Bruno

ON SAINT BRUNO,

BISHOP OF WÜRZBURG IN GERMANY.

IN THE YEAR MXLV.

HISTORICAL COMMENTARY

Setting forth his birth, the rescripts of the Pontiffs, the elogia of his life, and the testimonies of miracles.

S. Bruno, Bishop of Würzburg in Germany.

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] There flourished in the eleventh century of Christ the most holy Bishop of Würzburg in Franconia, a province of Germany, Bruno, having discharged this mortal life in the year MXLV. He was both born of an illustrious lineage of family, and famous for eminent doctrine and holiness of life. As his father, Conrad II Duke of Carinthia, Of noble paternal lineage who died in the year MXXXIX, Jerome Megiser assigns him in the Annals of Carinthia and in the Genealogical Table inserted at page 772. To him also was an illustrious maternal stock, born of his mother Mechtild, daughter of Gebhard Lord of Querfurt and of Sophia Countess of Mansfeld: to which Gebhard a brother was S. Bruno, Bishop and Apostle of Prussia, and maternal, crowned with martyrdom with eighteen companions in the year MVIII, on the XIV of February, on which day we published his Acts, and we said it seemed that from this S. Bruno the Martyr the name of Bruno had been given to this his grand-nephew. This lineage Elias Reusner explains in the Auctarium of the genealogical work Βασιλικῶν page 45. But the said Querfurt is a domain situated between the rivers Saale, Unstrut, and Rava, which once had peculiar Counts, now is joined to Mansfeld.

[2] His eminent doctrine even now shines forth, left in a precious treasure to posterity, on account of his various Commentaries: of which some are on the whole Psalter of David, and on the Canticles both of the old and new Testament, Commentaries on various books of scripture. which with the Psalms themselves are recited in the Ecclesiastical Office: likewise on the Lord's Prayer, on the Symbol of the Apostles and of S. Athanasius: which were first published in the year MCCCCXCIV, then reprinted from the recognition of John Cochlaeus in the year MDXXXIII, but now are read in volume XI of the Library of the Fathers of the Cologne edition: but John Eisengrein in the Catalogue of witnesses of Catholic truth folio 81 cites also lucubrations on the Epistles of S. Paul and the Proverbs, of which elsewhere we have read nothing.

[3] Finally the holiness of his life is best gathered from the miracles, divinely wrought at the intercession of S. Bruno: of which we have forty and more noted within the XIV months of the year MCCII and the following; Miracles here to be given: so that in them are read five blind enlightened, deaf and dumb healed three; lame, paralytic and contracted twenty, two drowned resuscitated, as many hanged saved, and three bound and tied with chains restored to liberty, energumens also freed the devil being expelled, the gravelly, hunchbacked, scrofulous, and infected with poison having experienced his patronage. These miracles were printed at Würzburg in the year MDXCVI from an old codex, which we here give: nor do we doubt that in the following years more of this kind were wrought, of which the Roman Pontiffs Gregory IX, who presided over the Church from the day XXI of March of the year MCCXXVII until the year MCCXLI, and Innocent IV, who sat from the day XXIV of June MCCXLIII until the year MCCLIV, made mention. Their letters from the Roman Registers Cardinal Baronius had, and published some fragments excerpted from them in his Notations to this XVII of May. We have received the same, transcribed from the Register of the Vatican Archive by Leander Coloredo, the most worthy successor of him and of Oderic Raynaldus in writing the Ecclesiastical Annals, entire, and here give them. The Epistle 56 of Gregory IX given in the year of Christ MCCXXXVIII is of this kind, inscribed to the Abbots… of Brannebach and …Scovetal of the Cistercian Order of the diocese of Würzburg and …to the Prior of the Friars Preachers of Würzburg.

[4] Wonderful is God in His Saints, that He may wonderfully manifest the power of His might, and mercifully work the cause of our salvation; concerning which Gregory 9, being admonished His faithful, whom He always crowns in heaven, in the world also He frequently honors, working signs and prodigies at their memorials, through which heretical depravity may be confounded and the Catholic faith confirmed. We therefore render to almighty God as great thanksgivings as we can, though not as great as we ought, that in our days, for the confirmation of the Catholic faith and the confusion of heretical depravity, He evidently renews signs, and changes wonderful portents, making those to coruscate with miracles, who held the Catholic faith as much in heart as in mouth and also in work. For just as the Venerable Brother N. Bishop and the beloved Son the Dean and Chapter and People of Würzburg have intimated to us by their messengers and letters, orders that informations be taken concerning them the Lord has conferred such glory on Bruno of pious memory, Bishop of Würzburg, that He makes his sepulchre coruscate with so many and so great miracles, that it is unworthy that his suffrages should not be invoked among the other Saints. Wherefore it is humbly supplicated to us, that concerning the miracles which the Lord works through him, we should cause testimonies to be received. But because in so holy a business one must proceed not except with maturity and gravity going before, obtaining full confidence in the Lord of your circumspection, we mandate, that, having taken to yourselves religious men and fearing the Lord, most diligently inquiring concerning the virtue of his manners and the truth of the signs, namely the works and miracles, you should keep the depositions of the witnesses received, enclosed under your seals, until our good pleasure. But if not all, etc. Given at the Lateran, on the Kalends of May in the year XII. That the Apostolic Commissaries executed what had been mandated to them is clear from the Epistle 364 of Innocent IV, succeeding after the brief Pontificate of eighteen days of Celestine IV, given to the same Abbots and Prior in the year MCCXLVI, of this kind of tenor.

[5] Long ago, the Venerable Brother N. Bishop and the beloved Sons the Chapter of Würzburg intimating to Gregory the Pope of happy record, our predecessor, and Innocent 4 moreover mandates, that Bruno of holy memory Bishop of Würzburg, who once living in the world was powerful in great merits, now living in heaven coruscates with so many miracles, that his holiness is proved by open indications, and it is unworthy that his suffrages should not be invoked among the other Saints; and through this supplicating that he should enroll him in the Catalogue of the Saints to be venerated: the same Predecessor gave you in mandate by his letters, that, having taken to yourselves religious men and fearing God, most diligently inquiring concerning the virtue of his manners and the truth of the signs, namely the works and miracles, you should faithfully send the depositions of the witnesses received enclosed under your seals to the Apostolic See. Although therefore, by the inquisition made upon these by you, which by our mandate you transmitted to the same See, it plainly appears concerning the miracles of that Saint himself, through which anyone seems able to be held a Saint among men in the Church militant; yet because for this, that anyone be a Saint with God in the Church triumphant, perseverance alone suffices, according to that, Be faithful unto death, that inquiry be made into his life, and I will give thee the crown of life (which that tunic of Joseph reaching to the ankles evidently figured) so that the merits and miracles may mutually testify to each other, since neither merits without miracles, nor miracles without merits fully suffice to render testimony among men to holiness: and on account of the length of time there cannot be found in Germany anyone, as is asserted, who can render testimony of sight concerning these: We, attending that in so holy and pious a business one must proceed with very great gravity and maturity, at least from fame and writings. mandate, that not only by witnesses, but also by fame and hearing and authentic writings, concerning his life and conversation and merits, carefully inquiring through yourselves or others worthy of faith, you should faithfully transmit to us under your seals what you shall find. But if not all, etc. Given at Lyons on the Nones of November in the year v. Indeed I do not at all doubt that this mandate too the Commissaries fulfilled with similar accuracy, and that the desired Canonization followed: for in such businesses they did not proceed so hesitantly as now: but I grieve that the Decree published upon that matter is nowhere found, and much more, that nowhere yet has appeared an example of the aforesaid Processes, from which the glory of this Saint could have been wonderfully illustrated by us, as we have often already proved in others.

[6] Meanwhile it is rightly to be rejoiced, that the defect of these did not retard Cardinal Baronius, His name in the Roman Martyrology. from inscribing his name in the most recent tables of the Roman Martyrology recognized by him and manifoldly augmented. The same had before been done by Galesinius with this illustrious elogium: At Würzburg S. Bruno Bishop and Confessor. He, born in a most illustrious family, cultivated by divine gifts, made Bishop of that city, conferred all his patrimony to the use and ornament of the churches. He constructed and illustrated the church of S. Kilian with a most magnificent edifice, and likewise augmented it with an ample estate. Finally vigilant in every kind of virtue, and agreeing in life and manners with the discipline of Christ, both by zeal and by example he kindled the minds of the citizens of Würzburg to the inheritance of the celestial fatherland. Thus there, which thence into the third edition of the German Martyrology, begun by Peter Canisius, were translated, but very much contracted. Galesinius alleges Demochares as author in his Annotations; and Baronius following him erring, and Canisius following Baronius, gave occasion of erring; while for the XXVII of May, which he had read in Bruschius soon to be cited to have been the day of death for S. Bruno, he transcribed XVII. We doubted therefore whether this Saint should be deferred by us to the said day: for this is the title of the miracles: Miracles of S. Bruno Bishop XX of Würzburg, who died on the XXVII of the month of May in the year MXLV; and to this number consents the Epitaph, marking the VI of the Kalends of June. But since the Church of Würzburg, out of reverence for the Roman Martyrology, began to venerate him on this XVII of May, we too retain the same day; until the error be corrected by a new recognition of the same Martyrology.

[7] His Acts and illustrious deeds, which could easily have been collected at least from the Processes, we marvel were not once accurately written. But if they were drawn up, we grieve either that they have already long since perished, Elogia from Trithemius, or that somewhere they yet lie hid in the hidden chests of libraries. In their place we give a few elogia of others concerning him. Let the first be that of John Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, then of S. James in the suburb of Würzburg: who in the book on Ecclesiastical Writers, completed in the year MCCCCXCII, has these things: Bruno Bishop of Würzburg, cousin of the Emperor Conrad the second, by nation a German, a man studious in the divine Scriptures, most holy in life and conversation, who on account of the excellence of his merits inscribed in the catalogue of the Saints, is held the singular Patron of Eastern Franconia, gathered together from the writings of the ancient Fathers a beautiful

exposition on the whole Psalter. Whether he wrote anything else, I know not. He died under the Emperor Henry the second, in the year of the Lord MXLV, Indiction XIII, on the VI Kalends of June. The same Trithemius has similar things in the Catalogue of illustrious men of Germany, where he is said to have been not ignorant of secular letters, excelling in genius, sweet and ornate in eloquence, and who coruscated with many miracles both living and dead. The said Psalter came forth in print in the year MCCCCXCVIII, before which someone of Würzburg prefaces these things: The blessed Father Bruno, In a preface to his Psalter, according to the dignity of the world cousin of the Emperor Conrad II, but according to the election of God once illustrious Bishop of Würzburg, holy in religion and life; after that very temporal death (which he underwent in the year of Christ one thousand forty-five, on the sixth Kalends of June) famous also for miracles; besides the works of greater virtues, by which in the Lord's sheepfold he shone forth a good Pastor, and by which he always fed the flock committed to him by the Lord both by work and by example; treasuring up nonetheless for his posterity sons a memorable and holy book of Psalms, from which this one was printed, sumptuously written, left as it were no small portion of a spiritual inheritance: which, offering also to our Apostle and the first Bishop of the most blessed city of Würzburg S. Kilian, with these little verses he entreats the same our holy Patron:

May he be a colleague of thy lot, O Father Kilian, The Bishop, who venerates thee in this gift.

[8] We add in place of a longer Life the epitome published by Caspar Bruschius in the year MDXLIX in the Bishops of Würzburg in these words: XIX S. Bruno, and from Bruschius, according to whom son of Conrad Duke of Carinthia, born of a mother Baroness of Querfurt, cousin of the Emperor Conrad the second, or (as some will have it) nephew by a sister, is elected Bishop of Würzburg by the unanimously consenting Clergy, in the year of the Lord MXXXIII. He presided with the highest praise for eleven years, one month, fourteen days. Created Bishop in the year 1033, He constructed and illustrated with most magnificent edifices the Cathedral Church of S. Kilian: also beautifully repairing and adorning the other temples of the whole Bishopric, on which he conferred all his patrimony. He was an Bishop exceedingly learned: he wrote a Commentary on the Psalter of David which is extant. He followed in the year of the Lord MXXXIV the Emperor Conrad into Italy, set out to subdue it and subject it to his power. But the Emperor besieging and gravely assaulting several times Milan, it happened on the very feast of holy Pentecost, that, Bishop Bruno celebrating the Sacred mysteries in the camp of the Emperor, so great a tempest of the sky arose, the siege of Milan that all men thought the day of the last judgment to be at hand: for many soldiers struck by lightning from heaven perished, many also being reduced to madness by the horror of so great a tempest. Bishop Bruno, standing at the altar, nonetheless finished his Sacred mysteries. Which performed, approaching the Emperor, he said that in the Sacred mysteries themselves S. Ambrose, once Bishop of the Milanese, had appeared to him: who, unless the Emperor at once loosed the city from the siege, threatened grave things to his life and health. By this prodigy or fiction the Emperor moved, he persuades that it be raised. and persuaded by Bishop Bruno, peace being first made with the citizens, loosed the city from the siege, certain principal citizens however being snatched to punishment, the authors of such rebellion and contumacy. Bruno returned from this expedition to Würzburg, gave as a gift to the Church of Würzburg a certain noble estate of Westphalia, surnamed in the Saxon tongue Sunnenreich, which on his mother's death had devolved to him: from which estate he had every year fifty marks of pure silver, and certain other perquisites.

[9] In the year of the Lord MXLV he sets out, with the Emperor Henry the Black and many other Princes of Germany, into the Pannonias. But when in a certain castle of Upper Pannonia, Bosenburg, situated over against the town of Ips on the Danube, the Emperor was passing the night with all the Princes; on the very twentieth day of May the lofty and ruinous dining-room or solarium of that fortress fell, into which the whole court of the Caesar had already assembled for the cause of dining. The Emperor, the dining-room collapsing, the window being grasped, by the singular protection of God remained unhurt. The whole rest of the multitude, the Princes, and in the year 1045 injured by the ruin of the dining-room, Bishops, Nobles and Soldiers, highest and lowest, fell down: among whom many at once expired, many were gravely injured and mutilated. There Bishop Bruno was so miserably and inclemently received by fortune, the moderatress of human things, that on the seventh day after this fall in the same fortress he discharged the debt of nature, namely on the twenty-seventh day of May of the year MXLV. he dies on the 27th of May. He was carried back with the highest grief of all his own to Würzburg, where in the crypt of the chief basilica he was buried and rendered to his parent earth with such an epitaph:

In the year of the Lord MXLV, on the sixth of the Kalends of June, died the Blessed Bruno Bishop, founder of this Church.

[10] Thus Bruschius: who, what he narrates of the siege of Milan, and the tempest that arose, could have received from the Chronicle of Sigebert at the year MXXXIX, when the day of Pentecost fell on the III of June: where consequently it is added, that: Bishop Bruno, who was chanting the Mass, and the Secretary of the Emperor with three others, said that they had seen during the solemnities of the Masses S. Ambrose, threatening the Emperor with indignation. Hermann the Lame, Conrad Abbot of Ursperg and others, refer this expedition to the year MXXXVII, when the Pentecostal feast occupied the day XXIX of May, without any mention of this tempest and the appearing S. Ambrose. The same Hermann the Lame describes three expeditions of Henry the Black into Pannonia, in the journey toward Hungary, in favor of King Peter against his rebellious subjects, undertaken in the years MXLII, III, IV; then in the following year he narrates how King Peter received King Henry, invited to him at the festivity of Pentecost, that is the XXVI of May, with great apparatus, and presented him with the greatest gifts, and rendered to him the kingdom of the Pannonias, the Princes of the Hungarians confirming fidelity to him and his successors by oath: which however he received from him to be possessed by him while he lived. In which journey, he says, the King ascending a certain old solarium, with many others fell down, the edifice collapsing: and he himself, God protecting, being unhurt, Bruno Bishop of Würzburg, having collapsed lethally with the others, after one week, that is the VII Kalends of June, died; and being carried back to his See and there buried, received Adalbero as successor. Moreover the town of Ips, in Upper Austria. over against which the aforementioned ruin happened, has its name from a river between Linz and Vienna, at an interval almost equal on either side of 12 German miles, going under the Danube, situated on a mountain; to which lies opposite from the opposite bank a castle, variously expressed on the Geographical maps, Porsenperg, and Besenburg, within the bounds of Upper Austria, which indeed appears to be not rightly confounded with Upper Pannonia by Bruschius: to whom however, transcribing the very Epitaph of Bruno, I would rather give credit than to Hermann as to the day of death, retaining the VI Kalends of June, then the second Feria of Pentecost: which both Trithemius did and the Abbot of Ursperg. Later writers contracted their things from Bruschius; such as are Antonius Monchiacenus Demochares on the sacrifice of the Mass in the Bishops of Würzburg, Peter Cratepolius on the Saints of Germany, John Gualterus in the Chronicle of Chronicles in the Catalogue of the Bishops of Würzburg, Sixtus Senensis, Conrad Gesner, Antonius Possevinus, Bucelinus, and others.

MIRACLES

Wrought in the year MCCII and MCCIII, from a Ms.

S. Bruno, Bishop of Würzburg in Germany.

BHL Number: 1475

FROM A MS.

In the year of the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand two hundred and second, on the sixteenth Kalends of July, the moon being the twenty-second, miracles were seen in the crypt of the Holy Martyrs Kilian and his Companions, and of the blessed Proto-martyr Stephen.

[1] The first is that, when a certain poor little woman, by name Gepa, had been contracted eight years and more, on the Lord's day in the morning, 16 June when Mass was being celebrated, the same woman by chance was present at Mass beside the tomb of S. Bruno Bishop of Würzburg: who, many seeing, received her step. On the same day to a certain woman, by name Adelheid, great scrofulous swellings about the neck, being reduced to nothing, no longer appeared.

[2] On the fourth Feria of the same week, the same vomited out poison in great quantity, and was fully cured. On that night a little before twilight, 19 June a certain maiden of the city of Würzburg, Richeiderin, received her step, by the testimony of many.

[3] On the fifth Feria of the same week, a certain woman of Elthman, at midday, 20 June her own Priest rendering testimony for her, received sight. About night a certain maiden by name Bertha of Würzburg, contracted from infancy, received her step.

[4] On the vigil of S. John the Baptist, a certain woman of Limbach, by name Demut, so far contracted, 23 June that she crept on the ground, received a free step.

[5] On the following day, a certain woman of Leinnach, who had come in a cart, received her step. 24 June A certain boy of Buttelbrunn, by name Henry, contracted in hand and one leg, was cured. A certain girl of Bleichfeld, Irmengart, contracted, was raised up. Under the testimony of many these things happened.

[6] On the feast of S. John and Paul, a woman by name Adelheid, who was deaf and dumb and contracted, was cured. 26 June On the same day a certain woman of Alhusen, from a very great hump, all seeing, was cured.

[7] On the following day, Feria v, Henry of Lougingen, who did not have sufficient testimony, 27 June swore that he had been contracted in one leg for a long time, and was cured.

[8] On the sixth Feria a certain boy, for a long time contracted and infirm, was cured. On the same day a certain maiden of Gorbolsdorff, daughter of a Soldier, when she had to learn the Psalter, vexed often by a demon, 28 June lost her speech for seven days: and assembling to our city, on the journey received her speech, by the testimony of many.

[9] On the Vigil of S. Kilian, after Matins, a certain woman of Windsheim, Wendelmut, contracted in hand, 7 July was cured.

[10] On the holy day of B. Kilian and his Companions, a certain man of Himmelstat, for a long time blind, 8 July received sight. At midday a certain boy of our city, contracted in hand, was cured.

[11] On the division of the Apostles, a certain woman by name Bertha of Ochsenfurt, contracted, was raised up. 15 July. On the same day, of Wertheim and Geilenhausen, two girls, by good testimony, were raised up.

[12] On the following day a certain woman, by name Mechilt, contracted five years, was raised up. 16 July A certain little servant of a Canon of our Church, who from infancy had been contracted, by name Reinhard, was raised up.

[13] A certain maiden of the city of Bamberg, beside the tomb of S. Kunigund had stayed two years: 7 September who on the night of the Queen Virgin, at midnight was cured, and had been so contracted five years, that she crept on the ground with both hands and feet, whose name is Agnes. A certain woman of Iphonen, by name Kunigund, for a year and a half contracted in one leg, while she was beside the tomb of S. Kunigund at Bamberg, saw in dreams how S. Bruno was to cure

her: who, when she was on the journey, and wished to come to the city by ship, freely received her step. A certain boy who was six years old, of Ense, was seized by a wolf at the evening hour, and carried off by it to the wood, and infected with eleven wounds. Whose mother, with disheveled hair and torn garments, with great clamor invoking S. Bruno followed, and found the boy half-alive in the wolf's keeping. Who, when she had invoked S. Bruno thrice, the wolf withdrew from the boy, and thus through S. Bruno he escaped. A certain woman of Worms, from infancy deaf and dumb, by the testimony of many honest men, who were then present, who also afterwards came, received hearing and speech. A certain woman of our city, by name Gisela, was freed from a demon. Another of our city, by name Irmengart, received sight. On the following day another certain woman, by name Jutta, was enlightened.

[14] On the Parasceve a certain boy of three years was submerged in the water until midday, and was found dead: In the year 1203, 4 April whose father and mother, while they invoked S. Bruno, and through the invocation of many, he was resuscitated. A certain girl of Retzstadt, four years vexed by a demon, was freed. A certain boy was captured by thieves, and placed in fetters: who, when he was alone, invoked S. Bruno, and touched the fetters, and was loosed. A certain man was captured who was innocent: and while he was being hanged, he invoked S. Bruno, and hanged he hung from the third hour until vespers, so that he could not die. And while those hanging him drew him by the feet, that he might die the more quickly; it profited not: but afterwards by a certain passer-by he was loosed, and thus escaped. A certain woman beside the tomb of S. Bruno, who was possessed, was absolved. A certain frenzied woman, who was the mother of eleven children, and at the birth of each of them vexed by a demon, at the last for seven days was fully possessed, so that she went mad: and at the tomb of S. Bruno, was freed. A certain man contracted of this city, by the testimony of many, at the tomb of S. Bruno was raised up. A certain Eberh, a merchant of this city, bound in fetters, through S. Bruno was freed and escaped. A certain boy of Schmalkalden under six years always crept on the ground: who within the Passion of the Lord received his step. A certain boy of Tubera, who was submerged in a well, from the first hour until midday dead, about vespers escaped alive.

[15] A certain blind Virgin, on the Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord, at the tomb of S. Bruno, was enlightened. 14 May The boy of Udalric, a noble man of Ehrenbrehteshoven, laboring with the stone, offered at the tomb of S. Bruno, by the testimony of many was freed. A certain paralytic of six years and more, who had many kinsmen in the city, was cured. A certain man of Fulda innocently hanged, by the help of S. Bruno escaped.

[16] A certain Erdlindis, Almoner of the Lord L. of Sphippe, was bound with three chains, of which one fell beside the tomb of S. Kilian, another at Mergetheim, 7 July, the third on the Vigil of S. Kilian at the tomb of S. Bruno, and thus loosed and cured she escaped. A certain boy of Heydingsvelt, in the knees from infancy so weakened, that he could not go, offered by his parents at the tomb of S. Bruno, there received his step. Another boy of Karleburg whose left hand was contracted, in the presence of many was cured. The wife of the Schultheiss of Kissingen, lame, and contracted in one leg, was carried to the tomb of S. Bruno: who, invoking his grace, suddenly the leg being straightened received her step, and the boy of the same, gravelly, was freed from the stone.

ON B. THETHMARUS, A PRESBYTER PROFESSED OF THE RULE OF S. AUGUSTINE, IN HOLSTEIN AND WAGRIA.

A Life collected from the Chronicle of the Slavs of Helmold the coeval.

IN THE YEAR MCLII.

B. Thethmarus, Presbyter, professed of the Rule of S. Augustine in Holstein and Wagria.

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] Among the Apostolic men, who illustrated Holstein, Wagria, and the neighboring domains by doctrine and holiness of life in the twelfth century of Christ, were Vicelinus, Bishop there of Oldenburg (whose See in the year MCLXIII was translated to Lübeck) and his disciple Thethmarus. The time of death The natal day of the former is the XII of December, of the latter the XVII of May, on which he died on the Vigil of Pentecost, not after the year MCLX, in which Bucelinus writes that he flourished; but in the year MCLII, when, the cycle of the Moon being XIII, of the Sun also XIII, the Dominical letters FE, Easter was celebrated on the XXX of March, and Pentecost on the XVIII of May. There flourished in the same XII century in Wagria a disciple of the said Vicelinus, Helmold, A Life written by Helmold: Presbyter of Bosau by the lake there of Plön, who died in the year MCLXX: by whose pen we have drawn up the Chronicle of the Slavs: from which we excerpt the illustrious deeds done by Thethmarus, and here give them. Among the monasteries there erected by Vicelinus, was Falstera, in the Holstein territory to posterity Neomonasterium; and to the inhabitants and neighbors called Newmuster, situated between the towns of Plön and Itzehoe on the river Schwala, to others Schala, which not far thence flows down into the Stör, and afterwards, The monasteries in which he lived: not far below Glückstadt glides into the Elbe. Another monastery was constructed near the fortress of Sigeberg, erected by the same Vicelinus as author, by the Emperor Lothair: which monastery being overthrown, B. Volker the Martyr fell, at whose Natal day the VII of March we have treated at length of this region and the faith introduced: which all things the reader will find there. Then another monastery was constructed on the right bank of the river Trave in the town in Slavic Cuzalina, in German once Hagerestorp, now Hagelsdorf, in the Sigeberg Prefecture of Wagria on the confines of Stormaria. These things being premised, receive what Helmold has concerning Thethmarus, in book 1 chapter 73 (to others 74) writing thus:

[2] That I may briefly and summarily touch something of the life of Thethmarus, Educated under B. Vicelinus, revealed to his holy mother before his conception, from the very cradle he was made over to the ministry of the altar; and commended to a good Master Vicelinus a most excellent disciple, he persevered in discipline until his manly years. A disciple at Bremen, a companion in France, he sustained the yoke of the Master with patience, according to that of Jeremiah: It is good for a man when he has borne the yoke from his adolescence. Lam. 3, 27. After the return from France, the Lord Vicelinus going away into Slavia, as if the pedagogue being removed, he was left to himself. What sort therefore he was at Bremen in ruling the schools, and what sort in the Deanery, let the people of Bremen say. To have said this is enough: that after his departure, the light of that Church being removed, Bremen cried out. Dean of Bremen,

[3] Here let it be permitted to interpose what the same Helmold had written in chapter 58 of the same first book: In those days, he says, the most noble man Thethmarus, once the disciple of the Lord Vicelinus, and a companion in study in France, having left the Prebend and Deanery of Bremen, devoted himself to the college of Faldera; a man a despiser of this world, a follower of voluntary poverty, and in spiritual conversation of the highest perfection. in conversation held an Angel: Whose holiness, in all things to be extolled, was supported by so great a height of humility and vigor of benignity, that you would see among men an Angel, knowing how to have compassion on the infirmities of each, but tempted in all things. Destined afterward to Hagerestorph, which is also Cuzelina, with other Brethren, he was a great consolation to the men of the new transmigration. Thus there Helmold, which in the cited chapter 73 the same thus expounds: Translated therefore to Faldera, by desire of a better life, he brought great joy by his presence to the Lord Vicelinus: he lived at Falstera but also to all whom that corner of horror and vast solitude contained, a certain new face arose from the coming of so great a guest. After some years, God enlarging the bounds of the Church, he was sent to Cuzelina, which is also Hagerestorph, and was a consolation to the inhabitants of the new habitation. then at Hagerestorph. For he ran together to the captives and the despoiled with such piety, that the magnitude of his giving seemed to exceed the strength of that house still tender. While praying or reading his ears always watched at the door, suspended for when the needy came knocking and asking. Count Adolf revered him, because he reproved his faults, nor spared the delinquent. For the hardness of his heart, which he exhibited to the Bishop, that venerable Priest strove to soften by applied plasters, but every medicament a deeper disease overcame. Hearing him, however, he did many things, knowing him a just and holy man. Ten years therefore being completed, he was seized by infirmity, the Bishop being absent and placed at Marcipolis.

[4] When therefore the Brethren, applied to the bed of the sick man, were renewing the hope of recovering health, he with great refusal said: Do not, beloved Brethren, promise me a prolongation of the present life: The sick man pants toward heaven: do not afflict my spirit, tending from the height of pilgrimage to the fatherland, with words of this kind. Behold, ten years it is, since I asked that my life be prolonged under the title of this profession: and I was heard. Now at last rest from labors is to be prayed for: and I trust in the wonted piety of God, that I shall not be frustrated of this petition either. The torsions of the vitals therefore were increased, nor yet in the defect of the body did the vigor of the interior man wither. There was fulfilled in him that of Solomon: Strong as death is love, he consoles his Companions: floods and winds could not extinguish it. Cant. 8. 7. In the dying man lived charity, which in the exhausted body kept whole the affection, offering to the Brethren consolation from mourning, counsel in doubtful things, edification of manners, impressing on the hearts of friends certain last traces of valediction, never to be abolished. But neither, unmindful of his most beloved Father Vicelinus, did he most intimately pray that his ways be directed by God, congratulating himself many times that through him the way of salvation and the hope of the kingdom was opened to him. There came therefore to the sick man, with fraternal solicitude, the Prior of the Church of Faldera Eppo and Bruno the Priest, and after the visitation they exhibited to him the office of sacred Unction. Furnished with the last Sacraments he piously dies: Which venerably received, fortified nonetheless by the participation of the life-giving Body of the Lord, he persevered in thanksgiving. But on the night on which the Vigil of Pentecost had come, that is, the XVI Kalends of June, watchful in prayer, by prayers he invited the Angels, interpellated the suffrages of all the Saints: and now the soul retiring, his tongue was still moved in prayer and confession of praise. O most worthy Priest! O soul most pleasing to God! Happy I would call him in the course, but happier in the arriving, who by the compendium of a most brief labor merited with God everlasting glory, with men the affection of holy remembrance.

[5] Thus there Helmold, by whom the indicated Marcipolis is Merseburg, the Episcopal city of Meissen, whither to certain assemblies the Bishop Vicelinus had been called: who, says Helmold at the beginning of the said chapter 73, returned to his parish, he is mourned by B. Vicelinus: found the most holy man Thethmarus withdrawn from the present life: which doubtless brought the greatest sadness to the Bishop. For that sweetest man, always to be embraced with the devotion of all,

seemed in his time to have had no equal. His praises and burial Helmold pursues in the following chapter in these words: The passing of which venerable Priest Brother Luthbert was wont to foretell long before, his death foreseen beforehand: who, exchanging the warfare of this world for the service of God, with the servant of God Thethmarus bore the care of the poor who were in the hospital. He at a certain time visiting Faldera presented a countenance more sad than usual, and suffused with tears. Being asked the causes of his sadness, he answered that he was rightly saddened, who was about to be deprived of the presence of a most loving father in a short time. He confesses nonetheless that he was instructed of these things divinely, not dreaming, but waking. Nor long after the word of the prophesier the swift death of the Priest followed. The Brethren also, whom the intimate affection of the man compelled to weep, returning to their heart, drew hope and resumed the spirit of consolation, mindful of the oracle.

[6] When therefore at Faldera it was announced concerning his death, immediately they sent messengers to translate the body, because he himself departing had more intently prayed this. there is contention for the body by the people of Faldera: Which however could in no way be persuaded to the venerable brothers, Theodoric, Ludolf, Luithbert and the rest, who dwelt there: all saying that they would rather die, than be deprived of so great a pledge, which would be both an honor and a consolation to the Church of Wagria newly begun. The faithful peoples therefore flowing together from Sigeberg and from the neighboring towns, the holy body was committed to the earth, with much lamentation of the poor, complaining of their destitution. he is buried honorably. Let Him therefore be magnified in His Saints, who perfected this man as a Priest worthy of Himself, consummated by a happy vocation. To you also, O Fathers of the Lübeck commonwealth, there will be a more abundant salvation from the Lord, if you shall worthily cultivate such a man, setting him in the front of those who made the ruined things of our Church to rise into new heights.

[7] Thus far Helmold, an author as I said coeval: from whose words an elegant elogium concerning the life and death of Tiadmar (for so he calls him) Albert Krantz wove in book 4 of the Wandalia chapter 16, and toward the end has these things: These to the word concerning that man are the testimonies of our Helmold, which I have put with the design, that posterity may see, He is praised by Krantz. by what men then the land flourished. Again Krantz, in book 6 of the Metropolis chapter 11 treating of Vicelinus, Afterwards, he says, with a certain youth Thietmar he proceeded into France, and studied under the Masters Rudolph and Anselm. Three years therefore being passed in study, they returned. Thietmar at Bremen becomes a Canon: Vicelinus coming to Magdeburg to Norbert the Archbishop, becomes a Priest. This is S. Norbert, Founder of the Premonstratensian Order, created Archbishop in the year MCXXVII, in which Henry Bangert in the Notes to Helmold places the beginning of the Faldera monastery. The same Krantz in chapter 18 of the same book 6 has these things: At that time Thietmar, once the disciple of Vicelinus, having left the Deanery of Bremen, devoted himself to the college of Faldera: who destined to Hagerstorpe, was a great consolation to the new transmigration. The man was indeed in spiritual conversation of great perfection.

[8] We have a Ms. codex made by a Continuator of Helmold in the fifteenth century, in which these things are read: About the same time S. Vicelinus was in the Church of Bremen Scholastic and learned in Theology, who had many divine revelations in the time of his youth. He always burned to preach the faith of Christ to the barbarian Slavs, dwelling near Holstein. For in those days in the whole land of the Wagrians … the faith of Christ was had nowhere; and if it had once been had, yet for as it were eighty years all had declined from the faith of Christ. This holy Vicelinus, unwilling to relinquish the religious garment, which the Canons of Bremen had cast off with the Rule of S. Augustine, The Rule of S. Augustine observed by Thetmarus. with the holy Man Thetmarus, Cantor of the Church of Bremen, went to the parts of Holstein, and by the bidding and mandate of the most reverend man the Lord Adalbero Archbishop of Bremen and Hamburg received into possession the village Wippendorp otherwise Faldera, in which a wooden chapel had been constructed and for long times deserted, and there caused a monastery to be constructed: from which it was further called Niemunster. That chapel was as it were the first in all Holstein: and there although they were said to be Christians, yet the error of groves and fountains and manifold idolatry was had: and the more strictly S. Vicelinus by day and night watching, praying and preaching the word of God, served under the religious garment and the holy rule… Many also venerable Ecclesiastical men and Clerics joined themselves to S. Vicelinus, in order, rule, habit, and holy life. These things were done about the year of the Lord MCXXV, or a little later as we said above. For that Vicelinus was ordained Priest by S. Norbert they relate with Krantz, Albert of Stade, and the author of the History of the Archbishops of Bremen. From this moreover some things are brought forth in the Germany of the Blaeu Geography, in Holstein properly so called and the Prefecture of Bordesholm page 168.

[9] But the monastery from Falstera or Neo-monastery was in the year MCCCXXXII, by Henry Swineborch the XV Provost, translated to Bordesholm; where the Life of S. Vicelinus was fixed in the temple, were the bones translated to Bordesholm? on a tablet toward the North: in which it is said, that with the translated monastery the Relics of Vicelinus were likewise translated, before the high altar in the middle of the sanctuary, with the bones of two other Servants of God. Whether one of these servants of God is to be reckoned Thethmarus, of whom we treat, we cannot certainly indicate. We have also from a Ms. codex the privileges of the Sigeberg monastery of S. Augustine, among which are brought forth the diploma of the Emperor Lothair given in the year MCXXXVII, the Donation of Archbishop Adalbero made in the year MCXLI, a Copy of the ordination pertaining to the institution of the said monastery signed in the year MCL, finally the Privilege of the Emperor Henry VI granted in the year MCXCII. To all which is subjoined a metrical Process concerning B. Vicelinus: in which is praised one of his confraters, Thetmarus, before Cantor Canon of Bremen. We have finally another Life of B. Vicelinus, translated into Latin from a Danish Ms., in which these things are read: S. Vicelinus built a monastery at the fortress of Sigeberg at the foot of the mountain, His furniture brought to Sigeberg. Brethren being brought thither from the Neomonastery: among these was Thethmarus of Bremen, who conveyed thither the furniture and all the supply and the provision necessary in such beginnings: but Lothair enriched the monastery with various fields and privileges.

[10] And these are the principal things which we have found concerning Thethmarus, whom we would not dare to filch from the Rule of S. Augustine, and ascribe to the most holy Order of S. Benedict, of which in the authors hitherto related we find no trace, although the later Benedictine Martyrologists have done that. Arnold Wion went before at this XVII of May with these words: At Magnopolis in the monastery of Faldera, of Saint Thetmarus, disciple of S. Vicelinus Bishop: Whether rightly ascribed to the Benedictine Martyrologies he, the Deanery of Bremen being left, entered the monastery of Faldera, and famous for miracles rested. In the Notes Helmold and Krantz are alleged. But what the city of Magnopolis means, we do not grasp. When Thethmarus died, not at Falstera but at Hagerestorp, Vicelinus was absent, called to the assemblies; not to Magnopolis (which by some is called Mecklenburg) but to Marcipolis, which we said to be Merseburg, the Episcopal city of Meissen. Then the Acts hitherto brought forth indicate that he rested not so much famous for miracles as for virtues. From Wion some things contracted were published by Benedict Dorganius and Hugh Menard: more Gabriel Bucelinus adjoined, and all honor Thietmar with the title of Saint. Ferrarius followed in the general Catalogue with these words: At Magnopolis in Germany S. Thietmar the monk, and then asserts that at Faldera near Magnopolis he professed the monastic life. Similar things all the same have at the XII of December concerning B. Vicelinus, and the VII of March concerning B. Volker, whom they ascribe to the Benedictine Order. But Peter de Wagenare, Prior of the Premonstratensian Order among the people of Furnes in Flanders, after publishing a tract on the Men of this Order illustrious either for holiness or miracles, afterwards published an Auctarium: or to the Premonstratensian Order. in which he ascribes to his Order B. Vicelinus, and to his disciple B. Thedmarus, and others. But that the Canons of Bremen received the Rule of S. Augustine, observed together with the Premonstratensian Order, long before S. Norbert was constituted Archbishop, the times of the Order, instituted in the year MCXX, do not permit.

ON B. FRANCIS OF DURAZZO,

OF THE ORDER OF MINORS, AT ORIA IN THE SALENTINE TERRITORY.

14TH CENT.

B. Francis of Durazzo, of the Order of Minors, at Oria in the Salentine territory.

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

CHAPTER I.

The testimonies of the Franciscan authors. An epitome of the Life from the oration of Q. Marius Corradus.

[1] I remember that, treating on the XI of April of S. Barsanuphius the Solitary near Gaza in Palestine, chapter 3, which is on the twofold translation of his holy body, I treated more prolixly of the fortune of the city of Oria, From the oration of Corradus not only is knowledge had of S. Barsanuphius, once most celebrated between Brindisi and Taranto; yet some things concerning it and the Relics of S. Barsanuphius, dissipated even to this point, that now only his hand survives, I could and would have added, if more distinctly known to me had been the Oration which Q. Marius Corradus of Oria pronounced to the Order and People of Oria, about the year MDLXX, concerning the divine honors of the Divine Francis of Durazzo. Now those things which, pertaining to S. Barsanuphius, are there as it were touched through a lattice, rather than handled, being deferred to the time of making the Supplement; concerning Francis, whom that Oration primarily and from its proper purpose regards, I excerpt those things which, unless they were there collected, hitherto an once distinguished Blessed would be known to his own Franciscan Order only as to the name; so few and meager are the words which the older writers used concerning him.

[2] The first and most ancient, Brother Bartholomew of Pisa, in the year MCCCXCIX, the Minister and General Chapter approving, wrote the book of Conformities of the life of B. Francis to the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, where folio 86, according to the Bologna edition of the year 1590, you will read only this: In the Province of Apulia at Oria lies Brother Francis of Durazzo, who was renowned for signs. but especially of this Blessed; Next to Bartholomew in age was Marianus of Florence, about one century younger; who (as Luke Wadding in the Additions to volume 7 of his Annals number 3 acknowledges) called him Philip: perhaps because this was his first name in the world: for that he wished to be called Francis in religion, for his affection toward the holy Founder, Marius seems to indicate: and under this name only he was also known to Mark of Lisbon, about the year MDL writing the second part of the Chronicles; and to Francis Gonzaga, on the Origin of the Seraphic Religion, about the year MDLXXXVII in part 1 enumerating the Saints of the Order of Minors, ascribed to the Catalogue of the Divine, page 94. But each uses the same brevity; adding this only to the words of the Pisan, that Francis for seven years did not taste bread. In nearly the same year in which Gonzaga at Rome printed his work of Histories of the Seraphic Religion, at Venice Peter

Rodulphus of Tossignano, who with a somewhat ampler elogium folio 99, the authors of the Order having spoken sparingly of him. B. Francis, he says, of Durazzo, a layman, a man of the highest simplicity, who for seven years did not eat bread, the greatest observer of silence, which is read of Abbot Agatho, whom, a little stone being assiduously placed in his mouth, they relate to have learned to be silent; and that this was observed by him for three years, so that not even when he wished to speak was it free for him. He was also a chief cultivator of obedience, of whom this remarkable thing is narrated. For when he was the cook at Oria in Apulia, at that hour at which the Body of the Lord was elevated in the church, and he himself, hindered, could not be present, divinely the wall was opened by which he could see. He lies at Oria famous for miracles. That example of Agatho is related in book 4 on the words of the Fathers, the interpreter being Pelagius chapter 7, that for three years he put a stone in his mouth, until he learned taciturnity: to which while Rodulphus adds something more concerning Francis, he may seem to have had some Life of him: but if he had none, he himself as well as the rest above named were so much the more remote from a fuller knowledge of B. Francis as they were living and writing further from the uttermost bounds of Italy, in which Francis had lived. And so Corradus aforepraised, even in the very argument of his Oration, easily surpassed them all, having thus begun.

[3] Oria is a most ancient city in the Salentine territory. Here for a long time lived Francis of Durazzo, He, solicitous for restoring his cult in the sodality of Francis of Assisi; he was a man who led a celestial life among men. It is in the Commentaries of the Franciscans (but would that these survived in the primigenial simplicity in which Marius saw and read them) that for a whole seven-year period he withdrew from himself all human food except water and herbs. Portents divinely happened to him living and dead very many. Finally the body of him deceased was at Oria in the temple of the College of the Franciscan men, where he had most holily lived, kept for a long time with certain divine honors. But afterwards, when the public and private fortune had been afflicted by perpetual calamities, or rather, the state of all things being still unimpaired, the religion of men had grown cold; it came to such negligence, not to say impiety, that only the opinion of divinity concerning him is preserved; wherefore in the whole oration this is chiefly treated, that the honors of that Divine one, by injury and crime long intermitted, ought to be restored. He weaves a synopsis of the Life, according to which But he does this thus; that, when in the first part of the Oration he had discoursed much concerning the Relics of SS. Barsanuphius, Darius and Chrysantha brought to Oria, and concerning the amplitude of the old state reduced almost to nothing on account of their dissipation; at length coming nearer to the matter, in the second part of the Oration he shows that he thinks the body of Francis was reserved not by religion or any human sense, but by divine counsel, in hope of the commonwealth being at some time resuscitated. Then he weaves a synopsis of his Life, which for the greater part Wadding transcribes in the Additions above cited to volume 3. We, drawing water from the very fountain, exhibit words of this kind taken thence.

[4] At Durazzo he received the habit, Born at Durazzo, which is a city in Epirus, he never thought of nobility of birth, nor of those things which are held the highest and most illustrious in life: but honors, ambitions, and the glory of commanding others of the men of his place, he thought it to be for himself the highest peril and the highest impiety to touch: but of wisdom he cultivated only as much as would seem enough for knowing the human and his own weakness and the divine benefits. From his first adolescence he was a sodalis in the family of Francis of Assisi: wherefore he wished also a name to be imposed on him, by which he might use a leader for searching out all the ways of heaven. He thought it the highest command, to obey others; the highest glory, to serve all…

He had heard, what was the case, whence having crossed over to Oria that the site of a College outside the gate of Brindisi had been given to Francis of Assisi his master by our city, and that in it certain men of this family with admirable piety led a life harsh in food, but sweet and celestial in thoughts. From Durazzo therefore, where he had most holily lived from his first years, he came to Oria; and in the College which not long before Francis himself had founded, religion daily being increased, by labors, and by the thought of celestial things, he passed what remained of his age. He exulted, by Hercules, the most holy man, with joy, he leaped with gladness, when he surveyed with his eyes the house, and searched all the parts and corners. Kissing all things, and licking the ground with his lips, Here, here, he said, is the place: this threshold my Master wore with those his feet; this fountain he drank; here often he made vows; this altar he frequented. I pass over here the lashes, with which that body consumed by leanness and want he assiduously beat: nor do I tell of the blood drained from the body, already dried, by hooked scourges. And, that I may not tell other things, on account of the continence of food he was a wonder to all mortals. For to such great labors, which he undertook either by night for prayers and vows to be made to God, or by day for the conveniences and offices to be rendered to his companions, he added this also, by an eminent life, by authority, that he always sustained life with water only and bread. When to this tenuity of food he had long exercised himself, and the matter aided by divine help succeeded most happily; he thought also, whether it could be that he should lack the use of bread too. He began therefore step by step to make trial. Which when the nature of the human body scarcely bore, yet he kept the counsel undertaken; and destitute of all things, with which men are wont to be fed, for the whole seven years which he afterwards lived, he endured with herbs only and water…

[5] But I know you expect that I should set forth certain greater things, if any divinely happened to him living, and also was famous for miracles: if any to him dead… I remember often in a charity of rains, or another greater force and intemperance of weather, when by public supplications the body of Francis of Durazzo was carried about by night to the shrines, we were freed from the injury of the sky and every inconvenience. Wherefore, unless we are ungrateful, unless unmindful of those things which we received from him, there is no reason that, suspended and incredulous, we should require more portents. Two however I will here relate, not because I think anything can be added to this from portents: but because there are present of one certain testimonies, and the confession of those men who would have wished to cover and obscure the matter; the other I was unwilling to be silent for this reason, that there is in it that for which I vehemently grieve and greatly accuse you. At a certain time at Oria in the College, which I have already said before, a convention of the Franciscan men was being held, whither, as to certain assemblies, whither, intent, he discerns the body of Christ elevated through the very walls; for the cause of consulting concerning common matters, the divine cult and new Rectors of the Colleges, they had come from everywhere. On a festival day of the sun in the morning, when in the temple of that College for the highest religion the Sacred mysteries were being done, this man of Durazzo, as if it were the affair of Christ himself, so sustained the offices and the whole sum of the house. Behold, from the temple the sign of the little bell is given: he understands the body of Christ to be shown to the people. Running at once to it, while from the present mass of very many matters he cannot extricate himself, his knee being placed he intends his mind and eyes, moves sighs and tears, and beats his breast harshly. O the wonderful force of that most sure faith and piety, which ought to be proclaimed by the tongues of all men! For three walls, which were interposed, being opened spontaneously and by a divine nod, no motion appearing, no sound being heard, a way was made to the eyes of the most holy man to the altar, whence the Sacred mysteries were shown to the people.

[6] When he had supplicated duly and in his own manner, and, gratulating to God, throughout the whole house cared for those things which were needful for so great a multitude of religious men; in place of a supper dissipated by demons the furies envied him this favor and the things shown divinely. Wherefore they so avenge themselves and their grief, that what was in the store, what in the wine-cellar, what at the hearth and in the kitchens, gathered from everywhere by good men's alms, they should plunder; and what was being prepared for the supper of that very day, lest the most holy man should merit anything from that labor from God or from his own, they should pour out all, all the vessels also being broken. The sudden crash of all things was so great, that some motion of the earth seemed to be made in the house. The matter being known, he gives thanks to God alone, expecting from Him counsel what needed to be done. Not long after, he receives better dishes divinely, when the Companions were still consuming the day in the sacred rites of which I have already spoken, and in the assemblies; there is present at the door, with human face and the dress of youths, a band, with vessels, baskets, and a royal apparatus of viands of various kind: who said that by the bidding of their lord, a certain prince of Oria, a man, they were bringing these to Francis of Durazzo and his companions. The man to hesitate, to wonder, and to be amazed whence so great a magnificence of the gift: and indeed from the countenance also of the youths something immortal, I know not what, seemed to breathe into his mind. But they, Enough, they say, Father, these are yours: use these: we will soon return to receive the vessels. When he was eager to say something here, and immediately to follow them departing to the door, he suddenly lost the sight of them from his eyes. But when it had come to the supper, so great was the odor and unwonted sweetness of all things, that the good and holy men recognized that celestial victuals had been set before them by the man of Durazzo on that day. And so, one thing being found out from another, since in so great a frequency of men it could scarcely long be hidden by him, his admirable life and holiness from that deed began to be more illustrious. You see how great things he experienced in one day?… what then must be thought happened to him in the rest of his life? I however pass over all those things … and I wished to say these for this reason, from which one vessel is preserved at Brindisi. that from that supper a certain vessel is said to have come at Brindisi, after a long interval, to a most honest man of this memory, Angelus Mundina, a sodalis of his family. But our men, who were of that age or not long after, thought that there ought to be no religion in these vessels… Lesser altogether are the things which follow, but our fault in them is greater…

[7] Recent is the memory of when that happened, which each of you could recall. The irreverence of those who stole the jaw-bone from the body Two certain guests here in the College of Francis long enjoyed the liberality, as great as the resources of the place and of the men could bear. One of them, for some days meditating evil with himself, the other suspecting nothing, secretly stole from the body of Francis of Durazzo the jaw-bone. When at length they departed for Lecce, with many other vile things, he cast that bone into a wallet: this he places on a beast of burden: it fell down at once; and whether that was true death, or something like death, could not at all be known; sense at least and life no more

was seen. When the load had been laid down, and the hide had to be drawn from the beast, with entire health it suddenly appeared. The guest who was present, conscious to himself of the perpetrated crime, understands these portents to be done divinely. Snatching therefore, it being known to be punished by the death of the beast, as secretly and quickly as he could, the wallet, by stealth he withdrew himself from the crowd, and was unwilling to use the beast any more, and what load there was of his things he placed on his own shoulders: the wicked man afterwards swore that as long as he carried the jaw-bone he had always trembled in his whole body. Other many things of this kind I will not pursue: and if anyone wished these two attested, there is present Angelus, whom I mentioned, Mundina at Brindisi, who still shows the vessel, and testifies the faith and religion of that matter delivered through hands by all: there is present the body itself, which, before always most entire, now mutilated of the jaw-bone, as I said, you can inspect.

[8] Wadding, describing these same things, some being subtracted, concludes concerning the thief of the aforesaid jaw-bone, but he is asserted to have restored it freely. as from the relation of Corradus, in these words: and the wallet snatched secretly he places on his shoulders: yet he himself trembled and groaned under the weight, until he restored the theft. But Corradus does not mention the restitution: but, when he had insisted at more length on restoring and fortifying the sepulchre against attempts of this kind, he thus presses his purpose: What, he says, moreover is so necessary, as to free that most sacred body from the hands and power of wicked men? That the jaw-bone was snatched from it by a most abandoned and most foul man, a guest, I have already said. Do I lie? Inspect the body itself. Was that bone always lacking? This cannot even be: and, whether at the time when I have said and I know the thing done, or at another time, it is necessary that by our scanty diligence and religion that part of the body was lost: [for] I too once as an adolescent, and very many with me, knew the whole body entire. But when he had oratorically exaggerated the gravity and disgrace of this fault; What, he says, that guest, that man, who dared to violate the sepulchre, and to touch with impious hands that dread religion of the body, to what use did he convert the jaw-bone torn from the rest of the body? Namely to that which wicked and nefarious men are wont, that they may abuse things of this kind for magic arts and all most nefarious things. O matter foul to hear and horrible to think! O the goodness and patience of God to be proclaimed! That thou, Francis of Durazzo, and thy members should have been engaged in those things, by which perhaps either sense is taken from a man, or modesty from a matron, or grace from friends, or rest from the buried, or serenity from heaven? If anything such has been done, which I vehemently suspect to have been done, a wonder unless there was a huge motion of the earth, or unless from heaven, as once upon the wicked, flames fell. Thus far Corradus, undoubtedly supposing the aforesaid jaw-bone to have been so taken away, that neither where it was, nor what became of it, became known. O how easily one errs, if even a little one deflects from the ancient monuments which one has undertaken to follow, detracting or adding something of one's own.

[9] At what certain time Francis died, there is no one who relates, says Wadding: In the convent of Oria, but not even in what century at least he lived. He himself thinks he flourished about the year MCCCV, and accordingly in the Additions to volume 3 he relates whatever he had collected from Corradus: but he seems to signify that, S. Francis of Assisi being still alive, a Convent was founded among the people of Oria, to which our Blessed betook himself from Durazzo, where he had received the habit of the Franciscans, allured by the fame of a stricter discipline there than in his own fatherland. But if even that were granted, it would not immediately follow that Francis of Durazzo was of those who either first or a little after the first dwelt in the same Convent before the year MCCXXVI in which the man of Assisi died; nay nor before the year MCCLVIII, although before this in various places those began to exist, under the year 1258 not yet known, who, not bearing the poverty of the Order relaxed in many ways, busied themselves to restore the same; as appears from the Life of B. John of Parma, the VII General Minister, illustrated by us on the XIX of March: which John vehemently favored their endeavor, elected in the year MCCXLVII. For under this General the Order did not yet have a convent either at Durazzo or at Oria, as appears from its distribution into Provinces, Vicariates, and Custodies, made under S. Bonaventure in the year MCCLVIII, and related by Harold at the end of the Epitome of the Annals. The same Harold then proposes another similar one, made in the year MCCCC by Bartholomew of Pisa, but before the year 1400, where in the Province of Dalmatia under the Custody of Ragusa is placed the second Place of Durazzo, and in the Province of Apulia under the Custody of Taranto likewise the second Place of Oria. The Convent of Oria therefore stood in the XIV century: in which century brought to its middle the Franciscan Order was indeed split into Conventuals and Observants, yet that Convent is not to be believed to have begun from these Observants, nor that the man of Durazzo came to Oria allured by the fame of these: for in the Distribution of places of the Regular Observance, made in the year MDXVI and to be found in the aforesaid Harold, the Convent of Oria is not named.

[10] From these moreover it follows, that Francis, since he cannot be ascribed to the Observants, never received at Oria, the Blessed seems to have lived among the Clareni, found there Brethren of some older reformation, masters of a more religious life. But all things weighed, I find none more apt for this place than the Clareni, who got their name at the beginning of the XIII century from the river Clareno, between Ascoli and the Norcia alps, at which their Congregation was instituted, under the leadership of B. Angelus of Cingoli, otherwise of Clareno. For this Congregation, under the name of the Poor Hermits of Brother Angelus of Clareno, according to the Privilege of Pope Celestine V, given to Brother Liberatus of Macerata and his companions, the Hermits called of the Lord Celestine (of whom one Brother Angelus himself had been), notably flourished, under the obedience of the Ordinaries, and with a garment distinct from the habit of the Minors for a whole century and a half, until Pope Sixtus IV in the year MCCCCXLII subjected them to the command of the general Minister; yet so that they might elect one Cleric from their Society, who under the name of Vicar, depending on the obedience of the general Minister, should govern them. For although the Clareni were multiplied chiefly in Picenum and Umbria; it is easy to believe that the same were propagated along the sea through Apulia also and Calabria, those favoring who had before received Brother Liberatus with his companions there; and that the same, vexed, and extinguished under the name of Spirituals assumed in Gaul about the year MCCCXVIII, not without merit grieved; although of these some were culpable of schism, electing for themselves by their own authority a general Minister in Etruria and Sicily. Whether therefore some carried over from Apulia into the Salentine territory, of the companions of the said Brother Liberatus, began the convent of Oria, who withdrew themselves from the vexation aggregated to the Congregation of the Clareni; or the Clareni themselves were the first in occupying that place, which once perhaps S. Francis of Assisi had consecrated by his presence on his journey toward Palestine; toward the end of the 14th cent. it remains verisimilar, that the beginnings of the Convent of Oria are later than the beginning of the XIV century, and that not until that century verging toward its end could Francis of Durazzo die in it. Nor is there a reason why we should say that the same Convent, which in the year MDXVI was not yet numbered among the Convents of the Observants, before the Pontificate of Sixtus IV or even afterwards defected from the stricter discipline and habit of the Clareni to the laxity of the Conventuals, as long indeed as the Congregation of these held its ancient name, although that this was afterwards done is not obscurely gathered from Corradus, noting the scanty religion of the Brethren of his time, as will appear from the following Chapter.

CHAPTER II.

The endeavor of Q. Marius Corradus for restoring the cult of B. Francis.

[11] In his already praised Oration, Corradus, about to suggest remedies against the evils which he had gravely lamented to have been divinely sent upon the city of Oria; and about to make courage for his fellow-citizens, for restoring the sepulchre and cult of B. Francis, which is the scope of the whole Oration; Of sacred buildings there are fifty, For restoring the sepulchre, he says, if I count also the suburban ones, which (O detestable crime!) we abuse in place of sewers and bilges. For their restitution it is no grave business each year to wish two hundred thousand sesterces to be assigned from the treasury, for the cause of public safety … but the restitution of the often-said sepulchre is not to be terminated by any certain expense? If we could expend twenty times on the matter or forty times, indeed I could scarcely be content with that sum and the honor of the sepulchre. But since there is for us so great a difficulty of the treasury, from the very difficulty of the times and the new tributes daily, to be silent of our peculations; come, I pray you, let that be done, which can be done at the least expense. For how great a matter is it to fortify that old sepulchre at least, lest it lie open to the curious, lest it lie open to the sacrilegious, lest it lie open to thieves, lest it lie open to wicked men and worse? Unless I believed that by this fault of the violated sepulchre and most holy body we all ought to be expiated; I alone, with no help of yours, although my fortune is always so afflicted and overthrown, would free you from that expense indeed: now however publicly and necessarily we ought to restore that religion of the sepulchre… Would therefore that I were borne by the fortune of our city, as much as the people of Salerno Matthew, or the people of Bologna Petronius, so much we venerate Francis of Durazzo with cult and religion! But by no means however is it to be thought, that without great crime that can be passed over which our resources permit: and Francis himself, moved by our zeal and religion, and conciliated to our city, will effect, that at some time we may render to him very many and most ample gifts of divine worship.

[12] Finally when Corradus concluded that satisfaction must be made to God, most grievously offended, both from the present neglect of divine things, and on account of the impiety and crimes of our forefathers; To me, he says, it seems, that nothing is more salutary to this fortune, than at a stated time and certain sacred rites to demand again punishments of ourselves, and what in this city through eight hundred years has been committed to lament for all future time. To this matter the whole counsel and authority of the highest and most holy man, Carolus Bovius, our Bishop, and other arguments of religious cult to be cared for, must be interposed by us. He perhaps will judge it enough for such commitments to institute a festival day for Francis of Durazzo. No certain day therefore had hitherto been for venerating B. Francis this one, for whom before the same Marius, when he treated of the sepulchre, wished also mention in the sacred rites, a perpetual fire, and other things if any greater marks of holiness shall seem; such namely as are expressly attributed by the Apostolic See to the Canonized. Meanwhile content with only the constitution of an annual feast to be sought: O if we could lead that most wise man to this will, most beautiful for this city, due to religion, and most necessary to our salvation! That day if I shall see, which by most sure

hope I am that we all shall see, I shall think this new city to be restored to us; nor shall I despair that at some time at least in posterity, from the neighboring cities all the ancient ornaments shall be revisited. This God will give to our religion, He will give to the patronage and grace of Francis of Durazzo: whom in this whole oration would that I had been able in some part to represent! … Now do you yourselves set forth in your own thoughts that man as if he speaks with us, with emaciated face, contracted eyes, Corradus having exhorted the people of Oria in vain, bare feet, rough clothing, consumed by fasts and with thin voice saying: That this is, men of Oria, your city, not for you or for me, but for these hills only, rocks and ruins, I can believe. For where is that Oria now, which I left abounding in resources, and most flourishing in all things? Something certainly has been sinned by you or your forefathers in it, by which from so great glory it has fallen into such squalor and oblivion. I do not hold back tears: for I grieve very much at the fall of the city, whence I made my steps into heaven: but I am moved more by some latent and old crime of the city. Nevertheless if pardon be sought from Christ, I a suppliant will pray Him, that this leanness, this nakedness, this want, and those many years in which I withdrew from myself all human food, and whatever I lived for Christ, He may be willing to profit you all, just as if you had endured these things in your bodies, for the cause of you and your city. O pious words! O the illustrious condition of a most holy man! … Let us hear, I pray you, him consumed by leanness and labors, let us hear him now from heaven clothed with the ornament of immortality: let us think of his countenance, and let us seem to see him present, more splendid than the aspect of the sun and stars: let us finally hear him inviting us to his help and aid: to him let us show some sign of a grateful mind by honoring his body.

[13] Powerful indeed for persuasion the oration! Marius nonetheless, seeing that that declamation of his had been in vain, he has recourse to Bishop Bovius, and that with the sound of the words the memory also of the things said passed away; judged to exhibit it publicly to be read, prefixing to it an epistle sent by him with the same oration to the most illustrious and most reverend John Carolus Bovius, Archbishop of Oria and of Brindisi: whom, having exhorted that the buildings sacred in the city of Oria, of which there was so great a pollution and daily, he should proceed either to take away altogether, as he had begun; or to restore to them a most chaste cult of religion; he commends to the same chiefly the most holy body of the man of Durazzo, almost ceased to be honored, often by nefarious sacrilege handled by wicked men, torn, in some part diminished. Then, I pray, he says, I beseech, and by his very deity I adjure thee, recall with thyself those things which at Oria in the sacristy I was asking of thee, before thou shouldst depart from us to Manduria. I who know that the afflicted fortune of our city always was born so much from the neglect of the Divine ones especially; am wont to accuse our forefathers vehemently, nor to hold in the place of men, those who left these prejudged crimes to us. But the work of my brother Francis Corradus I have often tried, that to the sepulchre and that body some restitution of religion might be made. not without complaints of the hardness of the people of Oria. But he, although he presides over the temple and college where the body is; yet his colleagues he could not yet lead, who to that work would wish even a farthing to be given: for thou knowest the kind of men, among whom there is not very great nor of very many a thought concerning piety. I cultivated many of these, even studious of divine worship and most loving of me; who however, a few resisting or certainly daily interposing some delay to the business, now despair that it can any more be, that they obtain what they wish and what is fitting. Wherefore I, who many years before was wont in vain to grieve these things with myself and to complain among all those dwelling together in the city and the masters of the religious; now at last … I pray thee, as much as I would pray for the safety of the fatherland, that of him whom I have already said, the body of the man of Durazzo, and the very few things which survive of the body of Barsanuphius, and not piety indeed, but the knowledge of piety and the memory, thou thinkest to be retained in our city with even greater cult and zeal.

