Domitianus

ON SAINT DOMITIANUS

BISHOP OF MAASTRICHT ON THE MEUSE.

ABOUT THE YEAR DLX.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

G. H.

[1] Maastricht is an illustrious city on the river Meuse flowing between, once with an Episcopal See ennobled, as at the Life of S. Servatius on the day XIII of May we more at length explain. sacred cultus May 7, After this and other Saints the tenth ruled the same See S. Domitianus, there from this mortal to immortal life translated on these Nones of May, which sacred to S. Domitianus the people of Maastricht celebrate in the ecclesiastical Office, in the ancient Breviaries, the people of Tongres and Liège with their diocese, as the ancient Breviaries of these churches, which we have various, attest: and because the city of Louvain once obeyed the Bishops of Liège, also S. Domitianus's office is prescribed in a certain MS. Breviary of the church of S. Peter. But the chief festivity of the same Saint is held in the city of Huy, situated between Liège and Namur, where he is held the first Patron on account of the body brought thither. with a solemn festivity among the people of Huy, For there is instituted with the sacred body through the city a public procession, at which are present the Governor, the Consuls with the rest of the Magistracy, likewise the citizens distributed by their cohorts: and it is honored by very many religious Orders, and very many pilgrims with bare feet, and clad in linen, carrying burning tapers: and so the said day, all servile work being prohibited, is performed.

[2] On the same VII of May the sacred memory of S. Domitianus is recalled in the ancient MS. Martyrologies of Liège of the Cathedral church of S. Lambert and of the monastery of S. Laurence, and the sacred calendars. and the MS. Florarium of the Saints. Likewise in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck printed in the year MCCCCXL, and the additions of Greven and Molanus to Usuard, which followed Canisius, Galesinius, Ghinius, Ferrarius, Saussay, and again Molanus in the Natales of the Saints of Belgium, and Miraeus in the Belgian Calendars. Other days on account of the elevation and translation of the sacred Body to S. Domitianus are dedicated, likewise June 15 both VIII of June in the MS. Florarium, where is added the year MCLXXII, both XV of June, on which Molanus in the second edition of the additions to Usuard referred him, and below in the first Acts is said to be celebrated at Huy. With the rest moreover of the Bishops of Maastricht is made his Commemoration on VI of February in the church of Maastricht, and February 6. where in the Treasury of Relics is kept some finger of his, and he is wont in the Litanies with other Saints to be invoked, and this on his feast was recited as the Prayer: prayers, O God, who us by the urgency of B. Domitianus Your Confessor to the recognition of Your holy name didst deign to call, grant propitious, that of whom we venerate the solemnity, we may feel his patronage. But in other Breviaries this is prescribed to be read: May the pious prayer of Your holy Pontiff Domitianus commend us, we beseech, O Lord, to Your mercy: whose precious confession is today celebrated in Your sight. And these things concerning his ecclesiastical cultus suffice.

[3] His Life we give a double one, the former from the monasteries of Rouge-Cloître near Brussels, A double Life and of Corsendonck near Turnhout, both of Regular Canons, which also exists among the people of Huy, from which the Prologue omitted by others we prefix. The latter Life we found of him in the monastery of Liège of S. Laurence of the Benedictine Order, and we collated it with those things which by Aegidius of Liège, monk of Val-d'Or, were written, and by John Chapeauville in the Deeds of the Pontiffs of Tongres, Maastricht and Liège in volume 1 and 2 published: and a history of miracles, to which we subjoin some miracles from the codex of Huy, by Carolus Werpaeus of the Society of Jesus submitted to us. But all these were written after the translation of the sacred body made in the year MCLXXXIII, that is more than seven hundred years after the year DLX, about which it is handed down that S. Domitianus died.

LIFE

From three MS. codices.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2254, 2255

FROM MSS.

[1] For the confirming of the truth of the Catholic faith, in diverse nations of the lands, Prologue under diverse times, diverse worshippers of the divine religion and illustrious Doctors the providence and supernal piety chose: of whom of glorious memory B. Domitianus, the people and fatherland of Maastricht received as Pontiff and Shepherd, the holy church of Huy as Patron, illustrious for merits. Of so great a Father therefore of the memory, worthy of the immense proclamation of praise, let the devout assembly of the faithful applaud Christ; which by his deserving patronage, desires with the Saints to enjoy the everlasting kingdom. For worthily the praise and memory of this holy man by men is frequented on earth, who gleaming with the signs of miracles, received by Angels, with Christ glories in the heavens. But to the glory and praise of the King of all, and to the knowledge of posterity and the consolation of the faithful, concerning the authority of this writing. of the same our venerable Patron the life, virtues and merits, according to what from the relation of truthful witnesses we have heard, and in the sacred volumes of the scriptures described we have found, God cooperating and the word of truth by heavenly grace confirming, as we are able and have strength, into legends, lessons, letters to insert we desire.

[2] Blessed Domitianus, in the parts of Gaul from illustrious parents sprung, when in works of mercy he abounded, the fame of his sanctity with swift wings flying through all things took possession of all. At that time it happened, that the venerable Eucharius Bishop of the church of Maastricht being dead, S. Domitianus, now in knowledge, virtue, created Bishop and also in sanctity most celebrated, in the same See by the election of the people and the Prince was substituted Bishop: who nevertheless from too great humility so great an honor to undertake did not consent, until the Lord His own will upon this divinely revealed to him. Made therefore Bishop it is not easy to say, with how great solicitude he governed the people committed to him, by preachings, alms also and the buildings of churches insisting, and the Pagans (of whom an abundance still in his parish was) converting. But with so great virtue and glory of miracles and at the same time admirable doctrine he shone, that there was not found one like him in all the provinces of Gaul. But at a certain time, [in famine the whole province had been oppressed; and the people of the poor were too much wasted with want; the holy Bishop seeing, from too great dryness of the air, as if there were no hope for the inhabitants of a future harvest; the rich, he stirs the rich to alms, who from fear of barrenness had ceased from the bestowal of alms, he admonished and commanded to be admonished, that out of respect of divine love the poor of Christ they should refresh from their own grain; promising to all, that in the harvest next following of grain and fruits there would be abundance. And the people obeyed the Pontiff, and the Pontiff entreated the Lord: foretelling an abundant harvest: but the Lord at the prayers of His servant from heaven giving His kindness, the dry province with the waters of rains more largely moistened; and the earth bringing forth its fruit, refreshed the inhabitants and dwellers of that fatherland with an abundant harvest.

