recently as appears composed: which although by the authority of the Bishop of Tours divulged I do not at all doubt; more ancient Acts are desired, yet I would wish those very (if any are extant) documents to obtain, which gave material for composing them: at the same time also to be taught, whether any relics of the holy body either once were in honor, or escaped the rage of the higher age raging against all sacred things, and are still preserved: finally the cause of the surname, by which he is called of Monastier. S. Radegunde is venerated, also at Chinon, on XIII August, when we shall give her double life, one written by Fortunatus the Bishop her contemporary, the other by her companion the Holy Virgin Bandonivia. Neither makes mention of S. John, although the latter recalls the counsel, taken up by King Clothar against the vow of the Saint, of bringing her back to his bed, which to disturb S. Germanus Bishop of Paris was asked through an epistle. In the Life of S. Junianus the Abbot, he lived in the sixth century. who still leading a solitary life was most familiar to the same Queen, on the same day on which she is venerated, mention is made of the haircloth, which she sent to him, in turn asking his chain for herself: from which appears not to have been alien to the morals of the Saint, what here is said about the haircloth asked of her. This Saint lived at least up to the year DLIII, about the year DXLIV separated from her husband: and before her had died S. Maximus, equally Patron of the Chinon church, who is venerated on day XX August: for he was the disciple of S. Martin of Tours: from which is gathered, that the age of S. John is to be ascribed to the VI century.

ON S. WALDRADA THE ABBESS

AT METZ IN BELGIC GAUL.

ABOUT DCXX.

Waldrada the Abbess, at Metz in Belgic Gaul (S.)

G. H.

The Life of S. Waldrada we give from the MS. codex of the Corsendoncan monastery, of the Order of Canons Regular in Brabant, near the town of Turnhout: and we collated it with another MS. of Utrecht of the Cathedral Church sacred to S. Martin, but in this the Life was somewhat contracted. Life from MSS. We prefix the Prologue from the MS. codex of the monastery of Rouge-Cloître, also of Canons Regular near Brussels, where it was contained in the first part of the Brabantine Hagiology, that they once together lived in the kingdom of the Austrasians the people of Metz with the Brabants. Perhaps the author of this Prologue judged that S. Waldrada lived later, as the Author of the MS. Florarium of Saints judged: in which on this fifth day of May these things are read: In France the deposition of S. Waldrada the Virgin and Abbess, Time of the Life not in the 9th but the 7th century. of the kindred of the Carolids, who foreknew her death by divine revelation. She died in the year of salvation DCCCLXII. Thus there, not without various errors: since, not in the ninth century, but about the six-hundredth year she flourished, a whole century before the times of Charles Martel or Charles the Great the Emperor. Some compendium of the Life Meurissius edited, Bishop of Madauros, in the History of the Bishops of the Metz Church, in Pappolus the XXVIII Bishop, testament made in the year 612 where these things are added at the end: She did this in the second year of Theodoric King of the Franks, with a testament by the same King and all his Princes, and the Pontiffs of the Gauls, most well confirmed, and so confirmed by decree, that if any of the heirs or relatives of S. Waldrada, led by cupidity, should attempt to take away things given to God, by legal decree should lose his own, and what he attempted, in no way be able to fulfill. Thus there: which are lacking in the Life and from the testament itself seem to have been added. With King Childebert dead in the year DXCVI his sons began to reign, Theodoric in Burgundy, and Theodebert among the Austrasians. But this one being defeated and killed by his brother in the year DCXII, both kingdoms Theodoric obtained, who in the following year, when the second year among the Austrasians he had inaugurated, at Metz from a flux of the belly died: at which time S. Waldrada could have made the aforesaid testament. Celebrated likewise on this fifth day of May the memory of S. Waldrada the Virgin by Grevenus in the Auctary of Usuard, Canisius in the German Martyrology, memory in calendars Ferrarius in the General Catalog, and Saussay in the Gallican Martyrology: of which these are the words: At Metz the deposition of S. Waldrada, Virgin and Abbess, famous for miracles. Which plainly the same before had written in the Benedictine Martyrology Menardus, and Dorganius and Mabillon agree, also Benedictines. who in the 2nd Benedictine century brings forth some encomium of her. But against them is the Benedictine monk Dervensian, who wrote the miracles of S. Bercharius in the X century, and asserted, that the Rule of the most holy Benedict was still unheard among the men of the Frankish Empire. We do not wish to stir these things: Mabillon in the 2nd century page 847 responds, that the author here foully hallucinates. Let it be so indeed: but since among his ancients he finds those who believed it, let him not wonder that proofs are required, that whoever holy monk lived after S. Benedict, be said to have been Benedictine.

PROLOGUE OF THE LIFE

From the MS. codex of Rouge-Cloître.