[14] Thus far to Bovius the Archbishop Corradus, in the year MDLXX next before the publication, on the VII Kalends of July: but Bovius being dead in which same year, in the month of October, Bovius died, Ughelli writes in the Archbishops of Brindisi volume 9 of the Italia sacra, where he relates that to him, buried in the same Oria in the Cathedral building, an epitaph was placed by the Order and People of Oria; in which to his other titles is added: The city of Oria, from the injuries of many restored to its pristine Archiepiscopal dignity. So swift a death of Bovius cut down verisimilarly all the hopes and endeavors of Corradus, for restoring the cult of Blessed Francis of Durazzo. For we do not hear, that the successor of Bovius, Bernardinus de Figueroa, did anything concerning this, in his Pontificate of XIV years. For he, having dismissed the buildings, which, collapsed by age or destroyed by war, at his own expense from the foundations, for himself and his successors, in the old fortress, for the cause of preserving antiquity, Carolus had restored (as is read in a marble inscription in Ughelli), seems to have dwelt mostly at Brindisi, where he was building a monastery for the Capuchin nuns likewise from the foundations. and controversies having arisen between the people of Oria and of Brindisi, Nor indeed does another cause seem to have been, why after the death of Bernardinus for a whole six years either See was vacant, than the long-lasting contention of the people of Brindisi and of Oria among themselves over the better right of having the Bishop with them, and the quarrels of the Archiepiscopal title renewed, which it is established to have boiled up already from the beginning of the joined Sees, that is from the year MLXII, when, interpellated by Goffrid and Sichelgaita Counts of Brindisi, Urban II commanded Godinus, calling himself only Bishop of Oria, that, since by the assertion of truthful men, who had diligently investigated the matter, it was found that the Chair, which then was had at the municipality of Oria, had anciently existed at the city of Brindisi, the same the Lord having mercy being restored, he should carry it back thither. Which mandate Paschal II repeating, it was declared that the Church of Oria is subject to the Church of Brindisi. For the cause of concord however the successor of Godinus, Baldwin, wrote himself equally Bishop of the Churches of Brindisi and of Oria, posterity following the example; the various fortune of the city of Oria, which they relate to have been seven times burnt, not standing in the way, until the predecessor of Bovius, Francis Alexander; in favor of whose complaint concerning the people of Oria, Paul III pronounced, that the Church of Brindisi is so Archiepiscopal, that to the Church of Oria united to it as well as to its other suffragans it ought to be preferred in all things.

[15] But contentions of this kind sprouting again with the death of the aforesaid Bernardinus, after a six-year vacation, nothing seems to have been accomplished, each Bishopric was severed; and, the Archiepiscopal title being left to the people of Brindisi, to the people of Oria a proper Bishop fell. The fifth of these in order, Raphael Palma, taken from the Conventuals of S. Francis in the year MDCL, if he decreed and obtained nothing new, I know not which other of his four predecessors could be presumed to have done this, especially after the most severe decrees of Urban VIII of the years MDCXXV and XXXIV. Nay rather in respect of the same decrees we would believe it done, that if those had received anything new beside the consultation of the Apostolic See, that all would be abrogated, as not exceeding a very long time or its immemorial course, that is, the boundary of a hundred years. Wherefore we make not much of it that Arthur of the Monastery, in his Franciscan Martyrology, no author being alleged, except those whose words we described at the beginning without any designation of a day; ascribed to this B. Francis the day XVII of May, in each edition of the same Martyrology of the years MDCXXXV and LIII. and the day 17 May chosen by the judgment of Arthur alone. This day however, by the judgment of our Bolland, we retain; because, since concerning the ancient and sufficient cult for the appellation of Blessed it is established, from the things premised concerning the body above the earth visible for veneration, and processionally carried about for averting drought (with which doubtless were once joined votive offerings, hung at the sepulchre, lamps or wax-tapers burning before it, and other similar things) we believed we could follow an example, though of private authority, until from elsewhere it should be established, that another more proper day was due to him. But desiring to be taught concerning this, I wrote to the Rector of our College of Taranto nearer to the people of Oria, Father Jacobus Viterbo, from whom whatever beyond the aforesaid I shall receive I will gladly relate in the Addenda of this Volume.

ON S. PASCHAL BAYLON,

OF THE ORDER OF DISCALCED MINORS OF S. FRANCIS,

OF VILLARREAL IN THE KINGDOM OF VALENCIA.

IN THE YEAR MDXCII.

B. Paschal Baylon, of the Order of Discalced Minors, of Villarreal in the Kingdom of Valencia.

D. P.

[1] He whom Pope Paul V in the year MDCXVIII adorned with the title of Blessed, and permitted to be venerated with Office and Mass; this year in which we write MDCLXXIX could be ascribed to the Catalogue of Saints, whenever it shall seem good to our most holy Lord Innocent XI, the sacred Congregation of Rites, Paschal, beatified from the year 1618 after an accurate examination of the whole cause, has declared: so that it is to be hoped, in these next years and before the copies of this volume reach Rome, that the very day of solemn Canonization will be named by his Holiness, and the final Act will follow, which to posterity, about to make a Supplement to this work, will give no scanty material for an Appendix to be written. Meanwhile we begin to call him Saint, and soon to be canonized, the Life according to the common proverb by which it is said;

That which is little distant, seems to be nothing distant.

[2] Paschal had died near Villarreal, a most noble town of the kingdom of Valencia among the Spaniards, on this day on the Sunday of Pentecost in the year MDXCII, when, the Friars Minor Discalced pertaining to the Province called of S. John the Baptist, the Custos presiding was Father Brother John Ximenez; who first wrote his life in the year MDXCVIII in Spanish, under the title of Chronicle, and printed at Valencia in the year MDC dedicated it to Philip III Monarch of the Spains; when his father Philip II had already departed from the living, who had indicated to the Author, that it pleased him that it be written. But I write, he says in chapter 1, that I may satisfy the precept of obedience enjoined on me, and many proper obligations, by which I am bound; his alumnus J. Ximenez writes it: in some compensation of the labor, by which the blessed Man brought me to Religion, impelled by a certain divine revelation, that he should lead away a boy only fourteen years born, from the paternal house almost by stealth, a guest in the same of one night, nor awaiting the dawn of the following day; and should conduct me through a journey of about eight hundred leagues, and in accustoming me to the harshness and labor of our Discalceation should be alone father and mother and master given by God, the whole time of the Novitiate; nor before departing from this life than he should leave me, as he had foretold, the elected Custos of this Province.

[3] He wrote therefore things known to him, partly by his own experience and knowledge of sight, partly by the report of others knowing the same so and duly deposing in the Archiepiscopal Judgment: which we give in Latin, a few things being omitted: and therefore it was altogether worth the trouble, to make that whole work Latin,

to make it, only certain moral digressions and amplifications being omitted, and the first four Chapters, having the form of a Prologue rather than of history, under these titles, Chap. I For what cause Christ willed the four holy Evangelists to have their Chronologers; and why the author wishes this to be for holy Brother Paschal. II Why God willed in this century to manifest his three great servants, Brother Louis Bertrand, Brother Nicholas Factor, and Brother Paschal Baylon, of whom the first, an illustrious ornament of the Order of Preachers, in the year MDCLXXI ascribed to the Roll of Saints, is venerated on the IX of August: the second, who adorned the same Order which Paschal, the Franciscan, and the same Kingdom of Valencia, and died on the XXIII of December, whose cause Arthur of the Monastery says to be had expedited in the Sacred Roman Rota. III What a miracle is: nor that whatever is wonderful can also be called a miracle: and how true miracles ought to be known. IV Whether anyone holy can be venerated, before he is canonized by the Church. Which, as has been said, being passed over, we made all the rest of the context Latin. There could have succeeded the first life the Relation of the Auditors of the Rota, Francis Sacrati, John Baptist Coccini, the Relation of the Auditors of the Rota being also omitted. and Alphonsus Manzaneda de Quiñonez before Paul V, which the Beatification followed: but all things were found noted more certainly and more distinctly either in the very fountain, that is, the aforesaid Life in so far as it is excerpted from the words of the sworn Witnesses; or from another later one, which he wrote first in Spanish, then also took care to be rendered into Italian, and printed at Rome in the year MDCLXXII dedicated to Cardinal Camillus de Maximis, Father Brother Christopher d'Arta, constituted Procurator for conducting the cause of Canonization.

[4] Namely from this, divided into three books, we first made a Supplement of the Life and virtues, to be added to the first Life, those things being omitted which had before been sufficiently explained: then nearly the whole books, the second and third, we made Latin, under one title of Posthumous Glory: From the more recent Italian one is given a Supplement and posthumous Glory: to which for the fullness of the history nothing else is lacking, than that we have the deeds after January of the year MDCLXXII, where Christopher ends, until this present day: which that we might obtain from Rome diligence in seeking was not lacking to us; but to him, whom by letters we appealed to, the Procurator of the Canonization, perhaps hindered by other greater things, the promptitude of complying: this defect however can not difficultly be supplied hereafter by any other. Would that there also be found one, who from the most copious Processes, such as were first brought to the Rota in the year MDCXI, may make a Gleaning of the miracles omitted by Christopher, or may send us a Relation of others wrought in Sardinia, and described in the year MDCLXV, which by the same Christopher, excusing prolixity, is indicated only number 9. We more easily bear that that Life was lacking to us, which, after all the Authors who in any way treat of Paschal had been reviewed, another Spanish Life by Antonius Pañez is indicated: the last page of the book the same Christopher praises, written by Father Brother Antonius Pañez, a son of the same Province of which the Blessed was, a Preacher and Guardian of the Convent called of Torrente. For although Christopher confesses that he chiefly used and was aided by it; yet it is not older than our more recent one except by a few years, as being unknown to Wadding reviewing about the year MDCL the writers of his Order. Add that Christopher says, that it was indeed most eruditely written, but, as the Author confesses in the Proem, not so exact to the laws of history, but more to the spiritual utility of the readers: for which cause although it was much approved in Spain, it seemed less apt to the genius of the Italians, preferring to digressions however apt the flow of a succinct history nowhere interrupted, such as also in this work we are wont to require.

[5] Much more however to be desired would be a second collection of other and later miracles, to be made from the informations prepared at Valencia for the second Process MDCLXX, from which they wished only six more principal ones to be excerpted and inserted into the Process, a new collection of later miracles is desired. who (as in number 139 Christopher testifies) having some practice of the Style usual in the Roman Curia, judged more not necessary. For the same Christopher asserts, that these are no fewer in number, than those which had concurred for instructing the first Process. Nor is it to be doubted, but that in these last nine years many things have also been divinely wrought, and at least in the Convent of Villarreal noted, worthy not to be delivered to oblivion. Others studying brevity could not desire these: we, to whom it is a care that nothing come into oblivion, which either a Saint for God, or for the Saints God has worked; ask the superiors of that Province, that for the future Supplement of this work they take care that a new compilation of this kind be maturely made and submitted to us; according to the norm of those which in this kind we have given most perfect on the II of April, after the ancient Life of S. Francis of Paula; and on the V of May, after the documents concerning the cult of S. Angelus the Carmelite.

LIFE

From the Spanish of Brother John Ximenez.

B. Paschal Baylon, of the Order of Discalced Minors, of Villarreal in the Kingdom of Valencia.

FROM THE SPANISH OF XIMENEZ.

CHAPTER I.

The birth of the Saint, and his pastoral life before entering the Order.

CHAP. V.

[1] Brother Paschal Baylon, a religious of the Order of our holy Father Francis, and a son of the Province of S. John the Baptist of the Discalced, The place, time, authors of his nativity, was born in the town of Torrehermosa, pertaining to the monastery of Our Lady of the Royal Garden of the Cistercian Order of the diocese of Sigüenza. For although the town itself regards the kingdom of Aragon, yet in spiritual things it regards the Bishopric inhering to the Castilian kingdom: the Lord namely so acting, that Paschal might be a common pledge of either Kingdom. But he was born in the year one thousand five hundred and forty, the Apostolic See being held by Paul III; and the Emperor Charles V governing Spain. He was born also of honest parents, dwellers of the said town, whose profession was, to sustain life by the cultivation of fields and the pasturing of cattle. The father's name was Martin Baylon, the mother was called Isabella Jubera: whose blood although by no means illustrious, yet illustrious before God and the Angels were their souls, on account of the sincere cult of Christianity and virtues worthy of such a name: but also the blood itself, although ignoble, was pure from the defilements of Jewish or Moorish or heretical stock, on the father's part indeed drawn from Martin Baylon and Lucia Santander; but through the mother's head reaching the grandparents Ferdinand Jubera and Mary Xeriz, all begotten in the said town of Torrehermosa.

[2] To such parents therefore and grandparents she received a grandson and son worthy, why he was called Paschal. to whom it is believed the name of Paschal was given for this reason, that on a Paschal day he came into the light. But soon in his very boyhood he gave indications of his future disposition: for although by his parents, like another David, he was applied to feeding the flocks; not therefore however did he believe the way to learning letters precluded to him. For carrying a book about in his wallet, A remarkable boyhood, and now from this one, now from that one seeking to be instructed, and privately with himself in that convenience of solitude ruminating what he had learned, partly by his own diligence, partly aided by the singular grace of God, he acquired a moderate skill of reading and writing; by which namely he only strove, that he might enjoy the holy books, and recite the Office of the Blessed Virgin, whose Hours he had assiduously with him, very often seen to peruse them, and for that cause to withdraw from the company of the other shepherds: for he was so little delighted by it, that for the most part withdrawn outside the common enclosure he built himself privately a fire, by which he could without witnesses attend to God and himself. But he seemed to his companions like an Angel in conversation and manners: for as much as others at that age are taken by jests and games, so much this one by exercises of virtue and holiness as if from a certain natural propensity: in all things reflecting a certain senile maturity, nay a religious discipline: and this God alone teaching and instructing him.

[3] Discalced from a boy, But it merits admiration, that, although he had never seen a discalced Minorite, yet from a boy he wished to live discalced, not only by putting off all love of the world, in which consists true religion; but also the material shoes, without which he was everywhere seen to walk, through thickets and brambles following the flock, and to climb mountains and to descend through their stony declivities, terrified by no roughness of ways. For however great that roughness, he embraced it willingly for the love of Him, who for the salvation of the human race led his whole life amid crosses and labors, with so prompt a mind, nay even anxiously desiring, that he might say, I have a Baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened until it be accomplished. When therefore our Paschal through the fields among the cattle joined the life of a shepherd and at the same time of a penitent monk, he does not suffer himself to be adopted by a rich master: of a man and an Angel, serving a certain master, whose name was Martin Garcia; he so deeply penetrated into his love, that addressing Paschal he said; Come, the flock being dismissed follow me into the town and into my house, to be a son to me who lack children and heir of all possessions. There is no one who would not have eagerly embraced the condition, which another's love offered, which the lot of his birth had denied, a rich father, an opulent house, urban delights, a copious substance, wont to be so much esteemed by the world. But S. Francis namely had already obtained him from God for a son, already then contriving our discalceation in Spain, and foreknowing him to be most opportune for it; whence he had so firmly impressed on his mind the love of holy poverty, that it could by no reason be taken from him. And so to his Master the holy boy answered; that he indeed owed him many thanks for the favor offered to one not meriting; yet that he could not admit him, for this reason that he had it determined to serve God in poverty: and so far was he from desiring possessions or riches, that he would willingly deprive himself of all faculty of ever having them, by undertaking the religious life; and so even now he wished to go, and to receive the habit.

[4] Moreover the shepherds of that time, sworn, narrate, that when they sometimes assembled for the cause of playing, a hater of childish play, and invited Paschal to play with them for a while, he immediately tore himself away with his flock, unwilling to put even so little time among them: because, being of few words, he bore with difficulty the garrulity of the rest. They heard also that sometimes guarding goats he said, that he wished to be absolved from their care, because they fed upon another's crops, and thereby created peril to his soul; so tender a conscience had the holy fear of God already then formed for him. A matter indeed wonderful at such an age: for all the witnesses say, that when he came from his native town, A cultivator of the Saints, he was not more than seventeen or eighteen years old. But one of them adds, by name John of the Fields, sprung from Torrehermosa; that when he himself and Paschal

dwelt together in the place of Montuenga of the kingdom of Castile, distant one league from Torrehermosa, guarding the flock for a whole two years, he noted in the holy adolescent many virtues, and great honesty of manners: and that he never heard him swearing, as other shepherds everywhere do; but always praising God and His Saints, especially the most holy Mother of God Mary. But if it happened that any beast either sickened or died, he said to his companion, He conforms himself to God in all things. who bore anxiety of mind before him: Be silent, brother, for what shall we do? May Our Lady save us. But when any other misfortune or inconvenience befell from the very many to which the pastoral life is liable; May God save me, he said, what is this grace of Our Lord? I praise Him in all things, and render as great thanks as I can.

[5] Thus living and exercising himself, when he saw the Prefect of the shepherds, under whom he hired out his service, having daily quarrels, now with the lords of the fields, now with the very shepherds; he said to a certain friend, who afterwards under oath affirmed it: This office of shepherd, my brother, seems to be evil, because it draws daily discords with it: I wish therefore to become a religious. To whom the other; He says he will not enter an opulent monastery, If thou hast it determined to renounce the world, why dost thou not betake thyself to the Garden of Our Lady? for that monastery in thy fatherland is opulent. But Paschal; It pleases not, he said, nor does it seem to agree with my disposition: namely he who preferred no riches to Evangelical poverty. Occupied therefore by such a desire, he insisted with continual prayers before God, that He would deign to enlighten his mind, and to show, in what state he could render Him a more pleasing service. And so besides the Marian Office and the Rosary, whose chaplet he had made himself from a little cord, knots being inserted in place of grains; he began to recite other prolix prayers on his knees, turned toward a certain hermitage called of S. Mary de la Sierra; and that this was noted by him every morning the Prefect of the shepherds was wont to narrate. He is confirmed by apparitions: But while he insisted on such a request, in those desert fields; there appeared to him one Friar and one Nun, and they declared to him how pleasing to God the profession of the religious life was: as Paschal himself related to a certain friend of his, a man well-mannered and sincere, and therefore specially dear. Who confirming this very thing by a solemn oath, added that it had been said to him by him, that there had appeared to him also another Friar, inculcating the same things; And therefore, he said, I wish no possession or money, but I wish to dismiss all things that I may serve God in religion. But after about fifteen days we returned, says that man, with our flocks to the fields, and I saw that under his shepherd's hooded cloak he was clothed with a monastic tunic; and he said to me: Farewell, brother; I go that I may serve God: and so he dismissed me.

[6] But lest concerning the vision (by which it is believed there appeared to him by a probable conjecture S. Francis and S. Clare, with some other Saint of our sacred Religion) a doubt could be moved to that friend, as though he had invented it; a rod elicits water from the earth; and that he might thereafter have sure faith in all his other sayings; God willed, that before him he should work a miracle most similar to that, by which once Moses, himself also a shepherd, brought forth water from the rock for the thirsting people. For when he had said to him in express words; With what pledge dost thou contend with me, friend, that in the very place which thou shalt show, with this my little rod I shall elicit water? he suddenly saw, as he testified, before his eyes most limpid water burst forth from the dry ground, where none had ever been seen. But that friend being asked why he had not revealed things so memorable sooner, answered, that he had not hitherto dared, because he was ignorant whether that revelation would be for advantage or disadvantage to the cause, until he was bound by oath to declare what he knew: but that when these things happened Paschal was an adolescent of seventeen or eighteen years, and that thereafter he was no more seen by him. It is moreover undiscovered, who brought him in those deserts the Franciscan habit: whence by a vehement presumption it is believed, that this was given him from heaven. But the assertion of the former witness another from the same town, equally sworn, confirmed, affirming that he too saw him clothed in a little grey tunic, such as the Franciscan Friars are clothed. Although what need is there of another witness? since so great an opinion of the truthfulness of the former is in his town, that whatever he says is believed as certainly as if each had seen the thing with his own eyes: and such the Religious recognized in the Convent of Villarreal, when he came thither, a venerable old man and most similar to those ancient fathers, to visit the sepulchre of his friend.

[7] At that age therefore which we said, having gone forth from his land and kindred, he seeks the town of Montfort; whither God and our holy Father Francis by an interior motion were leading, he came to the town of Montfort, in the kingdom of Valencia, where is one of the older convents of this Province called of Our Lady of Loreto, very devout and solitary, as being half a league removed from the people; in which he found some Friars of great perfection and true imitators of S. Francis. He found also there an image of the Mother of God, by miracle found in that place; whence some suspect, if she, who appeared to Paschal under the monastic habit, was not Clare, that it was she who in her convent willed to receive him to the habit of religion; as also from another of hers, namely of Villarreal, she led him to the crown of glory.

CHAP. VII.

Not however as soon as he arrived there, did he seek and obtain the habit: but obedient to the Spirit acting interiorly, by good works he prepares himself for religion. for many days he wandered in the places round about, and as a wooer he courted the house of his Beloved, hiring out meanwhile his labor for feeding the flocks through all the fields of Montfort, Albeterra and Origuela, becoming to all with whom he dealt a mirror of virtue and honesty. Thus testify those to whom it happened then to associate with him; especially he himself once his prefect in the pastoral work, called Stephen Lopez; who seeing in that youth so great holiness of life, so great zeal of prayer and his continual occupation in reciting the Rosary, in perusing books of prayers, in reading the lives and deeds of the Saints, so that he also expended a good part of the nights in exercises of this kind, kindling a light for himself privately for them; considering moreover that the whole Lent and the prescribed days of fasting throughout the year he passed with bread and water alone; He passes Lent on bread and water; but with words full of fervor and devotion he powerfully drew all to the love and service of God; he seemed to have in him an Angel, divinely sent for the consolation of his solitude and pilgrimage.

[8] I saw, says this witness, always so composed, that I could never note in his deeds or sayings anything less decent, not even an idle word, his modesty in words supreme: much less a lie or an oath; so that he was wont to say at the highest; In truth it is so, or, it is not so. But he was wont to say to me: Behold, when I say, In truth, know that I neither trifle nor lie. He also admonished me to confess my sins, saying, that it behoved me to have matters composed with God and the soul prepared for every hour of death whatever it might be. And so hearing him speak with so great efficacy of divine things, I said within me, sometimes also affirmed to others, If this youth become at some time a Friar, his integrity most pure, he might well be a preacher. But specially he affirms, that at that age and the first fervor of youth he wondered at his most pure chastity, by which he did not suffer even the least mention of any uncleanness to be made before him. And this he affirmed, to have been found by him by much experience and on various occasions; and therefore once more familiarly to have inquired, preserved by voluntary penances. whether he never felt any temptations of the flesh and natural motions; and that he answered; I feel indeed sometimes, but soon a green little branch being seized I so beat my flesh, until the temptations and motions born from it, overcome by excess of pain, vanish. He added also, that when once a certain man of Albaterra had invited him and Paschal to his sheepfold, and had asked whether they wished a little woman to be brought, with whom they might pass the night; the most chaste youth, as if struck by a grievous blow, grew hot; and If thou doest it, he said, thee and her I will cast hence with stones: for as often as he even heard the name of a woman he composed his countenance to severity, and by this showed how grievous to him was all discourse of the other sex.

[9] Wandering therefore, as I said, through the mountains lying about the convent, Frequently he goes to the temple of the Friars Minor to receive the Sacraments. he often brought the flock to the wall by which it was girt, that he might visit the church dear to him, and in it perform the sacraments of Confession and Communion, with marks of interior devotion so manifest externally, that he turned all his companions to admiration of him. But there was then there Brother Joseph of Cardenete, a most religious man and one of the first sons of the Province, who after he had lived many years in this observance both as subject and as prelate, with the praise of great humility and of unshaken patience among many and great tribulations; finished the course of his pilgrimage in the Convent of Ayora, while I was there, to the great edification of all the religious. For he, after enduring most patiently a last illness, the feast of our holy Father Francis approaching, fortified with the accustomed Sacraments of the Church, when he was admonished that death was at hand, not only was nothing saddened or troubled in mind, but with eyes and countenance testifying interior gladness he began to give thanks to God, that from this prison He was leading him forth to the celestial kingdom. And as one who heard himself recalled from exile to the fatherland, having begun to sing Psalm CXXI; I rejoiced in those things which were said to me, We shall go into the House of the Lord; he asked the infirmarian that he himself should subjoin the other verse: and so proceeding alternately by singing he came to the end of the Psalm, in which embracing the Cross he expired on the very day of our holy Father Francis in the morning, leaving a body so beautiful that all wondered. This Friar therefore then dwelling in this Convent his Guardian sent once, to ask some milk from Paschal: from whom returning when he much praised his eminent charity and the fervor of his devotion, Brother Antony Segura answered, whom that man used as Confessor, Know, he said, that to him confessing I dare not enjoin a penance longer than one Pater and Ave: Eminent in charity, for he can scarcely recite so little, without being immediately rapt into ecstasy.

[10] But this good shepherd was wont, at harvest time to carry with him a sickle, and in justice with which from time to time he helped the reapers of those who were gathering their crop; and this freely, yet not by respect of charity alone, but also of justice, if perchance his flock had brought some damage

to their crop: although he guarded against this most vigilantly, and therefore no one was ever heard to complain of him, but rather they wished to have him dwelling near their fields, whose holiness they had known. But if perchance anything had happened otherwise than he wished, he of his own accord met the lord of the place, manifesting the damage, and offering the price from his own measured allowance or wage. When therefore to someone he had thus offered himself, and that man wondering at such virtue wished freely to forgive whatever it was, which another also caught in the deed would have wished to dissemble, much less of his own accord confess; he asked anxiously that that man should accept what was his: for it could not be, He seeks and obtains the habit of a Lay Brother. that he should retain another's property, who for the love of Christ wished even all his own things to be renounced. Prepared at length with such great virtues, the desire of the Cross and of an all-round nakedness with the Crucified daily increasing, he resolved, the flocks being dismissed, to seek the Habit, not that he might become a Priest, although he knew both how to read and to write, but as a Lay Brother, the broom and offscouring of the house of God: but what he sought he easily obtained, being now known to the Friars.

CHAPTER II.

The daily and nightly occupations of Paschal now a Religious.

CHAP. X.

[11] In this state freed from the cares of the world, he fixed his soul and all his senses both interior and exterior on the end intended by him, He strives to the highest perfection, not only learning the exercises and ceremonies of the Order, but also cleaving to the delightful embraces of the long-desired Rachel, he opened the whole bosom of his heart to God calling him to the summit of the highest perfection, and corroborating him to hold perseverance in his purpose: as in fact he held it until the solemn profession, and from then onward until death: so that those who lived more familiarly with him, with one mouth and common voice testified, that they had never seen a Religious more perfect in every kind of virtues in our Franciscan Order. Others affirmed further, that neither anywhere else nor ever had a Saint been known to them, advanced to a degree of equal sanctity: for they not only had never seen any sin, I do not say mortal, but not even venial, committed by Paschal; but also had noted that he neither uttered an idle word, nor poured himself out into laughter. He was never seen empty of work, except when he prayed; he was never heard to murmur of anyone, or to complain of anyone; he was never found angry or troubled, or uncomposed or distracted to alien things: but his whole life, works and words breathed holiness: whence a common persuasion among the Friars had already then prevailed, that the Lord, he being dead, would do many miracles through his intercession. Such an opinion of him among the seculars as well as the Friars being held, I could under oath affirm it by a certain experience, as I also did, this case in which I was myself present being proposed before the Commissaries. Paschal was serving the Convent of Almansa in the office of porter, when there came thither some women, wishing to confess to the Guardian. To him relating this the Guardian enjoined, that he should deny that he was at home: He refuses to lie, but Paschal, otherwise wont to obey to the nail, I will say, he said, Father, that thou art occupied, and canst not now go out to them. By no means, the Guardian replies, but say, that I am not at home. Paschal on the contrary, with humble countenance but grave voice, Pardon me, he said, Father, for this I will not say: for that would be a lie and a venial sin: and so he returned to the gate with great tranquillity.

[12] But neither in any other case did I see even his slightest fault, although I lived with him in various convents, He shines in every kind of virtue, and was his companion in two prolix journeys, on the occasion of which it easily happens that a man, for the cause of soothing labor and tedium, indulges himself something which is joined with some fault. I experienced on the contrary him so humble, obedient, mortified, chaste, merciful, solicitous, devout, austere, modest, and mild, zealous of poverty and charity, full of living faith, persevering in prayer, finally so heaped with every kind of virtues, that I cannot discern which in him more excelled. For now in his poverty I consider acts of extreme perfection: at other times before the eyes of my mind is offered charity, shining like the sun, and breaking the splendor of the other virtues as of stars. If I turn to his humility, I cannot reach the bottom of it which is nowhere: if I consider the rigor of his penance, I behold him advanced therein, so that I see it limited by no rule of human prudence, but exceeding all measure outright, so that one could sooner reckon it blameworthy for excess, than worthy of praise. For to whom will it not seem too much, if one and the same lives on bread alone and water, is clothed with a bristly hair-shirt, is girt with a heavy iron chain over the bare flesh, has for a bed the earth or a floor, especially in his self-mortification. for a pillow a log; and there does not stretch himself out, but as if it were too delicate, takes sleep only sitting or contracted, not without some torment, without other consolation in the rest of necessary things? How, by immortal God! could a man live, severe on himself even to such an excess? If by day he did not close his eyes in sleep, but even in summer itself, while the rest take a little of the midday sleep, he himself under the most fervent sun labored in the garden, and that bare-headed; if neither after midnight he slept, insisting on prayer until morning; nor before that gave himself to slumber except about the ninth and tenth hour, then first to Matins in choir: by what reason at last could it be, that a body composed of flesh and blood, like mine, could stand on its feet, sustained only by two or three hours of painful rest? Thine and received from Thee was this strength, O God, by which instructed above the order of nature, he alone, infirm and weak, and so sparingly sustained, underwent burdens, as great as not even two healthy and strong religious would have dared to undertake: and that so that he relaxed nothing on that account of his spiritual exercises.

CHAP. XI.

[13] The last years of his life he had for the most part occupied indeed in the office of Janitor or Refectorian, [Acting as a diligent Janitor, he at the same time spends himself on other offices.] in the convents of Villena, Almansa, Valencia and Villarreal: as often however as the occasion offered, he also most willingly spent himself on caring for the garden, the infirmary, hospitality and the kitchen: that there laborious humility might be more exercised. But to each he applied himself with such great devotion and gladness of mind, as if he ministered not to men, but to Angels; and the interior gladness of his heart resounded into his countenance, so that he seemed always to smile gently and joyfully after the manner of the Heavenly ones; and the jubilation, by which his soul was carried away bursting forth through his mouth, made canticles and psalms resound, which he modulated with a low voice and each in its own tone: as I often heard and saw at Almansa laboring in the garden, and attempering the tunes to the strokes of the mattock, in that work also under which the strongest are wont to groan wearied. But if meanwhile the tinkling of the bell was heard at the gate, he soon ran thither; and sometimes to the Friars meeting him (for for the most part he passed by those he met in silence, content with showing reverence to each) he whispered something pious into their ears: as; Good is whatever is from God: or that of S. Ignatius; My love is crucified; and that with such sweetness of voice, that he inspired in all a certain tender affection of piety. But coming to the gate to small and great he gave whatever they asked, with most liberal mind and countenance always outstretched, and with great affability and courtesy, affable and liberal toward all, so that he dismissed no one without consolation; although many came asking lettuces, or cabbages or other herbs from the garden; for his eminent charity could deny anyone nothing, and yet there did not seem to the Friars to be any diminution ever made of the garden produce.

[14] It happened once, when at Almansa he acted as gardener and at the same time janitor, that toward night the syndic of the convent arrived, and at the door found some boys, asking that for the infirm, who were then many in the city, leeks be given them. The Saint vehemently doubted, uncertain whether any remained in the garden, because they were everywhere required for the use of the sick: yet he went, the leaves of leeks given in the evening to the poor leading the aforesaid syndic after him: who stood present, while Paschal under a certain thorn hedge, separating the beds from the paths, gathered a few and those thin leaves of leeks, leaving the bulbs alone with their sprout, but not one leaf remaining: and hastening with these to the door, he divided among the boys whatever he had. But the syndic returned the next day and indeed early in the morning, having bought meat for the Friars, and again at the gate found other boys asking the same: to whom, as an eye-witness said, there was no leek in the garden. When therefore Paschal had opened the gate, the syndic followed him even into the garden: and the leeks, whose bulbs he had seen in the evening, the leaves torn off, utterly leafless, he saw copiously and merrily leafing. While he wonders at this, suspended with amazement: See, says the Saint, see the Divine goodness, to which it pleased in this one night to give so great increase to these few leeks, for the consolation of the poor sick having need of them. But I believe, the syndic replied, that this night thou hast prayed that God would make them grow so suddenly. in one night he obtains by prayers that they be reborn. The Saint was silent to this, and only nodded to the syndic with a smiling countenance: who held the matter for a great miracle, and narrated it to many both Friars and seculars, as also to me who under oath testified the same. If there was not in the garden what was sought, yet he did not let anyone go away with empty hands, but gave something else in turn, or at least some flowering little branch. To others needing another consolation, in some affliction of mind or body, what he could he most promptly bestowed; and with affection so tender, that he seemed to feel another's troubles as his own: in which work of charity when perchance he had met two religious, he could not, however much shunning human eyes in such things, dissemble his cheeks suffused with tears: who, perceiving this, said among themselves: It is certain there was here someone, who by narrating his grief set it forth to Brother Paschal.

CHAP. XII.

[15] An enemy of idleness, which he knew to be the plague of the soul, when from midnight until morning (for only most rarely did he seek sleep again after Matins) he had stood in choir attending to prayer, With what works he was wont to pass the day. he awaited the dawn: whose sign when the bell had given, from the choir he descended into the church, and with great devotion visited the altars for gaining the Indulgences of the Stations, offered by the bull of the holy Crusade: then the church being unbarred he roused the Friars, knocking thrice at each one's door

and saying; Praised be the sweetest name of the good Jesus: to Prime, Brethren, that you may praise God and His blessed Mother. Soon he ministered to the first sacrifice of the Mass: nor content with one he ministered to as many others as he could, or heard some part of the several as if by stealth, running back from the gate, whither he had perchance been called, to the church: but he never denied this his ministry to anyone, but at least at the beginning assisted him, until he was recalled. He bears the care of furnishing the dining-hall, He then prepared the refectory, and placed the bread in the basket: but this done he cast himself on his knees before an image set there, and with hands joined and raised up to his face, he prayed for the time in which the Apostolic creed might be twice recited. Then rising with a low voice he began to chant some strophes in praise of the Mother of God; and meanwhile with great alacrity, yet not without equal circumspection, he divided the bread among each one's place, according to the measure of each one's labors, the dignity of the person, or the necessity, putting the better parts to the Prelates, preachers and the infirm. On a certain morning therefore meeting me at the De-profundis in the convent of Villarreal, where I then was preaching through Lent, he took me by the hand and led me into the refectory, saying: Come hither, more than anyone of us thou owest to the Lord: for he willed that one single bread, which is here the best, thou shouldst eat: and lifting the little cloth placed on my place, he uncovered a most white bread, which I ate with the greatest relish, considering nothing else then: but afterwards turning my mind I doubted whence he had had that bread, the like to which in that region I had never seen hitherto nor afterwards saw: and I grieved that I had reserved nothing of it.

[16] When seized by pleurisy he composed himself on the bed about to die, as had been revealed to him, concerning which matter the dying man instructs another: he asked of the Guardian to whom he should order the keys of the refectory to be handed. But he naming a certain Brother Antony Alvarez a Priest, he instructed him accurately, saying: Behold Brother Antony, this is the key of the refectory; but that one, of a certain chest placed in the workshop, where I place the better bread for the infirm or those otherwise having need. But although your Charity going away into the town leave the other keys here, yet not this one: for I always found there some provision of more delicate bread, for those who more merit and more labor: for whom also always set aside the best wine. he reserves the cheaper things for himself. But because he reckoned himself the most unworthy of all, he kept for himself the more black and hard bread and the smaller pieces; likewise also the more worn napkin, and he chose for himself the cheaper and half-broken cup and knife, and also of the fruits the less ripe or half-rotten, and the rejects of grapes and the remains of radishes, cast the day before into the bone-vessel and destined for the dunghill. Instructing moreover the novices on the manner of preparing the refectory, he taught always to set before oneself some mystery in number, so that, if of plums for example a moderate quantity were present, he should set three to each in honor of the most holy Trinity; but if somewhat greater, five in memory of the five wounds of the Lord, or seven for so many gifts of the Holy Spirit to be obtained.

[17] He had shut himself one day in the refectory of the convent of Valencia, Before the statue of the Virgin he dances. when a certain religious passing that way, and seeing at an undue hour open the back-door by which one goes from the workshop into the garden, entered through it toward the refectory; and found Paschal before the Marian image, placed above the principal door of the refectory, dancing, and leaping backward and forward with great jubilation: whom unwilling to interrupt he went back into the workshop, and after some little delay, a noise being made, with clear voice said; Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ; and Paschal answering; Praised always, going to him as if then first entering, he saw his countenance so inflamed, that he felt himself moved to no scanty devotion. But the Saint said to him: If thou hast need of anything hence, Brother, take as thou wilt. Nay even he was wont to invite to breakfast or lunch the Religious whom he judged to need it: but if he observed any to be held by shame, he left them the refectory workshop open, and hastily ran to the gate, as if having there some business; but then he returned to close the same, when he now believed they had satisfied their necessity: for as severe toward himself, so toward all others he was bland and mild.

[18] He kindly distributes food to the poor, The time which perchance was over for him he spent in reading holy books, or in writing sentences more apt for his devotion, which by reading he had noted, or in mending his garments or the old sandals of the Friars, which repaired he returned to them. After the meal he immediately ran back to caring for the pot, which he was about to distribute to the poor at the gate: and these indeed he first made bend their knees, and went before in the accustomed prayers; and again, their meal finished, kneeling with the same he gave thanks to God. And in this work of charity he was so absorbed, that he knew not that he was observed by other religious, as I myself often experienced, having long been before his eyes, before he cast them upon me. But when his Guardian at Villarreal said to him; Beware Brother, lest thou give alms to certain boys, who in confidence of receiving it from thee wander idle and will not labor; he answered: Alms, Brother, I give for God: how do I know whether he to whom I should deny is not Christ himself? However profuse however in this kind, yet he was also discreet, keeping the better things for the studious poor, as more worthily occupied, and for the infirm and the old as more needy. Among these once was a centenarian, for whom reserving the portion of meat set before him in the refectory, secretly set aside for this, he fed him as long as he lived; ministering to him with as great reverence as he could have to a father, and vehemently exulting that he believed it unobserved.

[19] In the summer time, as has already been said, while the Friars take the midday sleep after Sext has been chanted, he himself under the rays of the burning sun cleansed the garden, bare-headed. The first hour after midday he roused them to None, at which, frequently he prays before the Venerable Sacrament. and then at Vespers and the other Hours, he devoutly was present. Then he was occupied in his offices, having performed which in the refectory or at the gate of the convent, you would scarcely have found him elsewhere than in the choir or church, where he remained from the first of the night until the ninth hour, sometimes even longer: long and often kneeling, and with arms extended in a cross he prayed. At other times (and this was more ordinary) he carried his joined hands beyond his face, the elbows without any support hanging in the air, to afflict the body by that means. Sometimes prostrate on the ground he applied his mouth to it, until, the blessing being received from the Venerable Eucharist, he had asked leave to rise. Finally he betook himself to his cell, to sleep those few hours which remained until Matins; and that with his legs gathered and bound within an old coverlet, reclining at the corner of the wall; lest, if he stretched himself lying down, his body should enjoy full rest.

* Italian V. betae.

CHAPTER III.

The journeys of the holy man through his Province: likewise into France, Jerez and Villarreal.

CHAP. XIII.

[20] The servant of God went forth with great alacrity to beg alms from door to door, and joined to that alacrity so great devotion, that he breathed some sense of it into all considering him. Devoutly he seeks alms from door to door, But coming to some door, with raised voice he said: The peace of the Lord be to this dwelling. Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ. To the Friars of S. Francis for the love of God. But through the streets he collected whatever he perchance found of linen or woolen rag, or broken thread, he collects torn papers or rags from the streets. or torn paper. And these indeed served him for noting in writing the sentences which to him reading had more pleased; but with those he mended his garments. But returned to the convent, he went straight to the Guardian of the place with his wallet on his shoulders; and he being seen he fell forward on his knees, creeping further until he had kissed his hand. To this labor also he added the virtue of discretion when he dwelt at Jumilla, where the convent situated high on a mountain is distant a whole league from the village. For considering the rest necessary for his companion, he of his own accord laid down the wallet at a fountain gushing on the way; and offered to his companion the bread chosen from all as the whiter; he himself (which otherwise outside the refectory he would never have done) gnawed the blacker little pieces. He was not solicitous for seeking a beast of burden, whenever he himself could carry on his own back the collected alms, however heavy the weight or prolix the way: as was observed especially at Jumilla, Xativa, and Lorito: whence once going forth to ask oil, when he had received several jars of it, transfused into his little baskets he bore it on his shoulders for more than half a league: but to those meeting him and wondering why he did not use a beast of burden, he humbly and graciously answered, And what beast greater than I?

[21] But it was the custom that the Friars should proceed even to villages more remote from theirs, not for seeking wheat, silk, must, On account of his holiness he is in the mouth of all; or other things of this kind prohibited in our discalceation, but dry figs or raisins for the use of the infirm, or wool for clothing. But among these Brother Paschal went so, that he turned the eyes and affection of all toward himself; and none of us came thither from a similar cause, whom the inhabitants did not everywhere ask, how that holy Brother fared. Nor wonder: for they saw him, as it were always and through the very nights, in the lodging or field intent on prayer, nor heard him speaking except of God and divine things: they saw that on every sixth feria and other fasting days throughout the year, however long a journey he had made or fainted under the weight of the collected alms, he relaxed nothing of the rigor of fasting, content with a little bread and cheese taken at midday: they saw that he received the rays of the most fervent sun always with bare head with singular gladness of mind, distinguishing the prolixity of the way now by sweetly chanting praises to God, now by pious colloquies of the same, now by mental prayer.

[22] To a weak man strength, There accompanied him sometimes some devout seculars, and helped him in seeking alms: of these one, called Brother James Faxarinus, was of so infirm a chest, that he would have believed himself asthmatic, if he had felt himself vexed also by a cough, so difficultly did he draw breath; and if any acclivity had to be overcome, he failed in panting. Seeing himself such he asked the Saint, that he would commend him to God: he answering, that he should trust the Lord, and obtains for his wife abundance of milk. by whom he was to be healed; immediately he felt himself free from every ill, and expedited for going up any mountains or hills without trouble. But that the wife also of that man might be a partaker of the reward, which was repaid to Brother James for the services rendered to Paschal,

God, bent by his prayers, granted her so great an abundance of milk, that she who herself had never before sufficed for her own infants without the help of other women; now even sought others' children; and that from the same hour, in which the Saint had given his promise to her husband, concerning the thing of which he had need being divinely obtained.

[23] But by what reason he sought out those alms, it can be understood from the deposition of a certain companion of his, What he observed while begging. adjured by holy obedience and under the penalty of major excommunication of pronounced sentence. When, he says, I was in the Convent of Brother Onuphrius at Xativa, under Brother Louis de Aracil the Guardian, Paschal there performed the office of almoner and at the same time of doorkeeper. When therefore once we had gone forth together to gather raisins, through these valleys of the Moors; he said to me: There is reason that thou rejoice, Brother, because thou hast made the profession of a layman, such as I always was (for I had first taken the habit as one to be a Chorister) then he added various things, from which I knew the spirit of prophecy to be in him. But the whole journey walking we spoke of God, or recited the Office of Our Lady, to whom he was much affected: but as often as we sat down at some shade, we recited the Station of the most holy Sacrament. Arrived at a town before all things we went to the church, to ask the blessing of the Curates or Vicars, whom he refreshed with pious address. The quest then finished, having gone forth from the place, if we had received any piece of bread, we ate it on the way: for he never suffered himself to be entreated by those inviting, that he should take food with them.

CHAP. XIV.

[24] Among the journeys which he made, memorable was his departure into France, of which I have as witness Brother John de Moya, Out of obedience he undertakes the arduous journey to Paris Definitor of the Province, who at various times was Superior of Paschal, and was Guardian of Almansa in the year MDLXX, when he went forth thence about the end of September. He under oath deposed, that among the thousand virtues of the Saint his was singular, prompt, and alacrious obedience, however difficult the matter or even joined with peril of death it might be. For when the General called of Capitefontium, a Frenchman by nation, was at Paris; and the Custos of the Province had letters of some great moment to be sent to him; deliberating to which of all his subjects he should hand them to be conveyed (for he knew that the heretics, of whom Gaul was then full, especially in those parts which necessarily had to be passed, were most hostile to the Friars, and had killed many of them by exquisite torments) he cast his eyes on Paschal: who excusing nothing, but alacrious to fulfill all mandates, immediately set himself on the way, plainly discalced, and not even taking sandals, or a little tunic beneath the broken and worn-out rags of his most simple habit. Thus having entered France he arrived at a certain convent of our Order, abounding in learned Religious: among whom, the precept of obedience imposed on Paschal being considered, it was disputed sharply, whether it were lawful for anyone to expose himself to manifest peril of death for the cause of obedience. But at length to all the sentence stood, that it was lawful: and so they let him pass, whither he had been sent, certain to decline no peril of death to be undergone, into which by obedience he should be sent.

[25] He went therefore in that his poor habit, everywhere he is ill received by the heretics, by day and night through the public ways, in the sight of those rabid wolves a most mild lamb, God always preserving him, although in word and deed he was everywhere ill received; but in the more frequented towns and villages he was even assailed with stones, with great tumult the rabble crying together; To the papist, to the papist: among which it happened that one stone was vibrated at him with so sure a blow, that it almost laid him on the ground, but most grievously affected his left shoulder, leaving a pain, which he long afterward bore in Spain. He nonetheless held his way and did not even accelerate his grave and modest step on that account. In another place * surrounding him they began to ask, whether he believed Christ to be contained in that, which our Priests confect, the Sacrament: to whom he generously answered, that he altogether believed it. from the other Life, But on the contrary arguing, and thinking that they could easily ensnare him with their sophisms, he so confounded them by responses so solid and nervous through the science of Theological things infused into him, that at last, assailed with stones he is not touched; not bearing to be convinced, they took up flints, about to stone him to death, had it not pleased God to deflect the rocks sent from everywhere, so that, they flying about and above, by none of them was he touched.

[26] After these things pursuing his journey, and well-nigh slain by hunger, he undergoes peril of death, and escapes; he approached the door of one of the more opulent Nobles of that region, but a most hostile enemy of the Catholics: who, having ordered him brought to him as he reclined at table, and having contemplated his habit and countenance, swore that he was a Spanish spy, to whom for alms, as soon as he should finish dinner, he was about to give a deserved death. The Saint, nothing moved at these things, stood in his place, until the Lady of the place, taking pity, ordered him to be snatched from the sight of her husband and cast out of the house dinnerless, as he was. But the consolation which he had vainly sought among the rich, he found at the door of a poor Catholic woman, giving thanks to God his protector and provider. Elsewhere, the injurious rabble pursuing him, a certain man intervening seized him, saying, that he wished to rescue him from the popular fury. He led him therefore into a pigsty, he is shut in a sty: and there the key being taken away shut him in until the morrow, without any refreshment; wherefore he expected nothing milder than the death to which he reckoned himself there shut in. But again two hours after sunrise the same man was present, and alms being given dismissed him. The Saint moreover narrated to me, that once there had met him a horseman armed with a lance, who, no salutation premised, said; Brother, is God in heaven? But he answering, that He truly was there, the man returned whence he had come; but that he believed, that if he had answered that He was in heaven likewise and in the Eucharist, he intended to pierce him with the lance: but that he had been unworthy of martyrdom. There was also a matron receiving him with pleasant and cheerful countenance, who asked; whether he had come to pass over to her, that is the heretical, religion; he answering with the constancy wonted to him, that he was of the Religion of S. Francis, the confounded woman went back. he returns to his province. Finally through a thousand perils, injuries and inconveniences, the journey enjoined to him being measured out and measured back, he returned to this Province, as much heaped with merits, as attenuated by labors.

CHAP. XV.

[27] The last Custos of this already said Province was Brother Francis Ximenez, who having set out to the town of Jerez de la Frontera, namely his own fatherland, to visit his mother and kinsmen, The journey of Paschal to the city of Jerez; had left a Commissary in his stead. Hence verisimilarly some necessity offered itself, of consulting the Custos himself through a messenger, for which he had Paschal likewise prompt: who completed that whole journey of more than a hundred leagues, from Valencia to Jerez, in the year MDLXXV, with no other apparatus than that with which he had gone into France. While he was here, not without great consolation and convenience of the Custos and the Friars there existing; what was done there. I being once in the choir at Terce, which is premised to the greater Mass, saw him entering without a mantle, clothed in a tunic so vile, ragged and tight, that he seemed enclosed in a sack. But having entered, when he had taken holy water, and beside the pulpit had let himself down on his knees, kissing the ground, with hands joined and raised above his face, he persevered so long in that posture, without any motion of body or countenance, that (I, although a boy, and little made for estimating things of this kind) could not be satiated with that sight, but kept my eyes fixed on the same, until some Religious arriving lifted him from the ground, and made him pass to one of the higher seats; where during the whole time of the Office he remained, with such great devotion and reverence, that I could not sufficiently wonder at it.

[28] Afterwards the convent being gone forth he began to visit the houses of the Custos's kinsmen, everywhere accompanied by that modesty, and using words so pious for promoting the salvation of each, that he acquired for himself an immense opinion of his holiness among all: which opinion indeed profited me especially. For when my father was absent in Peru, and therefore my mother alone here, who was the elder-born of the brothers, needed my presence for the governance of the house and the domestic substance; he used words so efficacious with her, that, the kinsmen being ignorant, who would most certainly have hindered my departure, she permitted me to go forth by night and set out for Valencia for the cause of studies, for the eternal good of my soul: of which I acknowledge after God the author Paschal, with whom as companion, no less secure than Tobias with Raphael, what I have experienced him toward me I cannot say, both because that matter regards my own person, and because benefits of this kind are to be weighed not by words but by works. One thing I say, that the care of me which he promised to my mother, he held this until the last breath, when dying he said to the Friars standing around the bed: Admonish Brother John Ximenez, that he remember that I led him from his fatherland.

[29] Never on the way would he use a horse, however much with importunate prayers I urged and besought him, Abstaining from bought food that at least for a small space of time he should sit on my mule, until he should breathe a little from the fatigue, which the prolixity of the daily journeys and the urged pace of the mule caused. But chiefly I wondered at the rigor of poverty, which holding constantly he was unwilling in the inns to use the food bought by me; but indulging himself no rest, he seeks others from door to door: he went forth to ask for the love of God a little bread from door to door: nor did he eat anything else. But I had cooked meat in a wallet: which when alone I could not consume all, but it began first on account of the summer heats to spoil, I cast it into the dunghill. Then indeed the Saint took it up, and ate it kept yet some days, I being nauseated on account of its stench, nor less grieving that he should eat so foul a thing, that I wonder no infirmity was thence contracted by him. We slept sometimes on the threshing-floors, he eats the meat cast into the dunghill. for it was the time of threshing: where after he himself, like a solicitous mother, had composed me lying down and covered me with his mantle; dismissing me, he went away into another part of the floor; and when he believed me asleep, he placed himself on his knees with hands joined before his face, or expanded in a cross: and this was all his rest.

[30] By day for the most part separated from me he walked alone, nor is it difficult to divine what he did; but when he joined himself to me, he spoke of celestial things with so great fervor of spirit, that he communicated the same to all hearing him. But I remember specially, that one of the nights, having as companions of the journey

with us a certain Horseman, the discourse was of devotion toward the most holy Rosary. And that secular man indeed narrated, how once he had been freed from nocturnal robbers by the benefit of the most blessed Virgin. For when they had inflicted on him many wounds with knives and swords, and had rolled him for dead down a certain little hill; they ran to the mule, to take away as plunder the saddle-bag attached to the saddle. But she, he said, fierce with leaps and kicks, could by no means be restrained, but, freed from their hands, pursued the journey, going ahead and carrying off with her the untouched saddle-bag: but I found myself sound without any wound or hurt, because I had commended myself to the most blessed Virgin. Then the Saint took up the discourse with so great and so vehement a spirit, that however much a boy, by the power of his discourse he converts another. I remained wholly converted to God and so struck by His holy fear, that I wondered no thunderbolt was sent from heaven in punishment of my ingratitude and negligence concerning His cult; and I conceived a firm purpose, of beginning altogether another life, after a general Confession of all my sins, as soon as I should have come to Valencia. To the complement moreover of my felicity, he brought in also discourse of mental prayer, hitherto unknown to me; and persuaded that at Granada I should buy some spiritual book, as I did, by his counsel choosing some work of the Master Brother Louis of Granada: whence my soul drew as great fruit, as very many others before me. The books of Granada are commended. And therefore to all wishing to be spiritually instructed by me I commend some tract of that author, especially that which is inscribed The Sinner's Guide, asking that they would attentively read at least twelve lines of it daily: for I am certain, that whoever shall once have begun to do this, will not be content with that dozen. I certainly, from the time I had it, could not be satiated reading day and night, but even on the way wore it with my hands.

[31] As he went forth from the convent of Granada to pursue his journey, a certain apparitor on horseback assailing him in a certain street of that city with his retinue, Paschal rebuked is silent: wished to seize him, as a vagabond, rebuking him with hard words, and fiercely commanding the chirograph of obedience to be exhibited to him: which seen he indeed freely let him proceed; but a great admiration of that incomparable gentleness, which he held not even saying a word for himself, seized me. I saw also his great patience in various painful cases, especially in the going forth from the town of Huescar, where a torturing vomiting came upon him. Whoever met him on the way, was animated by his discourses to serve God, and to tolerate something for His love: as a Horseman experienced, who entering on foot, and so poor that he asked alms from us. Against this man certain shepherds, by a deed altogether inhuman and barbarous, had loosed their dogs, and it was miserable to see how those fierce animals had torn whatever clothing of his there was. he consoles the needy. The pitiable Horseman came, all suffused with tears, carrying in his hand one of the sleeves torn from his shoulder, and using it for a handkerchief: but he found in the holy man the best consoler, who receiving him with the expanded bowels of charity, willed him to eat with us. There came up meanwhile a certain Brother of the Society of Jesus very discreet, who himself also held the same way on foot with the best example of modesty. Both therefore instructed the adolescent with salutary admonitions, persuading him to return to his house, obey his father, confess his sins and serve God, so all things would yield happily for him: as in fact happened. For I met afterward the same Religious at Valencia, and he told me, that that poor young man had come to him to visit him in an altogether other state, with two servants, and most splendidly clothed, as born of a quite eminent family.

[32] Material for exercising patience is afforded him by his companion of the way, But neither on my part, as of a boy and unaccustomed to labors, was material lacking to the holy man for exercising patience on this journey. It happened that under the burning sun, having gone forth from Caravaca, a vehement thirst seized me: because therefore in that whole space of four leagues which lies between Caravaca and Calasparra, neither inn nor any fountain occurred, the bowels of charity were tortured, when I said, that I could no more bear the thirst, and wished to stop under the shade of some pine. He animated me and instilled hope of finding water somewhere: he also ran ahead, and ran hither and thither, if perchance he should find it. And at length in a certain well he saw and gathered rushes instead of water, that by sucking them I might cheat thirst for a while, until we should come to a canal near the town; where, a morsel of bread being taken, it was first permitted to satisfy thirst. The next day quite early we were going to Jumilla: falling into water he is laughed at. and a league from Calasparra wandering from the way, we fell upon a canal so wide and deep that it could not be overcome by a leap: there was only present, what served the office of a little bridge, a twisted and humped piece of wood: through which the holy man wishing to pass fell into the water together with the wood itself, whence all wetted and beholding me on the other bank profusely laughing, he proved the strength and constancy of his patience. Finally when, the mule being now dismissed, I accompanied him on foot to the convent of S. Anne on the mountain of Jumilla; and all wearied I denied, that I could proceed even a step; he offered himself to me as a bearer; and refusing this he at least extorted my saddle-bag to be carried: by which his charity he added me so great courage, that I completed with him the modicum that remained of the journey, until we were refreshed by the sight of his convent placed on high. Then indeed thanks being given to God, he showed me from afar a Brother digging in the garden and said; Know that that Religious is the Guardian of the place and a preacher: for such a custom obtains here, that even such men care for both the garden and the kitchen: which I found to be true in fact, and saw one or other of them passing to the pulpit devoutly and humbly.

CHAP. XVI.

[33] After many years then, when I, the habit and priesthood now received, had completed the reading of Arts and Theology, being about to preach through Lent at Villarreal, I passed through Xativa, where the Saint then was staying: and by him received with great benevolence, I asked the Provincial Minister (he was then Brother Antony Alverus) that he would send him back with me to Villarreal. And because I knew that the climate of that place did not agree with him, suffering also quartan fevers; but that he was sufficiently delighted with this one, because that convent has its name from the Mother of God; perhaps also because by divine revelation he had learned, that there he was to be absolved from the prison of this mortal body; I at length obtained, the Guardian in vain resisting, what I had asked. We went therefore, but both on foot, because the offered horse (the Rule permitting this to such weak ones) he was unwilling in any way to accept. But after we began to ascend the mountain, which is across the river of Xativa, the sick man on the way carries another's burden. before we came to Enouas, we saw a certain Brother of another order waiting with a heavy bag: which immediately the Saint demanded to be carried by him, and placed on his weak shoulders. But I unloaded him, taking it on my own back: but he soon asked of the said Religious a mantle no lighter: and so we completed that whole journey. In this moreover, going forth from Alzira by a way very muddy, we saw a beast of burden collapsed in the ruts, and a muleteer weeping beside it: whom he blandly consoled; and although it was growing dark and the mud was deep, he approached the beast, and unloaded lifted it from the rut, and led out loaded it again with singular alacrity.

* At Orleans, as is believed.

CHAPTER IV.

Zeal for souls. The secrets of consciences inspected. Other revelations.

CHAP. XVII.

[34] The holy man seemed gifted with a singular grace of words, for the conversion of souls however hardened. When therefore in the town of Jumilla in the kingdom of Murcia the Guardian of the place had sent his preacher to a certain citizen, He changes obstinate minds bent on revenge, grievously injured by another, Paschal being added as companion; and offended he not only did not yield to his exhortations, but his rage being turned upon his very physician, prepared also to lay hands on him; there passed that way a devout man of the Confraters of the Order, and asked that he would turn aside into his house on the return to the convent. But he answering in a few words that he would satisfy his desire, Paschal having gained a little time; Come, he said, brother, forgive the injury for God. Nor was more needed: The Preacher was turning himself to the man still hardened, as he believed, about to bid him farewell to a fitter time, since he could not profit him: and beyond opinion, the whole man being turned, he heard him answering Brother Paschal; Father, I forgive him for the love of God: let all things be as you wished. Which matter so unhoped brought back to the memory of that Preacher, what otherwise he had heard narrated of his companion: namely that an adolescent, in moving whom to the forgiveness of his father's death many grave and lettered persons had labored in vain, having met him, he by a few and humble words induced, that opposing nothing he should say, that he was ready to testify the forgiveness even by a public instrument. Similarly a certain citizen of Villarreal, who could be induced by no reasons, to desist from some pretension of his; as soon as he heard Paschal sent to him on the part of the Guardian, professed with an oath, that it seemed to him that he could not but obey his voice.

[35] With equal efficacy at Valencia to a sinner obstinate to never confessing, and of a sinner averse to confession. he persuaded both confession and an entire change of his whole life, the man being wont afterward to say, This Religious is not a man, but an Angel. Whatever else moreover he intended he obtained by the same heart-bending courtesy and eloquence. There was a time when, sent to visit a certain sick woman, who, the physicians despairing of her health, too womanishly grieved her misfortune; he made words to her with so great a spirit, that she easily showed herself prompt to every will of God, that so great a change was not of human, but of divine persuasion. Nay even the faults of others, even of Superiors, by a certain most bland and most humble manner he so noted, that not only did no one grow indignant, but reprehended he acknowledged his fault, giving thanks for an admonition full of so great charity. But if he saw any for a slight cause absent from choir or prayer, smiling he himself said in passing: What do these here? Why go they not into the choir? and soon was silent. But they delaying nothing, obeyed his placid suggestion.

CHAP. XVII.

[36] There is in the mountains near the convent of Lorito a cave, to which for one week the Religious betook themselves singly, to experience there more zealously the delights of the eremitical life: He drives away a temptation from a Novice. but they brought thither nothing except a little biscuit and a gourd of water. And they indeed came thence to hear Mass, but that finished they returned, speaking to no one nor setting foot in the convent, except the week finished, when they returned laden with a bundle of wood. Moved by this example a certain novice, not only courted something similar, but was even tempted, that the Order being dismissed

he should seek some desert, to lead there a solitary life perpetually: yet first concerning this his counsel he wished to confer with the Saint, then being at Valencia. Paschal soon recognized that this was a diabolical suggestion: and about to show him, that it is not for everyone to keep solitude; When I, he said, dwelt in the convent of Our Lady of Lorito, it happened that the Preacher (who there was wont for some weeks to recollect himself in the cave, which is there) one night was so terrified by demons, seen to hurl fire into the hut, that, leaving certain books which he had brought thither, he fled to the convent. Then I was sent by the Guardian to bring back the aforesaid books, and I wished that night to experience what the solitary life was: and at the beginning of the night I prayed a little, then I composed myself to sleep; about to rise again at midnight to resume prayer, and to continue the same until morning, a sharp scourging of the body being first premised. But far otherwise it happened, for I fell into so deep a sleep, that I did not awake before the rays of the sun entering through the mouth of the cave signified that it was now day: and so seeing myself notably mocked, I returned to the convent full of confusion. The example moreover prevailed, taken from his own person: and the novice, thenceforth nothing wavering in his vocation, held his purpose until the solemn Profession.