[3] In those days when the Arian heresy had greatly in the province of Orleans prevailed, and concerning this the Magnates and Bishops of diverse cities and lands at Orleans for a general Council had convened, and the heretics swelling with the pompous pride of eloquence argued against the faith; in the Synod of Orleans he confutes the heretics: the Catholics praying and divine revelation suggesting, B. Domitianus the most eloquent of all, in knowledge also and argumentation most perfect, by all the fellow-Bishops to resist the heretics first and alone chosen, and divinely by Christ admonished, all that multitude of heretics by the testimonies of sacred Scripture convinced and confounded, so that there was no adversary who him with grim countenance regarded, or resisted his words; but several of them led by penitence, fallen before his feet asked pardon: but the rest of the heretics, in their

malice persevering, from the fellowship and assembly of the faithful expelling, he caused to be relegated by the Princes into exile. But in going to the aforesaid Council, and in returning, and there abiding the blessed Pontiff Domitianus, wherever he turned aside, announcing the faith of Christ with miracles shone. he takes care that churches and hospitals be erected: But returning to his own parish, churches in those places where they were not he caused to be constructed, and the constructed he consecrated: hospitals also in the cities, for gathering and sustaining the poor, he procured to be made, and to all the oppressed and needy the remedy of salvation and the benefit of piety more largely bestowed.

[4] But it happened that in the land of Huy many men from a certain fountain infected by the putrefaction of a certain huge and fetid dragon suffered various and most grievous sicknesses, he is said to have freed the people of Huy from the infestation of a dragon: and beasts and cattle drinking from the same suddenly died: whence the inhabitants of that land, inviting the holy Father of the fatherland to the same place, supplicated, that them and their cattle he should snatch from so miserable with the aforesaid men came to the place, and prayer being made commanded powerfully the dragon itself, that departing from that place it should nevermore against man or creature of God, necessary to the use of men, have power of harming, and that the water putrefied by the dragon's stench should no more lose the use of giving drink. At this command of the holy man immediately the dragon from the fountain into the abyss descending, nowhere appeared; and the water, the fountain being dried up, to the surface of the earth not ascending, obediently shut itself under the earth. and to have produced a fountain: But the blessed Prelate taking his Pastoral staff, fixed it in the solid ground: and immediately by heavenly grace produced from the earth a new fountain drinkable and water healthful, conferring on the sick and on various pains the remedies of health. After these things he began the church of B. Mary of Huy more often to frequent, in vigils and in the solemnities of Masses there insisting, where also the sick coming from diverse regions to him he restored to health, he restored the sick to health. and the dead from death to life, and the lost to salvation from destruction recalled. At length there was revealed to the holy Prelate Domitianus, at the tomb of S. Servatius, the near dissolution of his body from this life, who the thresholds of the Saints in circuit visiting, to the tomb of B. Servatius came, where the Clerics of his church and the rest of the faithful being called together, and to them a sermon making, and peace and communion to all bestowing, all that for him they should beseech God he admonished; and remaining in the church he begged the Lord, that before his departure He would deign him with His sweetness to console. called in Christ, But the prayer being made, an immense light from the supernal throne of heaven upon him sent forth shone, with which the whole basilica gleaming, a marvelous light to the keepers of the church showed: in which light the holy man saw the Lord Jesus Christ, in the midst of the Angels standing, and in paternal Majesty calling him to Himself and saying: Well done, good and faithful servant, because over few you have been faithful, over many I will set you, enter into the joy of your Lord. But afterward that heavenly light little by little vanished; and the glorious Prelate, on May 7 he migrates to heaven: by the Lord's vision consoled, in exultation remained; and at length there within the hands of the religious Priests on the Nones of May to the heavens migrated. There were present at his passing the choirs of hymn-singing Angels, who his soul with joy and praises to the reward and fountain of joy bore. But from the fragrance of the sacred body, health came to the sick very great.

[5] But there convened to the obsequies of the holy man of the whole province the Clergy: and the body of the most holy one, giving a most sweet odor, with an innumerable throng of both The body buried at Huy sexes of men, from Maastricht into the church of B. Mary of the town of Huy they bear to be buried. At whose tomb so great miracles followed, that in the time of Charlemagne, it is elevated June 15 by command of the same Emperor sent Willigisus the Prelate of Cologne, the holy body dug from the earth, and still breathing a most sweet odor, from the earth raised on the XVII of the Kalends of July. After these things in the year of the Lord MCLXXII the Roman Empire being ruled by Augustus Frederick, the first Emperor of this name, Radulphus the LXII Bishop of the Church of Liège, counting from B. Maternus the first Pontiff of the people of Tongres, again transported the body of S. Domitianus into a new bier, with silver and gold adorned, on the VI of the Ides of June. again June 7. But only the first translation, which was done by Willigisus of Cologne the Archbishop, is celebrated at Huy f.

ANNOTATIONS.