Waldrada the Abbess, at Metz in Belgic Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 8788

Not a little fits our purpose, to attach the life of the most noble Virgin of Christ S. Waldrada the Abbess, on account of the consanguinity or affinity contracted with the Brabantine or Frankish Princes. For she in her days, as a mirror and exemplar of all sanctity, very much shone forth. For poverty with the Apostles leaving all things, as we shall make known under few words, The life of the Saints to be imitated. she most fully embraced. With works of mercy also so clearly she shone, that she herself frequently being needy, ministered to the poor things necessary: on which our inertia is blamed, who do not strive to imitate the virtues of the virtuous. The virtuous deeds the Saints have left to us in memory to be imitated; we however slothful and lazy languish in idleness. Let us be inflamed therefore to fervor, and to amendment let us gird ourselves, and the spiritual contests of Holy Waldrada. As devastating coals, by which we may be heated in the love of God and neighbor, for edification let us turn over.

LIFE

From the MSS. Corsendoncan and Utrecht.

Waldrada the Abbess, at Metz in Belgic Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 8787

FROM MSS.

[1] In the times of Theodoric and Theodebert Kings of Gaul, B. Waldrada most noble, Noble and holy, as one being connected by affinity to the said, with very great sanctity shone. For with all things sold which she had, and disbursed to the poor, under the vow of perpetual chastity she gave herself over to the service of Christ. Furthermore so holily, chastely, soberly, and piously she lived, that the fame of her virtues ran everywhere. At which time Eleutherius, Duke of the Franks, kinsman of S. Waldrada, built a monastery of nuns within the walls of the Mediomatrici, she becomes Abbess: and endowed it with ample possessions. In which B. Waldrada he set as Abbess over the handmaids of Christ. Who marvelously her subjects by word and example to the love of God continually strove to invite and contended to incite. Insisting moreover on the works of mercy, she never pretermitted, that to coming poor either food or clothing with most liberal heart she gave. Her own estates indeed, which most ample from the succession of her parents she had received, she gives possessions to the monastery: to her monastery, of which in office she presided as Abbess, which in honor of Blessed Peter the Prince of the Apostles had been constructed and dedicated, most munificently and most largely she conferred.

[2] Meanwhile it happened, that the aforesaid Duke Eleutherius, when in the building of the said monastery and large and skillful provision of the handmaids of Christ, grieves at the slaying of Eleutherius founder of her monastery. who there were to serve God, he was expending his patrimony and riches; by his own kinsmen, bearing this very ill (for they complained that it was taken from them, that which by a devout man had been deputed to divine service, because in the said goods to him after his decease they had hoped to succeed) was cruelly killed, and so by his own blood for a virtuous work crowned with laurel he was made a Martyr of Christ. On which matter the most blessed Waldrada exceedingly grieving, indeed who saw such a faithful procurator and necessary provider taken from her by such great expiation. For the rest she placed her whole hope in God, the protector and eternal provider; by whose help and mercy, and by merit and number the Convent of the aforesaid monastery in all prosperity was increased and enlarged.

[3] Time proceeding indeed, when there the handmaids of Christ in every virtue and spiritual exercise had completed the course of the present life; there occurred a marvelous portent unheard from the ages in the same place. For when one of these holy nuns happened to migrate from this light to eternal rest, a certain right hand in the window, which the greatest among the great in the apse of the monastery appeared and was placed in the middle, manifested itself only to the one about to die. and to many Sisters with the indication of an appearing hand promised heaven Which seen, immediately that one about to die took care to prepare for herself the worthy provisions necessary for her, of confessing and communicating: and after these things with the benediction of B. Peter the Apostle sought, with the most holy Waldrada accompanying with the whole congregation of her Sisters, even to the place of burial, even to the monastery of S. Symphorian was led (for indeed the monastery of those Ladies lacked a dedicated cemetery, but at that time was at the named place) and there she went on her own feet: and there a mausoleum being prepared, as if about to sleep she placed herself; and with limbs composed rendered her spirit to God the giver.

[4] Blessed Waldrada indeed, when she had sent ahead very many of the handmaids of Christ in the foresaid manner to eternal life; she also forewarned dies, at length she herself, the Holy Spirit revealing, foreknew her death to be at hand: which also she took care to reveal to her surviving Sisters. And finally, with the hour of her transit coming, after very many insignia of virtues, after innumerable obediences exhibited to God, and benefits afforded to the neighbor, she ascended the heavens to live perpetually. Her body however in the same monastery, of which she had been the first Abbess, and is venerated on May 5. before the altar of B. Agatha the Virgin is buried: whose festivity is recalled on the third Nones of the month of May.

ON S. MAURONTUS THE ABBOT

OF BREUIL, AT MARCHIENNES, AND DOUAI IN BELGIUM.

A.D. DCCI

Maurontus, 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.