CHAP. XVIII.

[37] But he was borne with a remarkable zeal toward the salvation and advancement of souls, intent on every occasion of spiritual gain like a diligent merchant. Hence when certain Frenchmen very rude were laboring in digging a cistern at the convent of Villarreal, In various ways he promotes the salvation of souls, he began to explain to them the Christian doctrine, with the greatest assiduity and patience, going before the ignorant in the articles of faith and the decalogue of the precepts and repeating to them his lesson. He had also learned to make little cords, for the use of the Confraters, to which he busied himself that as many as possible should join, by explaining the multitude of graces and indulgences granted by the Apostolic See to the Confraternity. He persuaded moreover the frequent use of Confession and Communion, and that no occasion be dismissed of meriting some Jubilee or the Indulgences attributed to blessed grains: of which he himself carried about a great chaplet, running through to each daily the stated prayers. From the same desire of helping souls proceeded his fervor, both of preaching by himself to any needy persons, among whom were at Villarreal some little women of prostituted chastity; and through the Preachers of his Order, whom with most fervent words and most efficacious reasons he exhorted to perform their office fruitfully: of which matter I myself had frequent experience. But I know that to another also, about to preach at Villena through Lent, given as companion, whom he knew to do that office less easily and less willingly, because he was the preacher of himself rather than of Christ; he led him from his error, so that with the greatest fruit, and the least labor, he completed those his sermons. But for this he showed that much prayer was necessary, by which the fruit to be made among the hearers should be earnestly asked. And so on a certain day entering into the cell of the Preacher, the same his Guardian at Villarreal, and finding him very solicitous in perusing books, he said: that not all things are placed in books, but that he should betake himself to meditation, about to form good sermons in it. Considering finally how efficacious for the correction of vices and the salvation of souls the preaching of the divine Word was, he was carried away with joy at the sign of the bell calling thither, and prayed fervently, as much for the Preacher about to ascend the chair, as for the people about to hear.

[38] Thereupon God deigned to show, how pleasing to Him was that zeal for saving souls, by revealing to him the secret sins of certain men, that he might be the more kindled by it, the necessity of his neighbor being known. Thus when once he accompanied the Preacher of his convent Brother Bartholomew Pastor, he knows a hidden sin, received as a guest by a certain devout Brother of the Order and most humanely admitted to table, he knew his soul to be held captive by the demon; and to him with a voice composed to testify an affection of mercy he said: Brother, confess now, having so convenient an occasion in my companion. The guest answered; That on the Lord's day he would do it more conveniently in the convent. The Saint then indeed was silent, but the interior goads of mind, with which the love of that soul lethally wounded pricked him not being able to dissemble, he relapsed again into the same discourse after a little, persuading and insisting that he should confess at once; the guest nonetheless excusing himself, and the companion himself bearing that importunity ill, and within himself reproving the too great simplicity of Paschal, that he should so urge a man unprepared, and disposed by no examination premised. At length when a third time he repeated the same song, the guest could no longer resist the conscience pricking within, and of his own accord began to supplicate the resisting Confessor, that he would forthwith hear him wishing to confess: and let down on his knees; I believe, he said, Father, that God has revealed to Brother Paschal a certain mortal sin perpetrated by me these days, for there is nothing else that burdens my conscience. Which heard the confessor said within himself; Truly God has uncovered to this blessed one the conscience of this Brother, willing at once to remunerate both this man's charity toward us and that one's zeal for souls.

[39] A still more notable case happened in the place of a certain convent, where the Saint acted as doorkeeper. There was there a man piously devoted to the Friars and to Paschal himself, whom the spirit of fornication had brought to this, he recalls a certain man from adultery and death: that he had another's wife induced to commit the crime of adultery at a certain hour and place, with the greatest peril of life on both sides: because the husband, having got wind of the matter, with his kinsmen was waiting for an occasion of killing both without peril to himself. He nonetheless was going into the ambush set for him, but heard behind him a little bell sounding: at which looking back, for the night through the brightness of the moon was dim-lit, he saw nothing about him, neither then, nor a second and third time, in which, he pursuing his journey and intention, the bell persevered to give its sound, ever nearer, and at length so near, that it seemed to be affixed to his shoe. At this third sound the man opened the ears of his obstinate heart, the divine grace moving within: and; What if, he said, this be a celestial admonition of God prohibiting me to go further. And so his step being turned with his mind, he began to recite more devoutly the Rosary of the Divine Virgin and at last to go back: but the next day when he wished to be much excused to the woman who met him, that he had not been present at the appointed place and hour; Labor not in this, said she, but rather give thanks to God, that He has rescued thee and me from the death prepared for us in the appointed place by the enemies, who waited for us there, and then left no corner of the house which they did not search through. He was astonished at these things, and betook himself to the convent, where soon Brother Paschal meeting him said secretly; Brother, it is long that I awaited thee, about to treat of a business of the greatest moment, and to reprehend that thou art so dissolute in pursuing thy appetites: for because I love thee so greatly, for thy cause I passed a worse night than ever else in my life. But to him asking; Wherefore. While I busied myself, he said, lest thou shouldst lose at once thy life and thy soul. And when even then he showed that he set that at naught; Remember, said the Saint, how thy father, because he begot thee, suffered this and that; enumerating each thing which for the son's cause had happened to him, even certain most secret things, and by human reason in no way known. He foretold also to him very many things to come which are fulfilled to the letter daily, with great admiration of the witness himself, and acknowledging all to have been divinely revealed to him: who again, when I read this chapter to him, asserted with tears, that it had so happened, nor that he had anything which he wished taken away or added.

CHAP. XIX.

[40] While he acted as doorkeeper at Almansa, a certain Matron, much devoted to the Order and to the Blessed himself, had caused a certain number of Masses to be said, From revelation he knows because Paschal had revealed to her that the soul of her brother detained in purgatory needed that aid; but afterward to a certain niece more familiarly beloved she said: A great servant of God is Brother Paschal, nor besides me does any other at Almansa know to what degree of holiness he has reached: but from those things which I know of him, I hold most certain (and commit this to memory, dearest, until my death, if perchance I be taken from life before thee) that he will die holily, and in the hour of his departure be honored by God with many miracles. Moved by these things the niece, and confirmed in the opinion which she had long had of Paschal, a soul to be detained in purgatory, desired through the same her aunt to learn from him, whether the soul of her father or mother were in purgatory, and needed any aid to go forth thence. The Matron did what she was asked, and after some days brought back to the niece the answer received from the man of God, that one indeed of them needed not suffrages, but for the other God willed, that thirty Masses be said on as many continuous days, assigning a peculiar Collect, which under them should be said. Which done the woman again required the Saint, through the same her aunt, whether anything more were needful: and the Blessed answered, that the diligence now applied sufficed, which was both most acceptable to God, and therefore was to be specially remunerated by Him.

[41] He exercised the same office of doorkeeper at Valencia, when there lived there a certain Religious, wont every night to flagellate his body so severely, that the whole church seemed to be shaken. a Brother to be deluded by the demon, The Saint then once prayed in it, when God revealed to him, that flagellation of this kind was the effect of a diabolical temptation, hiding its snares under the appearance of good. He rose therefore and went to him; but the more he approached him, the further the demon fled: of which thing he gave a manifest indication by the sulphurous odor left behind him so foul, that nothing similar to this odor seemed able to be perceived: at the same time also that Brother's hairs of the head stood up for horror. But the Saint said to him: Not so henceforth, not so, Brother: for behold while thou hast inflicted one or two more vehement blows on some part of the body, the mortified flesh has not felt the rest: these therefore serve for nothing other, than to induce infirmity on the body, create trouble for the community, lead the religious himself to laxities, while under pretext of necessity he indulges himself certain things, the use of which afterward passes into custom. others not to fast. It happened also that, being on a journey, he met some Brethren, not observing the fast on account of the labor of the way: for which he reprehended them, certain that they could not know this except God revealing.

[42] It is held for certain, that many other things also were divinely revealed to him: which by his humility neither did he himself even to Superiors declare; and many hidden things, nor would they wish to compel him to declare them. This was clear when for writing the Life of the holy Brother Nicholas

Factor, an inquisition was made into his virtues and actions worthy of memory, a precept of obedience being imposed on all to enunciate whatever they knew. By this precept compelled into a strait the Saint, first indeed delayed, because in those things which he knew he himself had some part: and at length manifested only and precisely that, which seemed to make for the glory of the Saint, the rest he wrapped in silence. He deposed therefore under oath that to Brother Nicholas on a certain night a divine revelation had befallen by a star wonderfully luminous; and at the same time it was learned also that a similar favor had befallen Paschal himself: and that he knew this from this, that meeting him he embraced him with tender affection, and as in an enigma said: Dost thou hold in memory, Brother, the night of the star? many and great favors thou didst then receive from the Lord. But what these favors were, Paschal was silent: nor could he by anyone's importunity afterward be induced to reveal them. It is verisimilar therefore that he held the same law of silence concerning other things, indicating only his own perfection, and the gifts freely given to him.

CHAPTER V.

Paschal shines by the spirit of prophecy and of infused science.

CHAP. XX.

[43] That the Saint knew not only hidden present things, but also future things, was clear by many examples, some of which I will bring forward. He foretells a future Provincial. Among these the first place merits that which is most public and confirmed by many Witnesses; namely that he, sound, foretold his own death, and, infirm, the day on which he should die, nay even the hour and point of time, as below will be more fully explained. Let the second be that in the year MDXCI in the month of October, all of us Capitulars had assembled at Valencia in the convent of S. John the Baptist; where coming to me into my cell Brother Didacus Castello Guardian of Villarreal, under whom the Saint lived, among the first words of salutation congratulated me on the Provincialate, three or four days before I was elected. But I, since I knew that I was of all the eligible the youngest of all (for I had not yet completed the thirty-second year of my age), Away, said I, Brother, with such trifles. But he with serious countenance and words; Truly, he says, if Brother Paschal is a prophet, thou wilt be Provincial, and a Definitor, I shall be Definitor. I asked therefore how and on what occasion this had been revealed to him by the Saint. At parting, he replied, bidding farewell to the other Brethren and also to him, I asked that he would commend me to God; I will, he said, walk happily, about to be Definitor and Master of Novices, and Brother John Ximenez will become Provincial. And the said Brother Didacus indeed of the mastership of Novices said nothing to me then, both because he abhorred that office, and because the thing was to be future without example in the order, to which hitherto it had never happened that both offices be conferred on the same person. By a wonderful consent of the Definitory however this was done, and he himself admitted both, both because obedience compelled, and because from the things foretold he knew it to be the will of God.

[44] In the aforesaid convent of Villarreal was sick its preacher Brother Peter Cabrellas, likewise the death of a sick brother suffering frequent vomitings, yet not so vehement, that he was compelled to lie in bed. He desired to know what Brother Paschal knew of his health; because being asked to pray for it, he had answered; I will indeed: but what will it profit? He entreated therefore the Guardian, that he would compel him by a precept of obedience to declare what would be the issue of the disease. He not being able to resist him, with countenance somewhat inflamed, that he might appear moved, said to the sick man, Brother Preacher, God wills, that thou die, and no more preach in word but in deed, for thou wilt live yet some months: therefore commend thyself to God and have patience. Which words he said with so grave and serious a tone, that no one doubted of the truth of the issue to follow: but that religious and most fervent preacher lived yet four months: but from that hour he never ascended the pulpit, dying between my arms in the year MDXCI. In a similar way when at Villarreal he often visited Andrea Ventrel sick; on a certain Lord's day, as also of another, on which he last rendered her this service, she asked that he would beg health for her from the Lord. To whom Paschal; O Sister, that thy petition is not good; rather say, Lord God, if it please Thy Majesty to take me from this life, and his own. Thy will be done. But when she again replied and demanded health back, the Saint inflamed by the Holy Spirit; Sister, he said, prepare thyself, for both of us shall soon enter a great journey. And so it happened: for she died the next Lord's day Monday, and he himself the following Lord's day, with great admiration of all beholding all fulfilled to the letter, and especially of John Ybañez, the husband of the aforesaid woman, who was present and testified the same by oath.

CHAP. XXI.

[45] When in the same convent of Villarreal they had resolved to contract for a cistern to be built, which was especially necessary to that place for leading life there; He foretells that the material would suffice for the structure, some material indeed was prepared, but considering the amplitude and depth of the work to be made, it seemed both to the Guardian himself and to the master of the fabric in no way to be going to suffice: about which matter the Guardian was greatly anxious; because in such work, which ought to be as it were molten, if anything of the necessary material be lacking, there is peril of losing the whole. Seeing this the Saint, admonished that they should not fear to give a beginning to the work: for nothing would be lacking to them, but rather something would be over. Which although it was against the opinion of all, yet was believed, because said by Paschal: and the issue of the matter proved the truth of the saying. In the same town, when he went about the streets for the cause of seeking alms, at the door of a certain Cleric, called Verbegal, he heard that he had fallen into a disease, and said; Let the Sacraments be given to him as soon as possible, because he greatly needs them. Which the domestics understanding, by the opinion which they had of the holiness of the man, forthwith committed it to execution: and the sick man, the Sacraments received, without delay expired.

[46] In the month of March of the year MDXCI Catharine Torre, an inhabitant of Villarreal, labored with a dangerous infirmity, the blood ascending into her face, a sick woman to recover her health, and inflating it in a monstrous manner. When the Saint visited her, and asked how she fared: So grievous, she said, an ill I feel, Father, that I doubt not at all, but that I am to die: for behold for seven days and nights continuous I sleep nothing, on account of the magnitude of the torment and the ardor of the fever. But he answered: Trust in God, Sister, and I promise thee that from this infirmity thou wilt not die: nevertheless I ask that thou confess thy sins, and prepare thyself as one about to die: because by this preparation God will be moved to accelerate health. The woman did what she was ordered, and the same night wondered to find herself well, so that what the Saint had said was verified; and she herself testified what I here wrote, for the instruction of those who think themselves certainly about to die as soon as, the Sacraments received, they have made their testament. But the said woman now well, again another time experienced the certitude of that prophetic spirit. For when again Paschal visited her, and her brother from a pain of the side fared so ill, as also her brother likewise sick. that he was rightly believed about to die, the Saint said to her; Be not solicitous, Brother, but believe that thou wilt soon be healed: infirmities of this kind God sends, that we may remember Him: but He himself will let thee bring up thy children. But to him going forth from the house Catharine said; Pray God, Father, for the health of my brother, for thou seest how damaging his death would be to me: to whom he; Trust, Sister, he will not die; so I promise thee. She nonetheless persisted even a third time to inculcate the same her petition: and he, When I promise, said he, thou mayest well believe. Which words full of so great asseveration were indeed altogether alien from his humble custom and contrary to that zeal, by which he strove to cover the gifts conferred on him from heaven: yet God permitted, willing the same to become known, that he should sometimes thus as it were forget his purpose. But all things were precisely fulfilled: for the next day the sick man recovered.

[47] A third time also the Lord willed in the same woman to confirm the experience of the aforesaid spirit: for fifteen days before the Saint himself fell into his last infirmity, having met her, Of two women likewise the one to be healed, he asked whether she had visited the sick women, two, known to her and equally in peril of life. But she affirming, he asked what seemed to him of them; Anna, he said, on the Lord's day will live, and the wife of John Ybañez will certainly die: which within a few days appeared to have been truly said. But Catharine herself also, the other about to die. afflicted by a certain great sadness of mind, the same being dissembled, came to the door of the convent, asking for a Confessor as it is wont to be asked of the doorkeepers of convents. To whom the Saint; Vehemently, he said, this sickness tortures thee, Sister. The woman denied that she grieved anything: he nonetheless replied, that she should be of good courage, and patiently bear her affliction, for by this she would fortify a way for herself to heaven. Seeing therefore that she could not be hid, and her secret was open to him, she took much consolation from his words: and altogether presaging, that he would soon be received among the Saints with great glory, she asked it to be promised her by him, that, if he were first called by God, he would intercede for her with Him by praying. But the Saint answered, If the Lord shall do me this grace, I will be at hand to hear all thy petitions. And the certitude of the promise the woman sensibly experienced, as often as she invoked the help of Paschal after his death, which will also be confirmed by miracles, done at the prayers of this same woman devoted to him and to be related below.

CHAP. XXII.

[48] To the spirit of prophecy God joined in him the gift of science, indeed infused, as one who had learned no letters. By infused science he understands whatever you wish. I myself can say of myself that I wished to experience it several times, and never in vain. For although he did not use the scholastic terms of the Theologians, yet in that his simple and vulgar idiom he answered me the very same things, which we not without labor through many and metaphysical reasonings deduce to a conclusion; and that with so great facility and clarity, that it appeared, the whole question to be thoroughly perspicuous to him. But I confess that for the cause of proving and arguing I once dared to object to him some scholastic reasons: but he so constrained me, that he deduced me into a certain proposition, which he evidently demonstrated to be false. And so although I had read Philosophy and Theology to others, yet I remained on the one part confounded, but on the other salubriously instructed, so that I understood, that although in respect of my disciples I was called master, yet of him I could have been a disciple. The same experiment took Brother Emmanuel Rodriguez, famous for published books, of whom I was first the disciple, then also the colleague in the chair: and therefore he was wont to say, that that Brother, if he were a Priest, without other study could become a Preacher, because on the way he had once argued with

him concerning the most lofty mysteries of the Trinity, the Incarnation and other similar things; and that wishing to exercise more him answering most aptly to all things, he pressed him with frequent arguments on the same journey, all which he dissolved with such facility, that he could in no way doubt, but that that science had been infused into him from heaven. Similarly Brother John de Moya, Definitor of this Province, testifies that he heard him reasoning concerning the divine attributes ad intra and ad extra like a perfect Theologian: and with the things said agree the testifications of Brother Peter Adam, my master, and of other Theologians, who very often proposed to him the more difficult places of the Scriptures to be explained, he to each clearly demonstrating, that he was the disciple of Him who needs neither time nor books.

[49] He subtly writes two books on Theological matters; He could also read and understand any Theological books whatever, as often as his occupations permitted it; and from those thus read he gathered two books of singular points for his spiritual consolation, and the memory of the excerpts, in which concerning the hypostatic union of the Word with the greatest clarity and brevity is found said whatever could be expected from a consummate Theologian: similarly also concerning the Angels and other Theological matters. But these books, when he was at a certain time infirm, he earnestly asked the Guardian, that after his death he would order to be burnt: for the truly humble man was unwilling that in the world a trace or any indication should survive, whence anything of honor or glory should come to him. After however he recovered he proceeded to note in them certain new points, from those things which he had recently either read or had meditated. Here someone will say; If he so seriously wished them to be hid, that he asked them to be burnt; why did he not himself do this, admonished by God of the day of his death? So I sometimes said to myself: but God inspired me to inspect the first pages of those books; and in them I found the solution of my scruple, written in a character altogether recent on a new page, expressly superadded to the rest: which easily appeared, a comparison being made with the rest, in which the writing was seen very deformed and much obscured. But the words which he wrote there, preparing himself for death, are of this kind.

[50] In the name of the most holy Trinity, of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, of three Persons and one true God, creator of all things visible and invisible, to whom be glory and dominion through all ages of ages. Amen. ✠ I Brother Paschal Baylon, born from the town of Torrehermosa of S. Mary de Horta, wrote this miscellany for my spiritual recreation, faithfully collected from many holy books. Which title, prefixed to the said books, taught me two things: first that he renounced from himself all vain glory, by denying that what he had written was his own: in glued-together papers from love of poverty; then that since he wrote it immediately before his death divinely revealed to him, he was also divinely prohibited to give to the flames that which was so catholic and precious, as he had proposed to be done. Moreover one of those books was given to Brother John de Angelis the Commissary, who then visited the Province; the other remained with me, who keep it for a great treasure, and for a consolation indeed singular, while I see the autograph of so holy a man, and consider each thing to be of so certain a truth, that not even a letter ought to be lacking or added; but the writing is such, that it reflects the very poverty itself. For lest any of the paper be lost, the lines are so dense that they seem to touch each other; and although one point being finished, another is begun, yet not also a line: but a cross interposed distinguishes in the same continuous line the paragraphs, even to the end of the paper without any margins: but the paper itself, on which he wrote, was for the most part glued together from fragments found and collected here and there on the ground. There are in those books certain spiritual exercises, of which we will give a specimen below: but they are covered with little pieces of rude cloth laboriously patched, namely lest the mark of beloved poverty should be lacking outwardly.

[51] It is said that one of the same books the most illustrious Lord John de Ribera, one of which is praised by the Archbishop: Archbishop of Valencia and Patriarch of Antioch, once saw; and moved by the sight alone of the exterior appearance wished to associate more familiarly with their author, thenceforth embracing him with singular affection. Which affection indeed even him dead preserving, he asked that something of his garments be given him for the sake of veneration: which received that pious and prudent Prelate, a kiss being premised, placed on his head before me, and with great sense of mind said: Father Provincial, what do we? These simple men wrest heaven from our hands. Let us burn our books. To whom I answered, These have not the fault, but our pride: this let us burn. And when I narrated to him certain miracles done through the invocation of our Saint, his most illustrious Lordship said very affectionately, that he wished he had died in his Archbishopric, that he could with due diligence care for the informations necessary for promoting his public veneration.

[52] Moreover for the confirmation of all the aforesaid it pleases here to weave in some clauses, excerpted from the book in these words. God is a most pure and most subtle spirit; void of all matter and body. some things are brought forth thence. God is the most perfect being, in whom all perfections are accumulated, power, authority, majesty, wisdom, beauty, liberality, mercy, piety, grace. In God there cannot be found a distinction of diverse parts, on account of His supreme simplicity: so that His being is His essence, the essence is the power; the power is the will, the will is the volition, the volition is the intellect, the intellect is the intellection, the intellection is the being, the being is the wisdom, the wisdom is the goodness, the goodness is the justice, the justice is the mercy: which although it has effects contrary to the effects of justice, as are to forgive and to punish, are one thing, because the same is His justice which is mercy, and the same mercy which is His justice. But in three ways we ought to remember God, namely by knowing His power through the works of creation, His wisdom through the works of redemption, His goodness through the works of glorification and remuneration. The first memory is due to the Father, the second to the Son, the third to the Holy Spirit. And these are his formal words, which he then pursues, to prove the unity of the divine Essence and the plurality of the Persons, with so great subtlety and elegance, that however blind, anyone could see, that for writing these, much more for understanding them, there was need of a celestial gift and special grace.

CHAPTER VI.

Certain miracles wrought in the life of S. Paschal.

CHAP. XXIII.

[53] Although the servant of God strove with singular zeal to hide from men the graces divinely given him, By the sign of the Cross he stays a vomiting of blood, and to profit more by examples than by miracles: yet the respects of obedience and charity sometimes drove him beyond those bounds which humility had fixed for him, as in the following cures, wrought by the sign of the Cross alone, will appear. When on a certain night Brother Peter Cabrellas, preacher in the convent of Villarreal, was drained by a continual vomiting of blood, so that certain death seemed to be at hand for him: yet trusting that the virtue of Paschal could recover health for him; he asked the Guardian, that he would mandate him to mark his throat with the sign of the Cross. Which by asking when the Superior first did not obtain from his humility, recourse had to be had to a precept of obedience: which fulfilled, that blood ceased to flow at the very moment; so that as long as he afterward lived (but he lived as we said above yet four months) he suffered nothing similar.

[54] In the same convent was another Priest Brother John Lopez, he heals pains of the teeth, grievously tortured by a pain of the teeth, who when he had passed some nights for that cause without sleep, nor could assist at Matins, and the other prayers with the rest, on the feast of the Assumption on account of its solemnity, having striven to conquer the trouble which he bore, as best he could came to Matins; and these and also mental prayer being finished, and the rest betaking themselves to their cells, he alone with Brother Paschal remained in the choir; and him now alone he affectionately asked, that he would deprecate for him with Our Lady, that by keeping the feast with the Brethren he might be made partaker of the common consolation. To whom Paschal answered: Farewell, today thy teeth will not pain thee. Nor indeed did they pain that day: but the following night, as if the truce being finished, the same pain returned, much more vehement than ever before. Therefore tearing himself from his cell, he began to run through the dormitory as one beside himself and to wail: but some running to his clamorous cries, and with them Brother Paschal, and not finding what consolation they should make him, Brother John Olacte came up, and said; Brother John, tell Brother Paschal, that he form the sign of the Cross over thee: because when I was at Valencia and was tortured by a grievous quinsy, when he signed me with the same, I immediately recovered. At these words the sick man remembering what had recently happened to himself, asked him that he himself would sign. But Paschal, smiling in a certain Angelic manner, twice excused himself, lovingly saying: Be silent, naughty one, nor say these things. But the pain taking increase every moment, the sick man cast himself on his knees, with great affection saying; Brother, by the bowels of God have mercy on me, for behold I die: make I beseech the sign of the Cross. Then the Saint having delayed a little, with inflamed and reddening countenance turned himself and said: Trust, and make thyself the sign of the Cross: and so all pain ceased, with the greatest admiration of those present, who praising God in His Saint withdrew to bed.

[55] Brother Joseph Hidalgo in his deposition affirms, that, likewise to a swelling of the neck by the oil of the lamp, when in the Convent of Villarreal he stayed with the Saint, his neck swelled with great pain: but on a certain day, Brother Paschal asking of him, in what state his ill was, ordered him to anoint himself with the oil of the lamp burning before the image of S. Francis: which the next night being done, in the morning he rejoiced to find himself fully healed. James Masquesa a merchant and citizen of Villarreal, before the Commissaries of the Bishop of Tortosa swore, that being once burdened with the extreme pains of the colic, when he had heard the Saint asking alms through the street, and to the colic by the sign of the cross: he ordered him to be invited to him, and asked that he would impress the sign of the Cross on his belly, nothing doubting but that this would be enough for receiving the desired health. The Saint excused that he was a sinner, of whom such things ought not to be asked: but when the sick man persisted supplicating, and it appeared that he suffered the most grievous torments; moved by charity, as otherwise by obedience, he formed the sign of the Cross for him: and as if by that very deed some rope binding the intestines were cut, he suddenly felt himself free; by a miracle so much the more celebrated, that the ill long familiar and frequent to the sick man wholly ceased, nor from that hour any more afflicted him.

CHAP. XXIV.

[56] In the same place a certain girl Paula Lianzola

named bore two scrofulous swellings on her neck, one equal to an egg, the other somewhat smaller, for now four years: and one of them indeed, to cure it, the surgeon had opened; but neither he nor another, who afterward applied his hand, could bring any remedy, by the same sign he frees the girl from two scrofulas. but the ill verged for the worse daily. It happened therefore that Paschal passing that way found the mother and daughter bitterly weeping, this one indeed because the ill seemed incurable, that one because by the same the daughter was prevented from ministering to herself and her husband, deprived of sight. To the old woman moreover explaining at length and sorrowfully her misfortune, Brother Paschal said: Be consoled, sister, for thy daughter will be healed. But the Saint returned expressly the next day to her house, who was called Joanna Vidal, wife of John Lianzola; and asked whether her daughter was at home. She answering, That she was at home; he ordered her to be summoned, and all the cloths and applied plasters of the wound to be laid aside; then he made the sign of the Cross, saying: The grace of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit be with thee. Amen. And thrice repeating the sacred names of Jesus and Mary, he mandated the girl, that she should confess, soon to be well; and forbade that she should put anything more on the wound, or on the other tumor next to be opened. Wonderful to say! As if one of the scrofulas had been extracted by the roots, at that very instant it vanished; the other, within the fourth or fifth day was similarly healed, broken at the same moment in which the Saint touched it. Afterward he admonished the girl, that, thanks being given to God, she should keep in silence the manner of her cure: which she faithfully held, lest she should sadden him by whom otherwise she remembered herself cured of her ailing eyes in a similar way. But for greater faith of the truth to be testified after the Saint's death, there remained on the girl's neck a little scar, which she shows even today.

[57] Balthasar Rubert, a citizen of Villarreal, deposed of his son Joseph, He drives away a fever from a boy, that he had been brought by fevers into the crisis of death now just at hand: but when he had commended him to the Saint, he promised him and his wife that he would not die: and the promise was made faith by the health that followed shortly. Ysabella Pallares, the wife of Peter Ceralta, a citizen of Villarreal, guarding her infant son too negligently, he fell here through the stairs even to the floor, dashing so grievously that a mortal wound appeared on his forehead: for besides that the stairs were of seventeen steps, he had dashed his head against a column or post of the house. The surgeons gathered for the cure had resolved that the cranium must be trepanned: and the boy with closed eyes gave no hope of life, the mother greatly anxious, both by the sense of her own bereavement and by fear of her husband, To another fallen from the stairs he prorogues life for a year. as soon as he should return home about to understand the matter. Meanwhile opportunely the Saint came thither, consoling her: who with great instance and faith said to him: Pray for the boy's safety, Father, or at least that he live yet one year, so that my husband may not know that he died by my fault. To whom the Saint; Since, he said, Sister, thou askest not that thy son live absolutely, but only that thou be freed from the trouble which thou fearest from thy husband, trust in God: for I believe certainly that He will help thee, and I on my part will help thy intention. It was the ninth day of April when these things were done, and the boy now almost dead opened his eyes, and alacrious and vigorous freed himself from the maternal arms: and beginning to play with a ball lying on the pavement, he showed by deed, what by words he could not yet say, that he was healed. But he persevered well the whole time the Saint promised; then the year turning, on the very ninth day of April, he died of another infirmity, so slight, that those present said, the boy seemed to die as it were in jest. But the mother remembering that on this very day the year of the grace promised by the Blessed was terminated, and announcing this publicly, doubled the admiration to all, especially to her husband, who reproved the slight faith of his wife,

CHAP. XXV.

Because if, he said, thou hadst asked life absolutely, the Saint would have obtained even this for many years.

[58] To Angela Gomban, wife of Michael Morena, a citizen of Villarreal, for a whole month now milk had failed by which to feed her son, He obtains milk for a woman, with great trouble of hers: as one who was poor, and could not easily find women who would freely offer breasts to the infant to be suckled. Placed in this affliction she asked Paschal passing by perchance with tears, that he would commend her to S. Francis: to whom the Saint with wonted courtesy answered; she should resume courage, for soon she would abound with milk, as in fact happened. For the breast, a whole month dry, the infant now disaccustomed to apply his lips to it being applied, most eagerly immersed himself; and drawing copious milk, soon appeared beautiful and plump, until he was weaned at a fitting time, with great admiration of the neighbor women, who knew how long Angela's milk had been lacking. Ysabella Amcilla, wife of Francis Fernandez a citizen of Villarreal, she drives away the pains of another suckling woman. sworn like the other witnesses, asserted, that she had had five sons, all of whom she lost within the fourth or fifth month, tortured with so great pain of the breasts while she suckled them, that she dreaded to conceive further. But after the death of the fifth son, she took a certain poor little child to be suckled out of devotion: but from this one also taken to the breast suffering the same pains, she despaired that he could be happily brought up by her. Under these things conversing with Joanna Trullench her friend, she understood that she also had suffered the same, but had been cured by Brother Paschal, to whom she was devoted; nor did she doubt, but that if she similarly had recourse to him, she would obtain health. The woman believed the words of her friend, and an occasion being seized of the Brother present at her door for the cause of alms, she asked him that he would obtain for her from God the grace of bringing up this boy: for which he willingly promised that he would pray, and returning after a few days; Trust, he said, Lady, for my prayers will not be lacking to thee, and this time thou wilt bring up that infant sound. As also she did with great consolation of hers.

[59] After Ysabella also Joanna Trullench just mentioned appeared, and deposed under the faith of an oath, that immediately after childbirth she had been prevented from suckling her offspring, her nipples being split and her breasts paining. And when this infirmity had lasted her about four months, sad she manifested to the Saint, coming for the cause of alms to the door of her house, her unhappy condition, by which she was compelled to feed her offspring with another's milk. But he, she being ordered to trust for it, undertook that he would pray, Dysuria is healed. and at that very point of time she was most perfectly well. Francisca Montañez, wife of Francis Pitarch a Notary, a citizen of Villarreal, said that she had a daughter, by name Petronilla, of four years, who a little before the Saint died, suffered a difficult suppression of urine. And when the great-uncle of the girl had recourse to the convent, about to ask certain herbs for a remedy; and had narrated to the Saint the peril of his most beloved grand-niece, he received consolation, hearing from him that she would not die of that infirmity. And indeed soon and thenceforth she freely rendered urine, by the intercession, as the whole family believed, of Brother Paschal.

CHAP. XXVI.

[60] I would bring tedium to the reader, if I wished to relate all the graces which the Saint obtained for the women devoted to him: yet I cannot but narrate a miracle, known to all the citizens of Villarreal, wrought in the person of Hieronyma Verguesa, To a woman he restores a despaired-of step: wife of William Montañez. She had fallen from the solarium of her house, and falling had broken the bone of the hip lengthwise: which kind of fracture, especially in such a part, the skilled said was most difficult to cure; nor did they believe it would be, that without crutches under the armpits she could ever walk. The husband had recourse to the common consolation of the mourning, afflicted by the misfortune of his wife; by whom he was ordered to trust: for it would be that his wife would walk upright through the house, the time however not being expressed in which this would be done: and this same in a similar way he repeated, as often as the man came to the Saint. Meanwhile the woman was being cured by surgeons in the town of Burriol, whence the poor woman returned, not only not well, but so ill kept, that not until after two months could she rise from bed, and then most painfully advance her step, leaning on crutches under the armpits for some months, without hope of recovering humanly, even by the judgment of the surgeon who had undertaken the cure. Afterward it happened that the Saint died, and worked so great miracles as we shall see below: which heard she herself, mindful of the promise made to her husband, wished to approach to honor the venerable body. She came therefore to the sacred bier, leaning on this side on a crutch, on that on another person, and contriving any kind of step most difficultly. But as soon as she had kissed his hand, she felt as it were a secret virtue, thence transfused into her body, run through the whole and the bones be made solid: so that she could without a crutch and by herself alone return home, all wondering and praising the Saint in his promises, to be performed even after death.

[61] Another woman in Villarreal, by name Catharine Lenzola, the third or fourth day labored in the birth of a daughter, placed transversely in the womb: nor was there doubt of her death, on account of the abundance of blood which she emitted, another twice is relieved in childbirth: But when she had sent a certain son of hers to the convent to ask the prayers of the Saint, at the very point in which the boy and the Saint spoke between themselves, the woman gave birth, with her offspring sound and safe. The same at another time about to bring forth a son, and mindful of the benefits conferred on her by the Saint, similarly sent women to ask his prayers: and before the messengers returned, she was expedited from the labors of childbirth: which however was not of full happiness. For ulcerated with great wounds her breasts lay open: wherefore she asked the Saint, that he would ask health for her from S. Agatha Virgin and Martyr. Which when he had answered that he would willingly do, the woman felt herself better: but on the third day not even a trace of the wounds remained, by a miracle so much the more certain, that in her ten childbeds she always so suffered the same, that she required four or six months for the cure, and for suckling her offspring needed another's help, of which on the present occasion she had no need at all.

[62] A certain girl, by name Francisca Monserrada, from an abundance of blood going into the head had incurred an infirmity of the eyes so grievous, that after ten days she altogether lost the sight of one eye, To a blind girl twice he restores sight. by a cloud drawn over the pupil. A vein had often been opened for her, a bristly cord also was carried through the neck now for the ninth month, without a remedy of recovering. For this cause the girl's mother sad, when meeting a certain woman a dweller of the same town she had narrated to her the cause of her grief; Why dost thou not, said she, lead the daughter to S. Brother Paschal, most certainly to be cured? The other obeyed, and approaching the door of the convent said to the Saint: Thou knowest already, Father, the infirmity of my daughter, I believe for certain that your Reverence can with the help of God cure it for me: I supplicate therefore, by the grace divinely given thee, that thou make me partaker of my

vow. To whom the Saint; Say not such things, he said, to me, Sister: and forthwith calling the girl, he said; Come hither, and over thy eyes thrice pronounce these words; By the sign of the holy Cross, Jesus, Holy Mary. This done the girl began to be healed, until she recovered the entire sharpness of her eyes. But this gladness was not lasting to them; for when after a few days thence the blood, excited by some too great bodily labor, had ascended anew to the eyes, again the girl's vein had to be opened, again a bristly cord judged to be carried through the neck. In this state of things the Saint returned to the door, and asking the mother how it fared with her daughter, heard the same things as before. And so consoling her again and ordering her to be of good courage, he promised the girl would be cured without hurt: and so it was done that for diminishing the blood the surgeon coming the following day, said in wonder, that there was no need of it, because the girl was entirely well.

[63] To another woman, whose name was Francisca Marco, there was a daughter Ysabella Pasquala, whom the Saint cured of pestilent tumors, He takes away tumors of the head, of which one was equal to a closed fist, others smaller, with which her neck up to the head had been beset for many years. The physician did not dare to put hands to them, but made the mother hope, that at a riper age the importune growths would vanish through the menstrual purgations. But when perchance the Saint was present at the door, where ordinarily the little girl was heard, weeping on account of the pains of the neck, and he asked of her health; by the sole touch of his hands he healed her, without any other medicine. But lest women only seem to have experienced the benefits of the Saint, I will conclude this chapter with one grace, obtained through the devotion of a certain man of the same town of Villarreal, called Bartholomew Moliner. He had a son of three years, subject to suppression of urine. But at a certain time when the boy had labored with this ill more than two days, He drives away the stone, the body being touched. nor any medicine profited him (for among the gravel, with which he was burdened, was a stone equal to a pine kernel, as was afterward known) the little one showed the vehemence of his torments, by such laments and twistings of the members as he could; not without immense feeling of the father and all the bystanders, seeing the boy die before their eyes. While these things were being done, the Saint perchance passed through the same street; and coming to that house, where he saw the pains of the son and father, he modestly applied his hand to the affected body. And behold, as if the ill could not bear the sacred touch, the cataracts being suddenly unbarred, at once the stone, urine, and much sand burst forth; and he dismissed the boy unburdened and sound, such as even now he perseveres, having suffered no inconvenience thence, without any trace remaining of the prior symptom.

CHAPTER VII.

On the humility, poverty and penance of Paschal.

CHAP. XXVII.

[64] We have seen and wondered at in our Saint the gifts freely given, which have no necessary connexion with the holiness itself of a man; let us now pass to those which in fact constitute him holy and pleasing to God. Publicly reprehended he rejoices: Among these the first and the foundation of the rest is humility, which so excelled in Paschal, that all who sworn gave testimony of him known to them, with one mouth called him a most humble man: which from the truth, some following cases will teach. When he was porter in the convent of S. John the Baptist at Valencia, the Guardian of the place, austere and old, before the whole community most sharply reprehended him in the refectory, uttering certain words, which agreed with that morose age rather than with truth, and could have shaken patience out of another; saying among other things: Thou art full of confidence, because thou thinkest thou hast a treasure in thy hands: assuredly unless thou take care for thyself, that treasure will be turned into brass or clay. The Saint stood to all these things kneeling, with eyes fixed on the ground and head inclined, but bearing interior gladness on his very countenance, as if he had heard his own praises; the Brethren meanwhile condoling with him, that so holy a Brother was so publicly treated, either because he had left his tunic in the cloister exposed to the sun, or because it pleased the superior in that way to exercise his virtue. But he, the reprehension finished, rose, and the Guardian's feet, as is the custom, in sign of gratitude having kissed, ran to open the door of the convent, because he had been called thither by the bell. There when he delayed some time, Brother John Insulanus, thinking that he delayed studiously on account of the sense of the reprehension received, having drawn him aside said: Brother Paschal, have patience. To whom the Saint; But in what matter? In that, said the other, reprehension so harsh. Then he with great humility said: and corrections he receives as from the Holy Spirit. Brother, know that through the mouth of our Guardian the Holy Spirit spoke.

[65] The same he answered to another Brother wishing to console him, that, the little vessel of olives being broken, the Guardian had attacked him carrying about its pieces tied to his neck to suffer fierce things, that he had noted him negligent and incurious. For him saying that the Superior seemed to have exceeded measure, having spoken so harshly for so small a matter: Be silent, said the Saint, because truly I received his words as uttered by the Holy Spirit. The same likewise happened at Villena. There was also when the almoner of the convent grievously reproved him, as if he, by too great liberality, lavished the alms sought with so great labor by himself: to whom he answered not even one word in his own excuse. Nor indeed did he ever reply anything graver to anyone reprehending him, than that, to certain seculars not bearing his just admonition, and calling him by reproach a goatherd and shepherd, with cheerful countenance he said: Be not troubled, Brethren, for of every idle word a man will give account to God. Among other moreover acts of voluntary humiliation, frequent to him and observed through his whole life was, that, when the young Brothers received the blessing from the hand of their Master, he himself with them stripping took the discipline. The humbler offices of the house he performed with a readier affection: Everywhere he exercises humility. whence when once he saw his name in the table, where those are distributed, omitted, he ran to its curator, asking that he would not have him deprived of that merit: and so both in cleaning the latrines and in washing out the filth he was diligently engaged.

[66] The same virtue made him so solicitous, that he hid all things which could be turned to honor for him. The same made him set aside for himself the vilest things in habit and food collected. The same compelled him to decline any appearance of prelacy. But if at some time obedience imposed the office of conventual President, he was unwilling that it should appear exteriorly, nor even that the blessing be asked of him: and because he could not altogether avoid this, when at the same time exercising the office of porter, he had to open the door for those going out; this opened he withdrew himself behind the door, lest he should see himself honored. The same made desirable and sweet to him any contempt in deed or word, which even from his very gait and lowering of eyes could note those who otherwise had never seen the man. The same hindered him from thinking himself hurt by anyone's saying or doing: wherefore neither did anyone see him angry, nor hear him murmuring. But if he himself heard anyone murmuring, he took care not to condemn him within himself, but immediately objected to himself some praise of him, that another's vice might be concealed at least in his own eyes: and he only knew to aggravate and manifest his own faults though most slight, believing himself unworthy of every good, worthy of evil; nor that anything was done to him beyond equity, but considered all the creatures of God, through which he suffered anything, as vindicators of his scanty virtue and gratitude.

CHAP. XXVIII.

[67] Next to so profound a humility was the zeal of most absolute poverty, His poverty in all things for proving which it suffices to see his garments worn, vile, sewn from little patches, even to this point that it would be impossible to find a beggar who would have them, patched together from so many little pieces, rarely exceeding the breadth of two fingers. Which little pieces of cloth of every kind he indeed sought in the dunghills, and washed set aside for his uses; and also fragments of threads and needles void of point, into which collected by himself he himself put points on a whetstone prepared for this. He also sewed old and quite worn-out sandals for himself as best he could. The lamps he kindled with a pine chip, that he might spare the wax: and when he had once seen a Brother pour out some oil, with great zeal as if reprehending he said: Is this man a poor man? It cannot be said, with what spirit he exhorted the Brethren, that they should strive to be truly poor, and rejoice in patched tunics and mantles no less than seculars in elegances. But he confirmed his words by examples, especially in clothing, of which some someone perhaps would have blamed for excess. Such was, that when he had worn certain interior little patches ten or eight years, he at length had them so covered with dense segments of woolen or linen cloth, that what was their principal material could not be discerned, and they seemed as it were stuffed into the hardness of shields. And so both I and as many as knew him, dare to say, that although I have seen many religious lovers of poverty, yet none similar to this one in food and clothing.

[68] New garments he never admitted: but worn and viler ones from others he wished. But when they had made him a new tunic at Jumilla, and to another tunic to be repaired were lacking those segments, by which inserted at the sides in a circle the lower part is loosened, he took these off and returned to the tunic given him, saying that the remaining parts sufficed him, who was of a lean body. Sewing these therefore he was so tightly bound at the feet, that he difficultly formed his step for walking. For this cause when at some time in the city of Murcia he was hissed by certain Ecclesiastics; not only did he complain nothing, but rather laid the fault on himself for his ill-formed gait. If striking one or other foot he had hurt it, to this he fitted the patched sandal, remaining on the other foot bare; and to those asking the cause he answered, that it seemed by no means equitable that the sound foot should enjoy the same delights as the infirm. in food, Equal was his poverty in food, scarcely eating anything other than the crumbs and little pieces of bread collected in the baskets: but the relish, which at Jumilla he added, were the leavings, scraped from the previous day's pot of the poor, or the residues of radishes or lettuces cast away among the bones. and cell. In his cell you would have seen nothing besides an old and broken coverlet, a wooden Cross and a paper image of the Virgin Mother of God: besides a reed inkstand for writing his books, joined together with that parsimony of paper which we said above. And this was all his furniture, which despicable to human eyes was so pleasing to the divine, which the miracles also proved, wrought at the touch of trifles so vile.

CHAP. XXIX.

[69] Poverty is followed by the rigor of penance: for poverty is exercised in poor and sparing food and clothing, He exercises patience by tolerating cold, and this is penance: and this in our Saint was so singular, that however much I shall say of it, yet I shall seem to have said little. For

his ordinary clothing was always a single tunic, although for many years he dwelt in convents and regions cold, as are the mountainous parts of Jumilla and Almansa; where even the most religious, although clothed with two tunics and a mantle, have need often to run back to the common hearth, even so hardly tolerating the winter freezing all things: for among the icy crusts and the colds of the snows he always walked discalced. But what heat could a hair-shirt woven of the spines of thistles have added, by wearing hair-shirts, with which he was sometimes clothed, or a little rake of a plate of iron coated with tin and minutely pierced through? None certainly: nor even that hair-shirt, which woven of horse-hairs, was to him in place of Holland cloth and the clothing of Paschal, bound with a rude chain, of which some rings were wrapped with worn segments of coarser linen, lest by mutual binding while walking or laboring they should give a sound, and betray to the curious the harshness of his penance.

[70] But perhaps what was lacking to his clothing, an abundance of nourishment supplied? By no means: by fasting, for neither did he admit that common thing which is indulged in religion, the members being macerated by fasting: but when others ate flesh, he himself fed on bread alone most often. At other times he set before himself only a little broth, and that, to mortify the taste, now cold: because he did not take flesh except most rarely, and as it were never supped. He fasted ordinarily every sixth feria and many days throughout the year on bread and water: nay for the whole first ten years he observed a fast of this kind thrice every week. He never took anything outside the common refreshment, not even a single berry or grape. But on the feasts of the Nativity and Resurrection and other similar ones, when the faithful are wont to be more liberal in alms, that to the Religious something more lavish and abundant be offered, he himself the more studied temperance; nor would he that the foods be set before him in diverse dishes, but he confounded all together into one bowl. There were not lacking meanwhile those who from time to time explored, whether he ate the flesh set before him; and noted, that with great caution dissembling his abstinence he tasted only the little herbs in which it was cooked; but the flesh itself he scarcely ever ate; but as if he ate, the bones being gradually extracted he cut it into little pieces, which finally he successively placed back in the bowl of the poor.

[71] When on the vigils of the aforesaid solemnities after supper the Religious assembled for some little recreation, to be taken as is then the custom, namely something of raisins or figs or fruits procurable for the time; he himself by his office of Refectorian brought these in, then betook himself to prayer in the choir; because he would not indulge even that scanty consolation to his weary body, which he had fastened to Christ on the cross, by no means to be dismissed even for a moment, although the mark of singularity was therefore imposed on him by some. But if on account of the mandate of the Superior he could not avoid it, in body indeed he was present at the collation, but in mind he wandered to consider those divine mysteries, which on such days the Church celebrates. In consideration of this kind rapt sometimes out of himself, while he sat on a stone bench together with the rest, then gathered in the kitchen, because it was cold, for the collation; before the time he rose, with great impetus crying and vociferating, so that by three or four Brethren, who had laid hands on him, he could scarcely with the utmost force be restrained. Seeing therefore the Superior their arms failing in the effort, with raised voice said: Brother Paschal, by holy obedience I command that thou be quiet. But he was quiet at once, yet remained so alien from his senses and so weak, that falling on the ground he had to be carried as for dead between arms, and to be borne into the cell. A similar case happened to him once at Our Lady of Lorito, where when he had fasted the Lent of the Apostles, and prepared himself to celebrate Pentecost, on the very day and third hour at which the Holy Spirit coming bestowed His gifts on men, the Religious being joined in prayer, the Saint could not contain himself, but with the amazement of all loudly exclaimed.

[72] By flagellating himself, He flagellated himself almost daily, especially when the Office was of a Martyr, both that even so he might experience the pains of martyrdom in the society of the very Saint who was venerated, and that he might offer that pain in place of martyrdom to God, and testify how for Him he wished to shed all his blood. But he was observed on the feasts of S. Michael or the Angels to flagellate himself longer, because on those days he did this by reciting nine times the Psalm Miserere, in honor of the nine Angelic choirs. Sick he admitted no kind of consolation of those which are wont to be offered to others, not a mattress, not blankets: nor did he give himself to be cared for by the Physician before he was compelled by the express mandate of the Superior. But the whole time of his infirmity however grievous perhaps were the torments, he was never heard to complain, never even to give a groan. But as soon as the fever had left him, he rose from his bed, and betook himself to the choir or the chapel of the infirmary itself to pray: in which action indeed he was sometimes found so feeble, that he could not ascend the stairs except leaning his back against the wall. Sometimes suffering a quartan, when he would not apply a cure to it, and I took this for a scruple to him, he answered: Know, Brother, that I suffer not the quartan from any natural cause, but by the special will of God. There was when otherwise the Guardian by express mandate compelled him laboring with a quartan to eat flesh: but he then indeed obediently ate these, but toward night, a sharp discipline being taken, he compensated to his body what had been withdrawn from its mortification that very day, although that day was of the febrile recurrence.

[73] His bed at Almansa was a rush mat, and a piece of wood for a pillow, by sleeping hard. and a vile coverlet with which he covered himself. But he was there a long time under the bell, in a cell so poor, that it had neither a door, nor was wholly covered. At other times in more advanced age he slept upon boards strewn with a little skin. But that not even sleeping he should cease from torturing himself, or his body should take perfect rest, he gathered himself as it were into a ball, his mouth touching his knees; and wrapping his body in the coverlet so bound it, that he could not at all stretch himself out. When going forth into the town it happened that his companion sat down in some house, he himself shunning seats looked about for some footstool or low stool; and in this too he was noted to be wont to sit only on one side, on the other as if suspended to torture himself. But he exhorted also the other Brethren, especially the younger, that by treating their body hardly, and often keeping the fast on bread and water, they could subject it to the spirit. But when on a certain day he saw a Religious, having apples in his cell; the Saint asked of him, why he had any food there. But him answering, that he had them not for the cause of eating, but only that delighted by sight and smell he might bless the Lord, the Saint subjoined, Know, Brother, that he who willingly has in his cell anything to eat, will never obtain the spirit of perfection: which saying I heard and diligently noted.

CHAPTER VIII.

On the prayer and meditations of S. Brother Paschal.

CHAP. XXX.

[74] After he had passed from the world, where we have said how loving he was of praying, to the religious state; Paschal was suffused with so great gladness of spirit while praying, that, although he had all his faculties most occupied, ever seeing God present before the eyes of his mind, His zeal of praying, this very thing appeared exteriorly. For even when he was among the crowds of seculars, he was always found with a countenance so alacrious, serene, and placid, that whoever considered him, would note in his face, eyes, and lips a certain perpetual as it were laughter. And his eyes indeed and face he often bore so raised to heaven, that whither his feet went he sometimes did not see. Thus when on a certain night he went forth from the choir, where he had prayed at length, nor attended where he set his step; from a higher step to the lowest foot of the stairs he fell down with so great impetus, that I, who then perchance was free at studies, having heard the fall wished to go forth from my cell. But suddenly hearing all things quiet, a little after I had him at the door of my cell, knocking modestly and asking for a light: looking on whom, I saw his countenance swollen with a great tumor; and thence I understood that it was he who had fallen: for from his mouth I could scarcely elicit it. But since he would no remedy for that ill, he was unwilling that I should go forth from the cell to seek it: but he with great patience betook himself silently to his own: although so grievous a fall was it, that he bore the remains of the inconvenience which he then suffered through all his after life.

[75] He never undertook anything, of which he had not sought out by prayer the will of God consulted, before any action whatever. which by the following case will be declared. It was very expedient for the Convent, that a certain necessity of it be provided for: and because the Guardian knew, that the Saint, if he wrote to the Provincial, would obtain from him a prompt remedy; he asked that he would do it and indicate the matter. About to write the epistle therefore he went into the cell with the sheet of paper, which the Guardian had given for that end: who some time after wishing to know whether he had finished, unexpectedly opened the cell, and found the Saint with knees fixed in prayer and hands joined among which he held the paper, asking the Lord to guide his pen, and to dictate within him what he wished to be written. Nor only did he do this in businesses of greater moment, but also for the least actions. At other times, while others slept, certain Religious passing his cell, heard him within sighing and groaning: in which lest he should be often caught fearing, not rarely he betook himself to the garden, where observed by no one he mingled sweet colloquies with his Jesus. A certain Brother at Jumilla suspected this: therefore about to watch what he did, he hid himself there secretly, and saw him penetrating among certain dense trees, with frequent motion of the arms as if solicitously seeking something, and with a bland voice sending forth pious and fervid ejaculatory prayers, of which that Religious denied that he retained a particular memory: but I found them thus written by his own hand.

[76] What his ejaculatory prayers were. Teach me, most profound Abyss, Wisdom creatress of all things, who in thy divine balance hast weighed the magnitude of mountains and hills, and hast suspended the weight of the earth with three fingers. Suspend, O Lord, the weight of this corporeal heaviness, which I carry about, with thy three invisible fingers, that it may see and know how admirable thou art in every creature. Thou art the supreme light, which didst shine before all other light on the holy mountains of thy most ancient eternity: to whom all things were manifest and conspicuous before they were made. O light, abhorring every stain, what are the delights of thy Majesty with man? Whence hast thou prepared in me a throne worthy of thy Royal excellence, into which entering thou mightest delight thyself? Whence has man that he should become a temple of thy purity,

and receive thee within himself? In this manner no hour of the day passed for him, which he did not distinguish by a variety of prayers of this kind, wholly collected within himself, to enjoy that paradise which he carried within his soul; for that he drew this from the Evangelical doctrine appears from the words, written in his book, of this kind.

[77] The kingdom of God is within you, says the Saviour. Luke 17. But of what sort is that kingdom? That namely of which the Apostle to the Romans VIII, Justice, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit. Where justice is set as the root of all this good, but peace and joy as the fruits of this root, in which consists our rest and felicity. And this signify to us the two names of Melchizedek, who was called King of justice, King of peace. For these two accompany each other mutually: for never is peace found without justice, or justice without peace. In vain therefore labors whoever seeks peace and true joy without justice and a good conscience. Thus far he: but elsewhere he writes thus: Let me love thee, O Lord, my fortitude, my refuge, my deliverer in labors and perils. What is there for me in heaven, O God, and besides thee what have I willed upon the earth? My soul and my flesh fail in desire of thy Majesty: because thou art the God of my heart, thou my portion and my inheritance for ever. These and similar utterances the Saint pronounced among those trees of S. Anne of the mountain. And although he who explored there his actions, strove to be hidden; to him with patience and the lenity wonted to him he declared some sense of his, saying, Why dost thou persecute me?

[78] He was wont to pray with so great attention and vehemence of spirit, The posture, rapture, and cheerful countenance of the man praying. that without sense of external things rapt into God, he was sometimes even seen elevated a cubit from the ground. Thus at Jumilla in the choir Brother Andrew Rodriguez deposed that he was seen by him, when he had perchance entered thither, and that he was vehemently terrified at that sight. A certain woman of Villarreal also noted, Francina Sebastiana, that on holy Thursday she saw him praying before the most holy Sacrament, and through his whole body altogether immovable as if fixed with nails to the ground, for whole five continuous hours. He was present at the sacrifice of the Mass so devout, that he breathed a similar affection into all beholding. It was also often observed, that ministering to the same sacrifice, with bent knees and hands joined before his face (which was the ordinary posture of the man praying) he flowed with most copious tears. The same Francina, as one particularly devoted to the Saint, two or three days before he was infirm, noted that during the whole time of the Mass which he served, he seemed to her to smile perpetually: but she saw him cheered with full laughter, when he transferred the book from the corner of the Epistle to the other, which is called of the Gospel. And when after about ten days thence she heard that he had died, it was again and again suggested to her thought, that that laughter was an indication of some knowledge of his glorious end received. And to this testimony consent the sayings of several Brethren, asserting that during those same days they noted a certain extraordinary gladness in him; by which it came about that while walking he laughed and chanted, as if refreshed by some most joyful news. He was also most devout to the Queen of heaven and her Rosary, which is partly understood from his writings, partly seems to be gathered from that assiduity with which he always handled it in his hands: which if he had need for performing some ministry, he expedited them by casting the Virgin's chaplet around his neck, which he did not put off before he dismissed his very spirit.

CHAP. XXXI.

[79] Moreover that I may satisfy those who with desire of imitating wish to see a specimen of his pious exercises; His writings on prayer. I will transcribe here certain things from his little book, noted concerning prayer and meditation. Meditation, he says, is the studious operation of the intellect, investigating the knowledge of a hidden truth. Prayer is the devout and attentive suspension of the mind in God, for averting evils and obtaining the goods desired. Contemplation is the suspended elevation of the soul into God, which now dead to mundane things, tastes the joys of internal peace and sweetness. Leisure and holy rest, are the effects of contemplation, which the contemplative life chiefly intends. Reading is the diligent consideration of the Scriptures with attention of the intellect. I say, says S. Bonaventure, that our speech and our prayer are the desire of some thing, or a petition conformable to our desire. But the glorious S. Chrysostom, teaching how prayer is the beginning and cause of great goods, thus speaks: What thing can there be either juster, or more beautiful, or holier, or fuller of wisdom, than to converse and speak with God? For if those, who deal with the wise, soon become wise; what shall we say of those, who always speak with God, and consult with Him concerning all their affairs? O how great is the wisdom, how great the virtue, how great the prudence and goodness, and temperance, and equability of manners, which the zeal of prayer draws with it! He will not err therefore who shall say, that prayer is the cause of all virtue and justice; and that nothing of those things which are necessary to the soul can enter into it if prayer be lacking: nay rather, just as a city lacking walls and bulwarks affords an easy entrance to the enemy; so the soul, which is not fortified by prayer, is easily conquered by the demon and filled with vices. Nothing further from the truth will he recede, who shall maintain, that prayer is as it were the spiritual nerves of the soul: for just as the body through the nerves, by which it is woven together, moves itself into every part: and just as they are so necessary to the body for life, that, they being taken away, all its harmony and consonance must straightway be dissipated; so souls through the nerves of prayers remain firm, and apt for the spiritual life and perfect exercise in the course of virtue.

[80] The reason for which God created us, so poor and destitute of virtues, was, that we should exercise ourselves in prayer, and through it as means should reach unto Him and ask virtues from Him. So necessary to us is prayer, that without it we cannot live according to God: and this virtue is as it were a pledge which God exacts from us, that He may hold us joined to Himself: for He knew how useful His presence and conservation would be to us, and how perilous it would be for us to be separated even a little from Him. Since God most greatly desires to give His favors to us; in every thing thou shalt ask, trust firmly that God will give what thou shalt have asked. Ask nothing unless to this thou be first moved by the divine will, which most greatly desires to give and to assent to thy petition, which thou wilt wish to ask; and waits until we begin to ask something: and so to asking thou oughtest to be moved more by the propensity which God has to bestow, than by His own necessity of that thing which is asked. Exercise thy soul through vehement and powerful acts to will whatever God wills, removing from thy will every good and convenience which from such will thou couldst obtain, that alone being excepted that the will of God deserves to be sought above everything desirable, and that which His divine Majesty wills us to attain what we desire; that, it being obtained, we may become greater servants of God, and love Him more perfectly. Let all thy petitions and prayers always be signed with such an intention: and when thou shalt ask, ask with love and through love, with instance and importunity. Abstract thy soul from the things of this world, and think that there is nothing in it besides God and thy soul: nor let thy heart be distracted by them or lie open even a little. Let blind, simple and humble judgment, memory awakened above itself, divine love season all our things like oil.

[81] There are four degrees of perfection, namely; The soul stripped of all created things, nay also abstracted from its own body: the soul united to God through spirit and will: the soul familiar with the Divine Majesty: the soul which receives whatever shall be imposed, as from the hand of God, giving thanks everywhere. Twofold is the manner of contemplation, the one through creatures in the intellect, and this manner is very difficult and laborious, because it is exercised through the faculties and intellect with a space of time: of which although there is much utility, yet he will never attain perfection who stops in this alone, nor is purely and absolutely a spiritual man. The other manner, as it is almost without labor, so almost without expense of time with the greatest merit tends to perfection: but this manner is hidden and few find it: but it is called by various names, now indeed Infused science, otherwise Hidden wisdom, otherwise Mystical theology or the Exercise of aspiration. But it is found through the way of aspiration, which is a kindled fire, burning in the heart, deep with fervent and living desires of love, which nourishes and sustains the devout soul with affections of the will continually new. This fire of divine love the divine goodness kindles through its infinite clemency within the bowels of the loving soul, and it is continued through quiet and perfect contemplation, in which and not without it the burning of that love-bearing flame can be preserved; which assimilates the soul to a furnace, through which it raises itself, about to immerse itself in that everlasting center, whence the discipline of divine love proceeded and the glowing coals of this fire. The quiet contemplation and the end in which this love is terminated, is everlasting love, which begun to be kindled in this life, is never extinguished nor ceases to burn, until it reach unto life eternal. To contemplate, according to the precise notion of the word, is for the soul to raise itself into the love of God purely and absolutely, not involving itself in the clouds or obscurities of the knowledge of created things, especially of those which are below the rational soul. And thus far are the very words of the Saint, with which also the following exercises are found expressed.

XXXII.

[82] When thou shalt have passed the purgative way and stood some time in it, that is in the knowledge of thy littleness, misery and vileness: and when thou shalt have spent some years in meditating on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and His most holy life; when at length thou shalt have known God in His creatures, and increased thyself in virtues with much knowledge of thyself; begin with great humility to give and occupy thyself in the way which they call illuminative, and in that which they call unitive, which consists in the acknowledgment of the divine benefits with thanksgiving, and in the sweet exercise of the love and charity of God. Moreover let the sum of the exercises of the illuminative life be this.