ANOTHER LIFE

From a MS. codex of Liège of the monastery of S. Laurence.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2253

FROM A MS.

CHAPTER I.

Birth, education, and life passed in the Episcopate.

[1] The twentieth presided over the Church of Maastricht as Bishop, the most holy Father, B. Domitianus, Born in an honorable place, a man through all things to be praised. He in the parts of Gaul from honest and according to the glory of earthly dignity high and illustrious parents was procreated. But when this happy little infant in the sacred font of baptism in Christ was to be baptized, by a divine presage of things to come, as a future lord of vices, and a citizen of the house of the Lord perpetually with the Angels to reign, he received the name Domitianus. But regenerated in Christ, by the care and diligence of his parents most honestly was nourished, since by them most fervently he was cherished, and most tenderly was loved. But while from the nurse's milk he was separated, the boy beginning to be of good disposition, to the sacred thresholds of the church with his parents sometimes coming, with hands extended, with knees bent supplicating, to the Lord poured forth prayers, that to the eternal mansions he might be able to attain. But his parents this seeing, he is imbued with piety and doctrine: and such devotion in the little one as a miracle admiring, the boy to chief Doctors and perfected in divine instructions is handed over, in literary studies and the sanctions of Christian devotion to be imbued. Teachable therefore the youth, the supernal clemency providing for him, twin, namely human and divine, shone forth taught in knowledge. The delights therefore of the present life being put behind, the same youth admirable, in faith devout, in conversation to God and men amiable, passing the night in prayers, sedulous remaining in vigils, macerated his body with fastings: but by the illustrious virtue of his name in himself taming the vices of the world, and the flesh utterly to serve the spirit he compelled, and in every exercise of virtues praiseworthy shone forth. And although a youth he was in age, having a heart devout and aged, nothing in deed did he do vain or puerile; but in the flower of adolescence he was fragrant with the odor of virtues. But the venerable servant of God desiring the wantonness of the world and glory to flee, to the precepts of the Evangelical institution he was eager to adhere: and the holy Fathers' benignly following footsteps, he hastened without intermission to the holy offices of the Saints to proceed, that with Christ he might be able in the heavenly things to glory in eternal glory.

[2] In God's work therefore serving, in the blessings of sweetness he was prevented; and the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the unlearned and unbelieving he preached, by preaching he converts the Pagans: most diligently, the chosen preacher. The glorious therefore contender of the Lord Domitianus, knowing in his days many nations in the provinces of the Gauls, and especially in the Aquitanian regions, still serving the rites of the Pagans b, and from the worship of the Christian Religion and the path of the Catholic faith straying; with the breastplate of faith armed, and as well against spiritual wickednesses, as against the persecutions of malignant men, with the helmet of salvation becomingly fortified; cities and castles going around, the seeds of the Lord's word with the germ of blessings everywhere faithfully sowed, and by the proof of deific truth men, in darkness and in the shadow of death sitting, to the recognition of true Deity converted. And so wherever and however much he could the name of the Lord Jesus Christ he exalted, and the same in Christ's name unclean spirits from possessed bodies put to flight: to the deaf hearing, to the blind sight, to the lame walking, to the mute speech he restored; and to all the infirm, to him coming and the grace of piety asking, the remedy of salvation he furnished. Of orphans, widows, and all the oppressed the pious consoler, against malignant spirits and against the pressures of all persecutions a strong warrior he was. But whom he converted to God, from all sin he purged; and them with the foods of flesh and spirit refreshed. Alacritous indeed he was in exhortation, sweet and eloquent in speech, simple and chaste in operation, perfect and truthful in promise, beloved by God and men, of the whole nation and fatherland he was the salvation and ornament.

[3] When with these therefore the servant of God Domitianus excelled in virtues, the fame of his sanctity buried under the earth did not lie hidden, but with swift wings flying through all things took possession of all: who in what manner he was raised to the citadel of the Pontificate, the acts of the Synod of Orleans show. But it befell the city of Servatius, the Prelate of the church of Maastricht of venerable memory Eucharius being dead, desired as Bishop of Maastricht, to be stripped of the governance of a Shepherd. Then a day being appointed to the Princes of the land, both the Magnates and the Clergy and the people of the aforesaid city in the church of B. Servatius being congregated, to treat of the substitution of a Bishop, Blessed Domitianus, in the Provinces of the lands in knowledge and virtue famous and in sanctity most celebrated, the grace of the Holy Spirit preordaining, by the concordant election of the Clergy and the Princes as Shepherd is chosen, and by the unanimous will of both sex and age of the people to the summit of the Prelacy is demanded. The Christian religion therefore flourishing, in the time of Childebert and Theodebert the King, he is read to have been present at the Synod of Orleans. from the words both of himself and of his fellow-Priests can be gathered, which were said in the Synod of Orleans. For what he taught with his mouth, he skillfully fulfilled in deed, lest perchance preaching to others, in the Synod of Orleans he is confirmed. he should be made reprobate: whom because the Pontiffs of diverse Provinces prudently knew, from ecclesiastical affairs him in no way to be absent they bore. d There was present in this sacred Assembly the Clergy and Senate of Maastricht, asking of the King and all the princes that to them Domitianus be given as Shepherd. And when he had long refused, at length overcome by the prayers of the bystanders he poured forth prayers to the highest Shepherd of souls, that if it were acceptable to God

and pleasing, and for his own and the faithful's salvation availed, the Lord from heaven by His grace His good pleasure to him divinely should reveal. But the beloved of the Lord, by an indication shown him from the supernal, is admonished to take up the yoke of the Lord light and sweet, and the Lord's sheep from the bites of wolves to the pastures of the heavenly life to recall.

[4] Comforted therefore by the Lord, to the election made of the faithful he gave his assent; and the governance of the holy Church, to the praise and salvation of the people, humbly and devoutly he undertook. Chosen therefore by the Clergy and people, by the judgment of the Bishops who had convened and of all the Princes and of the King Childebert himself, the estates, castles and the benefices which were of the church and city of Tongres, after its destruction by several plundered, to Maastricht to his See it was granted to be transferred, in which Synod also through him the Lord showed many signs. It is said that, while he disputed against the heretics, who had there convened, the earth in the manner of a cushion rising, prepared for him a seat. The heretics contradicting and resisting the words of the faith, when against the Catholic faith something of falsity they said, B. Domitianus full of the Holy Spirit, raised his hand against those heretics, and immediately they were blinded by divine power. But returned to his Fatherland, with many good things he enriched his church. He of the city of Tongres ruined beginning to loathe the deformity, the sepulchre of B. Servatius at Maastricht began to frequent. For by divine operating power, however great an abundance of snows had fallen, he dwells at Maastricht at the sepulcher of S. Servatius. the tomb of B. Servatius, as says Gregory of Tours the Bishop, the snow did not touch. You would see round about all things covered with snows, and yet the Saint's tomb not touched by snows. There worked also other miracles Christ, that there might be proved in the sight of God the precious merits of that holy man. On account of this both the devotion of the faithful, and the zeal of the frequenting people, a wooden and small one over the holy members put together an oratory: but because for so great a man it was not worthy, by the wind it was snatched away or to the ground of itself fell down.

[5] The Synod of Clermont f also is increased by his presence, and is strengthened by the wisdom of his honey-flowing speech: he is present at the Synod of Clermont. In which he was a gem, because the Doctor adorned it. And when to his sheep the Saint furnished pastures, by the words of doctrine he gave a form also of goodness, by the examples of works drawing back from the jaws of wolves. But whatever the Pontiffs decreed conniving, Domitianus it was who sowed the words of life, broke the schisms, and retained the true faith. The city of Clermont felt the pious dogmas of the Father, into whose Synod he came and sat being called, opposing to heresy the Canons of doing rightly. For on each day unless by a heavy trouble of infirmity weakened, the mysteries of the Lord's Passion he celebrated; devoted to the Passion of Christ, and to his own the word of life, the Lord Jesus Christ, unceasingly and sweetly he announced; and in the divine praises, day and night in prayers insisting, indefatigably he remained. The praise the same of men and the glory of the world he fled: of every good to him divinely bestowed, to the Creator of all things thanksgivings with the due reward of praise he rendered. There was not found in virtue or grace one like him, in all the Provinces of Gaul. and works of mercy. Whoever to him by infirmity vexed or by sin enveloped on account of the gift of grace came, by divine medicament healed and from every stain of sins cleansed, the salvation of body and soul received. Benign therefore and merciful to all asking grace of him he was, and to none the divine salvation's benefit denied.

[6] in a public famine. At a certain time therefore, when with a strong famine the whole province had been oppressed, and the people of the poor were too much wasted with want of victual, the Shepherd of the flock oft-said, hearing from the greatest dryness of the air that there was little hope to the inhabitants of the land of a future harvest, the people around more attentively admonished and commanded to be admonished with all diligence, that for divine love of the Creator, the poor and needy from their own they should deign to refresh with sustenance; promising to all, that in the following harvest next by God's grace of grain and fruits there would be sufficiently abundance, by which the whole people gladdened, he foretells a copious harvest would receive copious foods. These things therefore by the holy Pontiff of God being premised, his people obeying his commands, with their goods to them by God bestowed, victual and sustenance more fully and diligently in the name of the Deity bestowed on the poor and needy, trusting in the goodness of the Creator of all and the trustworthiness of their Prelate, the most pious Confessor of Christ. But the holy Pontiff with all devotion poured forth prayers from his inmost heart to the Lord, who created all things and feeds them out of nothing, and five thousand men out of five barley loaves, and two fishes satisfied most abundantly in the desert; that He Himself with His wonted piety the dryness of the earth for begetting fruits with a desired and useful rain would more quickly irrigate from on high: that His people believing the promise, returning thanks to God, might rejoice in the fruit of grain and the food of bodies. But the merciful Lord, the will of those fearing Him doing, and their supplication hearing, at the prayers of His beloved servant from heaven giving His kindness, the destructive dryness, with the abundant waters of rains liquefied; and the earth bringing forth its fruit, the inhabitants and dwellers of the fatherland with an abundant harvest refreshed. But the people with their Shepherd immense thanks to God returned, and more than before it was wont to the needy victual and the necessaries of life distributed.

[7] he takes care that churches and hospitals be constructed: Churches in those places where they were not he caused to be constructed, the constructed to the praise of God and the salvation of the faithful he consecrated. Hospitals in the cities for gathering the poor and sustaining them he demanded to be made: and to all the oppressed and needy the remedy of salvation and the benefit of piety more largely bestowed. The powerful and rich, lest they should oppress the poor, he reproved: a lover of peace, between the discordant peace and concord he reformed. And so this most holy man of the Lord Domitianus according to the Evangelical attestation, the light of the world is called: while men sitting in the darkness of perfidy, he led back by doctrines and virtues to the light of the knowledge of the living God. Salt also of the earth he is proved to be, who irrational nations from the reason of truth, seasoned with the salt of wisdom, made tasteable to God by the perfection of the Lord's savor. A laborer also and Disciple of the Evangelical institution, while daily in the vineyard of the Father of the family sustaining labor, he led to God a people of acquisition.