Matter to be meditated on each day of the week. On Monday thou oughtest with much diligence to consider the benefit of creation, saying: I give thee thanks, my God and supreme King, that from eternity thou hast predestined me and loved me in perpetual charity. O my most ardent lover, my father, my glory

my glory, my hope, when shall I love thee with faithful love? when shall I embrace thee with inmost bowels?

On Tuesday, the benefit of gratification, saying: I give thee thanks, my supreme Lord, to whom it pleased to gratify me to thee in thy most beloved Son, not sparing Him. I give thee thanks, O Lord, that thou hast given me the Holy Spirit as a sign of adoption, as a privilege of love, as a ring of betrothal, by participating His gifts, fruits and holy inspirations. And here thou shalt give thanks for all the Sacraments.

On Wednesday consider the benefit of vocation, saying: I give thee thanks, my Lord and supreme God, that so often erring thou hast recalled and restored me, now by interior inspirations, now by external admonitions.

On Thursday the benefit of justification saying: I give thee thanks, my Lord and supreme God, that thou hast deigned so to change my will, that whatever pertains to penance and before was bitter to me, now tastes sweet.

On Friday the benefit of endowment, saying: I give thee thanks, my Lord and supreme God, that thou hast given me in natural gifts a capacious intellect and a tenacious memory, in the gifts of fortune strength and a comely conformation of body, in the gifts of grace to believe purely and to imitate ardently, etc.

On Saturday the benefit of governance, saying; I give thee thanks, my Lord and supreme God, that thou hast preserved me in this being, giving me daily increase, good health, a cheerful disposition, when of myself I am nothing.

On Sunday the benefit of glorification, saying: I give thee thanks, supreme God, that thou hast granted me the joys of paradise, giving me beyond the exigency of my nature the fruition of the Divinity, the vision of my Redeemer, and of His glorious Mother. O Lord, how great gladness will it be to me to see the King of heaven in His beauty, and my lady the virgin Mary, wholly deified and glorified.

[83] In a similar manner one must use some elevating points, for innovating the affection in each of the said benefits and elevating the mind, saying: O supreme goodness! O most lofty eternity! O incomprehensible majesty! O most ardent lover! O most sweet guest! O most holy savor! O most illustrious King! O most prudent Master! O most sufficient Recreator! O most liberal Redeemer! O most diligent Guardian! How, O Lord, shall I be able to render thee worthy thanks for so great benefits, so great gifts, so great mercies? Nor only in these exercises of the illuminative life oughtest thou to use points of this kind; but also in other exercises. Thou oughtest also in the recognition of those benefits to ruminate some authorities of scripture, elevating thy soul and saying: Blessing, wisdom, brightness, thanksgiving, honor, virtue and fortitude to our God, through all ages of ages. Amen. But because prayer that it may be perfect ought to consist of three parts, namely the acknowledgment of faults, the imploration of mercy, and the giving of thanks, therefore it is to be known, that to give thanks to God is nothing other than to elicit an interior act of the soul, by which we acknowledge God for the infinite and universal Lord, from whom flows every good: by which also he, who has received some celestial good, is delighted, considering by such a benefit himself to be made more apt for serving the giver of every... the giver; and is delighted seeing himself apt for loving more and serving better the giver of every good.

[84] Finally under the title of the exercises of the unitive Life I find described. Coming therefore, Brother, How one ought to pray in the unitive way, to the place of prayer, and fortifying thyself with the sign of the holy Cross, and recollecting thy spirit within, assume the person and affection of a son and a spouse with the affection of love: inform thy meditation concerning the divine praises and perfections: and learn in them to taste how sweet the Lord is in this manner.

On Monday first thou oughtest lovingly to consider, how God is the founder of all being, on the several days. that is the beginning and end of all things: on whose will all things depend.

On Tuesday think, how that thy beloved is the beauty of the universe, and made all creatures beautiful: He is He whose beauty the sun and moon admire, on whom the Angels desire to look.

On Wednesday weigh, how He whom by loving thou seekest is the glory of the world, whom the Angels adore, the Archangels praise, the Powers tremble, whom finally all serve.

On Thursday know, how He whom thou lovest is wholly charity: and that he who remains in Him, remains in charity and God in him. Likewise that just as the nature of fire is to burn, kindle and warm; so the property of divine charity is to create, to pour out His graces most liberally, to inflame love, to kindle, to save, to redeem, to guard, to free, and to illuminate.

On Friday consider, how He, whom thou desirest to love much, is the rule and exemplar of all things.

On Saturday weigh, how He, whom thou lovest is most quiet, and without any change of Himself governs the world by perpetual reason, the sower of heaven and earth.

On Sunday acknowledge, how He, whom by loving thou desirest, is most sufficient: and he who possesses Him, possesses whatever he needs.

[85] Moreover for each of these exercises these elevating points can serve: Various acts of virtues. O Lord, thou art my love, my honor, my hope, my refuge, my life, my glory, my end. O my love! O my beatitude! O my preserver! O my joy! O my director! O my master! I seek not, O Lord, nor will I that any other thing be proposed or said to me except thou, O Lord my God: because thou art most sufficient to me, my father, my brothers, my nurse, my ruler, my guardian, wholly desirable, wholly amiable, wholly faithful. The act of adoration also ought to be exercised in this form by mind rather than by voice: O most exalted Lord, my soul adores thee above the judgments of thy justice, exercised for our redemption in thy most beloved son. The thanksgiving thou shalt conceive thus. O supreme Lord of all, my soul offers thee thanks and praises for the most ardent love with which thou hast loved me before the ordination of the world: by virtue of which thou hast predestined me and made me a Christian, and converted me and rescued me from the world. And in this manner we can apply the said words to giving thanks for any benefit whatever. There are also to be appealed to by him praying the merits of the mysteries of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, saying: O Lord, by your holy Incarnation have mercy on me a sinner. But for pursuing the way of this exercise, I deem most apt the nocturnal vigils, by depriving the body of all superfluities, nor indulging it anything beyond precise necessity in food or sleep, that it may be able to carry thee through the way of love: because the contemplative soul cares not for the body, except in so far as it is obliged; and that only for the love of God, whom it desires to please, and because the divine Majesty commands it. The just soul, which has passed through the purgative and illuminative way, and manfully watches to guard interior quiet, will acquire hidden wisdom, and will taste the sweetness which God bestows on those who love Him. Take away from thee all self-love, and conceive a perfect horror of thyself: desire truly and from the heart to be despised, afflicted, depressed by all, and held for vile. Nor yet think it any great thing, if thou rejoice and delight in the very injuries: for thou knowest that thou justly deservest them, on account of thy many and grievous sins. And all these things, from diverse places indeed, yet from one book of his collected, will suffice, to explain the spirit of practical prayer and contemplation, by whose directing he could taste and write such things.

CHAPTER IX.

The excellence of his faith, his devotion toward the Eucharist and the Mother of God.

C. XXXIII.

[86] That his faith was great, living, solid, and fervent the Saint demonstrated, by speaking of its mysteries with so great certitude and efficacy, He speaks of Christ's nativity to the brethren; that to all it was a wonder, and he added courage for embracing and shunning those things, which faith as such proposes to us. Notable especially was with how great delight and pleasure he narrated the life and miracles, passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that so assertively and clearly, as if he had been present at each mystery. There was when by obedience it was enjoined him at Jumilla to make words concerning Christ's nativity to the Brethren: which he so did as if he himself, while he was a shepherd through the fields, had been one of those to whom the Angel evangelized that great joy, and with them had seen the little manger, and adored the infant placed in it: he added how the mother wrapped him weeping in little cloths, and offered him her breasts; the armies of celestial spirits meanwhile jubilating and festively modulating: among which he pronounced the sacred names of Jesus and Mary, he did it with such tenderness and reverence, that it sufficiently appeared that they were inscribed within in his heart. Concerning the time moreover and place in which Christ was born, these manuscript things of his I find.

[87] When the glorious Virgin Mary had conceived so precious a son of the Holy Spirit, on the XXV day of December, in a silent and quiet night, she brought forth her only-begotten in a poor little hut. He was born therefore from the most pure womb of the most sacred Virgin Mary, he writes of the same, who had been the daughter of the holy man Joachim and of his legitimate wife Anne: who brought him forth according to the computation of writers in the year from the world created 5199, from the City founded 752, in the year of the Empire of Octavian Caesar Augustus 42. But when the glorious Queen of heaven was in a place so desolate, she was surrounded with a most splendid light. Then the hour of the most sacred birth was present at midnight on the Lord's day: and our Lord Jesus Christ was born under a certain rock, which was beside the inn. He was born, I say, and Jesus Christ our God the sun of justice illuminated us, and visited us from on high. And below. According to the divine nativity Christ has a father without a mother; according to the human, a mother without a father. In this manner he proceeds to explain the great things of the life and death of Christ, confirming the mysteries of our faith and the articles of the humanity of Christ, by the authorities of the Prophets, which we Theologians are wont to use against the Jews. But against the heretics a great argument is given us from that confidence, with which on the French journey we said he was prepared to die, against whom also he is read to have thus written.

[88] Heretics the sacred Scripture calls senseless: against whom, His writings against Heretics. says Solomon in Wisdom V, the zeal of God will take armor, and will arm the creature for the vengeance of His enemies: He will put on justice for a breastplate, and will take sure judgment for a helmet: He will take equity for an invincible shield: He will sharpen His severe wrath into a lance, and the world will fight with Him against the senseless: which is properly the appellation of heretics: because they not only have a darkened intellect, but also are torpid in sense for any good work whatever; whence it follows, that it is most true, what faith affirms of them.

Moreover God is the author of nature, according to S. Chrysostom there is a certain secret hand of God: since therefore God Himself is the author of natural reason, and the same also the author of faith, it could not be that He should make faith contrary to nature, or the truth of faith contrary to the truth of nature: from which it follows first, that the sin of infidelity and heresy is the sin of fools, and of most ignorant cavilers; and therefore they are called by S. Peter unlearned, unstable, unwise: and S. Paul says of them, that they have an intellect darkened by darkness, alienated from the way of God through the ignorance which is in them on account of the blindness of their heart. 2 Pet. 3, Eph. 4, 18. Thus the Saint. Now I would wish to add what concerning the articles regarding the Divinity he has left described to us by his hand, but the proposed brevity constrains my hand: take a specimen in the following words.

[89] In that eternity and infinite duration without beginning and change, Writings on the mystery of the most holy Trinity. before anything of visible creatures appeared, God was one in essence and three in persons, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, each having among themselves a most perfect beatitude, joy and ineffable communication; since the Word, that is, the eternal, only, and only-begotten son of God, always proceeds from His eternal Father, by a spiritual and intellectual generation: and at the same time the Holy Spirit proceeds by a loving procession and spiration of the Father and the Son. But all three Persons have one and the same substance, although they are three true and real Persons without beginning and without end: and all three among themselves know, communicate, love, rejoice with infinite joy; which cannot be greater nor grow, although that most omnipotent Majesty should create a thousand worlds, which should always be occupied in loving Him. The eternal Father proceeds from no other Person: the Son proceeds from the Father alone: the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son. No one person is greater nor prior than another: but all three are eternal with the same eternity, all three are equal in perfection: the same wisdom, goodness, power, dominion and command to all. This therefore is the confession of our faith, which we profess. One God in Trinity and unity in Trinity. The Saint then proceeds with equal pace to say the loftiest things of the inscrutable mystery, which to be brought forth by a man rude in letters without any ferment of falsity, who is there that would not be astonished?

[90] All the Brethren and many seculars have signally testified that there was noted by them in the Saint a certain chief devotion toward the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist: He is frequent in saluting the Venerable Sacrament; for so imbued was his soul with that most precious pledge of his beloved, that as often as even a little leisure from his accustomed offices was available, he was drawn as it were by a certain violence into the church; running thither a thousand times, as a thousand times he was called away thence by obedience through the little bell sounding at the door. It happened however not rarely, that those knocking had need of a little patience, until he had freed himself from that sweet prison of love: but when he had satisfied them, again he was found either hearing Masses, or with bent knees toward the sanctuary, with hands stretched out thither, and in that posture of body that he seemed to vibrate Arrows of loving affection at that lover of men, hidden under the accidents of bread. From the same fountain flowed an eminent reverence toward Priests, whom coming to the door in what manner he received it was pious even to behold. For with knees on the ground he grasped the Priest's right hand with both hands, kissed it lovingly, applied it to his face, eyes, mouth: and this he did to all Priests without distinction, religious and secular, and asked their blessing.

[91] He communicated most devoutly, not contorting his countenance or emitting vehement sighs, as certain new spirituals, Preparation for receiving it, fervent with the must of their imperfection: but with alacrious, quiet, modest countenance, in which thou wouldst read the interior gladness of a soul deigned the presence of such a guest: for the reception of which also he prepared himself by the confession of his sins, to be made much more frequently than he communicated: for he did not do this daily. But on the day on which he did it, he showed a greater care of recollection and silence: he used also certain most devout little prayers, of which take this specimen: O Lord, my God, creator of heaven and earth, powerful King, who with that thy robust hand hast created me to thy image and likeness: who am I that thou shouldst be mindful of me? or what is man, most pious Father, that thou so magnifiest him? and joinest him so near to thy heart and love? As soon as thou hadst created him, thou madest him lord, giving him a most copious table in the paradise of pleasure: but after the redemption thou hast prepared for him a table of another far different kind, and hast set thyself before him as a dish to be eaten. O Lord, what so great liberality, what magnificence so eminent: that since thou art He who is, and prayers preceding: the infinite God, creator, and redeemer, thou shouldst enclose thyself in my breast? O my good Jesus! O my salvation! I offer thee my poor soul and my languid heart. Many times I have offended thy divine Majesty, and like the traitor Absalom have driven thee from the kingdom of my heart. Cleanse me, fountain of living waters. Heal me, salutary physician: clothe me with firm faith and hope, and make me a temple worthy of thee. The Centurion feared with great faith, because thou wast coming to his house: the Baptist, sanctified before he was born, feared to baptize thee: and shall I a sinner not fear to receive thee, the creator and lord of the Angels? O heavenly Father, give me strength and vigor for a work so great. O Son, the wisdom of the Father, bestow on me wisdom and prudence. O Holy Spirit, love of the Father and the Son, inflame my heart and purify my soul with the fire of thy charity, that with living faith I may receive this most holy Sacrament.

[92] Other prayers he had thus described: King of heaven, my Lord Jesus Christ, I an unworthy sinner approach to thy holy altar, invited by thy divine voice, and relying on thy clemency. Thou callest me to thy table, offering thyself to me for food: therefore, although a little one, I will dare like another Benjamin to come to the banquet, which my elder-born Joseph prepared for his brethren. I supplicate thy Majesty, that I may bring back thence those fruits which so sublime a Sacrament works in thy friends. I am infirm, thou the physician of my health. I am a sinner, thou art He who justifiest the impious. I am poor, thou rich with infinite riches. Give me increase of faith, increment of charity, the complement of all virtues, with which I may serve thee, may praise thee all my life, may at length enjoy thee in heaven through glory. Amen. My Lord God, Jesus Christ, Son of the living God; who on the day of thy holy supper, by the infinite charity with which thou hast always loved us, didst institute and ordain the sacrament of thy precious Body and most pure Blood in memory of thy sorrowful passion, and gavest to thy holy Apostles thy most sacred flesh to be eaten and thy most precious blood to be drunk, I supplicate thee, O Lord, and humbly ask, that thou wouldst soften the hardness of my heart, give me tears of compunction, by which all the defilements of my sinful soul may be washed away. For much and in diverse ways even today I have sinned, by thought, word, sight and deed. Mine is this fault, O Lord; mine the greatest fault. Nevertheless I truly confess and firmly believe, that thou, O Lord, canst pardon all my sins, through thy infinite goodness and mercy. Therefore, my sweet Lord, forgive me all; because for all and each I grieve, and firmly purpose more solicitously hereafter to beware of every harm. O my most pious Lord, give me thy servant so great and such devotion, by which today I may receive thee in the state of grace as is fitting. Thou, O Lord, with thy holy mouth hast said, I am the living bread, who descended from heaven: if anyone eat of this bread, he shall live for ever. O most sweet bread, heal the palate of my heart, that it may feel the effect of thy love: heal it from all infirmity, lest any other sweetness besides thee taste sweet to it. O most holy bread, who containest all delight and all savor: who always refreshest us, and never failest: let my heart eat thee and let the bowels of my soul be filled with thy delightful sweetness and savory taste. O sacred bread, bread of life, most pure bread, who descending from heaven gavest life to the world. Come, O Lord, come into my heart: let my soul feel the sweetness of thy most blessed presence.

Drive from me all enemies, who incessantly lie in wait for me. Let them flee, O Lord, let them flee from the face of thy infinite power; that being guarded by thee, O Lord, within and without, I may by the right way tend to the kingdom of heaven, in which face to face I shall always contemplate thy infinite essence, and live content with thee for ever. Amen.

[93] Of prayers also to be recited after Communion he had described for himself formulas of this kind. I give thee thanks, eternal Father, who hast given me to thy Son, Prayers after Communion to God; not only to be freed from the satanic tyranny, but also to console me by making Himself food in this holy Host. I render thee infinite thanks, my Redeemer, that with so great liberality thou hast enriched my soul with thy very body and sacred blood. I say thanks to thee, Holy Spirit, perfect charity, that thou hast visited my heart and in it amplified thy holy love. Let all the Angels praise, and all creatures glorify thee, my God, one and three, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. O Lord, would that through this Sacrament my soul might remain through love united with thee! I ask thy Majesty that hereafter I may never offend thee. Let the world and all its pomps be a loathing to me: with all thy spirit dominate my weak flesh, that with thy favor I may bring back a perfect triumph over the devil. Let thy holy love grow in me, let my faith and hope be perfected in the highest degree, that my soul may profit from virtue to virtue, until it see and through clear vision enjoy that which here it faithfully adores, and possess with the gladness of perfect glory Him whom enclosed and covered I have received in this holy Host.

[94] Praises and thanks I render thee, most pious and most benign Lord God, my creator and of all things: to thee, who hast deigned to satiate me an unworthy sinner, not for my merits, but by thy grace, with the precious body of thy only-begotten son Jesus Christ, our God and Lord. I most humbly supplicate thy most sacred Majesty, that this most holy communion and reception of thy glorious Son be not for the punishment and

condemnation of my soul: but may it help to find life, and to obtain indulgence of sins. Let it be to me the armor of true faith, the confirmation of hope, and the shield of good will. Let it be the cleansing of vices: let it take away and remove from me all carnal concupiscence; let it cast out all vanity: let it be the bridle of my tongue and the virtuous reformation of my soul. Let it be the increase of most ardent charity, of most profound humility, of honesty, peace, and reverence, and perseverance in every good, in every virtue and holiness. Let it be a sure protection against the snares of my enemies, visible and invisible: let it be the perfect mortification of all my carnal motions, and spiritual, and finally let it be the inseparable knot of conjunction between me and thee, Lord Jesus Christ. I ask thee, O Lord, that it may please thee to call me a miserable and a sinner to the banquet of the celestial glory: in which thou wilt be, O Lord, to thy blessed Saints the true light, the perfect and consummate gladness, full beatitude, and joy without end. Amen. I render thee thanks, my King, my hope and glory Jesus Christ, my creator and redeemer, for this ineffable favor, which my soul has received, made the couch of thy divine Majesty. Say, O most liberal Lord, what thou saidst in the house of Zacchaeus, when thou enteredst his poor little dining-room: Today salvation is made to this house, because here is a son of Abraham. O King of glory, heal my soul, strengthen it in tribulations, and give it grace, O fountain of all grace, that it may always love thee, serve thee, praise thee in this life; and in the other enjoy thee through glory. Amen. Jesus.

[95] Turning himself also to the Mother of God, he said: O holy Mary, most worthy mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, most serene Queen of heaven and earth, who didst merit in thy most sacred womb to bear the same Creator of all things, To the Virgin Mary. whose most venerable body I have received today; deign, O Lady, to intercede for me; that whatever against this Sacrament I have sinned through ignorance, negligence or malice, on account of thy deprecation Jesus Christ thy son may pardon me, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ages of ages. Amen. Jesus. And all the Saints. To the same Lady moreover and all the Saints he thus spoke. O most excellent and most noble mother of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, most sacred virgin Mary: who didst merit to conceive the same Lord and Creator of all in thy most pure and most sacred womb, whose most precious body I have presumed today unworthy to receive; but you holy Angels, and all Saints and holy women of God, who continually contemplate the same eternal God through clear vision, whom I a sinner have not feared to receive; you I beseech and most humbly adjure, that you would help me in rendering to the Lord our God thanks for so great a benefit, because I am by no means sufficient for this; and ask Him that He pardon me, that with scanty preparation I betook myself to receive this holy Sacrament; and that He give me grace that henceforth I may prepare myself with much greater devotion and reverence, such as befits so sublime a Sacrament; and so finally through His infinite mercy, may place me with you in the perpetual glory of paradise; in which He Himself always lives and reigns without end. Amen. Jesus.

C. XXXIV.

[96] By no words can be explained, how great devotion and love he had toward the Virgin Mother of God, whose name he never heard named, His cult toward the B. Virgin and her images. without religiously inclining his head and drawing others to his imitation. But whenever he passed a place, in which there was any image of her, he very notably and profoundly inclined himself with his whole head and even body; especially when he passed that which is in the place called De profundis, at Villarreal, to which he not only inclined his head, but as often as he was alone also bent his knees: as the cook often noted from the very kitchen, though he himself knew not that he was observed by anyone. I too often saw him kneeling before the image of the Conception, which is in the church: whose purity he not only defended, calling her Immaculate: but also in his papers described the Office, which on her feast we recite. But on this day and on the day of the Nativity it was a spectacle worth seeing, how with a certain particular and excessive devotion he appeared with his whole countenance inflamed and as if rapt out of himself. But if then he had any novice or one of the younger ones before him; Come hither, he said, Brother, and bend thy knees. Dost thou believe in God? say therefore with me, Blessed, praised, glorified and exalted be the immaculate Conception, or (if it were that day) the Nativity of the little one. With greater gladness of mind also he dwelt in those convents, which bore the title of Our Lady; and so it seems divinely given him, that in that which is called of Our Lady of Lorito he assumed the habit of Religion; and exchanged this for the better habit of the Blessed in that of Villarreal of Our Lady of the Rosary.

[97] It was a pleasure to him to speak of the devotion of the Rosary, and of the graces and indulgences to be obtained by its use, of which he had described for himself a long catalogue, His notes on the holy Rosary. and how on any Wednesday a soul could by reciting it be freed from purgatory, besides the plenary Indulgence which the Confraters gain for themselves, according to the Bulls of Paul III and Pius V. But what the Rosary is he noted in these words: It is called Rosary, because the Ave-Maria, like white roses, are applied and assigned to the most pure purity of Our Lady, but the Pater-noster, like colored roses, to the most sacred wounds of our supreme and most sweet Lord Jesus Christ. It is named Psalter, because it contains as many Ave-Maria, as are the Psalms of David. It is called Crown, on account of the circle of mysteries which it proposes to be considered. But also the Rosary of our Lord ought the Christian to recite and contemplate: whose form to a certain servant of God was revealed in this manner. When a certain Religious contemplated the mysteries of the Queen of Angels, our Mother and Lady; it seemed to him that our sweet mediatrix asked a special grace from her son for him reciting her Psalter: to whom He with ineffable sweetness answered, that he should also recite His Rosary, for the Ave-Maria saying, Hail most benign Jesus; and for the Pater-noster, the Angelic Salutation.

[98] And all these are the words of the Saint himself, then extending himself to explain the mysteries of the aforesaid Crown, and its many Indulgences, A prayer to Mary for a happy death. explaining, what a plenary Indulgence is, what an Indulgence of so many years or quarantines of the imposed penances; to describe also the various grains blessed by the supreme Pontiffs: all which it seems God willed to be written by him for the confusion of the heretics of this time. Finally this prayer for the article of death he consigned to paper. O most holy Mother of mercy: great Virgin, magnificent Virgin, supreme Virgin; Mother of God, Queen of earth and heaven, exalted Empress of Angels and men, singular Advocate of sinners, and after God the sure refuge, remedy and help of the afflicted. O Mary, sweet name, pleasant name, sweet name and conferring strength; Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, Spouse of the Holy Spirit. O Mother of God, Princess of nations, look upon this poor sinner. To thee I cry: Come, sweet Lady, succor me in this hour of so great necessity. This is the hour for which I have always invoked thee: desert me not in this article, O sweet Helper, who commend myself to thee with my whole heart: help me, through our Lord Jesus Christ, etc.

CHAPTER X.

The chastity, mortification, silence, charity, observance of Paschal.

CHAP. XXXV.

[99] He who was so great a lover of the Virgin, doubtless was also a lover of virginity; and preserved this unsullied until the end of his life. To this certainly pertained his rare abstinence, by which he not only abstained from flesh and wine so many years, but also when on account of his infirmities he was ordered to use a little wine, he always chose for himself the viler and more acid leavings of wine; and these very ones he used so sparingly, that he seemed rather to take away from himself the grateful and natural taste of water, than to regard the utility of wine. To the same were referred his so frequent and so prolix disciplines, so many and so various hair-shirts of bristliness, and the chain binding his weakened loins. Yet no virtue is proved without a fight: wherefore neither could it verisimilarly be believed that temptations contrary to chastity were lacking to this holy man, even though we had only certain uncertain indications of them. He suffers a grievous temptation, For my more certain knowledge however God willed, that as if forgetful of the taciturnity proposed to himself concerning such things (because he never made even the least mention of things of this kind himself, nor suffered it to be made by others before him) he should indicate to me, what was the most grievous assault, which in this kind he ever suffered. At a certain time the demon presumed with his infernal blast to rekindle in him the goads of carnal concupiscence now almost extinguished, and to thrust most importunely upon his imagination the appearance of a certain woman; whom likewise he kindled into desire of the holy man himself. So the engines being disposed, having long and variously skirmished, and at length about to fight with full battle-line, he so sharply agitated on a certain summer day Paschal as well as the woman; that to Paschal indeed, while the other Religious rested after dinner taken, it was necessary to run back to the church and ask mercy from God: but the woman weaker, all shame and fear cast off, came straight to the Convent (it was that of S. John de la Ribera at Valencia) and with great impetus ringing the little bell summoned, by reason of his office, Paschal. He, coming thither in his manner having said; Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ, opened the door, and trembled all over, seeing before him her on whose account he was so tempted. But she, and overcomes it. bolder by the opportunity of the hour and the solitude of the place, delaying nothing in words, as too slow, with arms spread out toward him flew at him; about to embrace, had not the Saint sprung back most swiftly; and to her confused and saying, Why dost thou flee? or thinkest thou that I would embrace thee? answering nothing he would have hastily shut the doors, and betaken himself to his asylum, the victory being won over the visible enemy as well as the invisible.

CHAP. XXXVI.

[100] The other passions also of the mind Paschal had no less mortified, especially those which pertain to the irascible and concupiscible faculty. He was indeed according to the deposition of the Physician of Villarreal John Francis Beneit, who had used him very familiarly while he lived, by natural complexion choleric; yet never in his office of doorkeeper, or on any other occasion whatever, was he noted with patience conquered or to be untreated angry or troubled; so that at the most, if anything was said to him apt to provoke indignation, either he excused himself modestly and quietly, or was silent altogether,

with the same countenance always, always serene: so that that his temperament seemed to serve him for this only, lest, what the melancholic contrary to the choleric are wont, he should be remiss in his works. Wherefore neither was it necessary to observe studiously the hours and times, in which one should deal with him, that something might be obtained. The love of his kinsmen and fatherland he so repressed, that he never asked to revisit it, never wished it, but showed them no affection ever other, than the spiritual through prayers from a desire of beholding all in heaven. Despising every mundane honor he willingly humbled himself in the refectory before the Brethren and among the people before seculars. Therefore in the year MDXCVI when for obtaining water for the crops a general procession was instituted at Almansa to the building of Our Lady of Bethlehem, a league and a half distant from the town, before an innumerable multitude of men of every condition and sex and age, we saw him come discalced, with a heavy cross in his hand and a thorn crown on his head, and a rude rope at his neck; as if he alone wished himself to be indicated to all guilty of the rain denied from heaven.

[101] The mortification moreover of the senses, which he had undertaken to observe, How he thinks of himself. I know not whether I can more conveniently explain, than by those words which he has left concerning it. Thou oughtest to have fixed in thy mind two principles. The first that thou shouldst think of thyself what thou wouldst think of a dead and foul body swarming with worms, at whose presence the living shudder, turn away their head, stop their nostrils. The other, that if anyone wished to deal with thee according to thy merit, he ought to tear out thy eyes, cut off thy nostrils, ears, lips, and deform all the members of thy body and torture the senses, because with them thou hast offended God: and in this thou oughtest so to rejoice, that thou shouldst think nothing more desirable; but all defamations, calumnies, reproaches however grave and bitter, thou shouldst drink in as a delightful liquor, receiving them with singular joy and dancing of heart. It is needful also, that thou turn and recline thyself within the arms of Christ poor, humble, despised, dead, defamed for thy reparation, until thou too be dead in all thy senses, and the Crucified alone live in thy heart.

C. XXXVII.

[102] The law of silence he had fixed for himself, that of his own affairs he should never, of others only sparingly speak, as much as necessity demanded. How great a lover of silence he was. Hence it comes that so few are the things which are known of his intrinsic virtues, and of the revelations and favors made him from heaven: which otherwise to have been many, the manner of his most holy life makes one presume. On that journey which from Xativa to Valencia we made together, among other discourses of virtues, he greatly praised silence and recollection, in which the soul vacant from exterior things, is wholly occupied in seeing and hearing those things, which God acting interiorly objects to the mind. But he himself for the greater part of the day separated from me walked silent and meditating divine things: so that it was necessary for me by repeated questions as it were with forceps to extract words from his mouth. He said to me sometimes, Believe, Brother, that the whole good of a Religious consists in prayer; but mental and quiet prayer cannot be had where there is effusion of the senses and much loquacity. It is certain, that he who does not close his mouth, is like a vessel full of odoriferous liquors, or a heated furnace, from which opened all the force of odor and heat exhales. We ought to take care to hide our treasure from robbers, for he who carries it uncovered through a way so full of brigands, seems to invite them to plunder.

[103] Nor only is silence to be kept in the tongue, but also in gesture and countenance: Praises written concerning the same. because it can be, that the heart indeed restrain the tongue, yet through the eyes, brow, and color betray the secret of hidden joy, grief, or indignation. But of these let us hear the Blessed himself thus writing in his book. S. Gregory Nazianzen said, rendering the reason why he abdicated his Episcopate; I remembered my quiet and silence, and seeing myself excluded from that, which from the beginning of life I had loved, and placed in great perils had promised to God; I dismissed all things, and withdrew. But that this his silence and quiet was the recollection of which we treat, the same holy Doctor shows when he says: In truth nothing seems to me more excellent and more conducive to man for life eternal, than, the exterior senses being closed, placed outside the world and the flesh, to turn to himself, alienated and alien from human cares; and to speak so to God alone, that, superior to all visible things, having a soul full of divine affections and of the ideas of celestial things without mixture of corporeal ones, a man may be made a true mirror of the divine image, lacking stain; and still placed on earth become in some manner a companion of the Angels; and human frailty being despised and dismissed, be transferred to superhuman things by the supervening Holy Spirit. But if anyone of you has at some time felt an ardor of this kind, he understands what I say.

C. XXXVIII.

[104] Yet this love of silence, of which we have spoken, did not hinder him from speaking in his places and times of God and divine things, His spiritual colloquies by no human fear or respect to be drawn from this his holy custom. He did this always, and indeed with singular fruit, as often as he visited the infirm or consoled the sad; and there shone then from the very countenance of him speaking an immense fervor of heart, reasoning most savorily with others of his beloved; so that to no one was such a colloquy a tedium however prolix. Thus when at some time in the town of Elche he lay sick, and to visit him a certain friend of the Convent had come immediately after midday; the Saint indulging to relieving the sad spirit, protracted the discourse begun concerning God without fatigue until night. And when the Guardian admonished that secular that night was now coming on; he excused himself, denying that all that time seemed to him more than an hour. heard long without tedium. But to each he said things congruous to the age or condition of each; to gamesters, that they should withdraw themselves from that vice, by which at once both the soul and the faculties are exposed to peril; to youths, that they should commend themselves to God, cultivate chastity, decline depraved companionships; to the old, that they should be patient and a good example to the rest; to novices, that they should do many penances, fast much, eat little; to all, that they should keep the rules and laws of their state. Finally his whole discourse was nothing other, than an efficacious inducement to virtue.

C. XXXIX.

[105] As to charity toward God and neighbor, in which the perfection of virtue consists, these laws he had prescribed for himself in his little book: Charity toward neighbor: For obtaining life eternal three things men ought to know and do; toward God to have the heart of a son, toward neighbor the heart of a mother, toward oneself of a judge. And so he knew best how to join to poverty and parsimony concerning himself liberality toward neighbor. It happened once at Villarreal that after sunset there came to our church a most afflicted woman, called Magdalena Rupert, to ask a remedy for her straits from God; for since she had at home three sick sons, not only were the other opportune consolations in that case lacking; but on account of the utmost want, even the bread which she might break for them. To her praying came up Paschal, about to close the church, and asked, why she was in that place so late. Father, said she, I suffer a certain affliction, in which I ask that thou commend me to God. I will, replies Paschal, and the temple she having gone forth he closed. But she looking in through the chinks, saw the Saint in the middle of the church soon kneeling to fulfill his promise: To a woman he obtains food from heaven by his prayer for her sons. and with great hope of obtaining help returned home, she approached the cupboard where she had left a little piece of bread, which she wished to divide among her sons, rather as something blessed, than as food: and behold she found two whole loaves in it, which since neither she nor any of the domestics placed there, must have been brought by Angels at the prayers of the servant of God Paschal. But because the woman needed not bread alone, God moved two devout persons, to whom she had never indicated her necessity, to supply her all things, as long as her sons were sick.

[106] Nay even after death the Saint proceeded to aid the same woman. For when she once angry lifted her son of four years from the ground, with great impetus, she moved his tender hand from its joint. Hence the little boy on account of the vehemence of the pain wept and wailed inconsolably: therefore on the fourth day the mother calling a surgeon, was ordered by him for the following day and a certain hour, to prepare warm water and certain other things: she meanwhile ran to our church, to commend the son's health to the Saint now dead. Hence with great confidence of her prayer heard returning home, and doing as she was ordered, the surgeon came up; and wishing to cure the boy's hand, found it restored to its joint: which also he, who had ceased to weep, moved into whatever part you had ordered. Therefore the surgeon seeing himself anticipated by another more powerful physician, departed from the house in wonder. Two months afterward, the elder son of the same woman James happened from the breast downward even to the feet so to swell, that the consulted physician judged he must be slowly cured, purgative potions being given. Therefore when conscious to herself of her poverty she understood that the necessary expenses for it could not be made by her, but heals the body of the other. she had recourse to the sepulchre of Paschal, asking that he would obtain from God the purgation, which she could not buy for her son. A wonderful thing! On the very day the youth's belly began to be loosed, with a spontaneous flux for three days, by whose benefit, the humors being evacuated, all the swelling subsided, which was thought to be cured only most slowly. But when this miracle Brother Jerome Planes Definitor once narrated to a certain Sister, called of Sax, who herself also had need to be purged, she too with equal faith commended herself to the Saint, and without a potion experienced the salutary effect of her prayer.

CHAP. XL.

[107] The Saint was most observant of mandates and rules, yet by no means scrupulous: wherefore when once in the choir he stood next to my side; He is tortured by no scruples: and an inclination being made to recite the Pater-noster, he noticed me that finished repeat it again from a certain scruple, he severely admonished, that I should not do that otherwise: for God was offended, and occasion given to the demon to disquiet the soul with importune scruples, which are as it were the fleas of conscience, and weary and disturb it, and make it lose conversation with God and the tranquillity of contemplation, by cooling the flame of divine love, and so opening the door to any spiritual harm. The Guardian once wished to send the collector of alms, to ask some wax-tapers for the adornment of the Sepulchre in holy week, as

is the custom: but because the devout persons, from whom they were to be asked, had to procure them with money from the treasury, that more scrupulous one excused himself, because money had to intervene in this petition. The Saint then perchance was present with the Guardian, and asked that this alms be committed to him to seek, but the matter committed to him he undertook with great alacrity and without any indication of a scruple. For first he contracted a debt with the treasury, receiving the candles on credit, then, going to those whom he hoped would willingly pay the price, he said; Sir, to such a man are owed so many wax-tapers, do us the charity and pay the price, for they were for the most holy Sacrament.

[108] He commends poverty, He admonished all to keep the mandates of God, saying, that if they wished to merit consolation from God and His favor in their labors, they should confess more often and amend their life; and would find by experience, that by that means they would receive over themselves and their family the divine blessing. and the observance of the rules: But when he instructed the Brethren, the first thing which he inculcated to them, was the observation of the Rule, especially concerning the point of poverty, with the limitations of Nicholas III and Clement V; concerning which point he also much praised the exposition of Father Fanus. He said, that a Franciscan Brother must flee money, like the plague, as it truly is to him: nor must it be touched except under the modes and cautions prescribed by the Rule and the Roman Pontiffs already mentioned. When perchance a certain Religious had observed him to live so holily, he approached him asking; Brother, what shall I do, that I may be saved? To whom he answered: Nothing else, Brother, than keep the Rule, and that to the letter; and so live secure of obtaining heaven. Another Religious often asked Paschal, that he would commend him to God; but he forthwith placing his knees on the ground, said, Lord, give grace to Brother Peter (for so he was called) that he may keep the Rule; nor did he ever change this phrase, as often as he was interpellated by him.

[109] But he not only always had with him the Rule described in a little book, which he himself solicitously performs. with all the interpretations, expositions, and modifications of the supreme Pontiffs and Doctors; reading it through and considering it with so accurate a zeal, that beyond many lettered men he was versed in it and understood it: but he also reduced it to practice, both as to the precepts and as to the counsels; and wonderfully rejoiced, if he saw the Brethren solicitous concerning the Rule, and moving a question upon it: he also induced me, to transcribe it with the expositions, which he had in his book. But chiefly he wished it to be kept as to poverty, so beloved by Christ, and so commended by S. Francis; and was much delighted by the observance, which he saw flourishing in our discalceation. And so although he saw many from a certain holy zeal pass over to the Capuchins, who at Barcelona and elsewhere in Catalonia were commonly esteemed very greatly, because among them the Rule was believed to be more perfectly observed; he himself yet always remained quiet in the province, to which God had called him, never showing either by deed or word any desire of the Capuchins. It is certain however that he was so loving of perfection, that if he had believed he would there more conveniently attain it, he would forthwith have embraced a means of that kind. But he well understood, that the same thing was the matter on both sides (as also various men experienced, who returned from them into the Province, affirming that they had found this) and therefore he would not relinquish this, nor for building one altar destroy another. And indeed the same is the manner of living among us and them, nor in any substantial point diverse; although perhaps there be some difference in the exterior form, and certain ordinances here or there more or less rigid; so that he who among us will not be a perfect son of S. Francis, neither will be in another part of the Franciscan Religion: which conversely of the congregation of the Capuchin Fathers I would have said, on account of the exact observance, which flourishes among them, of our Evangelical Rule: that on both sides we Religious may live quiet and give thanks to the Lord, who for His infinite goodness called us, that without emulations and contentions we may serve Him, as brothers and sons of the same most holy father and most perfect mother.

CHAPTER XI.

The rest of the life of Brother Paschal and his happy death.

CHAP. XLI.

[110] It cannot be that anyone is a true servant of God, without suffering the demon as an enemy, and so much the fiercer and more importune, the more fervently and with greater zeal he applies himself to promoting His glory in himself and others. He is vexed by demons, Therefore neither by day nor by night did the nefarious ones cease to assail Paschal: yet by night the conflict was for the most part harder. For ordinarily then the Religious, the neighbors of his cell, heard in it great crashes and noises, and sometimes so great, that the whole seemed to be overturned. There was heard not rarely also he himself, to utter a great clamor: to which the Brethren running, and asking what had happened to him, he excused that it was some trouble or a dream, and gave them thanks for their benevolent succor. The Brethren nonetheless doubted not, but that those struggles were with demons: for indications of these on his body the bruises and scars left by blows gave in the morning. It happened once at Valencia, that to him thus exclaiming by night Brother Joseph de Cardenete running, and asking, what the matter was, he answered, O Brother, if thou sawest the cavalry running through the cloister, thou wouldst be astonished indeed. At other times also the same he answered him: and in fact as many Religious as testify of this matter, assert, that from time to time so great a tumult was wont to be heard in his cell, as if whole legions of horsemen ran through it.

[111] What however those fights were could never be known from his mouth; who appear in diverse forms. only sometimes he said to Brother James Morales, his friend and Confessor, that the conflicts were greater when he meditated something of the passion of Christ, by whose Cross as mediator he always remained victor. To Brother Peter de Aranda likewise he once confessed, that once at Valencia being sick, the demon appeared to him in the form of Christ Crucified, suffused with much blood: but recognized by him, God illuminating within, to be a wolf under a sheep's skin, and received in the manner he deserved. At other times when with Brother Christopher Claver visiting the widow Almerica, when before her discourse had fallen of dreams, terrors, and diabolical visions; he said, that none of these were to be feared; he indeed feared nothing, although in the Loritan convent with much noise the demons had often tried to terrify him; especially when under the form of the Crucified Satan having entered through the cell window, went out through the door. The same he confessed also to have seen, when on a certain day among the Brethren at Valencia discourse was agitated on this argument. He said also that he had seen the same once running with a lighted torch in his hands, as if about to set all on fire: yet that he had not dared to cry out, lest he should rouse the Brethren at so unseasonable an hour. All which we wondered not so much to have been seen by him, as manifested contrary to his custom, God namely willing it for our instruction.

CHAP. XLII.

[112] But with such fights and victories, and also illustrious examples of his virtues the Saint decorated all the Convents in which he at any time acted as a guest; Which Convents he inhabited. that is, most of this Province: yet more fortunate were those, which had him as a dweller. Chiefly the Convent of S. John the Baptist at Valencia, where for many years he acted as porter and refectorian: as also in the Convents of S. Onuphrius de Xativa, and S. Joseph de Elche. But for the most time the Saint lived in the Convent of Lorito, where he both took the habit, and by solemn Profession was inseparably joined to the Order. Hence he excurred to the neighboring towns of Aspe, Agost, Elda, Novelda, nay also Alicante, to ask alms in the wonted manner; and edified his neighbors by his example. At Jumilla also the Saint stayed in that solitary convent of S. Anne of the Mountain. At Almansa for seven years he dwelt, where I had him for many days as master: there I saw his mortifications, abstinences, disciplines, fasts, and other works done with great fervor of Spirit, while he was gardener, cook, refectorian, and porter; and he was wont to say, that he had stuck there so long, that he could now justly be expelled. At Ayora also, where I now write these things, in the convent of S. Anthony of Padua he was several times, but only as a guest. But at Villena in the convent of S. Anne his stay was fixed and more lasting; with two excellent and true sons of S. Francis Brother Alfonso Rodriguez the Guardian and Brother Francis de Bayona.

[113] The Saint is judged a Saint by a holy woman, Among the spiritual persons of that city, was a woman bound by marriage, whom many religious men and Princes esteemed greatly, on account of her humility and simplicity and most frequent ecstasies, called Hieronyma Lopez. She related to a grave and religious man of this Province, that, from the time she began to know Brother Paschal, she held him for a singular servant of God, on account of many and evident indications of holiness: of which especially one was, that even seeing him from afar, she felt forthwith in her heart a singular motion of spiritual gladness: because it seemed to her to behold a clean, beautiful soul, and a friend of God. But as often as she looked upon him (as she was wont almost) with greater attention of mind, than we are wont to look upon objects everywhere; so often there was offered her within and without him a certain pleasant and consolatory light, by which he seemed wholly surrounded and shining around, illuminated also within. To the same woman it happened once, that she was tortured by a grievous fever with intense pain of the head; which however notwithstanding she forced herself, and from her house came to the church of S. Anne, to commend herself to God before the most holy Sacrament. But coming to the gate and ringing the little bell Paschal then the porter meeting her, first said: How comest thou hither, Sister, having thy countenance so inflamed? whom also he frees from a fever. thou seemest to me not to be well. To whom she having said that she came feverish and with a paining head; he with a free and cheerful laugh placing his hand on her head and forehead; Go, said he, soon the Lord will make thee well. Said, done. She freed herself from the servant of God: and entering the church, whose door was near the door of the convent, she felt herself free from every ill, and ascribed the health received to the touch of that holy hand.

[114] The situation of Villarreal. The last convent which he inhabited, was that of Villarreal, whither I led him the other and that last time from Xativa, where I found him sick, about to preach there through Lent, whence also after some years he passed into heaven. Villarreal is situated in the fertile plain of Burriana, eight leagues from Valencia distant for those going to Barcelona: whose form and situation is notable, because built in a square, of greater length than breadth, in the middle by a street

it is divided, drawn from gate to gate, which another in turn cutting transversely in the middle, so constitutes a cross, that from its middle point a prospect lies open into the four gates of the town. But two minor streets here and there, by as many minor streets on either side drawn transversely cut into four parts, bring it about that, concurring together with the major streets, they make nine crosses: but towers of just height adorn the walls, and at the corners four bulwarks running out for the guard of the gates. To the place this form gave its founder the most invincible King James the first, Valencia being subdued, and his son Peter, whom many believe born here, adorned it with a built palace, and thence draw the garden outside the city walls called of the Infants. One side of it the sea girds, the other from near the river Mijares girds: but on the part where it looks toward Valencia, in the suburb is seen the Convent of the Carmelites: on the other toward Barcelona, our convent of S. Mary called of the Rosary, where the Discalced Franciscans of the Province of S. John the Baptist stay.

CHAP. XLIII.

[115] To Paschal dwelling in this convent not only did his happy death befall, but also it is believed divinely revealed. He foreknows the time of his death. For to be silent of that extraordinary cheerfulness of countenance and the almost continuous laughter under the Mass before death, of which above; Brother Alfonso Camacho deposed, that the Saint a few days before he was infirm asked him to wash his feet with warm water. He, wondering at the petition of so unusual a thing, for not even returning from a journey did he permit anyone to wash his feet; readily obeyed. But to him washing the Saint said: It can be that I shall be sick, and the sacred Oil must be ministered to me, in which case it is expedient to have the feet clean. But the next Lord's day he took to bed sick; and afterward Extreme Unction was ministered to him. On the very Lord's day also, a few hours before he took to bed, having gone forth to gather alms, he approached the several houses of his devoted ones, visiting all with great charity: only in one of them he said to a certain sick woman, that she should prepare herself because both were about to enter a great journey: and both died the same week. Finally, as in the process of the history will be seen, the day and hour of his departure he distinctly foretold.

[116] He had been well that whole Lord's day: but toward night he felt a hot fever with a pain of the side: which however he dissembled, He falls sick. until the next Monday dawning, a certain Religious, seeing the Saint delay, and the church not opened, came to his cell and said: Come, Brother, open the church, for it is now time. To whom he; Take these keys, Brother, and open the church: I cannot myself, because I am infirm. The Brother ran to the Guardian, and indicated the matter to him. The Guardian orders a physician to be summoned, who beginning the cure from a letting of blood, mandated a mattress and blankets to be spread for the sick man: which although Paschal refused, yet he had to permit on account of obedience, and even to put on a linen shirt; yet so that the habit beloved by him should not be taken from his eyes. The violence of the ill meanwhile increased, of which however no indication was given by groans, complaints, sighs, nor even a motion from one side to the other; although he suffered such great straits, that not only his voice, but even his respiration sometimes seemed cut off. Never did he ask any consolation, as the sick everywhere, never food or drink, except the last night, that he might descend more robust into the agony. Only therefore did the Saint notably fail from the pulse of the artery and the debility of his body, the physician wondering beyond measure, that he did not even by a motion of the body betray those torturing pricks of the affected side. And so far was he from seeking consolations, that to those from time to time offering water for refreshment he said, it was not necessary.

[117] There was present in that place the Definitor of the Province Brother Didacus Castellon, who had been both a familiar friend of the Saint and at some time Guardian. He foretells the day of death, He about to depart to Valencia, where he stayed, desired first to be certified whether the Saint would die of that infirmity; in such a case about to remain there, to see his death and burial. This very thing therefore without circumlocution he asked of him: and the Saint with the simplicity wonted to him answered, that not before Saturday: and this same afterward he answered several times, the day however and hour discreetly being silent. But in this too God willed that he should sometimes forget himself: for when Brother Alfonso Camacho, then performing the office of infirmarian, had said; Admonish me, Brother, at what hour thou wilt die, that I may give thee back thy habit in which thou mayest expire; the Saint, having promised that he would do it, although both Friday and Saturday had now passed, yet did not ask for the habit: but the Lord's day on which he died dawning, with great instance he asked it of the Religious who were present. But they withdrawing themselves, lest by that motion they should accelerate his death between their hands; he himself one hour before it rose from his bed, and alone began to clothe himself. But the infirmarian coming up helped him, and understood that this was the hour, which by that sign he had promised to indicate. Notable moreover is, that when on a certain day the physician had indicated, that the disease was lethal and seemed it would be the last; and he himself answered, that no more joyful news could befall him, who for many years longed for it desirously; But of the day, said he, of death what seems? when will it be? The physician answered; it seemed to him verisimilar from the process of the disease, that on Friday: to whom the Saint; Not, said he, before Saturday or beyond, when God shall will. This so prudent and circumspect answer persuaded the Definitor, and the prevention of the Definitor's departure. who was greatly pressed, that it could be that for a still longer time the Saint's life would be protracted, and he meanwhile would have expedited his affairs at Valencia; and so he said he would depart. Which understood; Go not, said Paschal; for thou wilt not be able. Yet he remained constant in his purpose of departing, and was going; when so great a contraction of one shin and convulsion of all his members came upon him, that in the next cell he was compelled to take to bed, now thinking himself dying: whence carried back between the hands of the Religious to his own cell, that whole night with his senses stupefied he remained as if lethargic, as at the time of the general catarrh: but in the morning relieved, he understood that it was the will of God that he should remain, and present see the happy departure of the holy man.

[118] The pains increased and the strength decreased in the Saint: therefore he asked the last Sacraments to be given him, and received them with singular devotion. Then he asked burial for his body, and the Guardian being summoned handed to him the blessed grains of diverse Indulgences, He disposes himself for death, which he had wrapped in an old little cloth, to be distributed to those asking, and said: Because shortly there will be no time, Brother, in which I can declare to thee the Indulgences of these grains, I wish to manifest them to thy Charity. Which singly explained, he also handed to him his praying chaplets joined to the Rosary, saying: This is of the Trinity, that of Adrian, but the other of the General, etc. At the same time there came to him very many of the chief men from the city, who bidding farewell, asked to be blessed by him: which without excuse he devoutly and liberally did, earnestly commending to them the service of God and the care of the poor. He desired however to be alone, and this same he had often inculcated while well: but he could not so excuse himself to all, especially to the Brethren desiring to see and address at the last so beloved a Brother: who although he difficultly formed his voice, yet said to each something which was more necessary for them. To one therefore more earnestly asking some counsel for obtaining salvation: I would, said he, Brother, that I could speak to thee more at length: in sum I say; Beware of joining closer friendships with women, and keep to the letter the Rule of our holy Father Francis: doing this without doubt thou wilt be saved.

[119] At length the Sunday of Pentecost dawned, when he asked and took the habit as has been said: but reclining on the bed he asked again and again of a certain Religious, whether the sign of the bell had been given for the greater Mass: he at length answering that it had been given, with great gladness he seemed to receive that word, as a sure indication of his happy passage: and wholly fixed on the image of a certain Crucifix, he instantly asked, that they should lay him on the ground, desiring namely to expire in the same manner as S. Francis: but this was not granted him. Holding therefore the Rosary entwined in his hands, suddenly he began with a loud voice to cry; Jesus, Jesus, and to sign himself, and to ask the Religious standing by, that he would sprinkle with blessed water both himself and the whole cell; by that very thing sufficiently indicating, that something terrific and malign was objected to his eyes. Finally between the tenth and eleventh hour, which he died on 17 May 1592. at the same moment in which the most holy Sacrament was elevated by the Priest celebrating the solemn Mass; with the greatest quiet and a beaming countenance, he rendered his soul to his Creator, on the seventeenth day of the month of May, in the year of Christ one thousand five hundred and ninety-second, of his age the fifty-second, when he had lived twenty-eight years in Religion. The glory of the deceased was soon revealed to two persons of this province and kingdom, very celebrated in the opinion of holiness: to whom drawn apart into diverse places the Lord showed the soul of Paschal, like Elijah, carried up in a fiery chariot. One of them (whose name, as of a living person, The soul is seen carried into heaven in a fiery chariot. is kept silent) said to Brother Didacus Castellion in confession, that she had this revelation in a field: but asked, whether she had seen it corporeally or spiritually; she answered; that she indeed saw it with corporeal eyes, but when she had closed these for the sake of experiment, yet spiritually the same vision persevered. The testimony of the other becomes the more credible, that although she had never before seen the Saint, yet she described most perfectly all the lineaments of the countenance and body seen by her in that vision: nor is it without wonder, that both came to the same Confessor from diverse places, to reveal the same vision.

CHAPTER XII.

Miracles done during the Pentecostal triduum at the presence of the holy body.

CHAP. XLIV.

[120] The body of the Saint remained with a color and countenance so vivid and beautiful, that it seemed rather of one sleeping than of one having ended life: but that the habit, The concourse to the corpse and veneration: in which he had lived and died, might be kept for Relics, the Brethren put on him another garment: one of whom considering that corpse not to be foul or rigid, as others everywhere, but in all the flesh clean, soft, tractable, and flexible through all the joints, could not contain himself, but kissing his hand, cast himself on his knees, lovingly exclaiming: Nothing less, than what now I see, did I promise myself of thee, O Saint: now for me pray God. Then his death heard among the people roused all, of whom some were plundering his poor cell, in which, besides one paper image and worn little cloths and certain repaired sandals, there was nothing; others the little bands of the vein bound after the letting of blood, and the plasters and similar most vile

trifles divided among themselves; others busied themselves to see, admire, venerate the holy body itself: for whom that it might be possible, the body itself was left in the church the whole Pentecostal triduum, and at last the last evening buried: meanwhile not a few things happened, altogether to be transmitted to the memory of posterity.

[121] First, that not only did the body remain, such as I said above, Its qualities. vivid and flexible: but even at the head, neck, forehead it sent forth sweat like a living person: which sweat, although linens being applied it was again and again wiped, yet ceased not to flow. The eyes also entire, straight and living, if anyone raised the eyelids, seemed to gaze fixedly. Hence it came about, that with that spectacle the people could in no way be satiated; some even often returned to that very thing, as if, before they reached their home, drawn back by a hidden impulse to the church: some even continually went and returned, as if they could not be torn thence: all finally tried either to kiss the hands, or to touch them with their rosaries, or to pluck something from the habit. But also the fame divulging the matter abroad, the same ardor of minds being communicated, drew many from the neighboring towns and villages: and it was altogether a pleasure to behold the crowds like military legions disposed within and around the convent, through the field planted with trees, that by turns they could orderly succeed one another, and reach to the sight of the holy body. Nor was God lacking in working miracles, for kindling more and more a fervor of this kind.

[122] A beginning was given to them in a certain stranger of Castellón, Baptist Cebollin, who having entered the church limping and leaning on a crutch, Lameness is healed at the kiss of the hand; after the kiss of the holy hand, went out upright. All present were considering him while he went to the bier, especially a certain woman, Aymerica by name, sister of the Brethren and a devout one; and, as she herself afterward related, she said within herself: If God in this man would deign to work a miracle, on account of the merits of His servant, that would be a great consolation to all. Under these things the lame man penetrated himself with difficulty even, and gradually was able to incline himself to kiss the hand. But this done all saw him raising himself without difficulty: who for the magnitude of his joy, forgetting his staff, began to run about every way like a roe, with clear voices publishing the miracle done in himself and at the same time the holiness of Paschal. Then having gone out of the church, and running about every way, he divulged the same through the towns of Almazora and Castellón; and by that so sure relation he was the cause for very many of coming hither. Among these a woman of Villarreal, Isabella Cano. To her falling the shoulder and fist were so dislocated a year and a half ago, that with that arm she could neither use it, nor lift it, except by the help of the other arm: a distorted shoulder at the touch of the bier; wherefore also she could not put on her garments by herself, but to be helped by other women she even dreaded their touch. In vain had physicians and surgeons tried to cure her: but hearing that a divine remedy was now offered, she promptly ran; and more promptly at the touch of the bier healed, filled herself and all the bystanders with joy and admiration.

CHAP. XLV.

[123] Ursula Mascarell had her shins and hips foully ulcerated, nor for the pain could she either walk, or do any work at home. ulcerated shins; To her when her Lady Catharine Cerralta had persuaded, that she should go with faith to the holy body, and the humor flowing thence anoint her wounds; the girl obeyed, and although most painfully, having executed the counsel given her, when she returned home, she showed herself to her Lady wholly well in wonder, no even slightest trace of such horrible wounds appearing. Of the same house the father of the family, an inveterate tumor in the neck, called Arcis Lanzola, bearing an inveterate tumor of twenty years in his neck, applied to it the hand of the Saint: and felt his neck gradually go down, until the whole tumor vanished. To Cecilia Miro, after various accidents, one of her hands had remained swollen: which when the surgeon had opened and again closed; and in a hand; she began in it, useless for all things, to feel intolerable torments. These long tolerated, when she heard the Saint had died, she followed the rest: and having kissed the hands, she herself anointed her injured one with the sweat flowing from the countenance; and from that time beginning to be better, gradually obtained full health.

CHAP. XLVI.

[124] Ursula Vicente, a girl of eighteen years, daughter of Matthias Vicente, a citizen of Castellón de la Plana, was held by a dangerous infirmity. likewise a girl afflicted with various ills for two years; For with arms and shins weak one knee had swelled like a middle-sized pot, so that the surgeons judged it must be opened in two or three places: but also that shin she had shorter than the other. To all these ills another worse was added, that in the mouth toward the end of the palate it gave an open passage to the little bones of the nose ejecting themselves that way, with great inconvenience of the miserable girl: for unless that were stopped with cotton, she could not eat or drink anything which did not go out through the nose. Finally a certain tumor constricting the throat so straitened it, that those who stood next could scarcely understand her wishing to speak. In this state she was a whole two years, the surgeons and physicians finding no remedy for so many ills, until to her ears came the words of the lame man, the miracle done in himself neither willing nor able to be silent. Then she asked herself to be carried to the church of the convent of Villarreal, and the sweat flowing from his face anointing hers, she felt herself profit much toward health: and the Saint praying that he would give it entire, she became partaker of her vow: and she who for a whole two years had been more like a monster than a woman, before she went out of the church appeared wholly another, and returned home before night speaking perfectly, and showing the closed rupture of the palate. James Masquefa of Villarreal had at home a son of his own name of five years, intestines bursting out; from whom now for a year through the navel the intestines came forth, for restraining which there was need of a pitched plaster applied to the belly: whose force was so great, that the inflamed navel made an abscess, with pus bursting through the wound so copious, that this accident was much more troublesome than its prolapse. Understanding therefore the boy's nurse Hieronyma Jorda, how procurable a medicine was found in the convent of the Discalced of S. Francis, she carried thither the little one, and dipping her own hand in the aforesaid liquor, touched the boy's ill-affected members: who indeed was not healed on the spot, but within a few days thence, no other medicine being applied.

CHAP. XLVII.

[125] To Balthasar Rubert every spring blood ascended to the eyes so copious, that for several months thereafter he remained with brief and weak sight, a defect of the eyes; with great trouble of his: to which he found an end, as soon as he placed the hand of the deceased on his eyes, having suffered nothing such thereafter. At the same time Damiana Año brought thither Josepha Ferrandiz a two-year-old, little daughter of Peter Ferrandiz and Ursula Aguilar: to whom for a whole year one of the eyes had been so ill-affected, that she kept it perpetually closed, always weeping nor bearing any light, which she tried with her hand applied to shut out. The surgeons applied had carried a bristly cord through her neck, and had not relieved the ill but increased it. Therefore Damiana, seeking another more fortunate physician for her, pitying the little one, made her kiss the hand of the Saint, supplying by her own faith that of which she was not by age capable: and the little one soon opened the eye altogether well. To Gratia Moreno, a foul abscess; wife of Peter Costa of Villarreal, under the left eye an abscess had grown like a pigeon's egg, casting roots inward, but outwardly foully gaping, with such torment, that she believed the said eye would burst or break out of her head, useless meanwhile for all work for five years, and often emitting great wailings. He thinking the occasion offered him in the Saint's death by no means to be neglected, after the kiss fixed on the hand, wondering at its flexibility, drew it over her countenance, and by that touch wiped away all the ill, only a scar remaining the size of half a Real. There came also from Castellón a girl, Sperantia Vaciana, daughter of Peter Vaciani, from whom a rheum so copious had begun to distill through one of the eyes, a troublesome rheum; that it made not only great trouble to her mind, but also foulness to her countenance: who imploring before the holy body the divine help, was soon well the rheum being suppressed, and full of joy returned home.

CHAP. XLVIII.

[126] Christopher Lobet, a citizen of Valencia, for thirty years laboring with an incurable hernia, immediately as he approached to kiss the hands of the Saint, a long-lasting hernia; said he felt a certain pricking pain in the affected part of his body, as if he were handled by someone for a cure, but that he was perfectly healed several persons worthy of faith testified. A certain man of Villarreal, called John Simon Montero said, that to him in about the twelfth year of his age, a beast striking its heel into his belly, broke his right groin so grievously, likewise another of 40 years; that for the forty years in which he was thus injured, he could do nothing of bodily labor, but that the intestines burst forth to the thickness of two fists, with so great torment, that from time to time he believed himself near death. But the Saint being dead when he persevered praying before his body, on the second night of the Pentecostal festivity he found himself wholly well; and therefore about the fourth hour of morning full of joy he came to the convent to give thanks, and to announce to all the favor done him. But thence he still lives well, and strong for any labor; nor can he sufficiently wonder that after a hernia tolerated for forty years, he now an old man does those things, which he remembers a young man could not.