[8] And so it happened that in the bounds of the province of Huy, in the days of the holy man, many from the fountain infected by the putrefaction of a huge and fetid dragon, the men dwelling round about suffered various and most grievous sicknesses, and cattle and beasts drinking from the same suddenly died. Whence the inhabitants of that land, the holy father of the fatherland and doctor inviting to the same place, with humble devotion intimately supplicated, that, the divine goodness granting, men and cattle he should snatch and save from so miserable a damnation. But the most clement Prelate, he is said to have freed the people of Huy from the infestation of the Dragon, grieving exceedingly for the misery of the people of Huy, the loss of the animals and the pain, coming to the place, made the men through penitence to be cleansed from sins, and for their deliverance prayers to pour forth to the divine Majesty. Which done he commanded by divine power the Saint to the dragon, that departing from the place thenceforth never against man or creature of God, necessary to the life or use of men, should have power of harming, and that the water putrefied by the dragon's stench should lose the use of yielding a drinking-cup. At this immediately command of the holy man the dragon, from the fountain into the abyss descending, nowhere appeared: and the water, the fountain being designated, to the surface of the earth not ascending, from the confluence of its use obedient under the earth retained itself.

[9] But the blessed Prelate, knowing that fresh water there for the people to drink would be acceptable, to have produced a fountain. taking his pastoral staff with prayer fixed it in the solid ground: and immediately by heavenly grace produced from the earth a drinkable fountain, and water healthful to the sick, and to various pains conferring remedies of health. This done the people of that confine to the Creator of all things paid thanksgivings, and to their holy Shepherd reverence and honor bestowing, in all things well-pleasing to him more fully obeyed. Hence the Saint of the Lord, for the veneration of the glorious Virgin Mary mother of the Lord and for the salvation of the inhabitants the built church of Huy frequently visited, and in the offices of Masses and prayers, the melodies of psalms and the nocturnal vigils insisting, a victim acceptable to God upon the Lord's table immolated. Thence the people of that province him, still in the flesh alive, began to venerate as their Lord and most pious Shepherd of souls: whom after his passing, the supernal grace bestowing, they merited forever to have as the guardian of the people and Patron of the fatherland.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

Pious death. Burial among the people of Huy: miracles.

[10] When therefore it pleased the Most High, B. Domitianus from the present world to lead forth, and to the joy of the blessedness of the Saints to join, the Holy Spirit the Paraclete suggesting, there was revealed to him the near dissolution of his body from this life. Who the thresholds of the Saints in circuit devoutly visiting, by assiduous prayers and the urgings of alms entreated, that by a good consummation received by the college of the holy Angels, the reward with the just he might merit to enjoy everlastingly. At the tomb of S. Servatius But to the tomb of the holy and most pious Confessor of Christ coming, Servatius, he implored that by his intervention the grace and aid of the Most High be present to him, when from the prison-house of this present life he should be stripped and of the world. Therefore the Brothers of his church being called together and the devout Priests of his diocese, fortified with the sacred viaticum, and the rest of the faithful of Christ in the church convening, confession being made, the salvific Sacraments of our redemption celebrating, most devoutly with the vivifying bread of Christ and the salvific blood fortified, peace and communion he gave to all, and himself to the prayers of all commended, humbly from them help asking to the Lord, now about to depart from this world.

[11] After these things to all he spoke words salutary of honey-flowing preaching: admonishing them to persevere

in perfect faith and the exercise of good action. Beloved brothers, he said, and sons, hear the precepts of the Most High, and do not have part with the ministers of the devil, and saved you will be in the day of wrath of the strict judgment. Labor therefore with your own hands, and like the Saints willingly succor the poor, that you may be rich with Christ in the heavenly kingdoms. With these and other discourses all by him being instructed, he disposes concerning his burial: the devout sheep he committed to the grace of his Redeemer; and enjoined them that his body in the church of Huy of the blessed Virgin Mary, as to him the Lord had ordained, to ecclesiastical burial they should hand over. But the most holy Confessor, remaining in the church, invoked the Father in mind, that Him to console before his departure He would deign with His sweetness: who is always near to all invoking Him in truth.

[12] But this prayer being made, an immense light from the supernal throne of heaven upon him sent forth shone; with which the whole basilica gleaming, a marvelous light, faith and copious grace to the faithful showed. In the light therefore left, this from heaven bestowed, the pious Father with great exultation lifting his eyes to the supernal things, saw the most pious King of the Saints Jesus Christ the Redeemer of all, sitting in the midst of the Angels in Paternal Majesty, calling him to Himself with mercy, saying to him these words of consolation; Well done, good and faithful servant, because over few you have been faithful, over many I will set you, he is visited by Christ enter into the joy of your Lord; and receive what eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, nor into the heart of man shall ascend, which God has prepared for everyone perpetually loving Him. Blessed are you and well shall it be for you, because with the Saints you shall rejoice, and with the Angels forever in unfading glory you shall exult. Blessed shall be they, who through you have believed in my name, blessed they who to you devoted bestowed the honor of homage. Come, blessed of my Father, and receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. These things being said the heavenly light little by little vanished, and the glorious Prelate gladdened by the Lord's vision in exultation remained. But he lived in all the time of his life in the fear of God and reverence of virtues, serving his Maker in sanctity and justice without complaint. The good fight at length he fought, the faith inviolably keeping, the course he consummated, and so by a happy consummation among the hands of religious Priests, on the Nones of May from this unstable life, on May 7 by Angels he is led into heaven in the heavenly things with the Saints to live, to the Lord migrated. From death therefore to life, from sorrow to joy, from the world he came to glory. There were present at his passing the choirs of hymn-singing Angels, who his soul with praises bore to the reward of joy.