CHAP. XLIX.

[127] But the greatest admiration to me and others brought Maria Claveria a woman of fifty years, wife of Jerome Nicto, a grievous debility and asthma; wholly consumed, emaciated and weak, so that she could not proceed even twenty paces in her house without the greatest fatigue. She stayed at Burriana, whence because a vehicle was not so promptly procured as she desired, by which she might be brought hither, she herself began to enter the way on foot, no longer leaning on others' shoulders or arms, but accompanied only by a boy of eight years. But she completed the whole journey without any fatigue, as she afterward narrated to the physician; and kissing the feet of the Saint, she felt a wonderful revolution within her, with which cured of the asthma and other accidents she was for a miracle to the whole vicinity and to that people, nay even to him, who had undertaken to cure her, the Doctor of medicine Collado, who was wont to relate it as such, so much the more worthy of faith, the more experienced in distinguishing natural effects from supernatural. Another woman Catharine Castellena hastened to come from the same place, that before the holy body should be buried, an affected arm; she might apply to it her arm so ill-affected, that she could neither spin nor do anything else, but that her hand swelled with a pain persevering long even afterward, so that there was need even when she was about to sleep, however cold the weather, to keep that arm hanging from the other,

lest anything should happen to it. But coming to Villarreal, before the holy body she suddenly received full health.

CHAP. L.

[128] At Almazora was Catharine Sala, wife of John Vellvivre a farmer, who four or five months before through a certain wall, the spine of the back broken by a fall; about twenty palms high, having fallen backward upon truncated trees, had broken the spine of the back about the sacrum bone, the more torturingly that the parts of both ruptures were so crossed in the manner of a cross, that protruding outward they made the body of the miserable woman roll up into a ball; and she could neither by herself rise from the ground, nor lifted by others proceed anywhere, except very slowly leaning on two crutches; and then too she fell to the ground, if even the least obstacle of some pebble occurred, again to await others' hands by which she might be lifted. In this state useless for all things she remained until the Saint died, whose miracles when they began to be heard, she immediately wished herself to be carried thither, surely trusting in his merits. It was difficult to lead such a body thither: therefore this method was found, that a pack-horse being brought and on both sides above the pack-saddle strewn with bundles of twigs, they placed her like a dead trunk on it: and so with great caution observing and sustaining her, they at length painfully reached the gate of the Convent of Villarreal: where set down from the horse, and leaning on her crutches, and helped by others, she entered into the church on the last day of the Pentecostal triduum. The eyes of all were intent on her, eager to see so great a miracle, but she kissing the hands of the Saint a thousand and a thousand times, testified that she was suffused with great gladness within, and felt I know not what of relief in her body. But the Brethren indicating, that they wished to take some rest; the guard, which had been summoned for restraining the people, compelled all to go out of the church even the aforesaid Catharine, having in vain striven to deprecate this in many words: yet she went out much more expedited than she had come, walking sustained by a single crutch. After two hours then the church being opened, she alacriously sought her physician; but did not find him; for the body had been hastily buried under the concavity of a certain altar. Nonetheless before the very sepulchre she cast herself on her knees, and a whole hour thus persevered praying. Then indeed the hand of the Lord was made upon her, and the broken bones reduced themselves to their state, and in a moment were consolidated; and she standing with erect body, was to all the bystanders and especially to her husband for the greatest admiration: and she who had been carried among the bundles of twigs in the middle, like one of them; carried commodiously upon her horse, roused all the people of her town, who in the morning had seen her go out far otherwise, and were wont to see her bent through the town.

CHAP. LI.

[129] There was at Villarreal a girl, daughter of Michael Gilabert, Helena by name, twenty-two years old. a split finger and fever; To her from six or ten years a swelling finger through several fissures sent forth so grievous pus, that not even the sick one herself could tolerate the stench: wherefore seeing all remedies to be in vain, she wished that the finger, the fountain of so great trouble, should be cut off for her. Meanwhile she heard the miracles of the Saint; and because by the force of fevers fixed to her bed she could not proceed to the church, from her very bed she invoked Paschal, placing a little particle plucked from his habit on the infirm finger. Nor was more needed: the fever left her, the fissures of the finger coalesced, and within a few days full health was established for her. Similarly in his bed health in those same days received at Castellón Bernard Bartol a man of forty, laboring with a continuous fever and lethargy: likewise a fever and lethargy; to him now given up by the physicians and deprived of the faculty of speech, a certain pious woman brought a little linen, with which she had wiped the miraculously flowing sweat from the face of the dead one: and as soon as with it she touched the head of the one lying down, the fever being driven out, speech and health returned to the sick man. Joanna Domingo, wife of Sylvester Segarra of Castellón, sixty years old, had been five years hindered in the left leg, because the sacrum bone to which on both sides are joined the bones of the hips (which therefore the common people call the Bridge) had been broken for her, a lame leg, and the sacrum bone broken; and the bone of the left hip itself moved from its place. And so she could contrive a step only upon two crutches, carrying the weak leg lifted in the air: but although she spared no diligence for recovering health, yet all that was in vain. At length the fame of the miracles adding courage, she wished to be placed on a beast of burden and led by her son to Villarreal; where on account of the pressure of the crowded multitude scarcely led to the bier, after a kiss given to the hand, she tried to let herself down on her knees, which for whole five years she had not been able to do: then asking perfect health with tears, she felt a great pain in the affected part: and the dislocated bone itself not without a crash received itself into its joint, and what was broken was consolidated. Therefore before she went out of the church, she conveniently bent both knees to give thanks: then having entered the way for her return, on the way she visited a certain vineyard of hers, going about it all on foot; and coming home filled her husband and all the vicinity with admiration.

CHAP. LII.

[130] Among very many, who dipped their little linens in the sweat flowing from the holy body, was Isabella Joanna Gurrea, a pain of the breast, widow of Francis Miravet, a farmer of Villarreal: who for three years oppressed by a grievous pain of the breast, and useless for all work, and able neither to sleep nor to eat or drink freely on account of the bitterness of the torment, sometimes also with raised clamors disturbed her neighbors, the ill recurring every third or fourth day, sometimes even daily: nor could the physicians devise any remedy for her, profiting nothing by frequent letting of blood and purging of the belly. But as soon as after a kiss given to the holy hand, she applied to her breast the little linen which I mentioned, feeling herself relieved, she published the miracle done in herself. The same affirms, that the following September she was tortured by an exceedingly sharp pain of the head, and of the head; which left no space of rest; and compelled to such demonstrations of the highest pain, that the physicians from these and other accidents judged there was peril of epilepsy. Remembering therefore how prompt a remedy she had otherwise experienced, and that the very linen was with her, she applied it as once to the breast, so now to the head; and at that very point of time freed, she has suffered nothing such hitherto. At the same time, the fever of two boys; while she stood at the exposed body, both her sons, whom she had at home prostrated by fevers, namely her son of seven years Peter and her daughter of ten years Francisca, John Yvañez of Villarreal caused to be presented to him: who by the touch of the body, and also by the liquor flowing thence, both soon recovered, so that those whom she had brought infirm between her arms, she led back home well and walking on their own feet.

[131] a wound of the shins; Vincentia Periz, wife of John Carceler, had one of her shins open with a wound so great, that it could scarcely all be covered with a hand spread out. She seeing how procurable a medicine was provided with the Saint, cured her wound by his hand to be touched: and a little piece of his habit being then applied, within a few days saw it consolidated, for which a two years' cure had before been in vain applied. The daughter of Bernard Oliver of Villarreal, by name Magdalena, believed the swelling of one of her legs cured by medicaments applied: a leg ill cured. but again the ill returned to her much more vehement than before, turning the whiteness of the flesh into a livid color with so great pain, that she could no longer stand on her feet. She when with the greatest difficulty she placed herself on her knees before the holy body to ask health, felt herself shortly partaker of her vow; and the whole tumor being remitted and the lividness removed, returned home well, and in the same health hitherto perseveres. Joanna Taudos, wife of Andrew Gomez of Villarreal, at the same time was freed from an overflowing of blood into the head and neck, whence great tumors had grown for her not without fevers: which inconveniences all ceased, when twice or thrice she had kissed the hand of the Saint. Joanna Pitarque, Other infirmities are healed. wife of John Bathe of Villarreal, had labored with an incurable infirmity of the nose for five years: of which she was likewise freed, after having venerated the hands and feet of the Saint with a pious kiss. Similarly also Angela Bona, wife of Salvator Sola of Villarreal, suffering the same infirmity more than a year, applied to her nostrils one finger of the Saint, and waking the next morning, wondered to rise well.

CHAPTER XIII.

Miracles wrought after the burial at Villarreal.

CHAP. LIII.

[132] The multitude of people increased by the hour, concurring to venerate the holy body, and to relate the remedies of healings; and now it was the third day, The body is committed to burial; that the Brethren bore their inarticulate voices and importune tumult; when at length it seemed to them necessary, to bury it under the concavity of a collateral altar, which sacred to the Virgin Conceived, had always been in chief veneration to the Saint, accustomed there with bent knees to pray. But that they might be able to do it, the help of a secular arm being applied, under the pretext of taking rest, they removed all the seculars, though with difficulty, from the church: in which lay that sacred pledge now almost naked, the habit torn into particles, in so far as by it the arms and legs were covered. So therefore as it was they placed it in a chest, quicklime being cast on the coffin. and cast over it a fitting quantity of quicklime, that the flesh being quickly consumed the bones might be had clean and white; and that the natural corruption of all corpses, and the putrid stench which follows corruption, might detract nothing from the opinion of holiness among the rude common people. Which done, and the altar firmly closed, the Brethren again opened the church: into which the common people admitted, bore the body taken from their eyes so ill, that they were about to use force, and would have broken the aforesaid altar, had not the fear of the present guard restrained them. More moderately at length the people began to bear what had been done, when it appeared that the holy body being withdrawn from the eyes the miracles did not cease, but virtues proceeded from the very sepulchre. And would that, before these things were done, a skilled painter had been summoned from somewhere, to take the lineaments of the holy countenance! Now, because nothing else is permitted, I will supply by words, what with living colors would have been better done.

[133] Brother Paschal was of middling stature, with a body excellently conformed, with a countenance not beautiful indeed, but gracious, A delineation of his form. delightful and pleasant, with a round forehead and on both sides toward the temples raised, with two or three wrinkles and some baldness. The eyes blue, small, deep, so showed alacrity and vivacity, that nothing departed from modesty and honesty befitting. The eyelids, wrinkled and girt with black lashes, supplied the smallness of the eyes by that their dark color. The eyebrows arched and by no means thin; the nose high, moderate, and well formed; the mouth was middling: under this and below the left lip appeared a scar, which contracting it a little added no deformity to the countenance, but brought it about, that he always seemed to smile a little. The ears did not exceed middling size; an honest ruddiness the cheeks, the rest of the countenance a color

dusky indeed, but yet most lively, tinged. A great wrinkle or two contracted his neck: the beard not very dense had something of grayness mixed. The hands and feet, very well proportioned, had put on great calluses: these, because he always walked with them bare, those from the heavy and assiduous labor of manifold work. His flesh was full, but juiceless; his strength firm and his health entire, until the last five or six years of his life. These being thus noted I trust it can be, that at the first occasion of a skilled painter we may make an image approaching most nearly to the truth, the instruction concurring of many, who knew the man, and have his living image impressed on us; and also the presence of his very countenance, although juiceless: for it pleased God to preserve him in the flesh through this whole two years, notwithstanding the infusion of quicklime.

CHAP. LIV.

[134] There was present at the burial Brother James Morales, the Confessor of the Saint himself: who considering how liberal Paschal was in granting health to any asking it, The obstructed throat is cured; when now the sixth month he had his throat and breast so obstructed with a grievous rheum, that he could scarcely breathe; he approached the body, and a little piece cut from the cord with which he was girt he hung from his neck, asking the Lord for health through the intercession of His servant, and soon obtained it. But to relate singly all the miracles which followed the burial, would be a matter full of labor and tedium. And so from the almost infinite number I will select a few examples. A few days after the deposition of the body, pleurisy; Sperantia Adelantado, wife of Bartholomew Mouliner of Villarreal, so grievous a pleurisy seized, that as if now just dying she bade farewell to her husband, inconsolably mourning, and commended her children to him. Then there was brought to her a little cushion, on which the Saint had reclined his head: which applied to the side, whence the chief pain proceeded, repressed and drove away the same; Sperantia herself with great cries crying; My holy Brother Paschal, help me. But the little cushion soon removed the pain returned, a fever, until the sick woman resuming it, applied it more closely than before to the side; nor dismissed it before by the experience of some hours her freedom seemed certain to her. The husband also of the same woman, vehemently laboring with continuous fevers, on the eighth day remembering the aforesaid little cushion, applied it to his head, and immediately fared more lightly, and within a few days recovered until the present. dysuria; The same testified that several other benefits had been conferred on him, one of which was, that when he laboringly suffered with the stone and suppression of urine, and besides a grievous hernia, by which ills he was rendered useless for caring for the various necessities of his house, a hernia; he turned to the Saint, and asked full health, which he also obtained.

[135] In the very convent of Villarreal with grievous fevers and a pain of the head was sick one of the Religious Brother John Sanchez de Arguelles: a pain of the head; whom visiting the physician and considering attentively, said to the Guardian: This Brother is very dangerously sick; which if it be not mortal to him, the infirmity will be very long-lasting. Which heard with great confidence that Brother commending himself to the Saint, asked something of his relics to be brought to him, and there was brought to him his little cap; which placing on his head, by the hour, as it seemed to him, the disease being broken, about midnight he found himself free. To Salvator Sola of Villarreal had befallen of the spoils of the holy man a little skin, which he was wont to use at the foot of his bed in the time of infirmity. a most grievous asthma; When therefore on the tenth day after his death he grieved that he was oppressed by a grievous asthma, to which for a whole six years he had remained subject, with almost continuous trouble; and believed himself now near death, and in that expectation his mother, wife, and sons watched by him; remembering the aforesaid little skin he caused it to be brought to him, and brought placed it on the arm-rest of the chair, on which he sat (for it could not be otherwise), and applied his breast to it inclined, seeking some consolation to that extreme strait. Nor in vain: for at that very moment he felt a great alteration of the whole body, which begun in the extreme toes of the feet went up to the very top of the head: but he soon well and alacrious leaped from the chair, and walking about the chamber began to exclaim and say: Good Jesus, what is this? O holy Brother Paschal! behold I am now well. A little after wishing to lie in bed, he summoned one of his daughters, that she should draw off his shoes: which because before he had not dared to permit, even then he began to fear, lest by this motion his pain should be renewed to him. So little a faith displeased God. The same pain therefore returned, though milder: whose cause acknowledging and confessing his fault, again he lay upon the aforesaid little skin; and immediately falling asleep, after four whole hours awoke without any trace of the prior disease. Very many having used the same little skin against their infirmities, when they returned it, also said, that they had obtained from it the hoped-for effect.

[136] James Aviñiente of Villarreal under oath affirmed, that from the year MDLXXXV he began to suffer most grievous colic pains from suppression of urine, a colic pain, and the stone; which from time to time the abundance of gravelly matter and stones bred for him, wont to be evacuated from time to time, and sometimes also elicited out with iron instruments. He guarded himself solicitously, most obedient to all the prescriptions and counsels of the physicians; but with no effect. Therefore relying on the miracles, which he knew to have been wrought by the Saint while alive, and more were already being wrought after death, he asked one of the Religious, that he would grant him something of the things of the blessed Brother; and obtained a pair of sandals: in which thinking himself not vainly to have a most present medicine, from the month of May of the year MDXCII until the next September he kept them, namely for the article of extreme necessity; although meanwhile almost every eighth day the now accustomed ill recurred to him. But in the very month of September, when the pain seemed now no longer tolerable, he applied the aforesaid sandals to the affected part, invoking the Saint; and suddenly so fully heard he wondered, that, whereas before the pain was not wont to remit except gradually, and to leave the belly swollen and the stomach overturned, then all in a moment of time departed, no trace of it left. It increased the admiration, that at the same instant he ejected the stone, with so great an abundance of larger and smaller sand, that if you separated the urine that came out at the same time from these, you would scarcely fill half the shell of one egg. A few days thence again he felt colic pains, and again using the same remedy, and at length asking entire health from the Saint, from that hour until today having suffered no inconvenience thereafter, he trusts moreover that he will never suffer anything such.

CHAP. LV.

[137] To James Sahera, a dweller of the place called Useras, laboring with pleurisy, his sister Ursula, who at Villarreal lived joined to a husband, sent a little piece of the habit of the Saint: but the following day he who before was in peril of life felt himself freed from fever and pain, and the day after rose from bed quite strong. pleurisy; The same woman deposed, hemorrhoids; that for five or four whole years having suffered grievous troubles of hemorrhoids, suddenly as she commended herself to the Saint, she obtained health, a hernia; and keeps the same until today. Eugenia Nicola, daughter of Salvator Sola of Villarreal, a year and a half old, after the sixth month from her nativity was ruptured on one part, the intestines protruding to the quantity of a hen's egg. For her cure the surgeon consulted by the father, much versed in ills of this kind, because the hernia was so great and difficult, estimated his reward at twenty ducats. This price seemed too much for so uncertain a cure to the father; and he preferred to ask and hope it from the Saint: but the hope was by no means vain, a fatal fever because the next day the mother found the little one healed. But when after a few days the same girl a fever had invaded, so violent that all judged her life finished; the father ran to the sepulchre of Paschal: nor long there kneeling did he pray, but a care goading within he soon rose and returned home: where he found her almost wholly well, whom a little before he had seen at the point of death: and there followed shortly the most entire health. To Monserrada Añon, wife of James Pasqual of Villarreal, most troublesome for many years was the menstrual purgation; nor had the remedies applied for the cure profited: the menstrual purgation. therefore she vowed a double novena at the Saint's sepulchre, and thenceforth had the due purgations without those troublesome accidents.

[138] When Claudia, daughter of Peter Serralta of Villarreal, was eight years old, and labored with smallpox and at the same time pestilent pustules, Smallpox and pestilent pustules, she was given up by the physician, asserting, that she would die that very or the next day: for the ill held her eyes closed now fifteen days, nay had also taken away the faculty of seeing, as appeared, when, the pupils now broken, a light was brought near, and other experiments were made. Meanwhile the girl earnestly asked the Saint's little cap to be brought to her, asserting that she would soon both see and recover. Which when it was done, and the blindness thence arisen are cured: and the matter itself made faith to the words; Did I not say, said she, that I should recover sight and health, as soon as that little cap should be brought and applied to me? Behold, I see a lighted candle applied at the entrance of the gate. The father moreover returned from a certain estate of his, and beholding his daughter now clearly seeing all things, placed the hope of the remaining recovery in the Saint, who within a few days gradually granted it. Isabella Palladeres, the mother of the girl, adds, that to the miracle just mentioned was joined a greater benefit, by which her soul was cured and freed from the hatred with which she pursued the Franciscan Brethren, hence an enemy of the Fathers is reconciled. for no other cause than that, living on alms sought from door to door, nor desisting after frequent and bitter repulse from approaching their houses, she could bear especially Brother Paschal himself no more than the Turks: but now she is so affected toward them, that detesting her former hardness, she most kindly receives them, never about to deny them anything; nay even, if it should happen that she lack necessary heirs, she would bequeath the greater part of her substance to the Brethren; as with greatest affection and exquisite words she deposed.

[139] Francisca Montañez, wife of Francis Pitarch of Villarreal, deposed that her throat so swelled within, The inflated throat is healed; that she could swallow nothing at all besides a little of a warm sip, and that with difficulty, as also she confessed of her sins. But on the fifteenth day of the infirmity remembering the Saint, she asked his little cap to be brought to her, and brought placing it on her head, immediately she was lulled to sleep. But that very night the abscess burst, ejecting a wonderful abundance of purulent humor; and gradually recovering, the third or fourth day after she left her bed quite well. a humor flowing from the ears; Of Paul Batle of Villarreal the little son of four years, Antony John, grieved with his ears flowing with copious humor, whence the boy's continuous wailing indicated the existing torment. To whom his mother pitying, the stone; placed a few little threads from the Saint's habit on the sick ears, and at the same point of time

the humor stopped, and the boy ceased to grieve. But when after a few days thence to the same boy a vehement suppression of urine befell, which without an incision the physician denied could be cured, because a larger stone seemed to be sticking transversely and to have obstructed the natural passage. The mother having now experienced the efficacious intercession of the Saint, ran to his sepulchre, and with bent knees asked health for her son: whom then returned she admonished, that he himself also should commend himself to the holy Brother Paschal, and placing a little piece of his habit on the boy, awaited how he would pass that night. But he passed it most quietly sleeping, and waking in the morning testifying no pain by any groan or lament, moved the mother observing, to inspect his little bed; and she found lying under the boy without any indication of urine a stone, equal to a larger pea. Those who saw this having experienced similar things, and I especially, who then was present at Villarreal, could not doubt, but that it was beyond the natural powers of a four-year-old boy to eject a stone of such quantity: and to me asking, who had healed him; he answered without hesitation; S. Brother Paschal. But the woman who testified all these things says of herself, an affected shoulder; that once grievously grieving in the shoulder, so that she had the motion of her arm hindered, she placed his hand with great faith on her shoulder, saying, Blessed Brother Paschal, heal me: and she was healed from that hour.

[140] But before I pass to other things, it pleases me to explain, what happened to me writing this history. For when I incumbered upon this with too great contention, a pain of the hemicrania; in zeal of quickly finishing the work, I incurred a pain of the hemicrania, and that so great, that having vainly tried some remedies I could take no part of rest, or remain in my cell, on account of the bitter and pricking torments; but at midnight I ran hither and thither, now sitting, now walking, or even lying, yet nowhere finding consolation. When therefore I had begun to consider, that the cause of this ill could be nothing other, than the excess of labor undertaken in pious service; I took a part of the habit which I kept, and applied it to the grieving part saying; That thou mayest know, O Saint, that on account of this torment I will not cease from the prosecution of thy history, even now I wish to attend to it: and this said I seized the book, and began to read. Nor delay, at the same point of time sleep seized me, of which before not even the least hope appeared: and I slept holding the book in my hands, and sitting in the chair by the burning candle. Half an hour, as it seems to me, I had slept, when awakened I felt myself free, beyond the manner of that disease, no trace of pain remaining. a grievous fever. But also Brother Francis de Torres, whom I use as amanuensis, on the second day after he had begun to write this book a grievous fever seized; but having received the Saint's little cap he placed it on his head, and on a certain evening was suddenly well, with our and the physician's greatest admiration.

CHAP. LVI.

[141] Joanna Costado, wife of Gaspar Miro a farmer of Villarreal, twenty years old, said, that two years ago having collapsed from the wall of her house she broke her loins, Broken loins; and was thereby hindered from doing any of her wonted work, especially with torments coming on by day and night not remitting. But considering how great things God worked through S. Paschal, she asked some little piece of the habit from one of the religious, and received applied it to the offended part: and at the same instant she was so free from all pain, and expedited for any work, a hernia of a boy; that she seemed not to have incurred a fall and hurt, but to have dreamed it. A similar little piece when Hieronyma Gurrea, wife of James Perez of Villarreal, had applied to her son now two years old James, ruptured a few days after birth, she had him well without other medicine or cure. an abscess grown within the breasts; The same also said, that after the birth of that boy, an abscess grown between her breasts the surgeon opened with a little lance: but when over the wound was placed a wax-salve, which had been applied to the side of the Saint when he died; she trusting that he, who invoked had succored her son, would also be present to her, the wound was consolidated within two or three days, as if it had never grieved. a secret tumor; Antony Calceler, desiring to be freed from a troublesome tumor in the secret parts, undertook a novena to make at the burial; and on the ninth day verging to the end, suddenly protested himself healed, no other medicine being tried.

[142] Isabella Pallares of Villarreal, tortured by pains of the hemicrania for more than four years so vehemently, a pain of the hemicrania; that as often as this ill recurred to her (and it recurred most frequently) she could not even pass a single morsel; and having got the little skin, which the Saint had used, and of which above we also narrated certain miracles, she applied it to the grieving head, and within half an hour was freed, and free until today perseveres. Hieronyma, an abscess depriving of sight; daughter of John Trullench of Villarreal, twelve years old, had suffered a year and a half before an abscess under the eye, whence continually flowed a humor; and the blood going up to the same eye, there remained from it a little cloud over the pupil, which took away all use of that eye. But as soon as her afflicted mother, Isabella Ametla by name, piously commended her daughter to the deceased, the humor stopped and the little cloud disappeared; no remedy being applied, except the oil of the lamp burning before the sepulchre, with which the girl sometimes anointed herself. James Ripolles, dwelling in the place called Cabanes, a rupture in the groin; from too great labor in the fields was ruptured in one groin: but a year and a half after coming to Villarreal, and narrating his inconvenience, a certain aunt of his said: Commend thyself, son, for nine days to S. Brother Paschal, and divine help through his intercession thou wilt obtain. Said done, the very aunt sometimes accompanying him: and the novena finished he felt himself made whole again, who had been ruptured.

[143] Peter Pasqual, son of Francis, eighteen years old, for more than four years grieved in the legs, especially about the joints: a tumor of the legs; and these he had so inflated and swollen, that he was unfit for all labor. Seeing this his mother Francisca Marco, and remembering the benefit, which from the Saint while still living she had received in the person of her daughter, freed by his touch alone from an incurable infirmity of the neck and head, persuaded her son to undertake a novena to be performed at the sepulchre: which when he did, on the last day the legs appeared free from all tumor, a continuous fever; and so remained until now. But the same woman testifies of herself, that after childbirth laboring with a continuous fever, she was brought to the article of death within a few days: which seeing her kinswoman Aymerica brought her the little cushion, which the Saint when infirm had used; and by it and the faith conceived in him as means, she was taken from the present peril and recovered. Michael also Vicente of Villarreal, a likewise fatal fever; forty-two years old, suffered so sharp a fever, that he believed his life finished. Therefore the Sacraments received and a testament made, he awaited death by the hour. But remembering S. Brother Paschal, he asked his little cap to be exhibited to him: which done so copious health soon was present, that before the Religious, who had brought the said little cap, departed, a physician coming up and exploring the pulse of the artery, said in wonder: Another better physician here applied his hand: for now he is well: as in fact he was and proved to have been, the following day rising from bed.

[144] Peter de la Torre of Villarreal, twenty-six years old, seized by a continuous fever, another likewise continuous is cured. on the ninth or tenth day of the infirmity felt himself so greatly pressed, that fearing death he asked the little skin of the Saint to be brought to him, which (as has been said) a certain citizen of Villarreal Salvador Sola reverently kept. But this placed over the head of the sick man, he soon suffered a wonderful revolution in his whole body: which gradually ceasing, the fever ceased with equal pace, so that the following day he stood plainly well. Dominic Sales of Villarreal, eighty years old, Lice are driven away, for fifteen years and more suffered a grievous trouble from lice, swarming so copiously from his body, that he was a loathing to himself and all his domestics, because it profited nothing to renew his shirts from time to time. But on a certain day finding himself wholly free from those most troublesome insects, he asked in wonder of his daughter-in-law Sperantia Torner, what could be the cause of this novelty? Then she ingenuously confessed, that wearied of the labor for so long a time vainly placed in cleaning his garments, she had prayed S. Brother Paschal, that he would succor her in this necessity, by whom she now saw herself heard. Ursula Muñoz of Villarreal, and a pain of the leg. widow of Peter Perez, was hindered in one of her legs with a continuous torment, which indulged her neither sleep nor rest. She came therefore to the sepulchre of the Saint, asking relief: and feeling the ill relieved, profited gradually no less in confidence than in health, so that within a few days she could bend the leg and walk without hindrance, as also she can hitherto.

CHAP. LVII.

[145] Catharine Torella of Villarreal, widow of John Zafont, mentioned above, to whom not at all doubting, but that for the eminent and to her experienced holiness of Paschal he would at some time be placed in the number of the Saints, Two in peril are freed from a fever he had promised that he would aid her, as often as he should be asked by her; deposed sworn, that she had experienced the most truthful promise in many and various cases. And namely, that when her late husband's brother John labored with a continuous fever unto death, she remembering him, approached to explore his fidelity, by praying that he would yet keep that sick man among the living: who although then he was in the eightieth year of his age, yet recovered on the sixth day of so dangerous a disease. Likewise that in the year MDXCII her brother John Torrella in the month of July, seized by a similar disease, after fifteen days seemed indeed to recover, but a few days after suffering a relapse more grievous than before, was fortified with the last Sacraments. In this peril Catharine condoling with him asked the help promised her so efficaciously, that he the next day rose well. Then when the same brother had his foot twisted, and this altogether moved from its place a surgeon summoned the next day to the one supremely grieving said, and A foot to be amputated is cured. ordered certain soothing things to be placed over it, that with less pain of the patient he could the next day give his service to restoring to its place the moved foot. While these things are done, on this side the sick man fearing the surgeon's hand, on that bearing the pains with difficulty, together with his wife and the aforesaid his sister Catharine, invoked the Saint, and by the common vow of all three promised a novena to be continued before his sepulchre, asking that he would bring it about that the next day there should be no need of a surgeon. But soon he began to sleep: and morning being made waking, and considering his foot, found it perfectly cured by the Saint: and so he alacriously took his garments, and walked to the house of the very Surgeon. Who when he saw him, and scarcely believing his own eyes

inspected the foot stripped of its stocking, he doubted not at all who had applied the cure to him.

[146] Nor did the intercession of the Saint avail only for curing the necessities and infirmities of men, it availed also for animals devoid of reason, which by a double deed was proved. Francisca Blasco, wife of Paul Repolles a farmer of Villarreal, seeing her horse, Two horses suddenly healed. in which she had all her support for feeding the family, by a certain sudden accident so weighed down, that prostrate on the ground, it now as if about to die stretched out its feet, supplicated Brother Paschal, that he would be present to her in this sad case: and the prayers finished the horse rose, well and alacrious. More said Hieronyma Esleve, wife of John Aygua a farmer of Villarreal; for on a certain night her horse was found by her stretched on the ground, and as far as she could know dead. By which loss she being intimately moved having directed prayers to Brother Paschal, the horse soon rose, as she says, and as if well began to eat.

CHAPTER XIV.

Miracles done in various places, Paschal being invoked.

CHAP. LVIII.

[147] Brother Michael Julian, dwelling at Jumilla in the convent of S. Anne of the mountain, adjured by obedience said, that nine or ten years before he suffered so grievous a pain of the stomach, that once or twice every week wont to be afflicted by it, The pains of the stomach are cured; he sometimes even seemed brought to extremities: wherefore unfit for the common manner of our life, he could neither walk discalced, nor drink water: which if from time to time he tried to do either, immediately the ill seized him sharper and more vehement than usual: but both were permitted him without inconvenience, as soon as he devoutly invoked the intercession of B. Paschal. A citizen of Jumilla Benedict Ximenez, oppressed with so great a fever, a fever, that he could not even freely confess; on a certain night understanding the death of Paschal and the miracles that followed it, commended himself to him; and a sudden sweat broke out on his body, and with it expelled the fever out. In the same place Catharine Herrera, a hernia; having a hernia, when she had devoutly received some little piece of the trifles of the Saint, placed it over the place of the rupture, and swore that it was immediately consolidated. Peter Gasque a dweller there, the fifth or sixth year had sustained so great pains in the breast, a torment of the breast; that he could not walk on his feet, and often scarcely breathe; which also befell him when he wished to speak: besides being vehemently inflated, he was unfit for all bodily labor. He having heard the fame of S. Brother Paschal, resolved to betake himself to Villarreal: where a novena-devotion being performed at the sepulchre, he found himself so well and robust, that equal to any labor, he completed on foot the greater part of the way leading back to Jumilla, which is more than thirty leagues. In that same convent there was a religious, called Brother Andrew Vela, with his feet so hindered, that he could scarcely go from the convent to the town. To him came a confidence, weak feet; that if he should visit the sepulchre of S. Brother Paschal, he would obtain health. He asked therefore leave of the Guardian and set himself on the way, soon so greatly relieved, that without difficulty he walked on his feet as far as Villarreal.

[148] Anna Hernandez, wife of John Terrega a citizen of Almansa, an abundance of black bile; burdened with black bile so direly, that occupying her heart most frequently, day and night almost innumerable times it prostrated her and deprived her of all use of her senses, trembling with her whole body and twisting her mouth as if she were rabid. When therefore in the year MDXCII she was similarly tortured, she herself and her parents sent to the convent of S. James, which is at Almansa, to ask the garment of the Saint himself kept there: which brought by two Religious as she received over her sick, she felt through all the members of her body, from head to feet, an ardor like flame running about: and at the same time her heart relieved and free from all ill. But she remained thus well for many days, until, a certain grievous trouble supervening, the melancholic humor moved brought back the same ill one night: of which however she was soon freed and in the morning commending herself to the Blessed, again asked the aforesaid garment: and that she might be grateful for the miraculously received health, she had a case of silk made in which the sacred garment should be placed.

[149] Isabella Gomez a Tertiary, a citizen of Almansa, in the year MDXCII at Albacete dangerously laboring with a double tertian, a double tertian; on a certain day in the very access of the febrile cold remembering Paschal, whom alive she had known more familiarly and venerated for a Saint, asked of him with tears, that he would not permit her to die outside her fatherland: and in that very article she felt the fever much lighter than usual: nor thereafter suffered it any more. She adds moreover that from the womanly flux suppressed for four months, the menses of a woman repressed; various inconveniences had grown for her, and among others also a continuous fever. With this entering once into the chamber of her mother, under her pillow she found a little piece of the habit of the Saint, which several times kissing and asking help she placed on her breast; and soon experienced herself heard by a flux as copious, as was necessary for her to perfect health. Her mother finally, widow of Gabriel Gomez, brought a certain grandson of hers Bernard by name, son of Michael Lopez, to the convent, for whom from a fall a twisted neck an abscess had made so bad, that the surgeon judged a razor necessary for opening it. But the boy's neck touched by the holy garment, received its pristine straightness and flexibility: the abscess also of its own accord resolved subsided, and all wondering entire health quickly returned.

[150] A wound of the head; Augustine Moreno, son of Aegidius a citizen of Almansa, fallen from a beast of burden on his head, received a dangerous wound: to which when an enormous tumor and a continuous fever had been added, it was necessary to open the cranium crosswise, so that the brain was seen. Placed in this crisis, in which copious phlegm had beset the bone and neck, and a flaming ardor had closed the throat, lest he could pass any nourishment; given up by the physicians and almost now dead the mother Petronilla Yvañez pitying, turned to S. Brother Paschal, and placed on the son's neck a little piece of his habit: which done the boy began to make some hope of life, and then to profit toward health by food taken, so that within a few days with the greatest admiration of the physician and surgeon he was perfectly well. To Lady Isabella Gonzalvez, seven years old, daughter of John the Rector of Almansa, above the right eye grew a * tuber, which growing inflated the whole face and neck and breast so, that on the XXIII of June MDXCIII she was certainly believed about to die by the physicians. To her when our Religious had placed over her the habit of the Saint, after the space of one hour, because it was now half night, they returned to the convent. For the rest the girl remained so quiet, that the father in wonder that he heard no motion of hers, much less a complaint, as she was wont, approached the little bed to consider her more attentively: but he found her sleeping most placidly. But the next day the little one awaking, the tumor now almost resolved, more alacrious unbarred one of her eyes with her own fingers, and said that she clearly beheld all the bystanders: and then her recovery profited unto full health.

[151] On the XXVIII of January MDXCIII of John Vicente, also Rector of Almansa, the son Joseph, almost dead by an accident; in the morning his garments taken rising from bed, on the very spot fell down, and so lay the whole day until the third hour past midday for about nine hours, cold, rigid, livid, and so like one dead, that the physician and surgeon summoned judged him truly to be such. The parents afflicted by so premature a death of their son, confidence being taken in S. Brother Paschal, asked his habit to be brought to them from the Convent. When two Religious had placed it on the one lying, and after half an hour again took it away, despairing of his life and hastening to return, the aforesaid Joseph returned to himself, Ah! said he, Mother of God! and soon recovered such entire senses and health, that the next day he was about to rise from bed, had not his parents restrained him wishing. But he affirmed, then a boy of eight years, that in the time in which he seemed to lie dead, he had beheld a certain Religious of the Discalced of S. Francis, in habit most similar to us, and having those lineaments of the mouth, by which it appeared that Brother Paschal himself was described: but had beheld that he kneeling before the bed toward a certain image of the Virgin Mother of God fixed at the head of the little bed, with hands joined before his face (which was the very ordinary composition of him praying, while he lived) and with eyes fixed on the said image, for a notable space of time prayed: but at the very article in which he exclaimed; Ah! Mother of God! the Saint had obtained from her for him life and health.

CHAP. LIX.

[152] Catharine Ramirez and de Bosque, of Villarreal, on the XXIX of May MDXCV deposed and said, that in past days one of her breasts immoderately swelling brought her so great a torment, a breast immoderately swelling; that thinking herself wholly putrefied within, nor able to bear any longer the bitterness of the pain, for soothing which no medicaments profited; she herself as if rabid took shears, and fixed their points deep in the grieving breast, from which soon through each wound a very great abundance of pus sprang forth. They who cured her feared, lest the growing ardor should breed a gangrene: after whose cure, by which little brushes of linen placed on the wounds had been fastened with a wound-plaster superimposed, on a certain night the woman seeing no part of rest or sleep to be hoped for among such torments, caused the little cap of S. Brother Paschal to be brought to her; and it placed over the wounded breast she began devoutly to invoke him. But that very night having fallen into sleep she awoke not until the next morning, and found herself altogether well, the wounds so entirely consolidated, that besides a small scar on each side no trace of them remained: but what became of the wound-brushes, which I said had been placed the day before on the wounds like nails, she could never divine: for though sought most diligently in the whole bed she could never find them.

[153] long-lasting pains of the teeth, Isabella Gomez of Villarreal, widow, of Louis Sesse, said, that now for twenty years she had been wont almost every eighth day to suffer most grievous pains of the teeth: with which when once she was vexed, and complained of them, she asked of a certain person a little cord, which the Saint had given her made with his own hand: which when she applied to the grieving jaw, suddenly all pain vanished and until today never returned. scab of the head; The little maid Ursula, daughter of Monserrat Añon of Villarreal, had for eight years her whole head up to the forehead covered with scab, within which time various remedies were exhibited and applied to her by various persons with no effect. Seeing this the girl's mother, and moved by the horror of that ill, by its stench deterring the whole family from the daughter's services, persuaded that she should commend herself to S. Brother Paschal, and at the same time they vowed to go to his sepulchre with bare feet: which done the scab was healed, and wholly clean she returned to her home: nay even the baldness of the wholly hairless head within a few days

was covered with hair, as dense as if she had never labored with such an ill. Isabella Zafont, wife of Bernard Amoros of Villarreal, was in peril in childbirth, because the transverse fetus had stretched out its arm, nor could the midwife either reduce it within the belly of the parturient or set the fetus upright. a parturient in peril; When therefore she had prepared herself to undergo death in Christian fashion, the confession of her sins being made, and certain Relics of Saints applied had brought no help; she asked, that the girdle-cord of S. Brother Paschal be brought to her: with which as soon as she was girt, free from peril, she brought forth the fetus, as it was, transverse, with great admiration of all present.

[154] an inflammation of the armpits; James Amposta of Villarreal, suffering an inflammation under the armpits such for more than twenty years, that the flesh split with wounds and chinks gaped, when for that cause he was compelled to abstain from various foods contrary to that ill, and often could do no work, commended himself to S. Brother Paschal, and to the so affected armpits applied thrice the rosary, which he himself had placed on his face, when the body lay exposed in the temple: and soon was healed, as he is today, discerning nothing among foods. A boy, the son of his father a citizen of Villarreal Gabriel surnamed de S. Clemente, in the third month after his nativity, was ruptured; a grievous hernia; and growing until the fifth year of his age the hernia, now equalled the magnitude of a fist; when the mother pitying her son, vowed for him at the sepulchre of the Saint a novena, and before she had completed the whole had him well. By a similar novena-devotion Peter Llop, a citizen of Villarreal, merited to be freed an inflammation of the thigh; from a swelling of the leg reaching from the hip to the foot, with great torment of the whole man and no less hindrance of walking. An eight-year-old boy Joseph Girona, son of John a citizen of Villarreal, for some years had had his arm dislocated: an arm ill cured; which ill cured, was not only useless for all motion, but caused besides such great pains, that he was compelled to betray them by crying and wailing, nay it was even all livid and inflated. His mother, having with her one of the little cords formed by Paschal, devoutly placed it on the son's so ill-affected arm, and immediately wondered it restored to most perfect health. a hernia; The experiment of so present a help availed, that, since the same her son was also ruptured from his infancy, she trusted he would by the same Saint be cured in this part too. Therefore she vowed a novena at the sepulchre, and two or three days before she completed it she was partaker of the grace asked.

[155] John Torres, of Castellón de la Plana, thirty-five years old, had lost his sight almost wholly for a year, blindness and was thereby unfit for making shoes of hemp, by which craft he had to sustain himself. But understanding that at Villarreal at the sepulchre of S. Paschal miracles were done, he betook himself thither, having his wife as guide and companion of the way. Who when they came a little beyond the chapel of S. Barbara, John began to see certain carob trees; and the further he proceeded, the more perfectly he beheld all things; so that coming to the hermitage of S. Quiteria, which is beside the bridge laid over the river of Villarreal near the Convent, he recognized a certain person coming thence to be a woman. He came therefore to the sepulchre of the Saint, and prostrate on his knees before it, the body itself placed within he could not yet most distinctly see, but as soon as he had gone out of the church, he so clearly discerned all things, that he called a Religious meeting him from the convent by his name: and so the faculty of seeing profiting, within three or four days he had it most perfect, and most sufficient for exercising his craft. Isabella Leonart, wife of Mark de Las dwelling in the aforesaid town, was suckling a daughter by name Sperantia, to whom a vehement spasm came on, a spasm; by which the whole body trembled, the mouth was distorted, and the eyes were turned. Wishing therefore to apply a certain medicine, commended to her, to her daughter, she was admonished not to do it; but rather to have recourse to S. Brother Paschal, working many miracles at Villarreal. She obeyed the counsel, and vowed to visit the sepulchre, and to have a Mass said at it. Nor delay, the little one was quieted, the trembling ceased, the mouth and eyes returned to their state, all who were present wondering at so sudden a cure.

CHAP. LX.

[156] More than a year and a half ruptured in the left groin was a three-year-old boy Vincent, son of John Alviola a Notary and Magdalena Escuder: a rupture of the groin; to whom when that infirmity created much pain, hearing of the miracles of S. Brother Paschal, they came to Villarreal to visit his body; and it touched, with great confidence returned to their own. The boy went crying and saying to all, that they should clothe themselves with the habit of S. Paschal, who had cured him, and appearing had ordered that it be so done. His parents therefore inspected him more closely, and so saw him whole and entire as if he had never been injured: but the boy himself with wonderful grace, innocence and cheerfulness stripped himself for all wishing to see, and invited them to praise God in His Saint. Sperantia Guerola, wife of Vincent Montaladre, descending a stair of fourteen or fifteen steps, fallen headlong from the stairs, is kept unhurt. carried in her arms six or eight roasting-spits and certain other kitchen instruments. She, slipping on the second of the highest steps, fell straight to the ground, nowhere striking or sticking, because the movable stair, and not firmly enough applied, had turned itself at her fall. But falling she dismissed nothing of what she carried, but in the very air invoked Paschal: by whose favor, although she fell on her head, yet she bore no hurt, but alacrious rose, feeling nothing more, than if she had not fallen.

[157] Injured by a fall from a horse he is healed. John, son of Dominic Navarro, from the town of Nules, twenty years old, fallen from a horse afflicted one of the hips a little: which when for two months he had borne negligently, the pain meanwhile so grew, that at length it made his step difficult to him, and compelled him for the most part to remain in bed, because he limped very much. Thinking therefore of remedies to be applied to the ill, he remembered S. Brother Paschal, and devoutly proposed to ask the relics of his habit: and at the same time to his mother hearing the greater Mass (for it was a festival day) a similar thought came. Which when both had believed conferred between them by God, a little piece they applied to the afflicted part that very evening; and John morning being made waking, felt himself free from all pain and limping, and soon in fact showed it. Maria Gauz, wife of Louis Serra in the town already mentioned, infirm in her eyes for fifteen days, could not even through her house walk without a guide, nay not even from her bed to the next kitchen: but from the same eyes flowed drop by drop blood so copious, that one night she wetted two blankets. But as soon as she commended herself to S. Brother Paschal, Sight taken away is restored. the blood stopped, and she began to see so much, that she could now conveniently proceed into whatever part of the house she wished alone, with great gladness manifesting to all the neighbors the grace done her: and within a few days most fully recovered.

[158] Of the same town of Nules dwellers, the three following also were. Blindness from a pain of the head is cured; The first a seven-year-old boy, son of Monserrat Gabalda and Joanna Boxa, for forty days had so grieved in the head, that at length he was deprived of sight: which he recovered with health, as soon as the mother, other means having been vainly tried, called S. Brother Paschal into her vows. The second Michael Felix had so unhappily injured his legs, that unless helped by others he could not even move himself in bed: injured legs; until after the second year of so grievous an infirmity, he caused himself to be carried to the Saint's sepulchre, where immediately he received the faculty of walking. The third finally was Francisca Sanchiz, wife of Michael Simon a Notary, to whom blood rising into the eyes, brought not only torment and great dejection of mind, eyes ill affected; but had also created certain cataracts, through which she could scarcely see the men who ministered to her, like trees walking. She had indeed gone to Valencia, that among the many Doctors of medicine who are there she might find some relief: but in vain it had been. And so afflicted both by her infirmity and by the useless expense of great money beyond measure, on a certain night she turned to S. Brother Paschal, and made him some vow: but the next morning she distinctly knew all her domestics, and in the same power of seeing perseveres, though not the sharpest, because it is not expedient for all to enjoy sight, beyond that which is necessary.

[159] Peter John Monton, a citizen of the town of Mascarell, with a certain grievous and incurable infirmity for seven continuous years had labored, of which the last three he had passed in bed, an infirmity of 7 years; which although it had been stuffed with mere flowers, could not but be troublesome. He resolved therefore to go forth from bed, and to contrive some kind of step with crutches under the armpits, which he also did most difficultly, though only with his whole body bent. Meanwhile he heard of the miracles of the servant of God, disposed himself to visit his sepulchre, at the very instant fared much more lightly, went as he could, and the more he approached Villarreal, the more easily he felt himself walk. On the second day finally on which he visited the sepulchre he was so robust, that the crutches being left there, the same way which he had laboriously made he had to measure back agile and expedited. His nephew Gregory Monton, dwelling at Morella, by the same fame as his uncle excited, proposed to go to the same place, and with no unlike success as his uncle he went and returned; he, at the very moment in which entering the church he began to pray, perfectly healed from an inveterate debility of the shins.

[160] various benefits are obtained; At Luena dwelt those whom I will now mention; John son of John Guitnot a wool-carder and Ursula Obiart: for whom suffering a hernia equal to a fist the due integrity his parents obtained, by invoking S. Brother Paschal: James Alfaxari and Ursula Boneta; who their two-year-old son Christopher, with a continuous fever lethally sick, now held for dead: Scholastica Gonzalva, widow of Gaspar Cervello, who a little more than one year suffering abscesses in the swelling throat, which she herself believed to be scrofula after the arts of physicians vainly applied to cure her, promised to visit the Saint's sepulchre, and so was most fully cured: finally Beatrix Dorothea, a twelve-year-old girl, daughter of Master John Martinez and Ursula Andres, who when for several days she suffered much in the right eye, but saw nothing, came to the often-mentioned sepulchre, and before she set foot out of the temple, perfectly cured used entire sight.

[161] In the town called de las Useras, Peter Font-Cantero and Joanna Pastora grieved that their two-year-old son Peter from his very nativity almost was suffering from a hernia, so that the rupture exceeded a human fist: but this one from the sepulchre they brought back to their home healed.

Montserrada Bertrana, wife of John Perez, twenty-six years old, seemed to labor with scrofula swelling in the neck: who likewise returned well from the sepulchre piously visited. John Torrella of Benicarló, forty-two years old, was so foully ruptured, that the intestines springing forth beyond the length of one palm hung down, nor could he labor or walk. He having heard the frequency of the miracles wrought at the invocation of S. Brother Paschal, came to Villarreal, and asked his little cap to be offered him to kiss: and at the same moment in which he bent his knees before the sepulchre, he felt the intestines drawn back again, and restored to their places, not without some little torment: with which withdrawing, and applying his hand to the affected part, he wondered himself made whole again, and with joy announced it to the Brethren. From then more than five years have flowed, that, fit for any exercises of the body and labors however great, he has felt no indication of the past ill.

* Spanish Sastra

CHAPTER XV.

The remaining miraculous cures obtained by the help of S. Paschal.

CHAP. LXI.

[162] A certain boy, son of Peter Ripolles and Isabella Andrez dwelling in the town of Cabanes, Struck by horror he is restored to tranquillity. of his father's name, deposed and said, that about two years ago there happened to him being in the field with a yoke of oxen, that a serpent most deformed passed near, by whose aspect he was so terrified, that thenceforth he never dared to be alone, and so great a sadness settled in his mind, that he often long and much wept no apparent cause appearing: not without the parents' fear, lest something graver should happen to him. And so when this had lasted him one year, he says he was led by them to the sepulchre of S. Brother Paschal, and there soon restored to his pristine tranquillity of mind. On the XXIV day of August in the year MDXCV Peter Fuster, The faculty of seeing is restored; a citizen of Luena testified, that he himself also about two years before used so short a sight, that passing through a field planted with wheat he could not distinguish, whether it was planted or not, unless he touched the very ears with his hands: but it was six years since his eyesight had begun to be so dulled. But when he had come to Villarreal, and heard from many proclaimed the graces which they had obtained by the intervention of Paschal, he resolved also to betake himself to the church, in which he lies buried, and there to ask back from God through his merits his pristine faculty of seeing: which at that very instant he began to recover, so that before he went out of the church he distinguished one thing from another by sight; and returning to Luena, the further he proceeded the more clearly he beheld; until he again reached his home, where enjoying most perfect sight he was for admiration to all who knew him.

[163] Isabella Alvera, of Valencia, twenty-five years old, gripings are soothed. said, that from childbirth she was infirm for three months, and tortured with continuous torments of the belly and loins: to which a continuous fever had been added. Against which ills having vainly used the counsels both of physicians and of midwives, when very sad she lay in bed, there visited her a certain Religious discalced a cousin of hers, called Brother Peter Morales; and admonished that B. Brother Paschal being piously invoked, she should with great confidence place a little piece of the habit, which he offered her. She obeyed the salubriously counseling one, and immediately indeed felt some consolation, then that very night was free from pains: but morning being made feeling herself plainly relieved, she saw that with the urine she had voided much thick humor like pus and very black; and thence knew, how grievous her infirmity had been. Nay even the fever and the rest of the accidents wholly ceased within two or three days, after which plainly well she came to give thanks at the sepulchre. In the year already mentioned MDXCV in the month of January, when at Valencia was Sperantia Raphael and de Roviro, a widow woman, and labored with a great pain of the side and fevers; after the last Sacraments received, she had begun also to be destitute both of speech and of sense. To her thus lying and given up by the physicians, was brought the habit of S. Brother Paschal, Reduced to extremity she is refreshed. which is in the convent of S. John de la Ribera. But as soon as it was spread over her, she returned to herself, beginning to open her eyes and to speak; then under the naming of a certain vow she commended herself to the Saint: who that very night kneeling at the feet of her little bed, appearing in the posture of one praying, and to a certain image of the Mother of God existing in that very chamber twice saying; Come, Lady, now in earnest; disappeared. But although the sick woman had never seen him living, yet by these indications she declared him seen by her, so that no one doubted that his true figure had clung to her mind; and shortly having obtained entire health, she came to Villarreal to visit the sepulchre of her benefactor.

[164] The same year, on the XXII of August, Michael Atmella, son of Peter, still five years old, Submerged under the mill-wheel he is rescued from death. at Villarreal fell into the larger canal of that town, then very full; and toward the mill-wheel, turning under it, he was carried by the violence of the waters. Which the mother seeing, and not able to help him now submerged under the waters, first indeed invoked B. Paschal, then went to summon her husband, that he might draw out the son. He was then sleeping: but excited by the cries of his wife he ran, his mind plainly consternated. And when he had in vain for some time sought the body in the canal, he understood from his wife how the torrent water through the canal of the mill had carried off the little one. Therefore a board being interposed he stopped the water below the mill, and there with great admiration of himself and all the bystanders found the son lying transversely, well and safe without any trace of hurt. Anna Mavala, born at Burriol, said, that her daughter of eight years labored with a quinsy so grievous once, that she could scarcely pass water, but take no food at all for two days: whom when she offered to S. Brother Paschal, she soon had well. John Vincent, son of Louis Orti and Hieronyma Pastora, citizens of Castellón, An infant is freed from a various infirmity. born not more than two months, began to labor with the infirmity which is commonly called consternation, so that as often as he either began to weep or to suffer some inconvenience, he remained deprived of sense and motion, sometimes even of sensible respiration, for at least six hours; once also a whole night, so that he was now believed dead. Besides in the left groin he so burst, that a grievous hernia equalled the magnitude of an egg. Thus suffering for a whole year the father promised to carry him to the sepulchre of the Saint, applying meanwhile various medicines; but the boy was not cured before the father completed his vow, and commended his son from the heart: for thence he was wholly well.

[165] Diverse diseases are cured. Sister Villanova, a nun of S. Clare in the town of Castellón, vehemently grieved in the head, on account of a tumor which she bore in it: which however together with the pain vanished, as soon as she commended herself to the Saint. Another in the same convent, called Sister Gratia, suffered a troublesome growth of flesh in the mouth, which though often cut off by the hand of a surgeon ceased not to grow again: but this too was wholly taken away after prayers poured forth to S. Brother Paschal. Catharine Conilla, widow of John Lorenzo of Burriol, was held by a certain disease familiar enough to women, by which the blood drawn upward creates tumors in the neck and head: which recurring every week once sometimes even twice, lasted her two (as is wont) days, with a fever and other ordinary accidents: but it was wholly taken away, after she visited the often-mentioned sepulchre. Mariana Vequez, wife of James Castellani, also of Burriol, much wearied with the same infirmity, recurring every week for almost five months, did the same as Catharine and with the same success.

[166] Arcisa Escudera, wife of Francis Andres of Almazora, subject to apoplexy, so that as often as she was touched by it she remained paralytic on a whole side, for no small space of time feeling no life in it; paralysis is cured; the same she also suffered when she was carried on a horse, and namely when she came in the year MDXCIV to visit the body of S. Paschal, which was then shown to the people. For the rest because on the very journey she had committed herself to his patronage; returning from him religiously inspected, she came to her home free from all ill both then and thenceforth. Aloysia Guardiola, wife of John Navarro a merchant of Almazora, knees ill affected; was so ill affected in the knees, that she could bend them in the church for no cause, but neither fold them for sitting on the ground. Therefore it was necessary always to use a low seat, from which itself she could not, except with difficulty and leaning on others' strength, raise herself. Hearing these miracles of the Saint, she asked of him at least so much strength, by which she could approach to the most sacred Sacrament of the Eucharist, and to that end visited the often-mentioned sepulchre. Which done with great facility she could bend herself to her knees and raise herself by herself: which from time to time she did for her mind's sake: but because either her petition was too restricted, or so it suited her salvation, a part of the pain returned afterward, yet so that she could always bend the knees and raise herself without anyone's help.

[167] Of Peter Adell of Almazora the son James suffered a flux of urine, an excessive flux of urine; with great trouble and shame of his, that at the age of eighteen years he could not contain it at night, and daily wetted his bed: but the holy body visited he thereafter was free from that troublesome passion. There too at Almazora Gabriel Clara and Beatrix Daroza had a little son of three years, miserably ruptured on the right part Peter by name, so that the intestines burst forth to the likeness of an egg: intestines bursting out; whom exhibited before the body of the Saint, they found at his touch made whole again: for him brought home the linen being removed no sign of the prior ill appeared. When Gregory Suñer, unable to walk; a weaver of Morella, deprived of the faculty of walking, proposed to visit the same sepulchre; at that very instant he felt himself better, and as best he could began to enter the way: in which as much as he himself advanced, so much he profited toward health, until he came to the church, where when he had prayed with expedited step he returned to his home. Hieronyma Jordana of Villarreal narrates a miracle, a pain of the teeth; which happened to her in the life of the Saint himself and again after his death: namely, that when once a pain of the teeth plainly intolerable had lasted her for fifteen days, and the Saint had come on a certain day to the door of her house; she having asked him to enter prayed for the love of God, that he would impress on her cheeks the sign of the Cross. Which he for his humility refusing, she seized his hand, and applied it where the pain most urged, and by this deed put it all to flight even for the time afterward recurring. But when the same being dead she felt herself again assailed by the same, remembering the Rosary which she had applied to the holy body, applying the same to her jaws she drove away all torment, until the present having suffered it no more.

[168] hemorrhoids; With troublesome hemorrhoids labored Ursula

Sahera of Almazora, from which she was healed as soon as she commended herself to the prayers of S. Brother Paschal. Bartholomew, an infant of six weeks, his parents Francis Masut and Francisca Fabregada citizens of Mancofa, a grievous hernia; found ruptured on both sides, and the hernia grew with the progress of time in a prodigious manner. Him when two and a half years old the same parents commended to the Saint, and within a few days wondered him recovered the more, the graver accidents accompanied the hernia, by which it sometimes came about that for twenty-four hours he lay like one dead: of which thereafter he sustained nothing. Helena Miraveta, wife of James Palau of Benicarló, testifies, that on the day of the Epiphany of the year MDXCV she had her husband and some of her children sick; money is miraculously given to one in need. and on that day finding no money with her, was pressed by the greatest necessity. Then it came into her mind, to implore the merits of S. Brother Paschal: which while she does, a certain neighbor of hers, by name Navipla approaching her stretching out her hand, said: Take, Lady, these coins, to be restored to me when thou canst; she gave moreover eight or nine Reals. The afflicted woman gratefully received the offered loan, and after a few days addressing her aforesaid neighbor; Pardon, said she, Lady, for I cannot yet restore the coins which thou hast lent me. What coins, replies she, sayest thou? I know that I gave thee nothing. The woman soon recognized the divine favor in that her extreme necessity; and; I erred, said she, thinking it was thou. But until this hour she could not find out the lender; and therefore from the burden of restoring it she believed herself absolved, by the benefit of Brother Paschal. A certain son of Louis Pons of Almazora, is known by his intervention to have been cured of a hernia, as also very many others.

CHAP. LXII.

[169] Cecilia Zorbina, wife of Joseph Ayberich a citizen of Benicarló, seized by paralysis in the year MDXCIV in the month of May, Miserably sick and given up she is healed. had remained closed off in the middle part of her body from head to foot, all use of the arm and leg hindered; of which parts the flesh was so dead, that cut with shears it gave neither any sense nor humor, nor did flesh even seem any more to remain there, but only skin drawn over the bones. Hence it came about, that a certain scabby girl lying with her, the sound part indeed touched by the so near ardor swelled, but the other drew no ill. The hand also contracted into a fist, and the fingers were so tightly joined together and curved in the manner of eagle's claws, that by no force they could be parted or extended; but the collapsed arm could be raised only by the other sound one, and she could neither put on nor take off her garments, nor fix a single needle. In a similar way the shin drawn backward made her gait most difficult: but to all these was added an obstruction of the belly, breeding frequent and grievous pains. The fame of the miracles which were wrought at Villarreal struck the ears of her being in such a state, and several there cured persuaded, that she too should commend herself to S. Brother Paschal. Moved by whom she conceived so great a devotion toward him, that two months before she was healed, she from time to time dreamed that she was cured by him. Which when she related to others, she explained the form of the countenance and of the stature and habit and gesture, seen by her in sleep so perfectly, as if she had long and much conversed with him. Moreover on that night, which preceded the restored health by eight days, to her sleeping Brother Paschal appeared, expressly mandating, that she should betake herself to Villarreal, there to be healed. Hence so great confidence grew on her, that to several staying at Benicarló she asserted, that she would be healed if she went to Villarreal. There were nonetheless many, who saying her disease was incurable; and her brother also rebuked her, as if by that journey she would do nothing besides damaging expenses to himself and her husband: for if the Saint wished her well, he could give that effect equally at Benicarló as at Villarreal. But she preferred to believe herself sleeping, than them waking.

[170] Therefore departing from Benicarló on Monday the XVI of October MDXCV, she arrived at Villarreal on Tuesday toward midday, with no light labor through a journey of ten leagues. But lodging being taken at the house of Hieronymus Jordan a Notary, before she took anything of rest or food or drink, together with Isabella de Soriano and de Asnar she proceeded to the convent, and Brother James Morales being called into the church, he whom we said to have been the Saint's Confessor, she suppliantly asked, that he would bring her something of his Relics, with which to touch the arm so ill-affected. He obeyed, and brought the chain and little cap and cord of the Saint: and when he had placed the chain on her hand, it seemed to the sick woman, that it was outwardly pricked with needles point by point, but within burned with a most ardent fire: and at the same moment she opened it. Then the chain was transferred to the elbow, and the same signs going before the woman lifted it healed and signed herself, with a great voice exclaiming, that she was now well: but when she wished to walk she found her leg not yet cured. She returned therefore to prayer with tears, and soon felt the same pains, which I mentioned, descend through the whole side even to the extreme toes of the feet, and so had entire health: and all being amazed, using her hands and both feet equally expedited, without a staff alacrious and erect she could run about the church, in the evening take off her garments, in the morning put them on, and do all things, which a most robust person of her age and condition. Nay even the flesh of the infirm side, a little before none, suddenly appeared so full, that it differed in nothing from the flesh of the other side, except in whiteness and softness, as being wholly new and recent. But also the obstruction of the belly was dissolved, nor did it ever afterward return. Moreover the good woman seeing herself so suddenly cured, was unwilling to stay at Villarreal, but full of incredible joy, the next morning Wednesday the XVIII of October departed, and Thursday the XIX day of the month, arrived at Benicarló; all the inhabitants meeting and running to receive and see her, and not without tears giving thanks to God: where until today she perseveres well, walking whole leagues on foot with a burden, beating flax, cleaning the field with a hoe, and performing other laborious rustic works: as I myself saw this year MDC passing through Benicarló, and wishing to hear the whole case from her singly.