[13] But the Archpriests, the same Father's most dear sons, frequenting and guarding the body of the most blessed Prelate, bestowed on him the due honor, with prayers and Psalms of the office of obsequies: and so the most holy body, an odor to all the bystanders giving most sweet, by the religious Priests, with the devout Assembly of citizens and an innumerable throng of both sexes of men, into the church of B. Mary of the town of Huy is borne, to be committed to the tomb. But the Nobles and Magnates of the province perceiving, he is buried at Huy, the burial of so great a Father in a church so venerable would be prepared; out of honor of reverence flying together from everywhere with exceeding devotion, of their Shepherd and Confessor of God the obsequies they hastened unanimously to be present at. And when this body of the holy Father in the venerable bier lay, clad in the vestments of the Prelacy, the head adorned having a miter, the hand with the Pastoral staff surrounded, of all the comers the nostrils a most sweet odor was infused. But many with devotion kindled, the sanctity of the most holy Father recognizing, from his vestments little particles for relics cut, others tore, some the nails of his hands or feet while they could clipped, some indeed the tips of the hairs of his head cut off, and all these for themselves as venerable relics reserved. The solemnities therefore of Masses being celebrated, with prayers and psalms of the burial office fitting, the sacred body in a new sepulchre, of precious stone hewn, is placed most devoutly, by the ministry of the faithful Priests: and so with great reverence is laid up in a sacred place, for so great a Priest most worthy.

[14] The sepulchre therefore being closed after the office of burial, health of bodies, and of souls conferred on the faithful people, to whom there was full faith and good intention. Hearing therefore the sanctity of the holy man, with various pains oppressed from far off as from neighboring hamlets the sick, visited the tomb of the sacred body, grace and salvation of souls and bodies obtaining. But coming the blind to the veneration of the sacred body, he shines with miracles: by divine grace bestowing of the eyes' light were restored: the deaf hearing from the Saint's merit received, the mute the use of tongue and voice received glad to their own returned: the lame and contracted in the nerves of the members, with faith invoking the Saint, the office of walking bestowed on them from heaven they walked, and from all weighed down with pains of diverse infirmities the worst pestilences and all sicknesses were driven away. Certain envious ones also, because miracles by the holy Father Domitianus to be done they did not believe, and his marks of virtues to depreciate wished, with too great terror suddenly struck, S. Domitianus with devotion praised, and compelled the merits of the Saint everywhere powerfully preached. Let every Church rejoice together with that of Huy for the glory granted, for powerfully this the divine grace illustrates. O Domitianus, sweet solace of the languishing, by your merits, which contain the deposits of your dissolution, which like the sun shall shine in the glory of the resurrection, there place us the Judge's sheep at his right hand.

[15] He died a about the year of the Lord five hundred sixtieth. This Pontiff also was of the highest goodness, in alms prompt, in judgments just, in all honesty of manners most excellent, loved by all, despising none; but all in good will embracing, all loving, he himself also was loved by all. And to use the words of Sigebert the monk of Gembloux, an excellent historiographer, There shone, he says, under Justinian the great Emperor, Cassiodorus the Senator afterward a monk, Arator the Poet, Priscian the Grammarian, Victor of Capua who writing Paschal cycles refuted the errors of Victorius, he is praised by Sigebert. Gregory of Langres, Nicetus of Trier, and Blessed Domitianus of Maastricht the Bishop b: and in Gaul a tree c, which is called the elder, brought forth grapes. Of this most holy man's sepulchre, although it was in the church, where or in what place it was placed, is by no means known by the inhabitants: one thing thence for a truth we can say, that the church many times suffered the ruin of tribulations, namely of the Winidi and of the Normans and of the Hungarians and of other persecutions, which so often that place and the whole parish of Liège by devastating oppressed: and so it could be, that the sepulchre of B. Domitianus by them was altogether destroyed: or perhaps it was in some place, where a wall of the walls was to be drawn down; and so it is unknown to all d.

[16] But in our times six young men in the waters drowned, 6 drowned revive: within a few years on diverse festivities of the same were raised up. Of whom some under grinding mills passed through, and for half a day in summer time in the water lay: others for the space of nearly two hours, others for three, the sick are healed, others from the first time of summer until vespers in the water lay: of whom afterward we saw one. The blind, lame, deaf, mute, paralytics, phrenetics and demoniacs, of whom on account of the multitude we know not the number, captives are freed, on diverse festivities of his receive soundness even unto the present day. Many also in diverse places in prison custody detained, by the prayers and merits of B. Domitianus the chains being broken were freed: of whom some here in the midst to bring forth we have taken care, the miracles. A certain man at Teumacum e in chains placed, B. Domitianus with tears began to call upon, that by his merits intervening he might be absolved, because on account of his too great poverty, no hope was there for him of redeeming himself, to whom the most pious Confessor on the following night in sleep appeared saying: I am Domitianus: rise and put your hand to the chains, and draw out your foot: do not doubt, because the chains yielding of their own accord you will be freed. Beware also, lest when you have been freed, you return through the wood which is next to Halois, but by the lower way return under the grove, and by none will you be taken. But awakened from sleep he put his hand to the chains, and wonderful to say immediately he was freed, and God's mercy and the Blessed Pontiff's intervention to his liberation attributing, according to his vow the iron chains he brought to B. Domitianus.

[17] A certain merchant, making memory of the Blessed Pontiff and himself to his prayers commending, things taken by theft are restored, fell among robbers, by whom he was despoiled; but God's helping grace, never his pack to break could they: but neither the bread, which over the little chest of B. Domitianus he had touched, for three days fasting eat could they: and so themselves to have offended recognizing, his own things to him they restored. A certain youth beside the wheel of a certain mill slipped into the water: and immediately B. Domitianus's aid in his heart he besought, because with words he could not. Who from the first hour until the ninth hour in the water remaining, at length was found: and when he was esteemed dead by all, at length he began to breathe again: whom by the blessed Pontiff's merits and intercessions raised up we do not doubt. There are also several other miracles, which on account of the weariness of readers here omitting, from the history our hand let us draw back.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER III.