CHAP. LXIII.

[171] Hieronyma Pastora, wife of Louis Ortiz of Castellón, with great labor and torment had brought forth a fetus, A dead birth is animated. as it seemed dead, as one to whom no diligence of the midwife in warming linen cloths, and applying long and much to the body to be cherished and warmed, profited: wherefore at length she went away from the house, unwilling further to lose time and labor on him, whom she left destitute of all sense and motion and cold. Meanwhile the sad mother, mindful of another son cured for her by S. Brother Paschal, as above is related *, turned to him, with maternal piety promising, that before the feast of S. Barbara should pass, she would go to his sepulchre at Villarreal, if to this dead birth he would give at least so little life, that he could be baptized. Nor delay: he who had been dead opened his eyes, and baptized lived whole five days, with great consolation of the mother and greater good of his own. Vincentia Maxiana, Left for dead she revives. six months old, at Almazora was drawn to death by a most grievous fever, joined with other lethal accidents: and now about three hours she had lain void of motion and breath, nay certainly dead, as far as the diligence applied by the bystanders, bringing a lighted taper to her mouth and twisting her fingers, could prove. Therefore all judging her to be wrapped in the burial linen, the mother, as if to seek it, withdrew into the garden; where believing herself to be heard by no one, with wailing and groaning prostrate on the ground, she began to invoke the help of S. Brother Paschal with a great clamor. Then without the linen returned to the chamber, because she trusted it would be, that she would find her daughter alive, she did not at all grieve herself prostrated by expectation, but possesses her well and strong even today.

[172] In the town of Useras an eighteen-year-old adolescent James Vives, son of John Vives de la Escaletta, deranged in mind and rabid, so that he had to be bound with chains, was a great grief to all his domestics, but especially to a certain aunt of his, Deranged in mind and rabid he is made well. called Sperantia Mascaros, who had always most tenderly loved him. She supplicated therefore B. Brother Paschal, that he would restore her nephew to a sound judgment: and what she suppliantly asked, she forthwith obtained. In the same town the son of James Ruvius still suckling, The broken spine of the back and the nipple bitten off are restored. ruptured through the spine of the back, for pain and other accidents had gnawed around the nipple of one of his maternal breasts, of the other had quite taken it away. In which necessity when the mother had invoked the Saint, both she and her son were freed from all inconvenience: as the father testified, for the sake of gratitude coming to the sepulchre, with letters, written by the hand of Gaspar Mascaros a Cleric, and making faith of the whole matter. Other very many things of this kind I could relate, did I not beware of the tedium of the readers: for they are infinite, which are done not only at Villarreal, but in other towns everywhere, especially in those, in which our province has a Convent, each furnished with almost some part of his relics, such as are the habit, the little tunic, the little cap, the cord, smaller cloths, nay blankets and coverlets, which were in use to him well or sick, and which carried to the sick work very many cures. So here at Ayora two or three days ago I learned, that Damiana Perez, wife of Peter Perez Bayle, laboring with the colic infirmity, by which every fifteenth nay even eighth day she was seized, when she was very troublesome to herself and her domestics (for at any even least motion of anger she was so atrociously affected, that she seemed now just dying) devoutly asked the little cap of the Saint, and at its touch received most full health, which lasts her even now after several months.

* number 164

CHAPTER XVI.

The cult is promoted. The integrity of the body. A compendium of the Life.

CHAP. LXIV.

[173] Excited by the multitude of miracles, which were daily wrought at the invocation of the Saint, the Praetor and Jurats of the town of Villarreal, in the year MDXCII in the month of November, A juridical information concerning the life of Paschal. sent to their Bishop of Tortosa a Procurator and Syndic, called John Jordan, with one of the Jurats, in the name of the whole people to supplicate, that his Lordship would order a juridical information to be taken concerning the life, death, virtues and miracles of S. Brother Paschal: which he did with this tenor. We Gaspar Puntes, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See Bishop of Tortosa etc. to our beloved in Christ, Hieronymus Gasco, Presbyter, The Bishop's Letter. perpetual Vicar of the parochial church of the town of Villarreal, foreign Official of the town and station of Almazora; and to the Prior of the monastery of S. Thomas of the Order of Preachers of S. Dominic, of the town of Castellón de la Plana,

of our diocese of Tortosa, greeting in the Lord, and to apply due diligence in the things committed. Know ye, that before us on this present day appeared the Magnificent John Jorda a Notary, * a dweller of the said Town of Villarreal of our diocese of Tortosa, and one of the Jurats of the said town in the present year; and to us in the said name of Jurat offered and presented a certain written paper supplication, schedule or writing, in and upon which writing he supplicated an information to be received. But we, wishing in and upon the aforesaid duly and legitimately to proceed, as we are bound, because the proof of matters by law is to be deferred: therefore, the said Jorda instancing and requiring, by the tenor of these presents we say to you, commit, and mandate; that, on our part and for us, all and whatever witnesses, whom the part of the said Jurats of Villarreal shall wish to give and produce, in and upon proving the contents in the said paper schedule, which we send to you separately closed and sealed, and concerning the life and manners of the said Brother Paschal Baylon, and concerning the things done by him, you both together and diligently receive and examine them, by means of an oath, and a public and idoneous Notary well seen by you intervening, interrogating the same witnesses upon the aforesaid, and of their knowledge and the causes of knowledge, and other circumstances wont to be interrogated in similar cases. Of which witnesses indeed the sayings and depositions, committed to writing and shown to no one, you should take care to send to us forthwith by a trusty bearer; signifying to us, by your responsive letters, what, of what kind, and how much faith is to be applied by us to those witnesses. But the witnesses, who shall be named to you, if by grace, hatred, love, or fear, or favor they should withdraw themselves, you should compel by ecclesiastical censure to render testimony to the truth: since we to you, in and upon the premises, plenarily commit our office. Given at Tortosa on the first day of the month of December, in the year from the nativity of the Lord one thousand five hundred and ninety-second.

The Bishop of Tortosa, the Scribe Marti Notary.

[174] These things, just as had been prescribed, being cared for, the Commissaries thus answered. To the most illustrious and most reverend Lord, our Lord Gaspar Punter, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See Bishop of Tortosa, The answer to the same. Hieronymus Gasco, Presbyter, perpetual Vicar of the parochial church of the town of Villarreal, and foreign Official of the town and station of Almazora; and Brother Bartholomew Comes a Monk, Prior of the monastery or convent of S. Thomas, constructed in the town of Castellón de la Plana of Burriana, with due honor and reverence, as is fitting, greeting and honor. Following, fulfilling, and bringing into effect the contents in certain letters concerning the reception of witnesses, obtained by the magnificent and discreet John Jorda a Notary, in the name contained in the same letters, and sealed with the seal of the curia of your Lordship impressed on their back in red wax, and presented to us by the aforesaid John Jorda a Notary, a dweller of the said town of Villarreal, on the XIV day of the month of January MDXCIII, and received by us with that humble obedience and submissive reverence which is fitting, which were given at Tortosa on the I day of the month of December, in the year from the Nativity of the Lord MDXCII, by means of John Hieronymus Jorda a Notary a dweller of the aforesaid town, by us specially assumed for the aforesaid taking of witnesses, all and whatever witnesses, whom the said John Jorda in the said name wished to give and produce, we diligently received; and them concerning their knowledge, and the causes of knowledge, and other circumstances wont to be interrogated in similar cases we interrogated. Of which witnesses indeed the depositions, redacted into writing and shown to no one, closed, and sealed with my seal of the said Hieronymus Gasco impressed in red wax on their back, we send by the bearer of these presents: signifying to your Lordship, that those witnesses are of the best and most honest life, fame, and conversation, and such, that without doubt to their sayings and depositions full faith, as we can piously know and understand, can be applied. And thence, as sons of obedience, we most willingly prepared to follow and fulfill the mandates of your Lordship etc. Given in the said town of Villarreal, on the eighth day of the month of August, in the year from the Nativity of the Lord MDXCIV.

Brother Bartholomew Comes Prior, Hieronymus Gasco Presbyter. By the mandate of the aforesaid magnificent Commissaries, John Hieronymus Jorda Notary and Scribe.

[175] I too was sent, to make a relation of the whole matter to the Majesty of Philip the second, whose singular religion toward God and the Saints I have also experienced. Philip 2 King of Spain favors the cult to be promoted. For when he had denied audience to those wishing to treat grave affairs of his kingdoms, on account of the infirmity by which he was held; he granted it to me on the Vigil of S. John the Baptist in the year MDXCIII, that before himself and his most dear children, Philip the third our Lord and the Infanta Lady Isabella, I should relate concerning the life and miracles of S. Brother Paschal; as I did, they hearing with the greatest silence, attention and alacrity. But he mandated me, to compose an Information of the same, adding his Royal favor to promoting his veneration, whose little cap and chain he wished to be guarded, until by his mandate they should be asked of me. The Instructor also of our Prince Don Garcia de Loyasa, Archbishop of Toledo, whom may God have in heaven, and the most Excellent Marquis of Denia, who then brought me into the sight of his Majesty, and wished to lodge me in his chambers, with singular devotion asked of me Relics from the habit, which I gave both to them and to certain other Magnates of that court, who were then present in the notable convent of S. Laurence del Escurial: who received the same with the greatest reverence, seeing how greatly his Majesty esteemed our Saint.

CHAP. LXV.

[176] When he died, I was going about, according to the obligation of my office, as Provincial, the convents subject to me, The Provincial hastening to the dead man falls into a disease, and was in the farthest convent of the whole province at Jumilla. There how sad that news happened to me, God knows and my eyes. But I hastened forthwith to set out for Villarreal, by journeys greater than my strength bore: whence both on account of the heats of that season, and because so it was pleasing to God, at Villena I fell into a disease so grievous, that the physicians despaired of my life: but the habit of the Saint being brought to me, which was kept at Almansa, I miraculously recovered: yet I could not so quickly measure out the way, and is healed by him. hindered both by the disease and by other occupations, but that eight whole months after the death of the holy man flowed by, before I arrived at Villarreal. There many awaited me, that I should open the sepulchre and the chest, in which the body of the holy man was contained, that they might see it; others placed in the surrounding towns and having made a pact with their Villarreal friends, that they should warn them in time, with ears pricked caught every fame of my coming. But I considering that a public inspection then was by no means expedient, took care to have it divulged before I came there, that by no means was the chest to be opened, nor was I about to inspect it.

[177] These things being thus provided, on a certain night I arrived at the convent of Villarreal: The same, the coffin being opened, finds the body entire. and when I had mandated under obedience to one of the Religious, that as most secretly as possible he should break through the wall, by which was closed the concavity of the altar, and unbar the sarcophagus without noise; under the pretext of taking the rest necessary for me weary from the way, I ordered that all the Religious, whom I had detained by conversing in my cell until I should know the matter accomplished, should each withdraw to their cells. The Guardian and my companion and two other Religious being taken, after I had known all the others to have fallen asleep, I approached to inspect the sepulchre, and found the whole body covered with quicklime. This when I had removed with my own hands, I uncovered the countenance of the Saint, divinely entire in his flesh, and all the rest of the body entire, so that not even the extremity of the nose, which is wont first to decay for the dead, was lacking in it. I saw the eyes entire, the beard, lips, neck, breast, belly, hands, the flesh everywhere entire: and raising the right hand with my hand, I fixed a kiss on it, and noted it to be soft and tractable, and to drip a certain crystalline humor. We inspected the shins, and the legs so full, that not even a hair was noted to have fallen off. But nothing of stench offered itself to the nostrils, nothing of horror to the sight: but it elicited from all most devout tears that so notable a miracle set before our eyes.

[178] After these things I mandated, that the chest be closed and the opened wall repaired: After two years it is found still incorrupt. but I would not have the lime removed, saying: He who in this lime preserved thee so many months, will be able so to preserve thee some years, that the miracle may become more attested and more celebrated, when thou shalt have to be translated to a more honored place. Then there came the Commissary, who visited the Province; when the Religious of Villarreal, desiring to see the holy body, opened it with his leave in the year MDXCIV on the XXII day of July, two years and more after it had been buried in quicklime: but they found it so constituted. The whole garment and the smaller cloths had gone into ashes, one little cloth excepted, which over the privy parts of the body remained entire, and gave testimony of that virginal modesty, by which not even dead would he be seen naked in this part. The body also was seen entire in all its members, the flesh however and nerves juiceless without any corruption, which raised on its feet stands of itself. It is true however that the sharpness of the nose is lacking to it, and in some places the extreme skin; lacking also is the left ear and one finger, which appear to have been torn off: but if in the feet anything is mutilated, that too was done by the indiscreet devotion of some, divinely permitted to abuse their free will, as often elsewhere, even in those things, in which nature was bidden by its Founder to spare beyond custom.

[179] Moreover that venerable body now remains within a chest, It is enclosed in a chest fortified with a triple lock. closed with a triple lock, for greater caution: but one of the keys the City has, for the sake of honor and security entrusted to it by the Religion, under an authentic act, that through this it does not pretend any right in so precious relics, which it acknowledges to be the proper treasure of the Franciscan Religion itself. The same City, for placing it more honorably, ordered a chapel to be built for a new sepulchre, which the most illustrious Lord and our singular Patron Don Carolus de Borja, Duke of Gandia, had promised that he would make of Genoese marble, The Duke of Gandia, a vow being made to the Saint, obtains offspring. if he should give him a son: but the Saint had given, as he had been asked, the Marquis of Lombay, a most beautiful little infant, to whom his father wished in baptism to be given the name of Francis Didacus Paschal, that he might acknowledge him to be his gift. But that the most illustrious Duchess also might acknowledge herself specially obliged, and the Marquis born of her to be a son of prayers and vows; it pleased God, that she should not bring him forth

into the light, before the memory of S. Brother Paschal was renewed, by invoking him in the very crisis of the more dangerous article, when according to the attestation of the midwife, the fetus turned in the womb stretching out its arm, signified, how much he himself and his mother needed present help. This was not indeed indicated to the Duchess, lest her courage for the labor should be diminished: she however feeling the birth deferred and herself much fatigued, turning her countenance to the Duke standing by said; Lord, if it pleased God in this hour to free me, should we not go to visit the body of S. Brother Paschal? The Duke answered, that he would do it most willingly. Then she with eyes lifted to heaven began instantly to ask the help of the Saint; and when there were placed on her belly his Relics, which are kept in the convent of Gandia; there came into the light a sound infant, as if until then awaiting the mandate of the Saint; and filled his parents and the whole family with gladness.

[180] The body of S. Brother Paschal is therefore now between the altars of the Conception and of the Rosary: which place and chapel is everywhere clothed with waxen images, votive tablets, mortuary linens, and other marks of miracles, wrought through the invocation of that Saint; of which the chief we have given in a long order in this history, as we excerpted them together with the knowledge of his life and virtues from the Informations or processes, formed (as we saw above) by Episcopal authority. A compendium of the Life. All which, that they may be concluded in a chronological compendium, I say, that S. Brother Paschal was born in the town of Torrehermosa in the year MDXL. He took the habit at Our Lady of Loreto of Montfort in the kingdom of Valencia, on the day of the Purification of the Virgin in the year MDLXIV, Brother Alfonso de Lerena acting as Custos of the Province of S. John the Baptist. Then in the following year his Profession received Brother John de Cordovilla, Guardian of that Convent. He died in the year MDXCII, of his age the LII, Philip II reigning in the Spains, Clement VIII holding the Apostolic See, Brother Francis de Tolosa Bishop of Tuy sustaining the General Ministry of the Franciscan Order; but the Custody of this province administering he who beyond the rest was most unworthy. He was finally buried in the convent of Villarreal, eight leagues from the city of Valencia, on the royal road which leads to Barcelona. And let this be the end of the present Chronicle, which I concluded in the convent of S. Anthony de Ayora, a town of the most illustrious Duke del Infantado, in the year MDXCVIII in the month of December, on the very day on which the Church in the Lauds of Matins at the Benedictus prescribes to be sung the Antiphon; Behold, completed; which I too to the glory of God could subscribe to this my work.

* that is, a citizen

SUPPLEMENT

Of the life, virtues, and miracles.

From the Italian of Father Brother Christopher d'Arta.

B. Paschal Baylon, of the Order of Discalced Minors, of Villarreal in the Kingdom of Valencia.

FROM THE ITALIAN OF D'ARTA.

CHAPTER I.

On the life of Paschal before the resolution of Religion undertaken.

L. I. C. I.

[1] In the year MDXL, on the first day of the Pentecostal Pasch, the XVII of the month of May, in the place called Torrehermosa, born to farmers, but honest and pious parents, Paschal, from his very cradle began to give indications of his future holiness; The boyhood of Paschal. at the first beginning of human reasoning so willingly accustoming himself to pronounce the elements of Christian doctrine with lips still stammering, and to form the sign of the Cross with tender fingers, that that thing was a great delight to his parents. But when also on a certain day his mother had carried him on her arms to the divine Offices in the church, he was noted to have stayed with so quiet a mouth, and eyes so intent on the sacred mysteries, as if he had perceived their dignity with a full intellect. From then he began so to be affected toward the church, that if even for a very little time his mother left him alone, whither by his feet straight he could not yet by age approach, he crept even on his hands, not without great solicitude of his parents, who seeking him through the whole town, found him only in the church. Which when it happened often, and there was a just fear of some misfortune to be incurred by the little one, they indeed tried by rebukes and threats to deter him from such a daring, yet they could not conquer the propensity, not so much of nature, as of grace alluring him thither.

CHAP. II.

[2] Age proceeding the affection of piety also proceeded; nor were there for the boy other playthings almost than the Rosary and the images of the Saints: to which his maternal instruction much contributed, informing him with various little pious exercises: but most reverent always toward his father, he was never seen to transgress his mandate in anything. Nay even to his four brothers, of whom some were greater in age, he was of such an example, that in his presence they did not dare to do anything unbecoming, and that when he was not yet seven years of age. * Which when he reached, his father judged that he should be applied to feeding the flock rather than to agriculture, because he seemed less strong in strength. He is set over feeding the flock. Doing this, he was singularly affected toward a certain hermitage, which had its name from the most holy Virgin della Serra, and toward her image. In the circuit of this Paschal frequent, turned his countenance thither again and again, often also toward it bent his knees, and recited the little prayers which he held in memory: but if it was necessary for him to lead the flock further away, the presence of the little building dear to him he supplied with a little image of the Mother of God, expressed on a harder paper; and the same he had carved on his pastoral crook, together with the form of the Cross; and fixing it in the ground, he attended to sweet colloquies with his Lady and Patroness, and to running through a certain little Office of hers.

CHAP. III.

[3] When the occasion offered itself among his companions of speaking of God, of the excellence of virtue, of the gravity of sin, His companions in his presence are safe from peril. there was so great a weight in his words now somewhat grown, that of those same his companions some in their depositions say, that aged men were often seen weeping, and attentively receiving his admonitions concerning the observance of the mandates of God. Hence it came about that the shepherds of the whole vicinity, great and small, when they perchance spoke of him, called him Blessed (the very words of the witnesses) and held him for such; and courted his society, persuaded that in his presence nothing evil could befall them: which indeed by a notable event worthy of memory appeared once. He was feeding the flock with one of them in the territory of Alconchel, and between two great oaks both had sat down; when a sudden whirlwind lifted both by the roots from the earth and prostrated them, yet so that one of them fell on one side, the other on the other side, the youths who were in the middle being unhurt, and giving thanks to God: which thing then known by others, much confirmed them in the opinion conceived of Paschal. But if anything adverse fell out, his companions perchance bursting forth into oaths or blasphemies he reproved modestly, and said, as one of them deposed; Be silent, brother, what shall we do? May the Virgin help us; may Our Lady aid us.

CHAP. IV.

[4] But in that pastoral work it is wonderful how solicitous he was, lest he should give cause of damage to anyone. Therefore when once his mother insisted, He takes care lest his flock do damage to anyone. that he should feed a few goats of a certain aunt of his; he with great candor of mind; Spare me, said he, mother, nor command this of me; because they are so wanton, that however much diligence be applied yet they do great damage everywhere; and I will not have occasion of doing evil to anyone. But his vigilance in that kind this declares, that furnished always with a little inkstand and a pen, in little pieces of paper studiously collected for that purpose, he noted the place and the lord of the place, to whom perchance his flock had brought some damage: and, if it was estimable by price, immediately he indicated it to the injured, and compensated by their judgment, nor suffered anything to be exacted or paid by his employers, because imputing all that to his negligence he said it ought to be paid by him: but if they for the cause of the flock committed to him were at some time fined, he wished that to be deducted before all things from the wage due to him.

[5] The same not yet fourteen years old, ordered once by the master of the shepherds to enter a certain vineyard to pluck grapes, and refusing to do it, He refuses to take, and to eat the grapes taken. though even by threats he was driven, constantly answered; Not even if thou couldst tear me limb from limb, will I comply with thee in this. Then he much indignant having entered it brought grapes, and, that he might eat with him, invited Paschal: and not bearing him refusing this too, repelled him from himself. But the holy boy remained in his purpose, and modestly signified to the master, that things taken by theft are never profitable. He was even much younger, nor had yet completed the tenth year of his age, when a certain little shepherd, seeing him have in his hands certain little cords woven of sea-rushes and interspersed with many knots, asked of him what use they had. To whom Paschal: These indeed, said he, serve for reciting the Crown, but those for retaining the memory of my sins. Then the companion; In what matter, he infers, canst thou sin? But Paschal with great fervor: In what matter dost thou ask? By treading this earth, by seeing, by thinking. So great a discretion of evil and good God had then infused into his tender mind. But most fleeing of idleness and at the same time most zealous of propagating the Marian cult, if he had any vacant time he willingly spent it in weaving of rush such rosaries, which he distributed among the shepherds, both teaching and persuading their use.

CHAPTER II.

The vocation of Paschal to Religion and his acts before entering.

CHAP. V.

[6] A familiarity had been contracted by him with a certain John Apparitio, whom having experienced for three years unanimous and faithful to him, He indicates his mind concerning religion to one companion. he had almost as his only companion: to him he indicated his resolution of entering the religious life, to him after fifteen days he told, what had been revealed to him concerning it by the Brother and Nun appearing to him while he was feeding beside the hermitage of Alconchel: to him also a few days after he showed himself with a habit and mantle of ashen color, such as the Franciscan Religious use, saying, that the same had appeared to him again, and that to fulfill their mandate he wished to depart from that region (as in fact he did, betaking himself to the place called Peñas de S. Pedro in the kingdom of Murcia, where he had a sister): to him finally returning after a year he met, instead of a mantle clothed with a religious little mantle and an ashen little cap. But to that testifying Apparitio several others attesting expressly note, that the little mantle was short, and the rope with which he was girt thick, and most similar to that which our Discalced use.

CHAP. VI.

[7] With the same Apparitio Paschal once fed the flock on the way which leads to Capra-fons, about the place called Covatilla, He supplies water to the thirsty, where there was none, where there was a fountain whence they were wont to drink, but it then had water so turbid, that even by its sight it created nausea. When therefore Apparitius wished to seek it elsewhere; Let us not depart hence, said the Saint,

deflecting a little from the royal road, the crook and wallet being laid down on the ground, he dug out a little pit with his own hands, which was soon filled with most clear water, and sitting at it both ate the bread brought forth from the provision-bags. But to Apparitio wondering Paschal said: Friend, when thirsty thou hast no water, strike the earth with thy staff, and thou wilt find it. But the aforesaid Apparitius said, that a little after returning to the same place, he found that water no more: but to keep the memory of the place, he set up a Cross, which still survived, when he the first time at Villarreal gave testimony of these matters.

CHAP. VII.

[8] For the rest he did not then first communicate to the aforesaid Apparitio his resolution of the religious life, or begin to think of it; As a seven-year-old he gives presages of his future life. but long before he had given presages of a life of this kind at some time to be kept. He had at seven years a kinsman equal to himself in age Francis Delgado, whom his parents out of devotion had clothed in the Franciscan habit: which thing made him so gracious to be seen by Paschal, that he could scarcely be torn from his company. When therefore he once visited Francis sick, he found his garment laid out on a bench: which putting on himself, and joyfully wondering at himself in it, he could not be induced, at parting to lay it aside; opposing himself with tears to those who wished to take it from him, nor yielding to threats. Which seen the uncle of the boy ordered his mother to be summoned: at whose mandate he indeed obeyed, but proceeded to weep inconsolably. But after at a now greater age he had refused the inheritance offered him by Martin Garcia with a daughter; he, who before had often been wont in the paternal house to say to his brothers conversing about some temporal matter; I want nothing, I want nothing, because I must be a Friar; to the same end the part of the patrimony falling to him he granted to his brother John Baylon and his two sisters. But his godmother, who loved him supremely, and so often having heard him say that he must become a Religious, was wont to call him her Little Friar; after she understood him really clothed with the holy habit: I rejoice, said she, that my Paschal has fulfilled the faith of his word.

CHAP. VIII.

[9] He was in the twentieth year of his age when for this cause he betook himself into the kingdom of Valencia: in which journey he wished to pass through the so-called Rocks of S. Peter, He bids farewell to his sister. where he had a sister, as above said, by name Joanna Baylon, that he might bid her farewell. The sister received him with joy, and prepared a supper: but she could by no means induce him, to taste anything other than bread and water. Which although it displeased her, thinking however it was done by him, because weary from the way he needed rest; she mandated her companion Joanna Garcia, to spread a bed for her brother. But she relates these things in her examination, that when both had led him into the chamber, ordered to withdraw, and to leave to him the care of extinguishing the light, a little after they returned to the door, on which he had drawn the bolt within; and noting the light still burning they looked in through the chinks, and saw him stripping himself, and the little cords being taken flagellating with so great rigor, that they were compelled to go away thence, not able to dissemble their wailing. The next day the sister had prepared a breakfast for him; but he again would taste nothing besides bread and water, nor even receive in the wallet anything to eat on the way; he only asked, that the little gourd which he carried be filled with water, saying, that if hunger urged, a piece of bread would remedy it; and so he departed. But they having entered the chamber, found the bed, as they had composed it the evening before; and thence understood, that he had passed the night lying on the ground.

CHAP. IX.

[10] After he arrived where he intended his journey, and found a lord whose flock he might feed; when he was observed from time to time to do that about the convent of the Virgin of Loreto, and this was reported to his lord, fearing lest his flock should fare less well on barren soil and grazed by so frequent an approach, He commits the flock to the Virgin Mary; he asked of him why he did not pass to other more pleasant pastures. To whom Paschal; I and my flock are nowhere well except in the sight of the Virgin, whose protection will greatly fatten it. This heard, he wondering at his faith and devotion, and finding the truth of the saying by experience, let him thenceforth act at his pleasure. But the shepherds say, among whom he was engaged a whole four years, that when they themselves for fear of wolves watched, Paschal for the most part by night dismissed his flock in the field, and piously venerates the same. and betook himself to the door of the convent for the sake of prayer, secure in the protection of the Mother of God. But they said it could scarcely be told, how greatly he venerated her, by bending his knees toward the convent when the sign was given for the Ave Maria, by reciting her Rosary most attentively, which he always carried in his hand or on his neck, and by inducing others to do the same: but when he slept he clasped with an embrace that his staff, on which he had carved the image of the Mother of God, and waking took care lest he should cast it either on the cattle, or dishonor it by any lighter action. But also he spoke most sweetly of her, having nothing more frequent in his mouth, than, May the Mother of God save me, may the Virgin keep me safe. Similarly also he was most tenderly affected toward S. Joseph, and therefore willingly approached a certain little hill, midway between the towns of Elche and Montfort, from which he could see from afar both Convents, which alone in the kingdom of Valencia our province then had, namely his own of the Virgin of Loreto, and the other sacred to the virgin Spouse.

CHAP. X.

[11] If ever he was asked by his fellow-shepherds, to eat with them; he took a little bread, He has great care of the least things, and dipping it in water rose, and said that thus he fared more lightly. Yet he willingly saw them eating and also drinking wine, although he himself constantly abstained from it; nor even in the houses of his patrons, when he went thither for the necessities of his flock, would he eagerly receive what was offered. Discalced he was always girt with a thick rope of sea-rushes: but to those condoling with him for that cause he answered, In this manner something is done for obtaining the remission of sins, and heaven if possible is to be attained. * But that he might accurately keep the distribution of time prescribed to him, he carried a little solar clock with him. But he was so rigid an observer of justice, that even to enter the vineyard of anyone to pluck a cluster of grapes he believed something great, and that lawful for no one, unless extreme thirst or hunger urging. Which when others said was too scrupulously taken by him; he himself esteemed no less even the smallest trifles in that matter; so that, if his flock did even four obols' damage to anyone, most loving of justice. he immediately took care to compensate it. But to those saying to him, that wishing so to act, he would at last pay more than the price of the whole flock, he answered: Many small things drag a man to hell, and I will not be burdened with so great a weight.

[12] It happened therefore, that without his fault the cattle once having entered certain crops, did, as it seemed to him, no light damage, which vehemently troubled him, because he knew not the name of the lord, whom he ought to satisfy. To him fixed in this sadness there met on the way a man, whom cheerfully asking, whether he knew whose field that was, when he had heard the name, and wished according to his custom to commit the heard name to writing, he did not find his little inkstand; and to the man, asking the cause of the trouble which he showed, he answered: Because my inkstand has fallen from me, and I cannot write the name of him, to whom my flock has done damage, but I fear lest it fall from my memory. He writes with the blood of a lamb, the inkstand being lost. That solicitude seemed too great to Gaspar Guerra (this was the name of that man): but Paschal answered; It is better, friend, to pay here than in hell. That therefore he might satisfy his conscience, before the same Gaspar, he cut the little ear of one lamb, and taking a straw and dipping it in the blood, as best he could, wrote the name; which the same man afterward in wonder published. Similarly because he feared, that however much diligence applied he had fully satisfied those near whose fields he was wont to feed, he sometimes joined himself to their servants digging or reaping; and doing this even a whole day, he would not receive from them even a morsel of bread or a draught of water, but fed of his own.

[13] Hence it came about, that in that tribunal, which is constituted in those places for estimating damages done by animals, The grazed crop is found more luxuriant. so great faith was had in Paschal even unsworn, that to his simple deposition faith was had without further information: to which this following case also helped. His flock had entered one night a neighboring sowing, and brought a notable damage to it; which as soon as in the morning Paschal saw, he referred to the judges, and asked that they would come to estimate the harm. They came, and before the lord judged that there had been consumed only so much grain, as would fill the measure, which in the kingdom of Valencia is called a barchiglia: nevertheless that the final definition was to be suspended, until the sowing, which was still in the blade, should reach to fruit and maturity. The estimators therefore returned at harvest time found nowhere crops more luxuriant and more copious than in that place, which Paschal confessed had been grazed by his flock; and praised God wonderful in His servant. Others noted, that in this part so solicitous, yet he never drove his cattle from others' fields by stones cast with his crook or led them back to the way, but as at the most wont to threaten, did it with the greatest moderation and modesty, sparing them as if they were men. Others observed, that although full of mercy toward the poor he denied alms to no one asking, yet he did not divide with them the bread given him by his patrons for his own sustenance: but rather he took care to have with him something of money, reserved from his salary, to relieve their necessity.

CHAP. XI.

[14] He who was so solicitous, lest he should defraud anyone's right, it is easily understood how exact he was in the observance of those mandates, How he keeps the feasts: which concern the divine cult. Therefore lest by a defect of memory any Vigil to be observed with a fast should be lacking, he took care to have a copy of the Calendar, and from it also indicated to his companions, what feasts were to be kept by precept. He also took care the day before to so dispose all things at home, that he should not even have wood to be carried, so that he could spend the whole day in sacred exercises. Which the masters of the shepherds attending, themselves also cut off those occasions, by which he could have been hindered; nay even on feast days not rarely they afforded the faculty of hearing Mass. Paschal indeed gratefully received this, but bore it grievously, that, lest he should be lacking to his office, he had to return so quickly. But when neither that was permitted and he was in a place near a convent, he diligently observed the ringing of the bell, that whither he could not by body, he might approach by affection. And, pleased

to gratify him the most pious Lord, The Angels exhibit the holy Host to him to behold. whose delights are to be with the sons of men, often exhibited to him among the clouds visible the mystery of the most sacred Eucharist, sustained by Angelic hands in a sacred shrine. Whence he, suffused with immense joy, could not contain himself, but called his companions, that they should become partakers of the same spectacle: who although by intending their eyes, whither he his finger, they saw nothing; yet they doubted not, but that he spoke truly, and this several afterward testified.

CHAPTER III.

The notable virtues of Paschal now a religious.

CHAP. XII, CHAP. XIII, CHAP. XIV.

[15] Meanwhile he contemplated the virtues and the harshness of life flourishing in that convent of the Virgin of Loreto, He enters Religion, and desiring to be more closely united to it by the bond of religion he became partaker of his vow in the year MDLXIV by the Custos of the Province Brother Alfonso de Lierena, Brother John de Cordoniglia acting as Guardian of the convent: and the year of the novitiate finished he professed the religious vows on the feast of the Purified Virgin the II of February. From then he inhabited various convents, and in the place of Montagnana. There when he was, he often went forth to gather wood, and laden with a bundle returned home: but as often as with a companion for the cause of alms he went away further, he laid down on the way the bundle of wood, Of his humility and this as it were a reward of hospitality he carried into the house of that Brother with whom he was about to pass the night, or left the same in the name of alms with some poor person. With the same spirit of humility he tried to hide his virtues, and the favors made him divinely. It happened however once, that he was rapt into ecstasy in a certain place, where he could be seen by one of the Brethren: for which afterward vehemently blushing, he approached that Brother, and admonished that he should not greatly esteem what he had seen: for God had dealt with him as an indulgent father often toward a froward son, treating him more blandly that he may gradually lead him from vice to virtue.

CHAP. XV.

[16] His humility was accompanied by a notable patience, which by no case seemed able to be moved. He visited once at Villarreal a certain sick man, and zealous of Patience; by name Damian Porquet, more gravely in peril than he knew: which Paschal understanding began to admonish him, as one soon to die, sweetly, but openly. That liberty displeased the bystanders, by no means thinking the crisis so near: wherefore they began to reprove him more injuriously, saying, that he was an idiot and indiscreet, that ignorant of medicine he presumed to trouble the sick man with so importune news; and adding other reproaches they were expelling him from the house, especially the wife of the one lying down. To her therefore turning himself with serene countenance: Pardon me, Sister, pardon, said he: for I did not say it, to trouble thee, but to prepare the sick man to undergo death in Christian fashion: but does it not also seem to thee, that the salvation of the soul is to be provided for before that of the body. Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ: remain with God. And saying these things he went away so glad, as if he had there been presented with a great good. But scarcely had he gone out of the house, when Damian returned to himself, and persuaded that a man of holiness known to him had admonished nothing in vain, took care to provide for his affairs and to receive the last Sacraments: and shortly after died, filling all the citizens with no common admiration by so unforeseen an outcome. At other times when he had judged it fitting to admonish certain seculars of some excess, and they thinking themselves injured returned reproaches, saying; that he was truly a hypocrite, who it sufficiently appeared was brought up among goats: he could not contain in his mind the joy, lest it should break forth into his countenance; and bending his knees and deprecating his fault, vehemently confounded their impudence by that his gentleness.

CHAP. XVI.

[17] Equal in him was the virtue of obedience, of which let this be a specimen. When he stayed in the convent of Valencia, he performed at the same time the office of Dispenser and of Doorkeeper, both very laborious on account of the multitude of the dwellers. likewise of Obedience; Understanding this; he who was then Provincial Brother Peter de Sena, for the love with which he loved him, once said to him; It seems to me, Brother Paschal, that here thou art too much fatigued: dost thou wish me to transfer thee to another convent? But he answered: As to changes, it is not fitting that my judgment be sought, because I have placed myself wholly between the hands of obedience: let your Charity do what it will: change or leave: for however much the occupation be great, and full of disquiet the care of a Doorkeeper, while I labor through obedience, God will help me. At other times the Provincial knowing, that the Guardian of the convent, which Paschal inhabited, was made very little to the manners and disposition of the man of God, said to him: Brother Paschal, would it not be expedient to ask a transfer from this convent, when in it thou art not well? The Saint easily understood, whither such a question tended; and answered: No, Brother: for I have never approved a petition of this kind; on the contrary I have always experienced, when we commit ourselves to our Superiors, after one Guardian not so convenient, another more apt follows: which does not happen, when by our own judgment we choose something, because then one goes from a bad to a worse.

[18] Moreover how greatly he esteemed obedience, he wished signified even after death, even after death. and this a certain Guardian experienced twice. The first, when in the convent of Villarreal on the feast day of the Saint himself preaching the sermon Lord Frederick Villa-rasa a Canon of the Metropolitan of Valencia, and at that place, where mention had to be made of those percussions, which we will explain below to be heard miraculously within the chest, saying thus. Which although many assert, to me it is doubtful: Brother Michael de Villa-rasa the nephew of that Canon and the Guardian, said within himself; O Blessed Paschal, although I dare command thee nothing, yet, as Superior of this place I declare to thee my will to be, that thou take away that doubt from the preacher. But behold at that very moment the chest sounded with so loud a blow, that as many as were present in the church heard it; and the people wondering, the orator acknowledged his error, nor without tears finished his sermon. At other times, when the same Guardian said Mass at the very altar of B. Paschal, there entered the church the Duke de Alcala, with so great a retinue and noise, that it seemed impossible to the Guardian to pursue the begun mysteries. Remembering therefore the prodigious obedience, which he had lately experienced, by way of commanding he asked the Saint, that he would repress the tumult: and forthwith a blow heard from the chest astonished all and made them silent; and so sacrificing quietly and devoutly he completed the Sacred mysteries.

CHAP. XVIII, CHAP. XX.

[19] Of the love of poverty, by which the Saint shone, it can be said, that it grew with him in the womb of his mother: The love of poverty. for from the time she conceived him, she so began to be affected toward the poor, and to bestow on them so profusely whatever she could, that the matter was said everywhere among the people to tend to prodigality; whence also some accused her to her husband, as if doing injury to him and his children. But the good man answered: That which my wife bestows on the poor, can decrease neither from me nor from the children. From this love it came about, that he admitted nothing of a new garment except most painfully: wherefore when once the Guardian of Villarreal, judging it unbecoming for him to be clothed in a tunic so worn and patched, had ordered him to take a new one; suffused with so great blush he went through the monastery, that he sought a remedy for it, by sewing on the front part certain pieces of worn cloth, that he might deceive his own eyes. But then when some one of the Brethren complained that something of woolen cloth was lacking to him, he cut off the lateral segments of his tunic, and handed them to the needy one, himself therefore using the same so tight that he seemed clothed in a sack. At other times the Guardian wishing to put on him a more decent and less shapeless little mantle, was compelled to abstain from the undertaking, on account of the submission of mind, with which he deprecated, that he should not be deprived of that his most poor habit. But the linen undergarment, which we call the smaller cloth, having from frequent patching become hard like wood, as often as he had washed it, wet as it was he resumed it rather, than that he should expose it to be dried in the sun, and so perchance be seen by anyone. Seeing once a certain religious, whose name was John Valera, mending such a little cloth with a woolen piece; full of gladness he exclaimed, that he knew him for a true son of S. Francis. If he thought anything committed against poverty beloved by him, he admonished freely: and so when once a pall of silk had been given to the Provincial, and he had destined it for making an altar-cloth, and had understood a part to be lacking, and had mandated the syndic, to seek a fitting supplement; Paschal answered; he should see, how that consisted with poverty: and the Provincial held the admonition grateful, and abstained from the undertaking. * In a certain convent there was a little cell under the bell-tower so narrow, and besides lacking a door and a window and almost even a roof, that no one could dwell in it: but he ceased not to ask it of the Guardian, until for his great consolation he obtained it.

CHAP. XXI, CHAP. XXII.

[20] His austerity toward himself. Now of the rigor of his penances what shall I say? The softest of the hair-shirts which he used, was woven of bristles, but to this at the shoulder and breast he had applied an iron horseshoe. But this when Brother Peter Herrera had drawn from the placed wood, which served him for a pillow, and had put on himself for the sake of experiment, he could not tolerate it even for a short space of time: and yet he himself thus or much more harshly clothed, and girt also with a triple round of an iron chain, performed works however laborious cheerfully. Moreover so great austerity preserved in him the flower of virginity unsullied, and the same merited for him victory against temptations adverse to that Angelic virtue: nor for him only, but also for others, who for such a cause commended themselves to his prayers. This he experienced under oath deposed Didacus Araziel a citizen of Montfort, confessing of himself, that for ten years most grievously assailed, he never vainly invoked his help, of whose notable chastity he had conceived a great opinion from that time, in which he had begun to associate familiarly with him living. Meanwhile his most profound humility made him ingenious for finding pretexts, by which he might hide his virtues. Hence when once some one of the Brethren asked him, by what reason he could sleep not stretching out his body, nor ever ceasing to inflict on himself some trouble: Knowest thou not, said Paschal smiling, that I was a shepherd, and therefore accustomed to sleep hard, suffering thence no inconvenience?

CHAP. XXIV, CHAP. XXV.

[21] But as rigid toward himself so benign toward others was Paschal: Benignity toward others, nay even liberal especially toward the poor. When therefore once a year had been more barren than usual, the Brother almoner said to him; I beseech, Brother Paschal, be more moderate in bestowing bread, because it is now obtained with difficulty. He answered; Let us trust God, and believe that bread will not be lacking to us: for for any piece of bread which we shall give, we shall open two doors through which alms will enter to us. On a similar occasion the Guardian of Villarreal, fearing lest the citizens, who from their own teeth withdrew

whence the religious were sustained, should be offended by the too great liberality of their Doorkeeper in giving alms, forbade, that he should give bread to any poor person outside the accustomed hour of distributing the pot among the needy. especially toward the poor. The Saint at first obeyed, but when the tenderness of his heart could not long bear, that those who came at other hours should depart without consolation, he approached the Guardian; and his prayer was so efficacious, that he convinced by the reasons, which his inflamed charity suggested, said: Go Brother, and bestow whatever is at home at whatever hour it shall please.

[22] It happened once, when the Saint performed at the same time the office of doorkeeper and refectorian at Valencia, that in the evening they brought only so much alms-bread, as seemed to the whole community able to suffice for a whole two days. Nonetheless the next day Paschal admonished the almoner, to think about bread to be acquired for the meal. He troubled in mind, when he had asked, how the bread could now have already failed; hastened to the refectory, The loaves are multiplied. and having searched all its corners in vain, went away to the doorkeeper's cell, and there found a basket with a few loaves: which carrying with him in the basket, and ordering the doorkeeper to follow, he brought to the Guardian, and said indignantly: How at last will Paschal be able to be saved, if he does such things under the pretext of charity? The Guardian was Brother Andrew of S. Anthony, a prudent and holy man: who wishing to placate the Brother moved more than was right; What shall I do, said he, if Brother Paschal is a Saint? This his praise pricked, although uttered with another end and tone and as it were by irony, Paschal most fleeing of human glory: and so delaying nothing, he silently took away the basket with him suffused with blush and departed. But it pleased God, for whose cause that loss had befallen, that little bread, which Paschal had kept for his poor, to be multiplied, so that thence forty Religious were abundantly satisfied, and nonetheless there was over for the use of the poor, with the admiration of all.

[23] In preparing the portion of the poor he was most diligent and at the same time neat, He makes the foods of the poor most savory. saying, that there ought not to be given them those things which otherwise had to be cast out, especially since that could also harm their health: but if the leavings of the tables seemed too few, he added water and oil with a little bread, so preparing all things, that the poor were abundantly satisfied. Someone had observed him once thus seasoning those foods, and said; What savor can that broth have, prepared of ingredients of this kind? To whom Paschal; The best, said he, by the grace of God. He therefore, when the Saint had somewhat withdrawn, wished to taste it: and the seasoning tasted he so approved, that he swore he had tasted nothing more savory in his whole life. The same at other times happened, when Brother John Rodriguez ordered to help him said; What shall we do? for nothing is left in the refectory for the poor. To whom Paschal; Let not that care touch thee, said he, fill the cauldron with water and put it to the fire. John obeyed, while Paschal sought a few little pieces of bread with salt: which cast into the water; What, said he, will so little profit in so copious water? But Paschal fervent in spirit; We have done, he answers, what we could; now it remains, that God do what He can on His part. A wonderful thing! The mess then tasted the aforenamed Brother so praised, that he said, he had never eaten anything better seasoned.

CHAPTER IV.

The gifts of prudence, science and prophecy, granted to Paschal.

CHAP. XXVI.

[24] To all these virtues was joined a singular prudence, on account of which it not rarely happened in the convents where he dwelt, that he was constituted President for an absent Guardian, The prudence of Paschal. although there were not lacking Religious Priests apt for this office. Similarly when once the Master of Novices was lacking (which office requires great discretion) Paschal was ordered to preside over them, as he testified, who under him was a Novice at Almansa in the year MDLXXVI, and remembers very many useful admonitions then received from him. In the convent also of Jumilla the whole community writing by a concordant vote to the Provincial Minister, asked for Paschal as Superior, and for some many months had him, with great consolation and satisfaction of all. For he knew in a wonderful manner to keep lenity toward others and the common manner of life with all, although toward himself properly he was so hard and austere. And so when once he had understood the Master of Novices in the convent of S. Anne to be carried away by a certain indiscreet zeal, and to impose a heavier than usual burden both in penances and in prayers and other exercises on those subject to him; he secretly summoned him, and instructed him concerning moderation to be held so happily, that that Master with great gratitude often openly professed, how much from that instruction he profited.

CHAP. XXIX.

[25] When he dwelt in the convent of Villarreal, having gone forth once to beg bread, and having come to the door of a certain devotee of his, John Fernandez; the father of the family himself met him, holding out two loaves in his hand. Which Paschal wondering at; He increases the flour by a blessing. How, said he, do I now receive two loaves? I will tell thee, replies John, because I see I have less wheat, nor money enough, to buy what will be necessary for me and mine, therefore I have determined to double the alms, that the little flour, which remains, God may deign to multiply. Delighted by this his faith Paschal asked, where he had it stored. Come, said he, and see. Paschal went, and imparting his blessing; Fear not, said he, that flour will be lacking to thee: and this said he went away. But John afterward bearing testimony of these things, affirmed, that although that flour was not sufficient for half the part of the time that remained, yet it lasted until harvest, beyond what it was wont, with his great and just admiration.

CHAP. XXXII.

[26] Among these things that the Saint was also strong with the spirit of prophecy, was clear both by others, and by the following cases. A certain woman called Isabella de Exea, He knows hidden things. from a certain displeasure had proposed in her mind to make no more alms to the convent; and in it she seemed to herself so fixed, that she believed she would never be moved, although the whole world should command this of her. But when first the Saint spoke to her, she heard from him; Sister, promise me, that thou wilt not for any cause intermit the charity hitherto done to us: whence she understood, that her heart had been divinely laid open to him, and salubriously confounded changed her purpose. Brother Peter Pastor was returning from his parents, after certain affairs troublesome to him had been treated: and passing through Villena, where Paschal then stayed, and dealing with him, she wondered at him relating in order what he had treated, as if he had been present, and refreshed and aided by the counsels received from him. Brother John Olarte, suffering a great obscurity of spirit, which neither the Master of Novices Brother Emmanuel Rodriguez had been able to take away; when he had said to B. Paschal that he was pressed by a certain spiritual affliction, the cause not added, the Saint explained the whole of this to him, and serened his conscience.

CHAP. XXXIII.

[27] There was at Villarreal a youth dear to the Saint, but desperately addicted to gaming: whom when Paschal had often admonished in vain: Play, said he, play: He foretells things to come. but thou wilt never win: which when he afterward had experienced, faith being had in the words of his friend he abstained from gaming. Of Agatha Borrel the husband lay given up by the physicians: whom therefore afflicted the Saint consoling; Its course, said he, the infirmity will have; but although long, it will not be mortal. On a similar occasion he said this very thing to Bartholomew Sart, an apothecary of Villarreal, and the outcome proved the truth of the saying by the deed. Antony de Fuentes in his examination relates; that a certain neighbor of his was so alien from the Brethren, that he fled every occasion of dealing with them: and that Paschal said to him narrating it: A time will come, in which that man moved by great devotion, will run after the Brethren: and so he says it came about, that the Order scarcely had a greater benefactor than he in the town of Elche, where the thing happened. At Villena there was an apothecary, who freely supplied to the Convent all things, of which there was need from his shop: whose charity once weighing Paschal; God will repay, said he, to that man a reward by giving him a son, who will become a Discalced Brother: and this was Brother Gaspar Valera, an upright Priest and dead with great fame of virtue. The town of Villarreal had a grave lawsuit with the city of Valencia before the Senate of Aragon: for treating which Don John Jorda a Presbyter being sent, would not go unless he had bidden Paschal farewell. When therefore he had commended to him the business and the success of his journey; Go, Brother, said he, go, for thou wilt return more glad and more robust: which he afterward testified happened to him to the word.

CHAP. XXXIV, CHAP. XXXV.

[28] Of the science divinely infused into Paschal Brother Peter Herrera testifies, that to him dwelling at Valencia he often proposed certain points to be preached: which he gratefully receiving, He is endowed with infused science. and expounding to the people, brought great fruit to himself and his hearers. And when once to Paschal prescribing these to him he said; Willingly I receive these, but it is needful, that thou impart of thy fervor to me for preaching the same usefully; the holy man humbly answered: Believe, Brother, that the Lord will communicate the spirit and fervor, and so he always experienced, nothing doubting, but that things so lofty and so solid were divinely suggested to him. * But to all with whom he dealt his conversation was useful and pleasant: of which thing we have an especially notable witness the Marquis de Navarres, Count de Almenara, staying at Valencia, then when Paschal was doorkeeper there: who confessed himself so taken by his address, that he busied himself to enjoy this almost every evening, because thence he brought back great contrition for his sins and a notable change of manners, confirmed by new purposes daily and desires of serving God: and he added, that a certain fragrance and splendor was wont to come from the body of Paschal, so that although in the dark cell at the door he was without a light, yet he easily saw him; nor did he depart from him, except with a greater desire of revisiting him as soon as possible.

[29] Martin Crespo, a citizen of Montfort, on account of his father treacherously slain by his adversaries, He reconciles one desirous of revenge to his enemy. burned with an implacable desire of revenge: and since no one was ignorant, how greatly to public quiet and the common good it pertained that that fire be extinguished; many religious and noble men interposed their authority: but always in vain, although both the mother and the firstborn brother of Martin had consented to peace. Therefore it pleased, that on holy Friday, when the mysteries of Christ's Passion had to be exhibited, he should be led into the church, where the secular and religious Clergy should adjure him by the blood of Jesus Christ, to pardon his enemies. But this too was in vain. Then Paschal taking the man by the hand drew him aside from the crowd, and concluded his exhortation to him in these words; Brother, pardon for the love of God, since thou seest, what things here are represented of the mysteries of the Passion of Christ. And these so softened his before stony breast, that he often afterward affirmed with an oath, that he had not what to answer him, and therefore had said;

By my leave, Brother, let the instrument of reconciliation be written; and all the roots of the inveterate hatred were so torn from his heart, that, a convenient occasion of taking revenge being often offered, although he remembered the injury done to his father, yet the desire of vengeance never felt he revive.

[30] The Saint lying in his last disease the physician was curing, who bringing his little son to him asked, that he would pray well for him: which he, for his notable charity not able to deny, impressed on the boy's head the sign of the Cross, and said: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit bless thee, creature of God, and make thee a friend of the poor. Nor did Paschal live long after, but in the year MDXCII, on the first day of Pentecost, when the most sacred Host was elevated under the Mass, he rendered his happy spirit to God.

POSTHUMOUS GLORY

from books II and III of Christopher d'Arta.

B. Paschal Baylon, of the Order of Discalced Minors, of Villarreal in the Kingdom of Valencia.

FROM THE ITALIAN OF D'ARTA.

CHAPTER I.

The fourfold inspection of the incorrupt body within nine years.

CHAP. II.

[1] When the body of the dead man was exposed in the church on the second day of Pentecost; and for the burial, which was believed to be done that same day, an infinite force of people had flowed together, and certain great miracles had been done; A woman miserably affected is healed it pleased the Brethren at a fitting hour to sing the Mass. During this John Simone and Maria Simona Ferrer, staying at Castellón de la Plana, moved by the miracle, which in the raising up of their citizen Baptist Cibollin done at the same morning time they had known, penetrated themselves to the bier, leading their little daughter Catharine, who for many years bore great tumors like eggs on her forehead, arm and foot. When the surgeons had opened some of these they found the ill to reach deeper within, than higher above the flesh; and since they had all now drawn a livid color, the ill seemed to all immedicable; the girl meanwhile suffering great torments, from whom now often great pieces of flesh had been cut out. While therefore those three were standing at the bier the Mass being begun, the father indeed with bent knees poured forth a prayer, but the mother uncovering the wounds of her daughter reverently wiped from the face and neck of the Saint the miraculous sweat, with which collected on her fingers she anointed each tumor. But immediately as the sacred Host began to be elevated, the father leaping up began to exclaim; Let us be of good courage, of good courage. The Saint after death opens his eyes; A miracle! a miracle! Brother Paschal opens his eyes. At this clamor immediately all turned themselves toward the corpse: but the admiration increased the more, when at the elevation of the Chalice, the eyes were opened again, firmly fixed on the altar, until it was replaced upon the corporal; and at the same instant the girl was cured, no even the least sign remaining in her.

CHAP. VI.

[2] In the eighth month after the death of Paschal there came to Villarreal Brother John Ximenez the Provincial: and in what state he found the holy body the sepulchre being unbarred, the buried one is inspected at diverse times. he himself described. Two years after the same did Brother Didacus Castellione the Provincial, and found, as the same Ximenez narrates, the garments now consumed by the lime, and even in some part violated. And so this sacred treasure remained, until at another time it was opened, and it was found, that both feet were lacking, cut off with a saw at their ankles. And since no one doubted, but that the bold and indiscreet piety of some of the domestics had done this; it pleased by an express mandate of obedience under penalties of the most grievous excommunication to command the restitution of the theft, which obtained, the feet brought to the place of section were recognized to be the same, which were lacking to the body. But it seems by a singular providence of the divine majesty to have been permitted, that the Relics divided through the convents should be instruments of infinite miracles; and that satisfaction should be made to the most instant desires of Princely men both ecclesiastical and secular, to whom it was for the greatest felicity to have obtained even the least particle. But because all the aforesaid inspections, in which always a sweet odor emanated from the incorrupt body, were made by private judgment and a moving curiosity of one's own; it pleases here to extend at length the act of the visitation, performed by Apostolic authority in the ninth year after the Saint's death.

[3] In the name of God. Amen. In the year from the nativity of the Lord MDCXI … the XXIII of the month of July, namely in the year 1611 the 23rd of July in the morning, the sixth hour having struck, the very Illustrious and Reverend Lord D. Genesius Casanova, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See Bishop of Segorbe, Remissorial Judge and Apostolic Commissary subdelegate, I the undersigned John Augustine Casanova a deputed and sworn Notary being present, being personally constituted in the church of the Convent and monastery of the Virgin of the Rosary of the Friars Minor of the Order of S. Francis Discalced of the Province of S. John the Baptist, outside and near the walls of the town of Villarreal; and the doors of the said church being closed to avoid a concourse, continuing and pursuing the aforesaid visitation of the sepulchre, where the body of the said Servant of God B. Paschal Baylon is said to be kept, before Joseph Mascarell the Bailiff, John Hieronymus Bennet the Justice, Marcus Antonius Gil, James Pitarc, Peter Mata, and James Gil the Jurats, and Joseph Renau the Syndic of the aforesaid town of Villarreal, and other skilled persons, named by the aforesaid Lord Remissorial Judge and assisting in the present visitation, The Bishop of Segorbe. and convoked by Peter Fortunus, of the deputed and sworn messengers in the present cause, by the provision of the said Lord Remissorial Judge; and also being present found Peter John Pellicer, Doctor of Medicine of the town of Benicarló of the diocese of Tortosa, who cited by the provision of the aforesaid Lord Judge, was present at the undersigned things to testify in the present process and cause: and in the presence of Bartholomew Giner, a Presbyter Theologian Rector of the Parochial church of Carcavente of the diocese of Valencia, and of Lord John Jordan a Presbyter beneficed in the parochial church of the aforesaid town of Villarreal, witnesses called to the undersigned things; and in the presence of some others, both ecclesiastical and secular, instancing and supplicating Father Brother John Ximenez Procurator in the present cause; about to open the chest deposited on the altar, the Lord Judge mandated to be brought down the abovewritten chest, existing upon two wooden beams, adjacent to the wall of the greater chapel of the church of the said Convent, on the side of the Gospel; and ordered it to be placed upon the collateral altar of the most pure Conception of B. Mary, situated within the grate or lattice of the aforesaid chapel on the side of the Gospel. And the aforesaid Lord Judge took one of the three keys, with which the aforesaid chest was closed, which the aforesaid Father Brother John Ximenez had, which to the said effect he said had been given to him by the Father Provincial of the aforesaid Province of S. John the Baptist: and he placed it in the lock in the middle of the aforesaid chest. And the abovesaid Marcus Antonius Gil the major Jurat, having the other key, placed it within the lock: and Father Brother John Sanchez the Guardian of the abovesaid Convent, who had the other of the aforesaid keys, placed it in his lock.

[4] And before he opened the aforesaid chest, the aforesaid Lord Judge, he announces under excommunication in the presence of all the aforesaid and of me the aforesaid Notary and the aforesaid witnesses, published the censure contained in the remissorial letters in the following clause. But the sepulchre in which the body of the aforesaid of blessed memory Brother Paschal Baylon hidden is said to be kept, let it be visited and opened: and let it with all and singular circumstances be described, and caused to be described: but let none of the witnesses or any other whatsoever be able to abstract, take away, filch or remove anything from the aforesaid sepulchre, under penalty of excommunication of pronounced sentence to be incurred by that very fact, lest anyone take anything thence, from which unless by the Roman Pontiff he can be absolved. Nor any the less let it be permitted that anything be abstracted, taken away, or removed under pretext of devotion or any other whatever, nor let the garments or bones of the deposited one or anything the least be removed from the said sepulchre: but let all things just as they shall be found be left; and in the same state, manner, and place in which the body now is let them be restored and replaced, and caused to be restored and replaced. But it is fitting that the aforesaid censure be declared in the Castilian tongue, that it may be heard by all the secular bystanders, not understanding the Latin tongue. And the aforesaid censure being declared and explained, the aforesaid Lord Bishop opened with one of the aforesaid keys one lock of the aforesaid chest: and mandated the aforesaid Marcus Antonius Gil the Jurat and Brother John Sanchez the Guardian, then he opens the chest that with the other keys each should open his lock: and so they opened, and the aforesaid chest was opened in the presence of the aforesaid Lord Judge and of all the aforesaid and of me the aforesaid Notary and the witnesses. And within the aforesaid chest was found the body of the aforesaid Servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, clothed with the habit and hood of fustian of ashen color, girt with its little cord or cordon. And the aforesaid Lord Bishop and Remissorial Judge, in the presence of all the aforesaid and of me the aforesaid Notary and witnesses, with shears opened the said habit, more than it was opened, from the breast to the girdle: and the said body was found under this form. The head without hair and the skin of the head, the beard and neck entire; the eyes closed within; the nose, in which the tenderness was lacking, but the rest entire with its skin; the mouth with its teeth, except two which were lacking, but the remaining are very firm: the beard entire, though without hairs: the right hand firmly fixed and entire; but the left was lacking, which seems to have been taken away by hand: and also the thumb of the right hand was lacking, and in it he finds the body entire: taken away with violence; and it was taken away by the Lords Dukes of Gandia, when they came to visit the said body: and they have it in their house for a Relic in great veneration, as the abovesaid Father Procurator related: and likewise both feet were lacking, which indeed were taken away by hand, as was to be seen; and in the rest the said body was entire, as will appear from the relation to be made hereupon, by the abovesaid physicians and surgeons, skilled, called, and convoked to the aforesaid effect. And immediately the abovesaid chest being opened there went out from it and from the said body a certain fragrance of an extraordinary odor; and it seemed not to be the odor of flowers nor other natural things: which odor both the aforesaid Lord Judge and the other bystanders smelled and asserted that they smelled. And I the aforesaid Notary and Scribe also smelled it.

[5] And immediately afterward, the said body being seen and recognized, the abovesaid Lord Remissorial Judge mandated the aforesaid chest to be closed, in the manner in which before it was opened it existed. And he took the said key, with which closed again and gave and restored it to Father Brother John Ximenez the Procurator: and the abovesaid Marcus Antonius Gil the Jurat, and Father Brother John Sanchez the Guardian, took each his own key: and the aforesaid Lord Judge mandated the aforesaid chest to be restored to its proper place, where it was wont to exist: and he assigned the aforesaid present day from the eighth to the ninth hour before midday, that the abovesaid physicians and surgeons should make a relation

of the said and present inspection of the said body before his most Reverend Lordship, in the Parochial church of S. James of the said town of Villarreal, which is the place assigned of the present remissory: mandating the aforesaid physicians and surgeons present, that under penalty of excommunication and under the penalties and censures contained in the remissorial letters, they should assist in the place and hour assigned, The physicians and Surgeons required, for making the abovesaid relation, interposing in all the abovesaid his authority and likewise judicial decree in every better manner. Of and upon all and singular which premises the said Father Brother John Ximenez asked and required through me the said John Augustine Casanova, deputed Notary and sworn public, an instrument to be received and made for him, which by me the said Notary was received, in the place, day, hour, month, and year abovesaid, there being present the aforesaid Bartholomew Giner a Presbyter Doctor of holy Theology Rector of the Parochial church of the town of Carcavente of the diocese of Valencia, and John Jordan a Presbyter beneficed in the parochial church of the aforesaid town of Villarreal, witnesses to the premises called, asked, and specially assumed.