Translation of S. Domitianus and miracles thereafter wrought.

[18] In the year from the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand one hundred and seventy-third, the Roman Empire being ruled being governed c by Radulphus the Pontiff, the Canons of S. Mary of Huy, approaching the face of the said Pontiff, supplicated, the body is elevated in the year 1173 that B. Domitianus into a silver little chest, which for him already long had been fabricated, he should place: because very much to them dishonorable it seemed, that, since with God he was in merits exalted, with men in a humble place he should be held. The Bishop assented, and d on the seventeenth of the Kalends of July that he would do this he promised. All things therefore duly ordered, on the said day the Bishop to the church came; prayer being made, the little chest he opened; and the holy pearl, which within lay hidden, to all openly it was permitted to see; and soon by the Pontiff himself in the silver casket it was laid up honorably. Which being completed, the Priests clad in white, on their own shoulders the most holy body from the earth raised, and outside the church bore, the Clerics chanting and following with the citizens and women who in their hands carried tapers: for to all there was one devotion, equal was the exultation, in their neighbor's visitation.

[19] But after his most holy body was laid up in the church, the Bishop celebrated Mass: a blind woman is healed, and amid the very holy mysteries there was not lacking the intercession of S. Domitianus. For a certain woman having an only daughter, who for nine months elapsed had never seen the light of heaven, before the body of the blessed Pontiff stood, and in this manner him called upon: O Domitianus, Confessor of the Lord precious, to my daughter restore the light: her to your service I will hand over all the days of her life. I know truly and most certainly I know, that whatever you shall ask of the Lord you will obtain. What more? the woman Domitianus called upon, and Domitianus by his prayers to the girl restored the light. The bystanders being astonished, she went before exulting, taking the way, and a guide of the way no longer requiring. With swift course the Priests who were present brought the girl to the Bishop, and that God had visited His people through the merits of B. Domitianus they intimated. Who returned thanks to God, and that "Te Deum Laudamus" by all should be sung commanded.

[20] These things being completed there was present at hand the visitation of B. Domitianus. a paralytic woman, For a certain woman, who already for six years by paralysis had been held, and under the little chest sat, of the keepers flowers asked, and received, the nerves touched, and soon hither and thither walked. Another woman also having a spirit of infirmity, a bent woman, who was bent for very many years, and her right hand to raise could not, to the holy bier approached with tears, and her hand over the little chest stretched, and from the sickness with which she labored freed was. While these and similar things were done, fame than which nothing swifter through individuals running about, of the said confessor the miracles e divulged. There was stirred up the whole city, and to so wondrous a spectacle there ran every sex and age, and all the sick by various pains detained, both on pallets and in vehicles were brought. a paralytic woman, Among whom another woman, who from paralysis was curved for nine years, because by herself she could not by others was brought. A wondrous thing, for soon as the little chest of B. Domitianus she touched, she was made erect and to herself restored. And when of this matter and of the aforesaid the fame grew abroad, to derogate from the Saint, and at those approaching the church to scoff. Soon in a wondrous manner divinely seized he began to rage, a demoniac yapping. and his body's members and strength being failing on the ground to wallow. At length himself to have offended professing, and from the Priest absolution asking, his mouth and breast striking, from the vexation he was absolved.

[21] In the time of Radulphus, the thirty-third Bishop of Liège, after f the burning of the church of S. Lambert, which happened in the year of the Lord one thousand one hundred eighty-fifth, the body brought to Liège in the year 1185 when for the restoring of the same B. Lambert's church from everywhere convened from the whole Episcopate processions to offer; it happened that B. Domitianus's bier there with all the concourse of the people from Huy to be brought: they felt and understood those who were present g how the bier of B. Lambert and the bier of B. Domitianus mutually with a certain sonorous noise saluted each other. When therefore very many of both sexes, of those who from Huy had come, their offering had completed, and to return more quickly with their Saint hastened; the bier of B. Domitianus could not be moved, until all who with him had come their oblation had made. After this his oblation being completed, and the oblation being made it was brought back, the people of Huy thinking there their Saint to wish to remain, with tears and groans the prayer being completed, again applying their hand to the Saint's bier, him most easily lifted, and with praises and gladness most swiftly returned.

[22] But it happened when they began to ascend the public mountain which is joined to the city of Liège, before to the monastery of the Regular Canons of S. Aegidius, which in the same mountain is contained, they came; blind, having heard of B. Domitianus's arrival ran, and the bier with both hands held. Whom when the bystanders wished to remove, a blind woman is illumined. she swore that she would not depart, until she received light. Forthwith by the merit of B. Domitianus the light she received, and so glad to her own returned. And so the people of Huy B. Domitianus with great joy carried back to their own. But this miracle was done in the village of S. Christopher, as to us related two religious men of the Cistercian Order, who there were present; and we know that their testimony is true.

ANNOTATIONS.

e MSS. "multiplied."

OTHER MIRACLES

From a MS. of Huy.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2256

FROM A MS.