[6] And for the execution of the aforesaid provision the abovesaid physicians and surgeons made a relation of the following tenor. In the name of the Lord. they report Amen. Let all know, that in the year from the nativity of the Lord MDCXI on the day entitled the XXIII of the month of July, the Indiction and Pontificate as above, before the very Illustrious and Reverend Lord D. Peter Genesius Casanova, by the grace of God and of the Apostolic See Bishop of Segorbe, of the Council of his Majesty, and Apostolic Remissorial Judge, specially elected and named by the very Illustrious and Reverend Lords Cardinals of the Rite of the Canonization of Saints, the Apostolic remissorial letters hereupon expedited and continued in the process in the aforesaid cause of the canonization of the servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, a professed lay Brother of the Order and Religion of the Discalced Brothers of S. Francis, being personally constituted John Francis Benet Doctor of medicine, an inhabitant of Villarreal, of the age of LVI years a little more or less; Joachim Aguillar, also Doctor of medicine, of the town of Castellón de la Plana, of the age of XLI years a little more or less; Didacus de la Buena of L years a surgeon, in what manner ordered to inspect the holy body and Gaspar Salas a surgeon of the said town of Villarreal, skilled, named by his most reverend Lordship, for making an inspection of the body of the servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, and cited and called to this effect by Peter Fortunus, a sworn messenger in this cause, in the parochial church of the present town of Villarreal for the promotion of this cause, between the eighth and ninth hours before midday, by virtue of the oath taken by them in the hands and power of his most reverend Lordship to God our Lord and the holy four Gospels, of making a good, faithful and truthful relation, in the presence of the undersigned Joseph Mascarell the Bailiff, John Hieronymus Vennet the Justice, Marcus Antonius Gil the major Jurat, James Pitarc, Peter Mata and James Gil, Jurats in this present year MDCXI, Joseph Renau the Syndic, Antony Damian Vellot Notary and Scribe of the Hall and of the aforesaid Jurats, Lord Michael Sart perpetual Vicar of the aforesaid parochial church of Villarreal, and Lord Francis Joseph Mascarell a Presbyter Doctor of both Laws and Beneficed in the aforesaid church; interrogated by his most Reverend Lordship, that after they had known and inspected the body of the servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, deposited in the chest which with three keys had been opened in the presence of his most Reverend Lordship and of all the aforesaid in the aforesaid convent and of the Notary of that town; they should make a true relation of those things which seemed to them, upon the integrity and incorruption of the aforesaid body of the aforesaid servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, and of the other requisite things which were in it.

[7] And the abovesaid relators, by virtue of the aforesaid oath made their relation in the following form, and the aforesaid relators themselves said and made the relation, they found him thus entire, how in the presence and assistance of the abovesaid most reverend Lord Apostolic Remissorial Judge and of the other witnesses specially cited and called for making the inspection which they made of the body of the aforesaid servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, they both saw and recognized with great attention and punctuality the body of the servant of God Brother Paschal Baylon, from head to feet. And so they said and say, that his body in the kind of integrity is entire and continuous, having continuous cavities: namely the animal, which is the head continued through the neck, and the vital which is the breast, and connatural to this which is the belly, which continued perseveres and lasts even to the thighs, knees, and other lower bodily parts; and the arms likewise continuous, with their articulations, and the hands also continuous, and all entire and so compact (from which the skin exists continuous and entire) in the manner in which living men have them. And treating particularly of the singular parts of the body, they say they found the head of the aforesaid servant of God entire without hairs, nor in the beard; but the skin of the head, of the beard, and of the neck all entire with the skin: the eyes sunken: the nose in which the tender apex is lacking, for the rest entire with its skin: the mouth with its teeth, except two which are lacking to it, but those remain very fixed and firm: the beard, which is called the chin, entire: the right ear fixed and firm: the left is lacking to it, and seems to be a work done by hand. But as to the vital and natural cavities; they exist entire with all their ribs; and the abdomen of the natural cavity, which is the belly, likewise entire, incorrupt, nothing lacking in it, and without sign that there had been corruption in it, nor a sign of it, nor a sign and place, through which the intestines could be extracted, which are the ordinary causes of corruption. The legs continuous and compact with the body, the thighs, knees and legs, and with their skin and the skin of the thighs entire, with flesh quite soft and tractable. The feet are lacking. The arms compact and continuous with the body, with the two hands, and the other natural articulations with the skin: and in the right arm the flesh soft and tractable; and this is lacking in the left arm. And the thumb of the right hand is lacking to it: and it is an evident conjecture, that it was a work done by hand. And the reason is, because the parts which were easier to corrupt preserved themselves; and so it is to be presumed, that this which is more difficult, would have been preserved, unless it had been done by hand.

[8] All which they unanimous and conformable resolve, according to their skill and natural reasons, so that they judge it to be miraculous to be miraculous and supernatural. Which is proved: because since so many parts are present within, the natural and vital cavities, apt and easy for corruption, because those are most humid; nor are they corrupted, nor damaged, nor corrupted in any the parts contiguous and near to them. Nor is this to be attributed that the cause of it was the application made to the body of the aforesaid deceased of quicklime in great quantity, as soon as he died, which from its nature has the faculty of consuming humidities, and these consumed of consuming the fleshy part; and so the humidity lacking it would be the cause that the skin should be preserved entire. To which it is answered, that it is true, quicklime has the faculty of consuming the humid and fleshy parts, because of its nature it is caustic and burns, not only the humid fleshy parts and the skin, but also the solid ones, as are the bones and ligaments, which are the nervous parts; if the lime is in great quantity. And for this reason since the skin to this present day remains entire, and the muscular parts of the abdomen and the natural part, it is to be believed that the lime, which was placed, did not work on the said deceased body nor do any work in the aforesaid body: because if it had done it, first the skin and flesh would have remained burnt and consumed, as being a thing more near and adhering to the lime, than the parts which were more within the skin: because every agent works more on what is near it than on what is distant from it. Wherefore the said relators say and resolve, according to God and their consciences, by virtue of the oath taken by them, that the said body of the servant of God Brother Paschal seems to them to be incorrupt, and in the manner in which they said and reported above: and, since it is preserved in the manner in which it is preserved, to be a supernatural and miraculous work: and so they said it by virtue of the oath. And since there had been present, as has been said, Peter John Pellicer, Doctor of medicine of the town of Benicarló, who had come to testify in this cause by order of his Lordship, he knew the body of the aforesaid Servant of God, by virtue of the oath, and makes the same relation word for word, as above continued it exists. And because it is so true, they subscribed with their own hands.

[20] So I reported, I John Francis Benet Doctor of Medicine. So it is, and therefore I subscribe. I Joachim Aguillar Doctor of medicine by the same virtue of the oath affirm. which subscribing duly they confirm. I Peter Pellicerius Doctor of medicine, so it is. I Didacus de Cabrera surgeon, so it is. I Gaspar Sales surgeon. At all which and the publication of this relation were present the aforesaid Joseph Mascarellus the Bailiff of this town of Villarreal, Hieronymus Vennet the Justice, Marcus Antonius Gil the major Jurat, James Pitarch, Peter Mata and James Gil Jurats in this year of the aforesaid town, Joseph Renan the Syndic of the aforesaid town, Damian Bellot Scribe of the Jurats, Lord Michael Hieronymus Sart a Presbyter perpetual Vicar of the Parochial of Villarreal, and Lord Joseph Mascarell a Presbyter Doctor of both Laws, who likewise saw the abovesaid things to be true, subscribed with their hands and names, etc. Of all which his most Reverend Lordship mandated me the undersigned Notary Scribe; and Brother John Ximenez Syndic of the Province of S. John the Baptist of Valencia, of the Order and Religion of the Discalced of S. Francis asked and required a public act to be received for him: which by me the aforesaid Notary and Scribe was received in the aforesaid parochial church of the town of Villarreal, on the day and hour abovewritten, there being present for witnesses Bartholomew Giner, a Presbyter Doctor in sacred Theology, Rector of the Parochial church of Carcavente of the diocese of Valencia, found at Villarreal; and John Jordan a Presbyter, formerly a Notary, Beneficed in the aforesaid church of Villarreal, called to this effect.

CHAPTER II.

The devotion of Princes and peoples toward the sepulchre and Relics of Paschal.

CHAP. VII.

[10] So great and so evident were the miracles, which the Divine majesty deigned to work at the intercession of His servant Paschal; There is a concourse to venerate the body of the Saint. and the honor which was rendered to the dead one so clearly affirmed the holiness of the living one, that his fame immediately dispersed itself into various

regions of the world, and at the same time promoted the cult and veneration. The Convent of the Rosary at Villarreal also became celebrated, by the frequency of those running together from everywhere to visit the sepulchre of the blessed man: for so great was it sometimes, that all the inns of the whole town being full the citizens were often compelled out of charity to lend their houses for that, and to receive guests lest they should be left under the open sky. But also the quiet of the Convent itself was troubled daily, nor was rest given to the Religious from the immense number of seculars desiring to lodge with them. By a decree therefore of the whole Province it was determined, that a house should be built, contiguous to the church over against the chapel, in which the Saint lies, so that the whole could be inspected through iron grates, and the sepulchre offer to those praying the convenience of venerating, without that being necessary so often for their cause to open the church. Which house although it is extended to a just amplitude, yet does not suffice the number of those who, for the cause of rendering their vows, on account of received benefits, daily approach with their family; the concourse nothing diminished through so many years, but always taking increase; so that it is impossible to take account of the diverse nations coming thither, and of the men of both orders Princes, who come hither in pilgrimage. It pleases however, because that is not outside the scope of the history proposed to us, to recount by name some of the chief, to the glory of God and of His faithful servant Paschal.

[11] Testimonies of the Holiness of Paschal, Let the first who upon this article gave testimony be to us the Illustrious Lord Don Sancius Ruyz de' Liori, Borgia and Cardona, Marquis of Guadalest, in the Informations received at Valencia by the most illustrious and venerable servant of God, Don John Ribera, Patriarch and Archbishop, and by the Bishop of Urgel in the year MDCX, saying: that there is a public fame both in the city of Valencia and in the whole kingdom, nay even outside in the States of Flanders, where the aforesaid witness performed a Royal Legation, that the Lord our God through Brother Paschal Baylon has worked and works many miracles. And he knows, because he was present, that the Catholic Majesty of King Philip III, with the Queen his wife and the most Serene Archdukes Albert and Isabella and a great number of Magnates, proceeded to the convent of Villarreal, venerating him for a Saint with the greatest affection of devotion. Similarly he knows, the same once did the Duke de Lerma, with more than thirty Nobles and a great retinue of nobles: who all after visiting the sepulchre supplicated the Brethren, to bestow some particle of the Saint's habit. And that in Flanders the aforesaid most Serene Archdukes preserved a living memory of the same servant of God, and were often wont to speak with the same witness of his virtues and holiness.

[12] Great indeed was the affection of devotion, which toward B. Paschal Philip III had, The devotion of many toward the same. as is sufficiently known from the instance with which he solicited his Beatification and Canonization, not only by letters often repeated to the Apostolic See, but also to the Superiors of the Order itself, so that it may appear that these things were done not by mere ceremony or for the favor of a party, but from pure and proper zeal of accomplishing the matter. Nor less are the offices which his son Philip IV interposed to the same end; or the signs of devotion, which he showed, when with the most Serene Prince Balthasar Charles and a numerous retinue of Nobles he himself too came to Villarreal in pilgrimage. There was also no one of the Viceroys of Valencia, who did not from a similar cause approach the sepulchre of B. Paschal. The same did Archbishops and very many other Magnates from Aragon and Castile; among whom were the Dukes of Medinaceli, de las Torres, de Alcala, de Arcos, de Montalto, the Count of Oropesa, and others of whom no particular memory is extant. But by no means are here to be passed over the most Eminent Lords Cardinals, Frederick Borromeo and Camillus de Maximis, coming to the Spanish Legation: who in the very convent of Villarreal wished to lodge, since of them God willed one to be the initiator of this cause, to the other reserved the honor of terminating it.

[13] The most excellent family of Cordona had no least part in these offices. For when the Duchess of that name was in much peril in childbirth, the Blessed being often invoked, and a vow made that if she should bring forth a male she would put on him the name Paschal, she happily brought forth a most splendid light of that family, namely the most Eminent Cardinal Don Paschal de Aragon: nor only did she fulfill what she had vowed, but also coming to the sepulchre offered a canopy of the greatest price. On other occasions also she declared her gratitude returning to the same place with her sons, and with great affection embracing Brother Didacus Baylon, the nephew of the Saint himself. The same devotion inherited his most Excellent sons Louis, Peter, and Vincent, at various times having venerated the same sepulchre, and with great zeal having tried to obtain the Right of patronage over his chapel: which however they could not, the Community and Magistrate of the town itself opposing themselves, however much our Province strove in their favor. Similarly the most Excellent House of Gandia from the very death of B. Paschal was most devoted to the same. The most Excellent Lord Don Didacus Gomez de Sandoval also, Duke of Lerma, holding in the greatest price whatever in any way had pertained to the Saint, had his image at home, before it daily wont to pray before he went forth thence, and to relieve the poverty of the convent of Villarreal by great alms sent from Madrid. Finally the most Excellent Counts de Paredes, now set over this Kingdom with the title of Viceroys, experiencing on various occasions the protection of the Saint, cease not to proclaim his great deeds.

CHAP. VIII.

[14] Not only through all Spain did the fame of this Saint diffuse itself, but also into Italy, Flanders, His cult in various kingdoms, even the Indies. Germany, and penetrated the very Indies. So testified men most grave from all those regions gathered for the General Chapter of the Order to be celebrated at Toledo in the year MDCXLV, affirming that there is scarcely in their provinces a church of the Order, where there is not an altar dedicated to him, and signs are extant of graces obtained at his invocation: among which is specially to be commemorated the favor, which the most Serene Archduke Leopold related, noted in the books of his Secretary in these words. The most Serene Archduke of Austria Leopold burned with grievous and malignant fevers, Archduke Leopold invoking the Saint, is suddenly healed, with the mourning of the whole city of Innsbruck, and of those who accompanied his Highness, and namely of Father Brother Henry Gerfrer the Provincial Minister of the Order of S. Francis: who before the Archduke made mention of B. Paschal, and at the same time offered a particle of his hood kept by him. But he, whether because he was greatly weighed down by the disease, or because he had as yet a scanty knowledge of that Blessed one, seemed not to make much of that kind of suggestion. The aforesaid infirmity therefore held, medicines profiting nothing against it, until the feast of the Body of Christ of the year MDCXXIII; when the Archduke feeling a new paroxysm of the disease, fixed the name of B. Paschal, which before he had not known to name, most tenaciously in his memory, on the occasion of a certain girl cured of a deadly disease through his intervention. When therefore he had ordered the said Provincial to be summoned, and the Mass celebrated, which his Highness most devoutly heard, again before him and his Confessor and many Nobles discourse was brought in of the life and miracles of B. Paschal: whose Relics brought to him the Archduke most eagerly receiving, after he held them in his hand for about half an hour reverently, asked the Provincial, to help him to tie them to his neck: which done he rose from his bed well and alacrious, and the same day having entered the church was present at second Vespers, rendering deserved thanksgivings to God and to Blessed Paschal. The miracle was immediately written to the Spanish Court: of which when also the knowledge had come to the Fathers of our Province, they sent to the most Serene Archduke a Process of the Life and miracles of B. Paschal, with some Relic of his: to whom he immediately vowed an altar, to be built in his Archducal temple; and mandated the memory of the whole matter authentically to be consigned in his books, confirming it with his signature and seal. But after a case so wonderful the veneration of the Blessed was increased with an immense increment, in the minds of all the citizens of Innsbruck, and of those nobles who had been present: but especially of the Archduke himself, who experienced the efficacy of the said intercession on several later occasions; and obtains an heir. but especially for obtaining an heir, which he lacked, born to him after prayers touched for it, on the very anniversary feast of B. Paschal.

CHAP. IX.

[15] Not much time after the death of the Blessed had passed, when to his Provincial Brother John Ximenez King Philip II mandated, Relics are asked by Kings, and obtained. that the chain, which the servant of God was wont to wear girt about his body, and the hood, in which he had died, should be diligently kept until he should require them, about to place (as was presumed) the same in the Escurial, whither he had already translated various notable Relics. But the Province, which grievously bore to be deprived of such a treasure, was not very prompt to send it. But some years having passed his Majesty, remembering what he had long mandated, was content to receive one finger, which was offered him in the name of the Province by the most Reverend Father Brother John Merinerus, the most worthy General of our Seraphic Order. The most Christian Queen of France also, today reigning, showed herself most devoted toward our Saint: and because she ascribes a very singular grace, divinely obtained, to his intercession, she asked through Brother Antony del Castillo, the General Commissary of Jerusalem at Madrid and a son of our Province, some Relic of his, which the Province sent through those who would have a voice in the general Chapter, which in the year MDCLVIII was to be celebrated, when the Queen was still at Aranjuez, where they handed it into her royal hands: who in turn, for promoting the business of the canonization, sent back a notable alms by the hands of the aforesaid Commissary. But universally great is in the Austrian family the devotion toward B. Paschal: of whom also a Relic our illustrious Monarch Charles II asked through the most Excellent Lady Marchioness de los Veles, his nurse. The most Excellent Duke of Alba also, speaking with the Father Procurator, who conducts the cause at Rome, of the things of the Servant of God, vehemently insisted, that he should either give him, or promise to be sought from the kingdom of Valencia something of his Relics. He, not wishing to be lacking to so pious an affection, gave a certain particle, to him most devoutly accepting it. There are also other Princely men many, who asked something of this kind; receiving for a great gift even the least thread from those cloths, which touched the holy body. Known to all are the illustrious endowments, with which the person of the most Illustrious and most Reverend Archbishop of Valencia and Patriarch Ribera was adorned. This so great man both placed reverently on his head a Relic received from the death of the Saint familiar to him, and had it for a custom daily to make in the canonical Office a Commemoration of him as a Confessor not a Pontiff.

[16] I would be too prolix if I wished to name all those, who hold in great veneration however

slight a particle of Relics of this kind, Likewise they are distributed through the convents or an image expressed on paper, such as in various places and diverse forms are found printed and dispersed through the whole world, but in some places in so great a number, that in whole towns scarcely is found anyone, who does not have one with him, with experience of great prodigies following their use and veneration. The Relics of the feet, as above said cut off, are divided among the convents of our Province; but where these could not be had, there something of the things, consecrated by his use, has been deposited; as for instance the Cross, which he carried about; certain rings from his chain, or parts of the habit or hood. But since so great was the unquiet, which very many seculars brought to the same Convents, asking the same to be sent to them, for the consolation and remedy of their necessities; by the sentence of the Discretory it was determined in full Chapter, and forbidden to the Guardians under a precept of obedience, that they should not commit them to the Religious subject to them to be carried outside the convents, except in grave and rare cases. But because it is difficult to set limits to charity, implored by the wretched, it was necessary to tolerate that however great inconvenience, lest we should be lacking to the common and daily vow of many.

[17] To the other wonders, which through the Relics of His servant God works, The Relics scatter an odor on the Saint's feast, is added the greatest fragrance of a most sweet odor, which from the same diffuses itself on the feast day of B. Paschal and through the whole Octave; as various religious and grave men testify, who with special diligence applied, took care to investigate the truth of the fact. But no clearer testimony of this grace can be had, than that the Dukes of Gandia and their domestics say they experience it in one of his fingers, which for many years they religiously preserve in their Relic-chamber, enclosed in a crystalline little vessel. But specially the most Excellent Lady Anna Ponce de Leon, living to this day, and her firstborn attest, that although they have there the Relics of several Saints, yet an excess of odor of this kind is perceived only on the Feast and through the Octave of B. Paschal. Nor less admirable are the rays of light, proceeding from similar Relics: which beyond others D. Anna Vicente experienced, and rays. from the town of Yecla in the kingdom of Murcia. She grieving that her breast was corroded by a grievous gangrene without any hope of recovering health, although it was midnight ordered our Religious to be summoned with the Relics: and affirmed that before they reached her house, she clearly knew their coming; and that before they brought them into the chamber, she saw a certain sensible light brighter than the sun itself, of that magnitude and form, in which they were. But confirmed by such a vision to confidence she awaited the surgeons, who the next morning were about to apply a glowing iron to her breast with great serenity of mind; but they, when they had bared the breast, knew her notably better, and judged there was no need of so harsh a remedy. Nor indeed was there: because two days after that matron was found wholly well.

[18] That something similar happened to him Brother Alfonsus de Piña confessed, adjured by obedience, a Religious of proved virtue, affirming, that praying at the sepulchre of the Blessed on a certain evening, he saw before him a brightness, equal to the solar, three palms long like a ray; whose excessive splendor not able to behold with eyes unaverted, he turned his face to the right side; but that light following to the same, and stood longer than for one Credo, always turned toward him with great jubilation of his spirit. The same point still more confirmed that, which in the article of death his Confessor revealed Father Brother Didacus de Agnon, very dear to B. Paschal: namely that by him often appearing to him in the form of a spark he had been visited, and the last time indeed, when about to receive the holy Viaticum, two or three days before he died, by Sacramental Confession he disposed himself for it. Finally to confirm the opinion of Paschal's holiness divulged, makes the tree of sour lemons, planted by the Blessed himself in the Convent of Villarreal: The tree demonstrates his holiness. whose fruits copious beyond the wonted, are sought everywhere for driving away diseases and other necessities, not only by the citizens of the town itself but also by neighbors: whence it passed into a custom for the Guardians, every year to destine a beast laden with them to Valencia, to be distributed among friends. Nor is it to be kept silent that the fatherland of the Blessed himself wishes the Brethren to come to it every year from the Convent of Villarreal, to gather wool for clothing: but if on account of the distance of the place they cannot sometimes run thither, the natives themselves gather the same from door to door, and of their own accord send it in memory and veneration of their S. Paschal.

CHAPTER III.

Many chapels erected to S. Paschal, feasts celebrated with the greatest apparatus.

CHAP. X.

[19] After the body of B. Paschal remained some years in its first coffin under the image of the immaculate Conception, The translation of the body, it was translated to a place contiguous to the greater altar on the side of the Gospel: and although various Nobles, especially from the families of the Dukes of Cardona and Gandia, and also a certain Bishop of Gaeta, by vow come hither to visit the sepulchre, wished to build for him a sumptuous chapel, yet the Province would never suffer this, unless it were consonant to its poverty. And so the Community of Villarreal out of devotion toward its now Saint, took care that a chapel should be made, proportionate to the church, although not so spacious as the number of those who frequent this Sanctuary would require. Here placed at the wall is seen an elegant tablet, and its situation. reflecting the effigy of the Saint, which lowered or raised covers or uncovers the capacious coffin, to whose concavity is hung one or other curtain of great price, and behind this is seen a great chest, like a double urn proportionately decreasing, and clothed with silver plates worked with great artifice, within which the sacred body is hidden. And so at the first entrance neither the chest nor the concave coffin is seen, but only the altar with its tabernacle, above which the hung tablet is not drawn back except when an occasion of some singular devotion requires this.

[20] Either side of the said chapel is covered by votive tablets greater and smaller, likewise votive offerings well-nigh infinite of mortuary linens, crutches for the armpits, stocks, chains, and waxen figures, which produced within the very body of the church are seen in so great a number, votive offerings hung up. that it is not easy to take account of the several, much less of those which either time has consumed, or are not accepted by the Province, because they were of silver or of greater price. There also is hung a silver lamp, esteemed of more than usual value, in acknowledgment of the miracle, which S. Paschal worked toward Lord Martin Charles de Mencos General of the royal galleys. Another with oil to burn for one year there offered Cyprian Gonzalez a citizen of Valencia, grateful for health received by miracle, after a grievous wound of the head, then made, when fallen from a horse he was being dragged: which the physicians indeed had judged incurable; but within two hours it coalesced with the amazement of the surgeons, acknowledging there a more powerful work, than theirs was. Similarly other twenty-three hang there, of which often some, on festival days all, burn, to be sustained by the expense of those who grateful acknowledge themselves cured.

[21] A most precious alabaster sepulchre the most Excellent Lord Duke of Gandia Charles Borgia had offered, A sepulchre of alabaster is built: debtor of three miracles wrought in his house. Of these the first was the fecundity granted to his wife D. Artemisia Doria: the second the childbirth of the same miraculously expedited from her last and the mother's crisis: the third that with the same son for his mind's sake having entered in a boat the river of S. Nicholas, which waters the plain of Gandia, he received him alive from the waters, who no one observing with bent head having fallen into them, was a little after by those looking back seen by the very tips of the feet alone to project above the waters: but drawn out thence he related, that he was saved by a certain Discalced Brother of S. Francis: nor was there reason to doubt, but that it was S. Brother Paschal, by whose prayers the boy had been obtained. But a silver chest Don Ferdinand Ferrer a Knight of Valencia took care to have made, A silver chest is given. for whom brought to extremities a certain maidservant of his having recourse to Paschal asked, that even with the loss of all the domestics the life of her patron might be preserved. Wonderful to say; there remained not in his house a living soul, from the carriage-horses, which were in the stable, even to the cattle, which were in the field, the dogs, cats, hens, pigeons: by the loss of all which the Knight nothing moved, fulfilled the vow of the maidservant; also about to make the altar-cloth and other instruments of the church of silver if our poverty would have tolerated it.

CHAP. XI.

[22] To consider, and, for testifying the affection of the peoples toward B. Paschal, to weigh deserves the multitude of chapels erected to him, especially in this Province, both now and before, divided from the Province of S. Peter of Alcantara, it still embraced the kingdoms of Valencia, Murcia and Granada, and part of Mancha and the Mountain of Segura. But all those Chapels are, equally as that of Villarreal, clothed with votive tablets and precious votive offerings, The zeal of the people of Granada toward the Saint. on the occasion of miracles everywhere wrought at his invocation. Scarcely had the possession of the Convent of Granada been taken, which was one of the last of these regions, when there the patronage of B. Paschal began to be celebrated. But since that city is very populous, no little solicitude it brought to the Superiors the immense number of those who asked either something of the relics to be given them, or the faculty to be granted of adorning the chapel at their own expense, or of celebrating the feast, or of demonstrating their gratitude by some other sign: for there were many, among whom to make a choice without offense of the others seemed impossible. Finally it was decreed and wisely provided, that the care of arranging the feast should be committed to some one of the citizens fit beyond the rest and esteemed, who could bring it to a fitting solemnity. But this one too had to labor much, because many wished to show an affection of excessive magnificence, with an apparatus more sumptuous and laborious, than suited the quiet of the more religious, much less poverty. But they could not be so constrained, but that they built evening fires, the most exquisite music, the most celebrated preacher among all, and a procession numerous if ever one.

[23] But of those, who in the same year, on other particular days wished some feast to be cared for from their privately obligated affection, Feasts kept by private persons for received benefits. one was Peter del Rey a very rich farmer. To him, when at a certain time he was leaning with his breast forward on the bench of a certain workshop, thinking nothing less, an enemy came up, and drawing a poniard, with as great force as he could (for he was not ignorant of the present peril threatening him of losing his life, if Peter did not lose his) fixed it in the neck of the one so bent, that it going out through the mouth fixed the man to the very bench. So grievously struck Peter, into his house, which was in the Campo triumphale,

was led: the physicians and surgeons summoned, who all wondering that he yet lived, said no hope of health remained. The injured man nonetheless instantly asked the Relic of S. Paschal to be brought to him: by whose touch quickly and fully healed, he vowed every year to have his feast celebrated and to give the Religious a meal. But the first time it was done and at which I myself was present, to Brother John Ferrer, then Guardian, about to preach to the people, he gave the faculty of publishing the miracle not only that, which the Saint had worked in healing his body; but also that which he was now working in his mind, taking from him all desire of taking revenge on his assailant, to whom he professed that he forgave the whole injury, in the very place subscribing the instrument of reconciliation.

[24] But what we have said of the city of Granada, also in other places of the same kingdom happened, where our Province has a Convent: for an equal ardor of celebrating the feast shines everywhere, nor do unlike fruits of graces accrue. In the city of Huesca, in the towns of Yeste, Puebla, Ayora, Almansa, places abounding in cattle, the shepherds claim this for their own, that united in Confraternities, every year they keep the feast of their Paschal most splendidly, Provision is made for the shame of a host on account of the lack of food. and ordered in military fashion assist the processions, expending on that matter a great force of nitrous powder, and they under the leadership of their Captains (whom outside this act they call Masters-of-the-House, harmoniously elected) by whom also for a whole three days they are magnificently treated. It happened therefore in the year MDCXLIX, that at Almansa one so elected, a man of fortune slender enough, found himself exhausted, especially for the third day, of the abundance of bread and wine. Anna Clemens had recourse to the help of B. Paschal, fearing the future confusion of her husband, and set forth to him the present necessity. But the Saint did what he was asked, multiplying so abundantly wine and bread and eggs, that after forty-six persons copiously satisfied there was still over. But the rumor of the matter divulged through the city roused very many to the Captain's house, asking, that they might merit to receive either a piece of bread or a little wine, to be reserved for their own necessities. The same makes, nor to a less favor of B. Paschal is attributed, that those concurring to the feast dismiss their cattle unguarded in the fields, nor yet hitherto bring back any inconvenience or damage thence.

[25] In other places, both of Spain and of Italy, cobblers erected devoted confraternities to the same Saint, and namely in the city of Calatayud: Confraternities are instituted in honor of the Saint. at Venice also there is one of this kind, consisting of more than a hundred heads: and these all keep an annual feast solemnly. But chiefly to be commemorated is our convent of S. John de la Ribera in the territory of Valencia, where with great expense of his and that for many years now the same feast the Illustrious Lord Don Francis Escorza takes care to have celebrated, a Knight of the Militia of Montesa, Counsellor of his Majesty and Auditor of the Royal Audience, the Viceroys, Titulars, Knights, Auditors, ordinarily concurring thither, with innumerable people, and there receiving the Sacraments of Penance and Communion, although the place is so far distant from the city and the season of the year very hot. Through the year also particular feasts not rarely are cared for by the devotees of the Saint himself: and so in the past year MDCLXX a most sumptuous one the most Excellent Lady Duchess d'Avero took care to have made, from a vow named to this end, that the Saint might facilitate her childbirth for her. But since she could not personally be present at it, she wrote to the Lords Viceroys, that they would deign to render their presence for her; as also was done, Doctor Ballester then preaching to the people, Archdeacon of Murviedro, which is one title of the chief dignities of the Metropolitan, and the whole nobility of the city assisting.

CHAP. XII.

[26] At Rome the same Saint has a notable chapel in the church of S. Maria de Aracoeli, in which his feast began to be kept, His cult at Rome, before he was declared Blessed by the Apostolic See, and to this present day there it is recalled every year, though with great moderation for fitting reasons. But among the devotees, whom in the kindly city Paschal had, is to be numbered beyond others Pope Pius V of holy and glorious memory, also exalted by Pius V. who inscribed the same in the catalogue of the Blessed, keeping in his chamber a tablet or brazen plate with his effigy: but his singular devotion toward the same he demonstrated both on several other occasions, and especially when he decreed, that the course of other canonizations and beatifications being suspended for a while, this one alone should be urged. Moreover he granted, that the Office with the Mass should be extended through our whole Religion, in so far as the feast could be celebrated in the Convent of S. Francis de Ripa, which pertains also to our reformation. And the first time it was done there, the Pontiff wished a Chapel to be ordered for himself there: which ceremony finished, with the intervention of many Cardinals, his Holiness that same evening revisiting the church, most willingly heard the Procurator of the cause speaking of it. The most Eminent Cardinal of Aragon, at the time he was at Rome, was wont to celebrate the feast of B. Paschal in another convent of our Reformation, which is called of S. Peter Montorio: and because there is properly no chapel dedicated to him there, he ordered his effigy to be painted on a great tablet, and the same to be hung to one of the pillars sustaining the church. Finally the most Excellent Duke and Duchess Mattei, ascribing to the same's intercession the fruit of a blessing received, namely an heir born to their family, for the sake of gratitude, among other things wished also the name Paschal to be imposed, devoutly having venerated his chapel.

[27] At Valencia in Spain a miraculous image is venerated with chief religion under the title of Our Lady of the Desolate: Altars and chapels dedicated to him. to this when the citizens had erected a chapel in a most frequented place of the city, and in it besides the chief altar of the Mother of God two other altars had to be built, a certain peculiar affection stirring; of these one they wished to be dedicated to B. Paschal. In the same city, in the church of the Oratory of S. Philip Neri, a chapel also erected to him is adorned with special cult and zeal: and it has been noted by many, that from that time there notably increased the concourse of those frequenting the Sacraments, and professing devotion toward the most Holy Eucharist, with great glory of our God and of B. Paschal, whose feast also there is celebrated in a frequent assembly. In the town of Yba of the same Kingdom of Valencia, sixteen leagues from the city (where through the intercession of B. Paschal a devout farmer dug a fountain, to be described below at more length) the pious citizens built a chapel in the parochial church, so splendid and devout, that it can be called the miracle of those mountains: and there the feast of the Saint is kept, as one of the chief of the place, with the greatest jubilation and alacrity of minds. In the town of Torrehermosa, his fatherland, an eremitic church has been built, and in it a painted effigy on a noble tablet erected is seen: there with a great concourse of the dwellers so much the more celebrated now is the feast of the Saint, the greater in veneration is held his Relic, asked with much prayer from the Magistrate of the place, and granted to it by our Province.

[28] Let the end to this Chapter make the two festal days, which to this its special Patron Villarreal instituted. What the annual cult is at Villarreal. Through the whole month which precedes in the surrounding towns, such as Castellón de la Plana and Murviedro, all things are filled with singular alacrity, on account of the approaching solemnity: and all that time is spent in preparing dances, games, fires, according to each one's faculty. But on the first day, as I myself once saw, which the city itself keeps as a feast, from first Vespers Music with dances is begun, to which then concurred a hundred and twelve men, distributed into seven companies. The Praetor is present with the Jurats and their insignia: but on account of the multitude of the crowded people the harmony of the most exquisite concert can scarcely be heard. These finished the fires are kindled, and turn that night into day. Early in the morning trumpets and drums sound before the Jurats and other public Ministers, proceeding toward our convent and offering to the Guardian bread, wine, veal, and other foods to augment the cheerfulness of that day. Then the dances are resumed, continued with so great duration, that those who compose them scarcely ceasing for a moment, it seems above nature, that for so laborious and lasting an exercise strength suffices until evening. A solemn Mass is sung in the Chapel of the Saint himself, and some more celebrated preacher is invited to preach. After vespers the dwellers of Murviedro exhibit their comedy: which finished with many torches and a numerous dance, in the best order they proceed from the city to the church, not without a grateful concert of musical instruments: and entering through one door of our church, they go out through the other. The next day the dwellers of the suburb and the pomerium do the same, and besides institute equestrian races for a prize; but in the evening they exhibit another comedy, and continue the nocturnal fires, and institute bull-fights on the third day. But although the feast itself is said to be circumscribed by two days, yet in truth the concourse of those who remain there with their family lasts eight days and more, either to satisfy their vows, or to ask the desired graces. It is also notable in that year, in which I was there, that in our convent for two days more than eight hundred persons ate there; and that not only our convent of Villarreal then abounds more than otherwise in necessaries, but also the convent of the Discalced Carmelites in the same city, and ours of S. Francis at Honda and Castellón through the same time are more lavishly provided, on account of the affluence of alms, greater than our institute suffers us to admit in that convent, in regard of which they are given.

CHAPTER IV.

The devotion toward B. Paschal promoted in Sardinia.

CHAP. XIII.

[29] The most Excellent House of the Dukes de Bexar and Mandas possesses some places in the mountains of the kingdom of Valencia, and several other and more useful estates in the island of Sardinia. When therefore they had chosen for themselves as procurator of the former places a certain Knight, called Don Peter Martinez de Salva-leone, they ordered in the year MDCLI, In what manner he began to be venerated in Sardinia, that he should visit and order the others in Sardinia. Obedient to this mandate that Knight when he had arrived at Cagliari, the metropolis of the whole island, seized by a grievous infirmity was brought to the last crisis. Which understanding from the judgment of the physicians, and grieving to die in a foreign region far from the sight of his own, when now human aid was failing, he began to invoke divine help through the merits of B. Paschal, to whom he was most devoted; and vowed if he should recover, a chapel of his to be erected in that city among our Discalced at S. Maurus. Nor delay: so notably he began to be better, and within so brief a time obtained entire health, that the physicians judged it plainly miraculous; and both they and others present, as such, divulged it through the whole city. But he rising from bed, did nothing sooner than treat with the Guardian of the place about fulfilling the vow, and buying up the material necessary for the work: which finished he placed in it a great gilded tablet with the effigy of the Blessed,

and beneath it in a coffin hollowed out for it a marble statue, four or five palms high, giving thanks for the recovered health.

[30] The fame of this both miracle and new chapel divulged through the city began there too to make known, already most known elsewhere, and increased through painted tablets. our Paschal; and fixed deeply his devotion in the minds of the citizens, who having recourse to the patronage prompt to all afflicted, adorned that chapel with tablets attesting graces received. And because the Religious there have no other Relic, which they may carry to the sick or well asking help in their necessities; they began to take from those same tablets some more apt to the intended end, of which many they say they do not receive, those wishing them to whose consolation they had been brought to retain them at their home: nor yet is the number the less, with which the walls of the said chapel are clothed. But very many and notable are the miracles, which in honor of His servant the divine goodness deigned to work in that city.

[31] In the year MDCLIV to Don Charles Felix Manca and de Guiso, Marquis of Alviz, Baron of Urase and of Usena, A leg to be cut off is cured; in the month of July there befell a wound above the anterior part of the leg, which neglected conceived a gangrene. And so he caused himself to be carried to Cagliari, where the physicians and surgeons gathered to consult harmoniously judged, that the leg must be cut off, if he wished his life safe: but he said he would rather die first, than admit a cure of this kind. Then animated by the fame of the miracles of B. Paschal, and placing his confidence in him, he invoked his help, and vowed if he should retain his life with his leg, a tablet with a silver leg to be offered in his chapel; and the rest dismissed he wished only one physician and one surgeon to remain with him. These having undertaken the cure, in a short time saw the leg sound and entire, the Marquis meanwhile turning his mind to two very wonderful things, which were joined with so swift a cure, and which he himself in his attestation under oath affirmed. First, that although for the wound so dangerous to be cured according to the precepts of art several cauteries had been applied, and corrosive powders, and other biting and pricking remedies; yet he never felt any pain, nor even apprehended it by imagination. The other, that to a cure so difficult no other symptom came on, nor did any commemorative trace afterward survive. Wherefore as soon as he could walk on his feet, he came to the chapel of B. Paschal, and grateful offered what he had vowed.

[32] Donna Maria de Doni and Natter, wife of Don Balthasar de Doni, a citizen of Cagliari, on the occasion of a certain * miscarriage given up by the physicians, with great faith invoked B. Paschal, vowing if she should be freed from so great a peril, a tablet to be offered in his chapel. But soon the fever left her, and gradually she recovered entire health: and that she might show herself grateful for so evident a benefit, she not only offered the tablet which she had vowed, but also persuaded her husband, to have a sculpted effigy of the Saint brought from Valencia, A woman given up by the physicians; and gave the same and other altar instruments; and with as great pomp as she can, takes care that his feast be celebrated every year in the aforesaid convent of S. Maurus.

[33] A very prodigious case is, which under oath affirms Donna Vincentia Machin and Torrella, likewise another wife of Don Ambrose Machin, also a citizen of Cagliari, namely that one month after childbirth, she was injured in a notable matter; and thence incurred so grievous a disease, that at the first assault of the fever the physicians despaired of her life. Nonetheless having undertaken to cure her, for the opening of a vein they summoned the famous surgeon George Saoni, a little before brought from Valencia: who the blood drawn out, knowing the great peril of the sick woman, said: What wilt thou give me, Lady Vincentia, if I apply to thee a remedy by which thou mayest suddenly become well? To whom she: Art thou God, who promisest such things? I am not, said he, God: but I have confidence in a certain Saint, who in my son worked a great miracle. Let thy Lordship do, replied the sick woman, what it will: and he going to his house brought the effigy of the Saint, impressed on paper and folded. Receiving this the sick woman, with great devotion said: My Saint, I have not known thee (I transcribe her very words) nor do I know what kind of Saint thou art: yet whatever thou art, I invoke thee with my whole heart and will be devoted to thee: wherefore if it is expedient to the glory of God and the salvation of my soul, I pray that for my health thou wouldst deign to intercede: and this prayer finished she placed the image under her pillow. But behold she, visited by Paschal himself. to whose other inconveniences had befallen also a privation of sleep, most deeply lulled to sleep, saw a Religious in the habit of S. Francis and heard him saying: Doubt not, daughter, trust the Virgin Mother of God and me, that of this infirmity thou wilt not die, although thou art to be brought to the extreme article of life. After these things the vision disappeared, and the sick woman awaking strongly exclaimed. There ran to that voice her mother and the other domestics, to whom she narrating whatever had happened, repeated again and again groaning; And I have not known that Brother!

[34] The mother wept at these things, believing that the vehemence of the fever made her daughter delirious: she on the contrary affirmed, that all the things she had said were true: and drawing the paper from under the pillow and unfolding it, and finding in it the image of B. Paschal; My Saint, said she, it is thou who appeared to me, I know thee best by thy countenance and the composition of thy hands. But the more the daughter jubilated, the more contentedly the mother wept, persuaded of far otherwise than what it was. Meanwhile she narrated the case to all visiting her, and with great certitude asserted that she would not die: but the physicians, who cured her, had little faith in her sayings, because they saw the ill aggravated daily, with evident indications of near death. Therefore they announced to her her crisis, and admonished, that she should prepare herself for death: but the more they exaggerated the peril to her, the more constantly she herself denied that she would die; lest however she should be accused of obstinacy, she made her testament and received the last Sacraments. After these things the mother seeing her pressed by extreme straits, and because the physicians affirmed she would not live until the morrow, although it was now late, ordered a Confessor to be called, who should be present at the dying woman that night. He came: but as soon as the sick woman saw him at such an hour; Alas! she said, O Father, why dost thou take this inconvenience on thyself? It was not indeed necessary. For however much they think me to be ill, yet I shall not die hence: because S. Paschal told me this. And indeed that very night, in which she was believed about to die, she suddenly began to be better, and then rose from bed well, with the incredible amazement of the physicians: who approving the miracle, themselves remained much devoted to the Saint.

CHAP. XIV.

[35] D. Vincentia Torella herself chiefly thenceforth sought for herself no other refuge, in any necessity whatever, Her husband likewise sick. outside the patronage of B. Paschal, having always experienced it present. And so in the next following year MDCLIII in the month of July, when her husband grievously infirm had been fortified with the last Sacraments, she then in the eighth month pregnant conceived so great a grief of mind, that after a large effusion of blood she was compelled to lie in bed. But, says she, esteeming my husband's health so much, that I forgot my own, I rose from bed for his service: and the following day, on account of the great crisis, in which I found him, my shoes and stockings being laid aside, no account being had of my own peril or decorum, I went discalced to the convent of S. Maurus, far removed from my house: and having measured that rough way with great fervor, I prostrated myself in the chapel of the Saint, and asked of some one of the religious found there, that he would recite the Salve Regina with the prayer of B. Paschal, and again similarly discalced I returned home. Here my mother seeing me sought and returning in that state, began sharply to rebuke me saying; that I should undergo a grave judgment before God, for the exposed health both temporal of my body, and eternal of the fetus perhaps now slain. To whom with great faith I answered; Neither my husband, nor I, nor the fetus shall be in peril, mother, the merits of B. Paschal intervening. But that very day the fever left my husband, and he quickly recovered; and I by so indiscreet an act having suffered no harm, at the just time brought forth a son, whom I wished to be named Paschal; and with all the family hastened to render thanks to the Saint.

[36] Donna Paula Montanacho Silvia and Castelvi of Cagliari, under oath deposed, that her son Joseph living until today, the firstborn of her family, when only three months old, in the year MDCLV, while he was wrapped in swaddling-bands, was pressed by so vehement a symptom, that with his whole little body terribly contorted he lay as if dead. The same befell him for some days about the twenty-fourth hour, A boy to be buried as dead, once also for twenty-seven hours he gave no sign of life, and now they were thinking of burying him. Soon the whole city ran to console the mother, one of the more noble matrons of the city, and seeing her and the nurse alike miserably lamenting in the sight of the corpse, they led both aside for a while into another chamber, that the little one might be wrapped in linen and placed in the little chest already prepared, and there remained with the little body wrapped in its pall the elder Marchioness of Alviz. Meanwhile there came up the Marchioness of Quirra, and consoling Paula; Wilt thou, said she, daughter, that there be brought to thee, the tablet which I have of B. Paschal Baylon so famous for miracles, that thou commend thy little son to him? And she answered that it would be most grateful to her, and bringing it brought thither where the Marchioness of Alviz held the dead one in her bosom, she prostrated herself on her knees at the son's head, and said: a vow being made by the mother to S. Paschal, My Saint Paschal, if thou obtain life for my son, I vow that for eight days I will clothe him with the garment of thy Religion, then to be given to some poor person: and that for the use of thy chapel I will have made those things which the Fathers shall judge necessary: and I myself, on your feast day having confessed and refreshed by holy Communion, will give a meal to twelve poor.

[37] These things being said with great fervor, she bent her eyes to the little son, now wrapped for burial: and seeming to perceive in him some motion of the lips, she began confidently to say: My Ladies, see, my son lives, whom they will have to be dead. To which the others and namely Donna Antonia Corra, her own sister-in-law, said: O foolish woman! cast her out, lest she altogether lose her sound mind. So long ago the infant died; and it comes into her brain that he opens his mouth. Others said that the vehemence of desire made that, which was not, to seem; and all busied themselves, that by their persuasions they might take from her this imagination. Finally the Marchioness of Alviz took a little cloth of red silk, that bound under the chin

to the head (which was the only thing remaining to be done in this office) she might firmly close the mouth, and so place him in his little chest. At this act again prostrate on the ground the mother repeated her vow, and at the same instant all saw the same motion of the mouth; but beyond all Paula most attentive to each thing, See, said she, B. Paschal working miracles: for behold my son lives: and at the same time approaching, however much the others resisted, and inserting her fingers into his mouth she also caught the tongue moving. he revives. Then indeed more confidently than ever she exclaimed: My son is altogether alive: take away that little cloth, and let the nurse come and offer her breasts. There were nonetheless among the bystanders some, who laughed at these motions, and imputed them to the vehement fantasy of the mother. But she nothing delayed by them, took away the little cloth from the chin, and insisted that the nurse be summoned. But she from the impatience of her grief had now torn her whole face with her nails, wherefore since it was not fitting for her to come forth so, another was called, who quickly was present, and applied her breast to the infant's mouth. But a wonderful spectacle to all he afforded, seizing the nipple and eagerly sucking: as those had permitted this to be done rather to comply with the mourning mother, than because they believed him truly to live. From that time moreover he proceeded to suck, and grew up until the tenth year of his age, of Christ MDCLXV, when his mother affirmed all the aforesaid, adding that during that whole ten years he had suffered no ill: but her vow she liberally fulfilled, to the poor not only twelve, but to as many as on that day came to her house, giving a banquet.

[38] Maria Azori, likewise of Cagliari, deposed, that she ascribes various graces received to the merits of B. Paschal, namely offspring, which she lacked, A certain man ensnared in foul loves is freed. and health to a certain aunt of hers, now anointed for undergoing death in Christian fashion: yet beyond the rest she praised this, that when her husband was held entangled in the loves of a certain concubine, nor would let himself be torn from them by any admonition; on a certain day when Maria herself returned from the visitation of a certain Marian image, which is honored under the title of Bonventus, she met her impious rival, and began to admonish her with friendly and benevolent words, that from that foulness she should convert herself to a better state. But so little could these things avail with the hardened mind of that wicked woman, that after many obscene and nefarious words she concluded saying; that she was in vain, if she hoped she would ever set any hindrance to her love. That obstinacy pricked Maria so greatly, that no regard had of the public street, in which she was, openly casting herself on her knees she exclaimed, My Saint Paschal, for the love of God I beseech thee that thou succor this my necessity: I vow a novena to be made in thy chapel. And what she said, this she also did: and so changed after the novena finished was the mind of the man, that love being turned into horror he would not even once afterward speak to that accursed woman, whatever wiles she devised, to ensnare him again, as he himself coming as a witness to his wife swore. The same woman suffering a dangerous disease in the privy parts, A disease of the privy parts is cured. took care that she should have from somewhere a paper image of Paschal himself, before which on a certain day, when she felt herself more grievously pressed, prostrate she said, My Saint, unless thou thyself come to my house, and act the part of a surgeon, and obtain health for me, I shall certainly die; for I think this lighter than to undergo the hands of surgeons for a cure. But suddenly she saw the salutary effect of her prayer, acknowledging herself much relieved: and in a short time entirely well she retained the life, which she numbered among the lost, because so dangerous an ill she had at first manifested only on the ninth day.

[39] Joanna Bernarda, also herself of Cagliari, after her own brother died in the Convent of S. Maurus, A certain woman irreverent toward the Saint is seized with disease; there a religious and most tenderly beloved by her, had not wished to set foot thither, lest her grief should be renewed; until on a certain evening, overcome by the importunity of one friend, she consented to go thither. But finding a frequent people on the way, she asked, what feast that day drew so great a crowd thither: but understanding the feast of B. Paschal to be kept, with troubled mind she said, that she would not have come thither if she had known this. Scarcely had she finished the words, when, her whole body burdened with pains, she was compelled to draw back her foot home: where infirm unto death, and a testament made and fortified with the last sacraments, she began to think over in her mind, that perhaps it was the punishment of the words said by her on that occasion: wherefore turning to B. Paschal, and repentant is freed. now seriously repentant, she asked health, and the prayer finished forthwith obtained it, the pains being driven away and the fever joined with them. But rising well she went to the chapel of the Blessed, and devoted and grateful to her deliverer offered a great taper there. There are also very many other miracles wrought there at Cagliari, described in the Information which at my instance the Reverend Father Brother Joseph Casula, Provincial of the Franciscan Observance, took care to have made in the year MDCLXV. For when then I was at Rome Procurator in the cause, as I also now am, and new Remissorial letters had to be expedited for the exhibition of miracles; knowing how great a devotion flourished among the Sardinians toward B. Paschal, I sent thither my companion Brother Didacus Ascentius, to obtain a more certain knowledge. An informative process therefore was made, which brought to Rome, certain men versed in businesses of this kind judged it fitting, that also for those to the Lord Archbishop of Cagliari and two other persons constituted in dignity Remissorials should be expedited: but the execution of these was suspended, because so copious had become the Process formed upon this argument at Valencia, that the diligence further to be made at Cagliari was judged superfluous: but to me it by no means seemed that this volume was to be augmented by the accession of those.

Annotations

* Italian Sopraparto, perhaps Superfetation?

CHAPTER V.

On the blows wont to be heard in the chest of S. Paschal, to indicate a great good or evil, or to convince the incredulous.

CHAP. XV.

[40] Faith among men especially the unlearned seem to surpass those prodigious percussions, of which we proceed to write, so often repeated and known by experience so sure and frequent, both in the kingdom of Valencia, and in other parts of Spain, in that they have extended themselves even to the printed images and least relics of the Saint. For the more frequent and known they are, the more obnoxious they seem to be to the detractions of those calumniating their truth and saying, that God does not without necessity work miracles. From these I will willingly ask, what necessity it is, that at Salerno from the body of S. Matthew the Apostle, at Bari from the bones of S. Nicholas the Bishop He makes manna to gush forth? that He bids the blood of S. Januarius at Naples at the sight of the head to be liquefied; which same also there is said in the blood of S. John the Baptist to be done every year on the feast of the beheading, and as often as at his altar a Mass of that feast is recited? The fruit of perpetual miracles. that those few drops of hardened blood, which at Rome are kept in a crystalline vessel, and are believed to have flowed from the stigmata of S. Francis, on the feast of their impression become fluid? finally, that other infinite things of this kind being passed over, what need is it that at Rome likewise, in the Convent of the Discalced Carmelite nuns della Scala, from the foot of the holy Mother Teresa an odoriferous liquor distill, as also elsewhere from her Relics?

[41] Do not these things sufficiently convince us, that such things God often works, not for some apparent necessity alone, but for the confusion of Jews and heretics or otherwise of the impious, the consolation of the faithful, the increase of devotion, the conversion of sinners, and very many other salutary effects, excluding all irreverence, which we see and hear proceed in the minds of those, who take an experiment of perpetual prodigies of this kind by eyes or by ears receive faith: Blows are heard in the image of S. Paschal. as this very year MDCLXXI we see done in the arm of S. Nicholas of Tolentino, now, as often elsewhere, distilling copious blood. But perhaps for the conviction of such incredulous ones, in the year MDCLXIX at that very time, in which an information of miracles was being made at Valencia, before the Viceroy and the Apostolic Judges, a third time were heard more than fifteen percussions in a little paper image, which together with a particle of the sacred bone the little servant of the Viceregal Secretary held in his hand; as soon as the boy, only sixteen years old, said; Praised be the most holy Sacrament of the altar and the most pure Conception of Our Lady, conceived without stain of original sin. That matter astonished the three Prelates standing by: and the Lord Archbishop, his eyes suffused with tears for the tenderness of devotion, inclined his head, and snatching the Relic from the boy's hands adored it saying: Wonderful is God in His Saints: and the same the Bishops of Segorbe and Marogna did: and all together attest the fact, in their responsories to the Pontiff and the sacred Congregation of Rites, rendering account of the Process made by them.

CHAP. XVI.

[42] The said blows began to be heard from the chest, in which was enclosed the body of B. Paschal in the year MDCIX, in which a beginning was given to treating the cause in the Roman Curia; The beginning of these blows when and whence made. and affected with vehement admiration their first hearers. Which when it came to the knowledge of the Superiors, before so unusual a prodigy was published no industry was spared, that the cause and truth of the fact might be discovered. And of the truth indeed it quickly appeared that it was beyond all suspicion of falsehood, nor could it otherwise than divinely have come about, that from the chest in the manner in which it was placed, and so great circumspection applied on every side, that sound should proceed. For as soon as his nephew, the servant of God, Brother Didacus Baylon, an adolescent of rare sincerity and purity, took the habit, he had taken for himself a custom, that, as often as he returned from outside to the convent, after the blessing of the superior received, about to ask the same of his dear uncle he entered the church, and prostrate before the chest, related to him, as if he had been alive, all the success of the matter done by him prosperous and adverse, and recounted the friends, who had done him a charity; and very many other things, which are narrated of him in the Chronicles of the Province. But the relation finished now indeed there was heard in the chest a grave noise, as of one turning himself; at other times only a soft blow; but Brother Didacus, and others who from hiding had observed him, remained full of internal consolation.

[43] It remained, that it should be understood, for what end this was done: Why these blows are made. but although on that account many prayers were appointed through the Province, yet the Divine majesty never let itself be entreated, to reveal that secret. Only a certain Religious, adjured by obedience, set forth the following case. Namely that when he dwelt in the Convent of Villarreal, after dinner approaching the chapel, on account of certain necessities of the infirmary, which had been committed to him; and in passing before the venerable Sacrament lightly bending his knee, he was moved by a certain interior impulse, that from B. Paschal

he should ask, what mystery lay beneath those percussions, which he was heard to give. And forthwith he felt in his soul a certain extraordinary light, by which there were vividly represented to him those words of the Prophet Jeremiah in the first Chapter; What dost thou see, Jeremiah? And immediately there came into his mind the subsequent answer; A watching rod I see; and consequently also these; Well dost thou see, for I will watch over Israel. But these interior colloquies, impressed instantaneously on the mind of that good Religious, showed him with indescribable clarity, that that watching Rod was B. Paschal, whom God had constituted guardian and watchman, never sleeping, over His people, namely all the faithful, and over the Province of S. John the Baptist, and its several subjects. Which understanding, joined to a great consolation, elicited most copious tears from the eyes of the said Religious, and made, that not able to repress the interior heat of his mind, he exclaimed; O watching one! O watching one! O watching one. But as he himself affirms, he had at that time no knowledge of sacred Scripture, but had drawn only a little from the Grammatical precepts.

[44] The truth of that revelation, or by whatever name thou wilt call it, the wonderful successes and effects proved, noted by those who thereafter, especially in these times, came into experience of those wonderful blows, which are divinely believed to be destined, They variously affect the minds of the hearers: as presages of some evil or good to come; with this difference, that the same blows are at other times greater, at others smaller; sometimes many being present they are heard by a few, and to these make a certain sweet harmony. From time to time happy, from time to time unhappy events follow. There is when they refresh the hearer interiorly; there is when they seem to reprehend, and move to devotion and penance. Finally the effects of those blows are as various, as inscrutable: but universally it has now been observed, that the greater strokes are for the most part indications of tragic successes, The graver are noted to be an omen of a sad thing; the lighter of a glad. but the more moderate of things contrary to these. So in those days, in which the French were besieging Fuenterrabia, frequent but most soft blows were heard within the chest of B. Paschal, especially on the VII day of September on the Vigil of the Marian Nativity: which when they had astonished the people with vehement expectation, this admiration lasted, until there came a messenger of that great and unhoped victory, which on that day the arms of the Catholic King brought back. On the contrary when in the same year the same French had besieged Tortosa, on the preceding night were counted a hundred and twenty-six great blows; which to the trembling people and Religious signified that which in fact happened. Most terrified were the Religious of the Convent of Villarreal in the month of October of the year MDCXL, by frequent and great blows continued for fourteen days, and especially on the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle intense: for each then excited so great a crash as if a bombard were exploded. And now they had certified the Provincial of the whole matter, expecting something funereal, when it was announced on the very day of the most vehement blows that all Portugal had rebelled.

[45] When the Guardian of the same Convent Father Brother Francis Emper, he who was afterward Provincial, a Religious of exemplary life, had noted that more wax was consumed, than seemed precisely necessary for the celebration of Masses; and suspected that there were some, who diverted it to their private uses; under a grave precept of obedience he forbade, that anyone should dare anything of this kind, he being about to provide all necessaries. One nonetheless, whose given candle had been consumed, making little of this entered the church: but when he was now about to take the seized taper from the candlestick, the Blessed so grievously struck his chest, that he terrified desisted from the undertaking: and coming into the refectory, where the Community was gathered, with a clear voice confessed his fault, and pardon being asked narrated the case which had happened to him, as the aforesaid Father related. The same also affirmed, that being once at an unseasonable hour of the night in the choir, he heard such vehement percussions in the chest, that he doubted whether they proceeded from it; and therefore from a certain Religious, then there taking the discipline, he asked, what that crash was. Who nothing delaying answered, it was B. Paschal, who struck the chest, and filled him with great apprehension: but the next day there entered the Convent a Visitor of the Province, about to be the author of great scandals and tumults in it.

[46] In the chapel of the same Saint when at a certain time there was a religious Priest, by name John Pueyo, he heard so loud a blow, that he believed it could be perceived outside the church; and a little after he heard a bombard explode; but from each sound presaging some misfortune, he understood that by the same explosion a certain woman had been killed. At another time, when affairs in Catalonia proceeded turbidly with much effusion of blood, there were heard within the chest of the Blessed more than a hundred gentle and soft blows, with much consolation of the bystanders: of which when the Guardian had reported to Father Brother Louis de Benavente, who was at Valencia: he indeed hoping thence something glad, the most Reverend Father Brother John of Naples having arrived there a short time after, who was afterward General of the Order, narrated the case: and in turn heard, that on the same day on which the blow had been heard, there had departed from Naples some many ships, furnished with all kinds of munition and provision with four thousand armed men, with whom also the most Reverend himself had happily come into Catalonia, whose whole safety depended on that succor, as afterward appeared.

[47] Albert Perez, a Presbyter and citizen of Villarreal, in his deposition affirms, that when at the instance of Philip IV and by the mandate of the Archbishop of Valencia a general procession was instituted for peace between Spain and England, the procession entering the church and singing these words; That Thou wouldst deign to grant peace and true concord to Christian Kings and Princes; there was heard from the chest of B. Paschal a blow, which the whole multitude distinctly perceived, with great consolation and undoubted faith of the best success. The same argument heaps with his testimony James Blau, also himself a citizen of Villarreal; and says, that on a certain day being near the chest of the sacred body he heard in it a noise, as if it had turned itself; and said to the bystanders: Let us stand attentive, for the Saint seems to wish to knock. All therefore attentively expecting what would happen, eight times the blow was repeated, filling all with joy and devotion: who noting the day afterward knew it to be the one, on which the French raised the as long as tedious siege of the city of Tarragona. The same happened when they raised the siege of Lérida: and very many affirm and namely Master Brother Joseph Casa-nova, that the strokes were more than eighty: for although he himself heard only six, yet he understood this from those, who taking the count he last came up at the end.

CHAP. XVII.

[48] For the rest, on account of the quality and frequency of a miracle rarely otherwise heard, there were not lacking those who doubted of its truth, especially at the beginning, and that God so disposing for a clearer certification of so prodigious a matter, The truth of the matter is manifested to the incredulous by a grave blow; by manifold experience and proof of those, in whom the hesitation of a doubting mind contended with the affection of pious credulity. Among these were two Religious of the Society of Jesus, who when they had gone to visit the sacred body and in the very chapel discoursed about the aforenoted argument, began, as they were very learned, to object many difficulties with great effort. There was present in that place a devout woman Josepha Mas, a dweller of that city: to whom when this kind of discourse and so great incredulity vehemently displeased, she said confidently: Now is the time, my Saint, that thou give a great blow, that these Fathers may return instructed of this truth: which if thou do, I promise that I will tell them the cause, that they may be the more convinced. She had not yet finished the words, when there was heard so grave a percussion, that the whole church resounded, not without the reverent confusion of the said Fathers, especially when they heard its cause from the woman: wherefore with devout tears prostrate on the ground, they gave thanks to the Saint, that He wished to have them also partakers and witnesses of so great a miracle.

[49] Much toward B. Paschal was affected Brother Didacus Candel a Discalced Carmelite, likewise to another by three blows repeated a third time; but no small difficulty this point gave him, when of him perchance he had to speak in a sermon. Having entered therefore the chapel he repeated prayers and supplications, and B. Paschal hearing him gave three strokes; and he not content with these, but adding new prayers, He gave again three others, and again a third time; until of the truth of the matter he plainly confessed himself certain with devout gratitude. The same satisfaction He gave to a certain other, coming from Carcagente in the retinue of several others: for when he had narrated that prodigy to his companions of the way, and had caused the chest to be uncovered, and had placed his hand on it; all heard it knocked thrice, with no small increase of their devotion. When in the Convent of Villarreal Father Brother Francis Emper acted as Guardian, and to several others. he received as a guest a certain Religious of our Observance: who stayed there some days, saying that he had come to this end, that himself hearing the chest knocked he might have made a public instrument of the truth of the wonderful fact, and that to a pious end. But although at the same time it was several times knocked, yet because that was never done in his presence, he was not a little anxious. And so he indicated the cause of his sadness to the Guardian: by whom led to the chapel, a prayer being made he as it were wished to bid farewell, and placed his hand on the chest: which he felt so vehemently knocked, that astonished he could not even utter a word, but with eyes lifted to heaven departed. But asked the cause of his silence, he answered, that that his amazement had proceeded from this, that he not only felt his hand outwardly knocked, but also much more inwardly his soul, and it violently snatched thither, where there was need, at the distance of many leagues. Of which matter when he had ordered an instrument to be written, he went away, praising God and the Saint.