[1] For illustrating B. Domitianus's merits, what Miracles the Lord through him worked, Prologue from the day of the Translation until now, in few words to dispatch we have determined. 1 Cor. 14, 22 But miracles, as the Apostle says, for a sign are given not to the faithful but to the unbelieving, and have diverse effects in diverse persons. For as the same Apostle says, whom God predestined, these also He called: But He calls some by scourges: whence through Solomon * it is said, the Lord scourges every son whom He receives. Rom. 8, 30 Therefore He struck Paul himself, that He might heal, He cast down that He might raise, He blinded that He might illumine. 12 Hebr. 6 Others by the illumination of the spirit He calls, others by miracles: but whereby the predestined profit, the reprobate are blinded. For that which to the sons of Israel in the time of Moses was for a remedy, to Pharaoh and the Egyptians befell for a punishment: he with his people was drowned in the sea, the sons of Israel from servitude freed. And so, as we believe and hope, by the Blessed Bishop Domitianus's merits the faithful and devout will profit, but the reprobate and detractors will waste away. Now therefore for the edification of the good, what Miracles God through him works, as we ourselves partly have seen, partly from others, who saw, have received, let us compendiously dispatch.

[2] a A certain woman, who with a dissolution of her members labored, Three crippled women and other sick are healed and on her feet at that time to stand could not, by night as if in an ecstasy placed saw the Body of B. Domitianus to approach, and she said to her: Rise, and stretch forth your hand to those beseeching. Nor much time intervened, in which she was freed, but not until eight days were passed was credit given to her. It happened also that a certain woman, who had never walked, received her gait, and to the altar of the blessed Mother of God, without the help of anyone proceeded, and thanks to God and His Mother thence with B. Domitianus rendered. Then also it happened that a certain little girl, who for two years curved to the earth, could not be raised, fully freed was. It happened also that those who the use of speaking had never had, by the intercession of the blessed Pontiff received it. Two also who with the falling sickness labored, were freed. Two dropsical persons were cured.

[3] likewise four others sick for a longer space A certain man also of Nivelles, having heard the miracles of B. Domitianus, with his mouth professing unto salvation, with his heart believing unto justice, promised himself to go to the thresholds of the Blessed, if to him his gait should be restored. And immediately he received what he desired. A certain man of b Bordines, who for two years and three months had lain in bed, a vow being made of coming to the thresholds of B. Mary, immediately received his health. Two women, who the use of their hands by paralysis had lost, nor their fingers could extend, in one and the same hour recovered. A woman also of Rupes, c a castle of the Count of Namur, who for six years had lain in bed, nor could on her feet stand, her former health received. Another woman, who with a similar sickness labored, vowed to B. Domitianus a single cow, which had been untamed, nor could be led: and she received health, and the cow running before its drivers went before, as if no driver it needed.

[4] A certain soldier of d Ouce, a vow being made of coming to the oratory of B. Domitianus, and as many others began to try, whether to proceed he could: and little by little his strength being resumed as far as Huy he came: but because the due thanksgivings he did not render, again as before he sickened, until by divine inspiring clemency, at the invocation of B. Domitianus he perfectly recovered. In the same village a certain little child, who had never walked, his soles being consolidated, received health. A woman also a certain, who whatever in food and drink she took, immediately vomited up, by the help of the blessed Confessor was cured. A little boy, who the use of seeing for two months in one eye had lost, to the body of the blessed Pontiff his mother leading came, fell asleep, awakened received his sight.

[5] likewise the mute, blind, deaf and lame Three signs were wrought in one girl: she received her sight; she who before had been mute, spoke; the powers of walking she received. A certain Lay-brother of e Mount Cornelius, who had lost his hearing, while to the thresholds of B. Domitianus he hastened, still on the way placed, what he desired, received f. A certain man of little had eaten, made a vow of coming to the body of the blessed Pontiff, if in any measure he should recover: soon the health which he desired, he received. Another of h Visé, the court of the Bishop, who for nine years with a sickness had labored, in a moment was cured. A certain woman of i Falais the use of her members, which she had lost, received. Similarly a certain little boy of k Anicin received the powers of walking. A certain man of Nelin, who with a very great sickness labored, and to himself and to his Lord was useless, was freed, whence also by his Lord Godfrey of l Han he was lawfully handed over, on the feast of B. Domitianus about to give a denarius. On the same condition a certain young man to B. Domitianus by the same Lord was handed over, who was mute.

[6] A certain woman, who with a fistula labored so greatly that the physicians despaired, again others laboring with diseases, and to put their hand refused, from the aforesaid sickness in a moment recovered. A certain man leading oxen to pasture, breathed on by a slight breeze, immediately fell to the ground, and by alien hands to his home brought back (for he was thought mad) for three days nothing at all ate. At length to the aforesaid Pontiff fleeing, and pardon beseeching, the desired benefit he obtained. A certain girl, who one side had lost, almost and of the same part the eye, from blindness and the pain of the side equally was freed. A certain man of the household of Lord Henry de Lacia, by a whirlwind shaken, the powers of his body lost: but by the intercession of the aforesaid Pontiff health received. A certain man also of m Floreffe, who his hand to open could not, and in one foot weak was, in a moment was rendered unhurt. A woman for seven years and more in bed had lain, having heard the great deeds of B. Domitianus little by little recovered; and before leaning on alien hands, to her former health was restored. A woman of Vilier, who could neither rise nor proceed, the blessed Pontiff's little chest being seen, perfectly recovered.

[7] and finally several others are helped, But because to dwell on individual things is tedious, succinctly let us bring forth the rest. A certain woman her little son would not let communicate in the water, which from the relics of the Saints had flowed down for the sick; when to the repressing of her elation the boy began to sicken: which the mother seeing recognized her fault, herself to have offended professing, and so for her son health obtained. Another certain little child, half-dead being brought, immediately recovered. A certain woman, who for three years the powers of walking had lost, admonished in sleep to come to the body of the blessed Pontiff, giving credit, was cured. Similarly a certain man of Hotton n from a long sickness was healed, and from that time began to the poor to minister o.

ANNOTATIONS.

* nay, the Apostle