[50] The office of preacher in the same Convent Brother Michael Villara Sa performed, of whom we made mention above treating of the obedience of the Saint: who when on the very feast of him, which then fell on Pentecost, he desired to hear a percussion of this kind; indicated that his desire to the nephew of the Saint himself Brother Didacus: who answering him; Believe me, said he, my uncle is not wont on these three days to strike his chest, because he will not disquiet the people. The feasts therefore being finished and the concourse ceasing, when Brother Michael was in his cell, more distant from the church, he heard one vehement stroke, as clearly as if it were made in the very cell; and immediately Brother Didacus was present, saying, that his uncle had thus knocked; whence the Preacher knew, that by him too that blow had been heard. One hour after the same was done, and Michael was so troubled, that he was compelled to desist from what he had begun: but to Brother Didacus returning, and asserting the same as above, he nonetheless doubting on account of the great distance of the place, said; Hear, Brother, unless thou wilt,

that I should retract, what I have said to the people concerning these knockings, obtain from your uncle, that he may put forth such a one about which I cannot doubt. Therefore on the same day, when he was sacrificing at the altar of the Blessed himself, Friar Didacus ministering to him, at the second Memento he heard a knock proceeding from the chest: which indeed at first struck fear into him, but soon made a singular joy succeed to this, and a certain faith of the whole matter; which Friar Didacus heaped up, the Mass being finished saying to him, Now at least you will be beyond doubt, since my uncle has so copiously satisfied your will.

[51] When Father Friar Hieronymus Planes governed this our Province, he commanded, that night and day within the chapel two Religious should always assist, until so wonderful a matter were certainly explored. On a certain night therefore when with Friar Alfonsus de Piña the turn of keeping vigil had fallen, it happened that his companion, he himself perceiving nothing, went outside, and meanwhile the knock in the chest was given a third time: which when he had reported to the Community, little faith was given to him, as one who lacked a co-witness. The next day therefore, together with others assisting in prayer, he said within himself; My Saint, if I dared to command you through holy obedience, that now you should knock, you would surely do it: but I beseech Christ existing in the Sacrament, that He Himself command you this, to make faith of my deposition to all these. And immediately the chest being knocked thrice, it confirmed all standing around, and filled them with devout consolation.

[52] Let a Priest make an end to this Chapter, not only incredulous, The wonderful conversion of an impious Priest at the altar of S. Paschal. but also arrogant and irreverent: who with certain bandits, whom he followed, on some feast day after the Masses were finished came, and said, that he wished to sacrifice: and without any other preparation, only the firearms with which he was girt being laid aside, having advanced to the altar of S. Paschal, began the Mass: but this being conducted as far as the consecration, he was so confounded, that he could neither pronounce the words nor proceed further. Hence grievously confused, and experiencing that the more he strove, the less he profited; he lifted his heart to God, and prayed B. Paschal, that he would obtain for him from his divine Majesty the grace of finishing the sacrifice, promising that he would dismiss all intercourse with those lost ones, and would do serious penance for his sins. This his prayer was heard, and a knock in the chest signified it, which liquefied that brazen heart into tears. But at the very elevation of the sacred Host it was knocked again, and again at the elevation of the Chalice. But the Mass being done this Priest bade farewell to the companions, with whom he had come, marveling at a change of this kind; and having entered the Convent asked, whether there were there any learned Religious, with whom he could communicate a business of the greatest moment; and it was said to him, that there was present the most Reverend Father Friar Joannes Muniesa, Commissary general of the Order, brought hither for the cause of making a Novena at the body of B. Paschal: to whom summoned he opened the whole state of his soul, and a general Confession of sins being made departed, about to lead henceforth a penitent life as he had promised. But the Commissary related whatever he had heard: but from a certain scruple, not sufficiently founded, he was unwilling at Rome in the General Chapter to declare the same, however instantly asked by me: who however did not hesitate to insert it here, as one most known in these parts.

CHAPTER VI.

Of similar knockings, made more often for the solace of the devout or for salutary admonition.

CHAP. XVIII.

[53] When Father Friar de Benevento ruled the Province, visiting it he came to Villa-real The faithful, a knock being heard, are secure of success, with the desire of obtaining a certain grace, which he esteemed necessary for the advancement of his soul, and the happy administration of the office imposed. Prostrate therefore in prayer before the sepulcher of B. Paschal, this finished he heard a knock given within the chest of the sacred body, which penetrating his heart filled it with great confidence of the fulfilled vow, and a clear knowledge of the means to be employed for the intended end. Thence to celebrate Mass at the same altar he betook himself, and imploring the help of S. John the Baptist to the same end, when in the Secret, so it happened to one asking the grace of ruling; Receive holy Trinity, he had come to the name of the glorious Forerunner, he heard another knock: by which fully confirmed and consoled he remained, nor did he afterward feel the effect of the help promised to him any less. Father Friar Franciscus Emper was affected with great grief, because a rumor had been spread, that he was to be created Provincial. He runs therefore to the intercession of B. Paschal, and asked that he would hinder an election of this kind. for one deprecating the Provincialate; But while before his altar he poured out his heart, he heard the chest struck, and himself inwardly made secure of the hearing of his prayer: which appeared to have been by no means vain, when for grave causes it was judged expedient, that another than he be chosen.

[54] In the same convent stayed Friar Christophorus Garzia, that he might ask the habit: who fearing lest it be denied to him, for one asking admission into Religion; betook himself to the sepulcher of the Blessed, and instantly asked, that he would have his desire fulfilled: who sweetly knocking consoled him, then indeed with good hope, but a little after even with the fulfillment of the vow itself. The same in the same place succeeded to Friar Franciscus Martinez, on occasion of another certain petition, for whom B. Paschal twice knocked the chest in sign of the hearing. the success of a business; Likewise Josepha Mas of Villa-real, asking the servant of God, that in sign of the business about to succeed well, which she commended to him, he would deign to give one stroke: which was immediately done. Very desolate was Magdalena Jorda likewise of Villa-real, on account of the gravity of the evil, health to a father; which had brought her father Cosmas into the greatest straits. And when coming with bare feet she had made a novena to B. Paschal for the recovery of her father's health, she asked the same for her greater solace, that he would at least once knock the chest: and suddenly heard she returned home, and found her father restored to his pristine health in a moment. The Doctor of medicine, Ludovicus Piedra-bertrando, sought some Ecclesiastical Benefice for his son, an ecclesiastical Benefice for a son; but before he should meet the Patrons, having the right of nomination, he judged that the favor of B. Paschal must be sought by him: which while devout he does before the chest, he heard it sweetly struck, and said: Now I have my son, partaker of the desired Benefice; and in fact he had it.

[55] Francisca Cabrera of Villa-real, married for six years, offspring after six years of sterility; received no children, and was greatly saddened thereby. On a certain day therefore she went to the sepulcher of the man of God, praying that, if it should profit her salvation, she might merit to obtain offspring from God: and soon hearing the chest knocked; Is, said she, this knock therefore given, that I may know myself heard? And again she heard it knocked and said: My Saint, if these strikings truly signify that I shall conceive and bear, add I pray also a third. Which when she had obtained, fully secure she returned, and bore the daughter conceived according to her vow: who, because in childhood she gave much hope of herself, began to be called the Daughter of the Saint. Grievously also was the mind of Thomas Agnone of Villa-real afflicted, because the exhausted grain had taken away the means of feeding the family: grain for his family. and in the three sons, whom he had, having experienced three miracles of B. Paschal, he had nothing more ready than to run to the same for a remedy. Therefore he goes to the Chapel, pours out a prayer, hears the chest knocked, feels his mind serened: and having gone out of the church he met a man, who offered him as much wheat as would be enough until the next harvest.

[56] It is a great defect, especially in small places, if at midnight the signal of the bell be not given for Matins: One doubtful of the hour is taught by a knock. and that this be avoided the Guardians watch with great care. When therefore the weekly officer for that office on a certain night was in the church, about to await the sound of the clock, he fell into sleep, nor did he hear the stroke of the clock. But awakened and seeing some Religious already entered into the choir, he asked whether twelve had sounded: but they answering that they did not know, he applied himself to the grate; and kneeling with anxiety said: My Saint, how shall I know whether twelve has sounded, lest I fall into fault if perhaps it has not yet sounded? And soon the box was heard knocked twelve times, but slowly, so that both he himself and the rest could conveniently enter upon the number: wherefore the bell being immediately rung, he gave the signal of rising to the Community. There are also many other Religious, who at some time dwelt in that convent; and testify that the same happened to them on various occasions, on which running to B. Paschal, they had the doubts resolved by which they were anxious, through knockings of this kind.

[57] To Francisca Ybañez of Villa-real a daughter had been born, bringing into the light a neck swollen with scrofula, Likewise those asking a remedy for the itch are made secure; by which she was notably deformed. The kind of disease afflicted the mother, which in so delicate a part and so little an age seemed incurable: but when to two religious entered her house she had narrated the case, one of them said; Be not afflicted, Lady, but tomorrow morning come to the chapel of B. Paschal, about to ask a remedy: and I will say a Mass for you, and so trust that you will be heard. The woman came, and the Priest began the Mass, as he had promised: which when he had conducted as far as the first Memento, she heard the box knocked, and confidence being conceived returned home, and found herself truly heard, that deformed swelling little by little subsiding. In the same town a certain youth had been dangerously wounded in the arm: who, the curing of an arm; the damage which could occur being despised, having gone out of his house went to the chapel, and asked health from B. Paschal: and praying as attentively as he could, he heard one stroke, and said to those standing around; My lords, behold me whole; and at once took the bandages from his arm, and in fact proved that he had said the truth. A certain Carmelite Religious in the same city, called Friar Gaspar Gali, very devout to B. Paschal, declares, that at some time struck by a grave and lasting temptation he placed his confidence in him. liberation from a grave temptation; But while on one occasion he insisted in prayer, asking a remedy in the chapel of the Saint, he heard three strokes distinctly given: and full of interior joy he felt himself free from that trouble, at least so far, that he never afterward succumbed to it, and always with easy effort repelled it being reborn. The same adds, that when he sacrificed at the altar of the Blessed, asking, that God would make him a good Priest; while pronouncing the formula of consecration he heard another knock in the box, and was in soul vehemently consoled.

[58] Josepha de Mas, at other times again. already named above, once and again was struck herself also with a grave temptation against faith: concerning which by the mandate of her Confessor treating with Mother Helena the Tertiary, a matron of illumined spirit, in the very chapel of B. Paschal; while she begs her to pray for her, each heard a great knock in the box, and Josepha thence carried back a quiet mind. A certain youth of dissolute life setting out for Rome,

took lodging in our convent of Villa-real, By a similar knock a youth is impelled to confession: whence about to depart he wished to ask the benediction of the Saint: at which while he bends his knees in his chapel, although ill disposed, he heard a strong knock: which penetrating his heart and mind, he ran back into the monastery crying out for Confession with a loud voice; and the religious running to the cry, and thinking some misfortune had befallen him, he sets forth the deed, and a general Confession being performed began to prosecute his journey glad. Over the same convent presided Father Friar Michael a S. Josepho, A Religious wishing to depart is reproved; he who afterward was Definitor, but on account of the continual presence of seculars he with difficulty endured the office, and desired to be transferred to another convent, where he might live more remote from all noise, and he was little short of demanding that this be enjoined on him from obedience. But his affection toward B. Paschal stood in the way. Among these things, after the sacrifice of the Mass performed, entering into the church he heard a strong knock; and at the same time meanwhile he felt his will, averse from what the Superior had determined, reproved, which he straightway also laid aside.

[59] Two certain ones mingled murmuring discourses in the very Chapel of the Blessed, likewise youths talking in the temple: and a just indignation against them, by one and then another knock he showed, nor yet did they, even admonished a second time, desist from their undertakings. A third time therefore they heard the knock repeated, and at the same time a motion of the sacred body, as if turning itself restlessly, continued for that time, in which the Apostolic Symbol could be twice recited: whence struck with a just horror, and acknowledging their fault, they asked his pardon prostrate on the ground, not without the wonder of others who were present. There likewise it happened on two occasions, The words of a preacher are approved: that to Father Friar Josephus Ferrer, who afterward was Vicar Provincial, preaching to the assembly, first indeed concerning the extreme poverty of B. Paschal, then concerning his stupendous miracles, the Saint seemed by twice-repeated knockings to approve the words said: nor could the sacred orator prosecute the begun discourse, until the murmur of the people had quieted; for all had heard the matter. To Friar Didacus Fernandez, A certain one is unteaching of his own [judgment:] there a Chorister, it was the custom to recite the Crown of the Holy Virgin with her lesser Office; and by this he believed himself to satisfy the constitution, that for any Religious dying within the Province, the Priests should read the Mass eight times, the Choristers eight times the Office of the dead, but the Lay Brothers eight hundred Our Fathers. At length however a scruple coming on, whether he so satisfied his obligation toward the dead, that he would resolve it for him, on a certain night he asked B. Paschal; but this one knocking the chest more vehemently so terrified him, that he understood that a disposition of this kind of his own judgment, in a point established through obedience, was not pleasing to God.

CHAP. XX.

[60] Several Religious likewise affirm that it has been ascertained by them by accurate experience, The defect of the lamp is noted: that whenever the oil fails in the lamps burning before the sacred body, or they are by any other chance extinguished, a sign of that defect is given by S. Paschal, at whose knock terrified and running together to the sepulcher, they have known why this had happened. The aforesaid Chorister had once polished nineteen lamps of this kind, The service of one cleaning the lamps is approved; which being placed in their place, before he departed from the chapel he prostrated himself in prayer; but while he protracts this beyond two hours, he began to hear plainly sweet knocks, and counting precisely as many as had been the lamps cleaned by him, and knowing by such a sign his service to be accepted by the Blessed, he felt himself wonderfully consoled. There lived another Chorister, called Friar Joannes Augustinus, and had made it a custom for himself, every evening to recite an entire Rosary in the chapel of the Blessed: which when at some time he did with his accustomed piety, and applied each decade each to its mystery, in the very act of application, each time he heard a knock; until the fifteen mysteries being run through he finished the Rosary with great consolation. and the recitation of an entire Rosary: The same afterward made a Priest, when saying Mass at the altar of the Blessed, he had come to the first Memento, the Cleric who ministered withdrew elsewhere, nor did he return at the time of consecration, to ring the little bell. The defect of one ringing the bell at the Consecration is supplied: This defect being recognized the pious Priest anxious, yet prosecuted the begun mysteries: but the Blessed himself supplied the defect, at the act of elevation knocking so strongly within the chest, that no one was present, who did not believe himself sufficiently admonished concerning the Sacrament to be adored.

[61] To the same had come Joannes Gras from the town Cuenca of the kingdom of Valencia, and in the chapel praying at once a knock from the chest, at once in his mind he felt a new sweetness of devotion: to whom wishing to be grateful, he promised a notable alms for promoting the chapel of the Saint, which was being built in the convent of his fatherland: which again was repaid to him by a knock repeated several times. There for a cancer cured for him by a miracle Jacobus Blau of Villa-real was giving thanks, and likewise hearing one knock, confessed an affection of confidence increased in him, to be placed in so benevolent a protection. At the prayers and supplications of Joannes Argramon in the town Cervera the Saint had revived his little son, drowned in a certain receptacle of water: for which benefit leading the boy to his chapel as he had promised, he merited to be certified concerning the truth of the miracle, and the Saint's affection toward him and his by three knocks heard successively; first when both entered the church, then kneeling before the Most Holy, and finally entering into the chapel, with great gladness of his own and of all accompanying them. Another Knight from the town Yente, which is distant more than sixty leagues from Villa-real, fulfilling a vow for his little daughter revived for him, at the very entrance of the church perceived the chest knocked seven times, and consoled withdrew.

[62] Father George Regal relates two memorable cases. The first was, One concealing a sin in confession is reproved by a knock; that while a certain penitent of his among confessing being confounded repressed his voice, and he stimulated him to set forth his sins further; he wishing to proceed a knock was given, at which the other bitterly weeping; Woe to me, said he, O Father, this knock is therefore given, because I had decided, a certain shameful sin being omitted, to prosecute the confession of others. Then in the same a new knock was heard, which struck off from the penitent all shame, so that, the impediment which the demon set being removed, he could confess entirely, with great joy of his own, and no less of the Confessor. Another case was, when the Confessor of our convent led a certain youth of that city, to a change of a very dissolute life and to making a general Confession of sins. He had come, as he had promised, and had ordered the Confessor to be called; but while he raises himself from his knees, and passing by the guardian of the chest of the sacred body bows himself, from his little kerchief fell a little letter, Another is led to confess sincerely. and at the same time the Blessed gave a great knock. At which the Confessor seeing the youth perturbed; What is this? said he. Ah Father! answered the other, it is a letter which I most recently received, from such a woman, whom he named; and although I came to confess, in truth I was not well disposed.

[63] Let the deposition of Doctor Dominicus Sarrius conclude this argument, a Presbyter most glorious in letters and virtue, who had so great a mind, that, although by fortune there was not provided for him more than two hundred crowns of annual income, yet the mitres of Segovia and Orihuela, offered to him by his Majesty in compensation of his greatest merits, he was able to refuse. He in the Valencian Process of the year 1669 affirmed, that when D. Joannes Crespi de Baldaura, a most known Knight, as being Brother of the most Excellent Lords Don Ludovicus Crespi Bishop of Plasencia and formerly ordinary Legate to the Roman Pontiff, and Don Christophorus Crespi Vice-chancellor of Aragon, labored with a vehement suppression of urine, asked him for the sake of solace to come to him: who seeing his straits said, Lord Joannes, your Lordship knows how miraculous is our Blessed Paschal Baylon; A stoppage of urine is healed by a vow made to Paschal. commend yourself to him, vowing that you will give some alms for helping his Canonization, and will see his sepulcher. I will do it willingly answered he, if you will promise, that you will accompany me. But the Doctor promising, the impediment of urine was loosened: and suddenly free from danger Joannes with Sarrius departed toward Villa-real for the sake of fulfilling the vow.

[64] But the same Doctor relates, that when on the journey and during that three-day period in which they remained in the Convent the thought concerning the knockings wont to be given by the Saint often came into his mind, he said inwardly; Lord God, if I do not displease Thee in this, do not permit that the Saint should knock even once; and this he repeated frequently, although he knew not to what end he asked this. On the very day therefore on which they were to return thence, food being taken early Joannes had withdrawn to rest; but Sarrius, meanwhile while the Religious took their dinner, betook himself to the church, and there prostrate before the sepulcher persevered for some time in prayer, not without interior dread of the knockings to be made by the Blessed: and seeing the hour of departure fixed for him by the Knight at hand, giving thanks he said within himself: My prayer is heard. But indeed scarcely had he thought these things, when he was terrified by a noise of the sacred body heard within the chest, as if it were turned from one side to the other: and a little after he heard one knock, which also opened the eyes of his mind. He however marveling, and considering the chest on every side and curiously, and suspecting it to be some illusion of imagination, was freed from his doubt by two other knocks, the place of the chest whence they proceeded being also accurately noted. Astonished at that success the Doctor for some time stood thus: then to the servant of that Knight coming to call him he said, that he himself should rather come into the Chapel. To whom coming together with certain Religious he narrated what had been done, and taking with his hand the little fork from the right of Joannes, marked the place of the chest, that very one to which the Religious present affirmed the head of the Saint to lie. What effects that matter had in the mind of the hearer he would never manifest, Celebrated witnesses concerning the truth of the knockings. nay even to confess these things which we have said he had to be compelled by Ecclesiastical censures. Meanwhile for proving the truth of the said knockings the quality of such a person suffices; as also the testimonies of the most Excellent D. Don Petrus-Antonius of Aragon, Duke of Segorbe and Cardona, and the most Excellent D. Don Petrus Martinez Rubio Archbishop of Palermo and Viceroy of Sicily; as I can prove by a certain relation, written upon this matter by command of his Excellency, and signed by his hand, and fortified with his accustomed seal, which I keep with me.

CHAPTER VII.

Of the frequent and most attested knock, heard from the Relics and images of the Blessed.

CHAP. XXI.

[65] No less admirable are the knocks, which are proved to have proceeded both from the printed images of S. Paschal and from his Relics, by so many experiments, that for the cause of avoiding prolixity it pleases only to relate some cases, more apt to my purpose. D. Francisca de Ortega, wife of D. Matthaeus de

Villa-marin, A woman laid aside on account of a fetus dead in the womb, Auditor of Granada and afterward Royal Counsellor over the Indies, testifies that the sanctity of Paschal was ascertained to her by a twofold miracle. The first was thus. She lay, at Granada given up by the physicians, herself destitute of speech and motion and almost all sense, on account of a little daughter dead in the womb: who brought into so great danger, as long as she could invoked various Saints, nor received any solace from anyone. Meanwhile her domestics, remembering B. Paschal, sent to the Guardian of the Convent of S. Antony to ask, that he would be willing to commend the sick woman to God, and to send a Relic of the Saint to her. The Guardian did what was asked, two Religious being sent with the Relic: who having entered the chamber of the sick woman, found there the chief Matrons of the city; one of whom holding the Relic itself in her hand and bending down to the head of the bed, said: Daughter, behold the Relic of B. Paschal, commend yourself to him with your whole heart. That she understood this, since she could not by words, she showed by signs: and all standing around at the sight of the sacred Relic began to pray for the sick woman, and some to offer novenas, others other vows. At last when a certain one had placed it upon the belly of the woman in danger, she, who for many hours had lain without motion, by the touch of the relics is freed. moved somewhat, felt the pains of childbirth, brought forth the dead little infant, asked for food, and in a short time wholly recovered, with the wonder of all, especially one of the physicians: who the following day meeting a certain servant of that Lady, asked at what hour she had died; and hearing the case, was astonished at the evidence of so great a miracle.

[66] From thence so devout toward B. Paschal was that Lady, that having crossed to the Court of Madrid, she ordinarily heard Mass in the Royal convent of S. Aegidius, where with greater leisure she could visit his chapel there, and spend as much time as she could in commending herself to her benefactor. The same in an image of the Saint painted notes a knock, On a certain morning therefore intent on the said exercise, she heard a noise; and turning herself into one and the other part, she judged the knocks noted could not have proceeded from elsewhere, than from the image of the Saint himself painted upon a panel, which stood exposed on the altar; and at the same moment a grave sadness came upon her, thinking lest perhaps her little son, whom she had nine or eight years old, were in danger in something; and that he would keep him for her, she asked the Saint. But although from then somewhat milder, yet so great anxiety held her, that she was compelled immediately to return home: where finding the menservants and maidservants somewhat sad, and suspecting something sinister, before all things she asked, where her son was. Then indeed she understood that a certain brother of hers, laboring with such a phrenzy, that he intended almost nothing else than to harm his sister and all pertaining to her; when by chance from the boy, studying in a certain hall, his master a Priest had withdrawn a little to the side; a great knife being snatched from the kitchen, having attacked to strike and tear the boy with it, raged with so great madness, that from his hands the Priest and the servants coming up could scarcely draw him: who, the indication of a son in danger. inspecting him more attentively, whom they thought cut over his whole body, found no wound in his members or head, but only the marks made by the knife without any injury, which they judged not to have lacked a miracle. But she with admiration hearing each thing, and accurately comparing the moments of time and of the things done at her home and in the church, concluded within herself that that case had happened in the very part of the hour, in which she had heard the chest knocked: which more vehemently kindled her fervor in worshipping B. Paschal to constancy.

CHAP. XVII.

[67] Notable also was that, which Father Friar Ludovicus de Benevento often related, namely, that when he was Provincial, and was speaking with Father Friar Didacus Mazon, A little panel of the Saint and the Holy Host give reciprocal knocks. a son of this Province, concerning the wonders of B. Paschal and those prodigious knockings; he narrated to him, that on a certain day saying Mass privately (which was permitted to him, because amid the sacred mysteries flowing with most copious tears he was for the most part compelled to spend three hours on that divine action) and that at the altar over which hung an image of Paschal; the words of consecration being finished he began to hear knocks in the panel, and others reciprocally answering them in the sacred Host which he held in his hands, whence his mind was carried away with incredible jubilation: which held so prolix a space of time, that he altogether feared, lest not without some grave demonstration of extraordinary affection he could finish the sacrifice. Which case vehemently confirms that which many often asserted they had experienced, namely at the same point of time at which the chest was knocked from within, likewise from within the sacred tabernacle for keeping the Body of the Lord was often knocked, with a reciprocal consonance here and there of no small little delay.

[68] The Licentiate Don Joannes Herrera Pereza, Advocate of the Royal Chancery of Granada, asked by him who had undertaken to arrange the feast of B. Paschal, was present at it at some time, and after a dinner taken in the Convent, had betaken himself to rest, a paper image of the Blessed being placed upon the little writing-table, with which he had been given that day. But lying on the bed he could for some time take no sleep, From a knock a great affection toward the Saint is born. and heard a knock, which he recognized from the effect that followed, undoubtedly to have proceeded from the aforesaid image: whence exulting with incredible joy he went out of the cell, and Father Friar Didacus Dañon being sought, a man of great spirit and most devout to B. Paschal, concerning whom many things can be read in our Chronicles, he set forth the whole case. He was thenceforth so propensely affected to the servant of God, that in place of a certain poor but honest little panel, which by importunate prayers and pious violence he had obtained, he placed another, two or four thousand crowns being spent on that matter, because he adorned its little case by the hand of Alfonsus Cano a Portionary, and a most celebrated painter in all Spain; for the rest of his life most addicted to the same Blessed, and uniquely intent on this, that he should do well to his Convent.

[69] But the aforesaid Didacus Dañon had in his reliquary a part of a little bone received from the Body of the Saint, hung at his breast: The Relics carried about in a reliquary continually knock, which was knocked continually and almost in the same manner, in which the little weight of a swinging clock (I speak as one who experienced it), nor could the servant of God conceal this, however much noise he made with a Rosary, which he assiduously turned in his hand to that end, but it was easily heard by all dealing with him, and especially by those confessing their sins: but chiefly in that quarter of an hour, which after the Matins office is spent on prayer. Concerning which matter I could here dilate with many things, because I dwelt a whole six years with him at Granada, nor was there any of the Brothers in that convent to whom this was not most known. One thing I will add, that a little before his passage from this life, which befell him discharging the office of Definitor in the convent of S. John della Ribera of Valencia, he said to his Confessor, that B. Paschal had often done him various and great favors; with a singular fruit to the bearer. and that the fruit produced in his soul from those knockings were to be manifested only on the day of judgment.

[70] Doctor Ludovicus Bertrandus Piedra, physician of Villa-real, in the year 1649 returning from Valencia, after a testimony given there in the Process formed concerning the miracles of Paschal after his beatification, from a malignant tumor, which had grown on his hand, began to suffer so great a pain, that beyond the town Almenara, distant only three leagues from Villa-real, he could by no means proceed. This message being brought to his house, his wife and sons hastened to meet him and signified this very thing to the Guardian: who knowing how well affected toward the Blessed and how beneficent to his Convent that Doctor was, A sick man, a knock of the relics being heard, is healed. perhaps brought into that danger on occasion of the service then rendered to both, sent with them for the solace of the sick man a Religious of his, and at the same time some of the Relics of the Blessed. They came therefore all to the place, where he lay defective in mind and strength: to whom when they had applied the said Relic and offered it to be devoutly handled, they placed the same on a little table: where after a small interval of time it began to repeat certain knocks, which heard by all and especially by the sick man, those indeed spiritually exhilarated, but this one so affected, that he immediately believed himself free from the evil, and well and sound in a short time returned home, everywhere publishing that case as miraculous.

[71] Father Friar Michael Yranzo, discharging the Provincialate, lay sick. To console this one when his predecessor, Father de Benevento, had come, he said: I know Brother, and certainly know that I shall die. Another from their knock foreknows his death. At this the same Father, to whom the circumspect prudence of that man in all things was known, marveled and urged, that he should tell the cause, which made him affirm this so certainly. Then Father Yranzo for his intimate familiarity with him declared, that being about to say Mass a few days before, he had commanded that there be exposed upon the altar that Relic, which is wont to be carried to the sick: and that it at the time of the sacrifice gave a sensible knock, but in his heart a certain foreknowledge of his death soon to follow, which befell him after the twentieth day.

CHAP. XXIII.

[72] When in the year 1669 a new Commission was expedited for fabricating a second Process concerning the miracles, in the first place gave testimony the most Excellent Lords Don Vespasianus Gonzaga and Donna Maria Agnes Manrique de Lara, Counts of Paredes and Viceroys of Valencia, of whom Lord Vespasianus spoke thus concerning this argument: I esteem those miraculous knocks to be certain and indubitable, which are heard to proceed from the Relics and images of the Blessed; and the more probable opinion to be, that more vehement strokes forewarn adverse cases, but sweet ones indicate joy and solace. And this he says he has experienced both in himself, and in the following cases which he narrated. In the year next past 1668 grave and tumultuous lawsuits arose in that city and kingdom, Grave disturbances and irreverence because a certain Religious by the mandate of the supreme Council of Aragon had gone to visit a certain Convent; whose inmates when they had rashly opposed themselves to him, and a remedy was sought for greater future inconveniences; it was decreed that some of the rebels be summoned, and among them the Confessor of certain nuns of this city. For this end when the Viceroy had received the mandate, and had committed the execution to a certain judge of the Royal Audience, it was gone with a guard on the very feast day of the Ascension the 10th of May, to the monastery of the aforesaid Religious women: where they finding the Presbyter whom he sought, who suspecting nothing such was distributing the sacred Communion; laid hands on him, no less rashly than arrogantly: and on that occasion scandalous irreverences were committed, which displeased the city and the whole kingdom vehemently.

[73] they are signified by a most grave knock. On the same day, two hours before sunrise, his Excellency was sleeping in bed with his wife, and at the same time both were aroused at a crash in the palace so great as if a war-engine had been discharged; whence the fear conceived was even graver, because that stroke seemed to have proceeded from the very bed in which they lay. They cried out therefore, and asked the maidservants running up, whether they also had heard the crash of the great stroke. But they affirming that they had heard, and as they were ordered seeking through the whole palace in vain the cause, whence that crash could have proceeded; it occurred to the Vicereine to think, that it was from B. Paschal: but because it was so terrible, she did not at first dare to open this her thought to her husband, at length seeing him more and more disquieted: I believe, said she, this crash to have proceeded from nowhere else than from the printed image of B. Paschal, which yesterday evening a certain Religious from the Convent of S. John de la Ribera brought to me. And where, replies the Count, have you placed it? To whom she; Behold hung on this little linen. The Viceroy considered it more attentively, and his solicitude increasing he then took no rest: but morning being made there came to him the messenger of the whole matter, as I have said; and immediately the Viceroy confessed, that it was true, what his wife had said; and that this could be the more certainly believed, because the Blessed had always been most devout toward the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, and that action so contrary to the reverence due to it, that accordingly so great and so formidable a crash was a prognostic of so great a scandal.

[74] The image noted knocking by many The same Lords Viceroys relate, that in the year 1666 on the 3rd day of April, when he himself had already composed himself in bed and she was undressing herself, one of their daughters about to sleep in a neighboring chamber said; Who here has a Relic of B. Paschal? for I hear his knocks. But one of the maidservants answered; Lady, it is not a Relic, but a printed image, which I have at my breast. To whom another; Then do you also wish to persuade us, that the Saint touches you? Yes, said the maidservant: for it is true, and approaching her Lady, she offered the very strokes to be felt by her: who immediately exclaimed: Father, mother, B. Paschal is knocking the image of one of the maidservants. This one therefore being ordered to enter to the Viceroys, before the aforesaid daughter and the other maidservants entering together, the knocks themselves were distinctly heard, proceeding from the image which the maidservant bore between her bodice and breast, so that by the testimony of the Viceroy himself and the others present the strokes were counted to twenty-five as of fingers strongly impacted on the paper, which on account of the smallness of the little image seemed even more wonderful. And the miracle lasted until the Vicereine, her hand put into the bosom of the maidservant, it is enclosed in silver. took thence the image: which unfolded when all had devoutly venerated, she had enclosed in a silver little case, and so returned it to that maidservant, to whom the Saint had done that favor, making it a scruple for herself to deprive her of so dear a pledge.

[75] The same Viceroys say moreover, that on the 9th of August of the same year, that Kingdom was exposed to the greatest danger of an uprising: because when the Duke de Avero wished to enter on the possession of the Duchy of Elche, and his Excellency through a certain Judge of the Royal Audience had commanded the Marquis de Casta, Governor of Alicante, that he should assist that Judge himself with a sufficient number of foot and horse; to that end more than two thousand men were already in arms: By a knock of the image the disturbances composed are indicated; and nevertheless the city of Valencia, itself also armed, seemed about contumaciously to oppose them, whence most grave damages and graver consequences were feared about to ensue. While therefore concerning a danger and fear of this kind the Viceroy and his wife conferred between themselves in bed, they heard certain sweet knocks proceeding from the printed image, which the Vicereine enclosed in silver was wont always to have with her, and undressing to place under the pillow: and so much solace did both perceive thence, that they said; We have a good success; and secure fell asleep. But the next morning, before they rose, there came to them a messenger signifying, that the possession had been quietly entered, the arms being laid down which the citizens had prepared. Wherefore those Lords did not at all doubt, but that this success was to be ascribed to the merits of him, who had indicated it by such certain signs. The same once in the evening conversing between themselves, and gliding to a certain argument less pleasing to the Blessed, the Vicereine felt his little bone, which enclosed in gold she bore at her breast, give a knock: and the truth being more certainly explored, they broke off the begun discourse marveling, and betook themselves to bed. But they affirm that from that time, in which in their family knocks of this kind began to be heard, the frequentation of the Sacraments and a singular devotion toward the venerable Eucharist vehemently grew strong in the same. The Vicereine finally adds concerning herself, that, when on a certain day she wrote a letter to D. Joanna Francisca de Corduba, Countess de Chinchon, that she might persuade her of devotion toward B. Paschal, sending her some printed images; that Relic which she held at her breast, at the very moment in which she began to write of that matter, began also to give knocks: which she herself for admiration scarcely believing, asked the maidservant called; whether she heard anything. She affirming that she heard, and counting to twelve strokes, the Vicereine continued her writing and the Relic its motion, until the letter was brought to an end.

CHAP. XXIV.

[76] D. Joanna Ortiz wife of D. Alfonsus de Saavedra Secretary of the Lords Viceroys, related once, how on occasion of a certain conspiracy and uprising, which certain factious men of Valencia were meditating, and which would have had altogether bloody issues, had not by the prudent counsel of the Viceroy the heads of the faction been consigned to prison, on the very night on which it was to be committed to execution; she related, I say, how when on the same night her husband, occupied about the care then committed to him, was walking through the city, and not at the third hour after midnight returned home still without supper; she was vehemently anxious in mind, knowing of how great danger the matters at hand were. Thus therefore afflicted and restlessly running through all the corners of her house, and often returning to the chamber, where she was to sleep and a printed image of B. Paschal was kept; at length before it she prostrated herself on her knees, wishing a happy success to the business, and praying for the safety of her husband. But seeing that it grew light, and not even then her husband returned, she returned to the image, and the happy return of a certain husband. and again with greater affection began to pray. This one therefore wishing to console the Blessed knocked the image, so that she herself could not doubt, because she felt her mind immediately serened; and suddenly her husband entered announcing, that the Viceroy had attained the purpose of his will. And when she had narrated to her husband what had befallen her, and the same things had come to the notice of the Viceroys and their family; it was not doubted, but that this success also was to be ascribed to the merits of the Blessed.

[77] The same D. Antonius Saavedra testifies concerning himself, that on account of the aforesaid and other similar cases greatly desiring to obtain some Relic of the Blessed himself; Desirous to hear a knock he hears it. at length through a person of exceptional authority he obtained a particle of bone, as much as is the head of a larger pin. Which wrapped in a little paper while he unfolds, before he himself saw it, he said: Moved indeed by no curiosity nor doubtful concerning the truth of the knocks, yet I would hold it agreeable if it were permitted me also now to experience them. And saying this, with two fingers, namely the thumb and the forefinger, he took the particle, and felt what he desired, and at the same time that whole side from the shoulder to the sole of the foot began to grow numb: but when no less marveling than fearing he had laid it down, the benumbed side returned to its pristine state. But all admiration surpasses what I am now about to say, and which had it not been so public and most known to the whole city of Valencia, especially to the Viceroys, Archbishops, Bishops, and Magnates, could have been believed a fable. This happened in the family of the aforenamed D. Antonius.

[78] He had bought a Moorish slave of six or seven years, which as soon as he began to possess it, he commended to B. Paschal, surely efficaciously. For after five months the boy asked for baptism, and with so great speed comprehended the Christian doctrine and whatever mysteries of our faith he was taught, that he was a stupor to all. At last baptized in the parish church of S. Stephen of that city, his patron led him to our convent and the chapel of the Blessed: An image and a particle of the Relics hung on the boy, and with great devotion bending his knees, he offered the same also bowed on his knees to the Saint to be had as his own, asking, that he would continue his protection to him. But because he was persuaded, that by his commendation alone he had been made a Christian, he had wished him to be called Antony Paschal; he had also hung a silver little case on his neck, in which the image of the Saint and a particle of bone were contained. Two months after baptism such frequent knocks began to be felt from the same image and particle, that it seemed to be something sportive; for it came to this, that to obtain them it was only necessary to ask of the boy whether the Saint touched him. If he nodded, Come then, said the others, bring forth your reliquary, and he immediately did it, and said; Praised be the most holy Sacrament: and the knocks began to be heard: and the boy himself, as if absorbed in devotion, was wholly inflamed, nor could utter a word.

[79] And at the beginning indeed the greatest caution was employed, as often as they wish, they give a knock. on account of the gravity of the matter, both by the Patrons of the boy, and by the Viceroys, in whose Palace the matter was done; until after experiences often repeated and the integrity and virtue of the boy explored, the knowledge of so prodigious a case was communicated to public, learned, and pious persons, and at last spread among the common people, so that no person of any dignity came to visit the Viceroy, who did not also take care to hear the Saint knocking in his image; the more certain concerning the truth of the deed, the further the age of the most innocent boy was from all suspicion of fraud: wherefore with no scruple they called him before his Excellency in the presence of whomsoever asking it, ordered him to bring forth his Reliquary and recite the accustomed praise of the Most Holy, and immediately the desire of those desiring was satisfied. It happened therefore on a certain evening, while the Process was being formed, that the most Illustrious D. Don Ludovicus Alfonsus de Cameros Archbishop of Valencia, with two Remissorial Judges, betook himself to the palace, for the sake of visiting the Viceroy; where, a discourse being brought up concerning the aforesaid, when the Viceroy had seen the Archbishop hesitating; Does the most Illustrious Lordship doubt? said he. And he ordered the boy to be called, with that success which we set forth at the beginning of this argument.

[80] The Procurator of the cause knew that matter from the mouth of the Archbishop; and that this one, not now as judge, but as witness, wished to add faith to so rare a prodigy; and thanks being given to him went to the Viceroy, and disapproved

that he had presumed to try an experiment of this kind before a Judge. But it was answered with some indignation, that he seemed rather a Fiscal of the Saint than his Procurator: for surely the affection of devotion toward the Blessed had already so advanced in the Viceroy, that even the least shadow of doubt in this kind displeased him. But concerning that boy it is still worthy of note, The same do whatever images of the Saint touched by the same boy. that not only his said image and Relic, but other images whatsoever of the same Blessed which he took in his hands, had the same effect. And the matter was so divulged, that both the Procurator of the cause and the other Brothers, staying in the convent of S. John della Ribera, feared not a little, lest the very frequency should bring the miracle into contempt, the contempt into contradiction. But God willed to permit this, that the truth through it, as gold through fire, might be proved.

[81] It is helpful to conclude this argument by those things which the most Reverend Father Friar Alfonsus a S. Thoma deposed, Theologian and Preacher in the convent of the Discalced Trinitarians of the city of Valencia. He when he had often heard the said knocks from various Relics and images with great solace of his soul, diligently sought one of this kind, and having obtained it applied it to his breast, never laying it from himself, and receiving frequent favors from the Blessed. But once it happened, Another image gave 60 knocks in one quarter-hour. that when with the rest of his community intent on mental prayer to be made for a quarter of an hour, he counted more than sixty strokes, with so great interior jubilation, that the whole church seemed to him not spacious enough, nor could he express in words the fervor, and the desire of pursuing greater perfection, by which he was carried away as if into ecstasy. He said moreover that on the same day, on which he was cited to give testimony, he betook himself to the choir after dinner to pray God, that He would infuse light into him for the judgment, by which prelucent he might answer fitly, but the prayer being finished he felt from his Relic the accustomed knocks, by which he was made more certain, that the act for which he was preparing himself was pleasing to God. Finally he narrates, that assisting a certain benefactor of his convent who was dying, after the Relic being exhibited to him asking it, he was asked by him, that if it should befall him to die that day (concerning which he scarcely doubted) he would commend him to God in Mass. And he indeed died: but the Priest having forgotten his promise, had already conducted the next day's sacrifice as far as the Memento of the dead; when feeling the Relic which he bore on his neck knocked, he hesitated, fearing lest something contrary to the rites had been sinned by him amid the mysteries. He examined therefore in passing his conscience, and finding no guilt in it, finished the Mass: but the same finished soon remembering the deceased, he recited for him De profundis; and this finished hearing one knock, he knew the service to have been pleasing to God.

CHAPTER VIII.

The dead raised at the invocation of B. Paschal.

Book III, Chapter I.

[82] My chief purpose in this work has been, so to restrict it, The dead are recalled to life. that nothing of necessary substance be omitted: but to one coming to the miracles even greater liberty will be needed, so that I relate only the more notable, the rest which would be infinite being omitted. Let Peter Gil make the beginning, dwelling at Borriol one league from the town of Villa-real: whom dead from a grave infirmity when they were wrapping in the sepulchral linen, his wife, already then presaging the inconveniences of her future widowhood, with great affection bent her knees, and said: O B. Paschal, A man to be wrapped in the sepulchral linen, if you obtain life for my husband from God, I promise that I will visit your chapel, hang this linen there, and offer whatever wax should be spent on the funeral. And in the same instant the man revived twice cried out the name of Jesus; and to the greater evidence of the miracle perfectly sound immediately arose. In the same place Antony Gregory, holding a staff in his hand, began to quarrel with his sister: and his anger flaming up not considering what she had in her arms, he hurled the staff at her so ferociously, that with that stroke he killed the little infant which she held. The matter being divulged, he was seized by the ministers of justice: which seeing his wife Isabella Ferrol, and considering the damages thence about to come to the family; from the very hour, in which the sad case happened, until midnight she lay prostrate on the ground, and asked B. Paschal, that he would console her, by raising the dead infant. There were some by chance then with her, and they saw the girl open her eyes, and began with loud voices to exclaim; A miracle, a miracle! the little one lives. For she lived, and afterward lived many years. Catharina Zuccarella of Benigani had brought forth a dead fetus, A dead fetus brought forth; and vehemently grieved, both because it had lacked baptism, and also because her husband had been absent, who perhaps would impute the fault to his wife. Life therefore for the daughter she asked of B. Paschal, and within five weeks obtained it, so that her husband returned home enjoyed her for some days.

[83] Beatrix Anna Guardiola of Castellón de la Plana testifies, A girl, that her little daughter being sick, exhausted from too great toil, while she still breathed she withdrew into a neighboring chamber, and there very weary slept for five or six hours: but when awakened she returned, she understood from her mother, that at the very moment in which she had withdrawn the girl had expired, and so could now be wrapped in the sepulchral sheet. Consternated at this message she went away into the garden, and there prostrating herself said: Blessed Friar Paschal: I will not move myself from here until you have raised my daughter for me: and her mother following her saying this, full of joy said: Come, because your daughter lives and weeps. But after the girl grew up, again she fell sick unto death, as also a little boy, dead for 5 hours; but by the maternal prayers to the Blessed was kept among the living. Joanna Colon of Valencia affirmed that it happened to her one-year-old son, that when he had lain dead for five hours covered with a cloth, herself invoking the servant of God and nevertheless uncovering the dead one in order to burial, he was found with open eyes cheerful; and applied to the breasts, which for some days he had not touched, he sucked them strongly, and remained sound; afterward by his mother, according to the vow made for him, led to the sepulcher of B. Paschal.

[84] Angela Vives, wife of Joseph Melgar of Valencia deposed, that when her husband on the feast of S. Matthew had been present at a sermon, held in the convent of S. John della Ribera, and had heard many praises and certain miracles of B. Paschal, he returned home at midday, and exhorted all his domestics to worship him devoutly. But on the very night oppressed by a grave symptom, A man suddenly dead is raised, he died in a short space, and remained livid in his whole body and face; whence the surgeons and physicians recognized, and indicated to the whole neighborhood, that he had been suffocated in his blood. Then the woman, remembering those things, which she had heard her husband narrating the day before, and that then a Process was being formed in order to the Beatification of the servant of God Paschal, bent her knees and said: My Saint, I vow that I will go to your sepulcher, if you impart to my husband even so much of life, as is enough for receiving the Sacraments and dying a Christian death. Consider, O Saint, that the Process is now being formed: if therefore you wish to be canonized, you absolutely ought to do this miracle. Scarcely had she said these things, when it came into her mind, that she had in a certain box a particle of wool taken from the habit of the Blessed: and about to seek it among very many linens, she opened the box, and feeling about found it lying in the topmost place, although destitute of light. Raised by this success into a greater hope, she placed the said particle on her husband's face, that they might be fortified with the last Sacraments, dead in the judgment of all; who immediately returned to himself opened his eyes, and to the stupor of all said; Jesus, Jesus! Was I then dead? and how do I now live? But seeing so great a crowd in the chamber, as great as the novelty of the miracle had attracted; he narrated, how this whole case had been set before his eyes the previous evening, when on his knees he had recited all his devotions, and his garments laid aside was composing himself to bed. But although he felt himself wholly free, and the physicians declared that he had been miraculously healed, yet he asked that the Sacraments be given to him, and those which are called of Penance and the Eucharist, he obtained; nor would he rise from the bed, although he had strength enough for this. Therefore for greater caution the physicians judged that a vein must be cut for him: which when it had been done twice, and at length he dies. the following night he is again invaded by the same evil, and Extreme Unction being received he dies; not without great affliction of his wife, persuading herself, that if she had asked for her husband life absolutely, she would have obtained it for him from B. Paschal.

[85] Augustina a Jesu, of the third Order of S. Francis, born at Murcia, Likewise there are raised having gone out of her house in the morning on Easter day to visit the seven churches, when she had come to Our Lady surnamed of S. Didacus, the maidservant who accompanied her, seized by a vertigo of the head fell upon the corner of a certain stone, so that the skull being broken she shortly expired. The fame of the lamentable case soon spread through the city, and the surgeons running up began according to the rules of their art to try, whether any life still remained: but no indication of it being found after three hours, they judged that she could be buried. Augustina heard all these things, The maidservant fallen impacted on a stone, yet did not despair that she could live, whom she had commended to B. Paschal, and ordered his Relic to be brought. At this one of the surgeons, seized with weariness of the superfluous, as it seemed to him, piety, said; this would be nothing else than to tempt God, since no foundation of hoping life appeared. But the more he heaped up his reasons, the more instantly Augustina demanded the Relics of the Blessed to be brought, trusting that before they were brought back home, her maidservant would receive life. That importunity indeed moved laughter in those standing around, yet at length suffering themselves to be overcome they brought the Relic: which when it had been applied to the head, the woman opened her eyes, and began to speak, seeking her Lady. And when she had raised herself on her feet, the head being more diligently inspected the blood was found, which had copiously flowed out, concreted within the hair; and these being cut she followed her Lady home, just as she had come: and the case published everywhere greatly increased the glory of the Blessed.

Chap. II.

[86] Returning to his house Joannes Fernandez of Villa-real, A boy died in his mother's arms, found between his wife's arms his two-year-old son dead; and running to the help of B. Paschal, immediately so received him, that the boy as if having suffered no evil, ran to the square, to play with his coevals. Peter also Blascus, a little boy of three or four years, of the same name as his father, fell into a vessel full of must. His father had seen him playing around the vessel, and a while after saw him no more. Therefore fearing that which was, he sought the boy, nor found him: he ran into the square, nor found him there: whence he began to cry out, and at the cry ran up

many, but not the boy who was sought; Another in a vessel of must. and the father being heard no one doubted, but that he, fallen into that vessel full of must, had been plainly suffocated even by the violence of the must alone. Then ladders being sought and brought a certain one, called Hyacinthus Baset, descended into that vessel, about to seek the boy: but by the musty vapor almost snatched out of himself, he immediately came out. At length a pole armed with an iron hook was brought, with which led around through the bottom of the vessel the corpse of the suffocated boy was extracted. The wailing cannot be expressed in words, which the whole people who had run up raised at the sight of that little body, and especially the bereaved parents, who for some time stood by as if astonished. But the father at length somehow restored to himself, the little son being taken between his arms, ran into the square: and prostrate on the ground and his face turned to the convent, said wailing: Father Paschal, now is the time in which you ought to favor me. Give me back my son living, and I promise that I will compensate his weight with wheat, and clothe him with the habit of your Religion for one year. But at the same point of time the boy began to give signs of life; and within two hours, before so great a multitude of people, stood as sound as he had been before.

[87] In the same place Seraphina Garriz, going out of her house, and a girl suffocated by water, left in it her little daughter, born half above two years. But when she returned, she found her suffocated in a great basin of water, her head plunged downward, so that the water exceeded her very feet by more than two palms. Drawing her therefore she went forth into the square wailing, and tearfully showing the drowned one to all. There was present among very many who ran up one physician, and feeling the artery and finding no pulse in it, pronounced the girl to be dead. Then indeed afflicted Seraphina began to invoke B. Paschal, whom this one frozen rigid like ice had hardened; asking, that he would save the lives of two in one; for unless he raised the daughter, the husband returning would kill the mother also. Others suggested, that she should invoke other Saints also: but she denied that there was any need for her to invoke others: For if, she said, he should not raise my daughter for me, I will not hold him for a Saint. It was then the coldest winter, and therefore the corpse seemed to be congealed into the hardness of marble: it was judged therefore that something must be tried, if perhaps a bright fire being kindled the members might at least become tractable. But all in vain: nay even a part of the arm being burned the corpse remained in the same state. Nevertheless the mother persevered invoking B. Paschal, nor found him deaf: for the girl was restored to life, but so ill handled by the fire and cold, that she was indeed scorched in the arm, but in the other parts contracted and bereft of sight. Therefore having recourse to the already proved help the mother again invoked B. Paschal; and suddenly saw her daughter everywhere sound and entire: the rest also saw her the same, and astonished at the greatness of the prodigy gave thanks to God and His Saint.

Chap. III.

[88] In the place called Nules, which is distant four leagues from Villa-real, Francisca Coslent, twelve years old, Another girl likewise drowned in a well; was drawing water from a well, and fell into it: which those who saw announced to her parents. These came with a great crowd to the place, but there was no one present, who would descend into a well so deep, especially because it was now believed it would be in vain, the girl having long since been suffocated. Nevertheless one, Joannes Aras, moved by compassion, let himself down, and coming as far as the surface of the water considered it accurately, but saw nothing project. But since he had now come thus far, he also let himself down into the water: and striking against the body of the submerged one, and drawing it taken by what part he could toward the sides of the well, he knew the girl to be dead: and this he answered to those asking from above. Hence the father and all standing around great grief seized, and ropes being let down to the bottom of the well they asked the man, that he would bind the corpse for them: who while he does this, his mind being lifted to God; Now, said he, is the time, O Saint Paschal, that succoring the present necessity, you restore life to this girl, for the solace of her parents. With so great faith did he say these things, that the dead one by repeated sighs testified that she revived, and she being led out, that man said: Behold your daughter alive: acknowledge the grace done to you by B. Paschal, and visit his sepulcher: for I saw her dead. Then he related to those marveling whatever had happened, and the miracle believed by all bore applause, those seeing the girl, led out of so deep a well without any injury.

[89] The physician Melchior de Olcina narrated, that he had seen in a town of the kingdom of Murcia called Totana, and a boy hanged; where our Province has a Convent, an inhabitant of that place: who finding his five or six-year-old boy, uncertain from what cause, hanged, took him between his arms: and his mother accompanying with great wailing carried him to the Convent, where tearful they asked life for him of B. Paschal. He says in his examination that the prayer was heard, and that the boy with great wonder of all and especially his own revived. By another unfortunate case the six-month-old little son of Joannes Rochela, a citizen of Orihuela, had died; and the neighbors being convoked at the mother's lamentations, one of them Joannes Satona, stimulated by a divine impulse, said: If that saint, Another boy composed for burial, who is in the convent of S. Gregory of the Discalced Friars of S. Francis, whose name I know not, whom they say does so many miracles, should raise this infant, would not that be great? Hearing these things the afflicted mother, with great faith exclaimed: Saint, who art worshipped at S. Gregory, raise this boy for me now, but otherwise let God receive him, but not now, when his father is absent. Meanwhile they wrapped the infant in the sepulchral linen, and placed him in a certain chamber. But the mother, after more than six hours entering there, found him alive, and approaching offered him the breast, and full of jubilation began to publish the miracle. The neighbors ran up at the cry, and unfolding the boy from the mortuary linen, were vehemently astonished, seeing a particle of woolen cloth of the size of a palm fall thence, nor knowing who or how had brought it there: whence they judged altogether that that miracle was to be ascribed to B. Paschal, and kept that little cloth as a Relic, to be carried to the sick who should ask it.

[90] D. Catharina de Ledesma, a citizen of Huéscar in the kingdom of Granada, deposes, that placed in her girlish years she was brought by the disease of pestilent pustules to the extreme danger of life, as also a girl, are restored to life. or rather (as she heard from her parents) dead, and exposed upon the bier, and wrapped as such. Which seeing her father, who tenderly loved her, turned himself to the little panel of B. Paschal, existing in that hall, to whom he was most devout, and to whom during the disease he had vowed twenty-five pounds of wax, if the girl should be kept among the living; and said: Great and many, it must be, were my sins, my Saint, which hindered, that you should not obtain health for this my daughter from God. Scarcely had the father finished those words, when she, whom he bewailed dead, sighing deeply; Suffer me, said she, to see my Saint, with whom I now am. But from that time restored to health, and questioned by many, she made her parents certain, that it was a true apparition; and fulfilling the vow they clothed the daughter with the habit of the Order, who henceforth lived most devout to the Saint himself.

CHAPTER IX.

Various infirmities miraculously cured B. Paschal being invoked.

Chap. IV.

[91] A certain citizen of Valencia, to whose son Paschal had miraculously given health, sick unto death, Diverse infirmities are suddenly taken away. signified his danger to his kinsman a citizen of Villa-real, with whom he had matters of great moment to settle. He immediately betook himself to the chapel of the Saint, vowing that he would offer there a Priestly chasuble, if that man should recover health: then went away to Valencia, and to the sick man, whom he found greatly aggravated, declared the vow made for him: which when this one had ratified and had invoked B. Paschal, within three days he was sound. Michael de Espelia laboring with tertian fevers, and finding no remedy for them for eight whole months, commended himself to the Blessed, and suddenly recovered. The same Chiterea Sanchez of Jumilla experienced, in a long and grave infirmity. Likewise, the Saint being invoked in the evening, found himself sound in the morning from a grave disease Peter Montes, dwelling in the place called Nules: whom when the physician believed he would find dead and saw sound; A great miracle, said he, has the servant of God Paschal wrought, and as such he published it.

Chap. V.

[92] In her agony, established, she returns to herself, Helena Miravet of Villa-real deposed, that, when grievously and unto death sick she had commended herself to B. Paschal recently dead, in the very agony she fell asleep, and seemed to herself to hear at her ear; Now you are well; and so rising wholly sound she knew it to be true, which she thought she had dreamed. She adds that when her daughter Helena Palau, grievously fallen, was emitting copious blood through her mouth and nostrils, nor now contained her bowels and the other passages of excrements; the physician visiting her said the evil was incurable, whose daughter is again healed. because she had wholly burst. Hearing which she called B. Paschal to her aid, and at the same instant the sick girl said: It is well with me, mother: and so it was, no human remedy being applied. The same six months after from a great fright had contracted a paralysis, for the curing of which no remedies availed; and when the mother again had recourse to the favor of the servant of God, she was wholly free from the said infirmity. Scarcely two months born was the son of Francisca Fabregada, The hernia of two is cured. when he burst in each groin: but to the rupture two very dangerous tumors were added: which evils when for a whole two years not only not cured by medicines, but even increased, the afflicted mother commended the boy to the glorious Paschal, and the tumors suddenly vanishing the hernia was cured; and for the several years which he lived he suffered nothing similar. To Jacobo Vives more than sixty years old, a citizen of Villa-real, while on a certain occasion he acts too violently, the intestines so burst forth, that for curing the evil the physicians and surgeons profited nothing for two years, nor could persuade him anything else than a strong bandage. Therefore seeing that he had no hope of health as long as he lived, he betook himself to the chapel of the Saint: and thence returning and loosening the bandage, he found himself sound, in that part as long as he lived experiencing no weakness.

[93] Jacobus Franc of Villa-real deposes, that to him in the fourteenth year of his age a stone grew, Three are freed from the stone. altogether obstructing the passage of urine, which once brought him into present danger of death, able to emit nothing for four days and bearing thence most dire

torments. The physicians with the surgeons judged that a way must be opened with iron; but his parents, abominating a curing so dangerous and grave, these being dismissed committed the son to B. Paschal, and on the very night found him healed returning the next morning. Eugenius Alfonsus of Valencia, burdened with a certain terrible infirmity, also began to labor with the stone, which within the very passage stuck for three hours. But when he had commended himself to B. Paschal, he cast it out, but so great, that it was judged it could not naturally have been done. To another little boy of Villa-real within the bladder a stone so great had grown, that without cutting he could not be freed. While this is done, it was found so disposed, that the life of the boy being safe it could not be extracted. The physicians and surgeons consternated at so unforeseen an occurrence, and especially the parents, in so great a danger had recourse to B. Paschal; and soon that stone, which had withdrawn itself upward, by a gentle motion so descended, that it could easily be taken out, and being taken out left the boy sound.

[94] Friar Franciscus Martinez, a son of this our Province, who died in the year 1670, deposed, Another likewise condemned to cutting, that to him already a Priest there grew a stone so great, that it equally blocked each passage, with so great pain, that he seemed to be brought to extremities. Friar Michael a S. Josepho the Guardian in the convent of Our Lady della Xara tenderly compassionated him, and solicitously busied himself, to find some remedy for him. Understanding therefore that in the army of the Catholic King, sent against Catalonia and then existing in those parts, were found skilled surgeons, and especially a Religious of the Order of S. John of God; he gave work to make them come to the help of his miserable Brother. But there came with that Religious altogether six others, who the matter being explored judged that there was need of cutting on account of the magnitude of that stone. But the Guardian, knowing how exhausted Francis's strength was, and how weak his spirit to sustain a curing of this kind; answered, that he would rather see him dead, than exposed to so evident a danger, and dismissed the surgeons. Some days thence after it happened that there passed there a Religious of ours as a guest, who compassionating the sick man said to him: Friar Francis, commend yourself from the heart to B. Paschal; and this chip being received, which is from the chest containing his holy body, touch the affected parts with confidence, for I am going meanwhile to his altar to say Mass. While he goes away, he wonderfully casts out a very great one. the sick man applying to his body the particle of wood given him, and signing himself with the same between each passage, felt the stone as it were crumbled, and himself provoked to the privy: and immediately, without admixture of any excrement or other matter, he cast out so great a quantity of sands and stones, as two joined hands could hold. But men most worthy of faith affirm, who were present, that the stone when it was entire came to the magnitude of two golden apples or a larger quince, but some particles so hardened, that they could with difficulty be broken with hammers. The surgeons moreover and others skilled in the art judge, that in this case not only one but several miracles concurred. First that the stone was of itself broken; then that going out through the privy it left neither a fistula nor any other sign of that opening through which from the bladder, where it had been formed, to the rectum through which it went out it had passage; and finally that having suffered things so dire and wonderful, he immediately stood sound: nor through the twenty and more years which he afterward lived, did he ever lie subject to an occurrence of this kind.

Chap. VI.

[95] In the kingdom of Murcia and the town of Totana dwelt Peter Ramirez de Areliano, Fallen into a very deep pit he is not hurt. having that Commandery leased; in whose house when a well was being made, and water had not been found, although they had dug the earth to eighty palms, and so it was abandoned; his little son of two years ill guarded fell into it, nor could it seem to be doubted, but that he was wholly broken. But the father, as soon as he understood the matter, turned himself to B. Paschal; and commending his son to him, made those descend who should draw him out. But when they had brought him up, no injury appeared in his whole body: wherefore the memory of so evident a miracle the grateful father had painted on a little panel, and ordered to be hung in the chapel, Grievously wounded he is saved. which there our convent has dedicated to him. Jacobus Blau of Villa-real fell so grievously from his horse, that he seemed about to be suffocated, blood bursting through his nostrils and mouth, and the physicians finding no means of stopping it. His wife fearing her near widowhood, went to the Chapel of the Saint and prayed for her husband: who immediately and entirely was healed. Isabella Matta, dwelling at Jumilla, bore a son seen to lack one foot: but considering him more attentively, they found him to be folded into the fleshy part of the leg. The foot folded into the leg is unfolded. It was sad for the woman, daily binding the bandages, to see the infant: wherefore on a certain night she commended him to B. Paschal, and the next morning found the foot so unfolded, that having attained the age fit for forming steps, he showed no indication of any previous weakness.

[96] A case almost similar to the former Monserrada Calvet of Almazora deposed, namely that she bore a son to whose head a great tumor had grown equal to a golden apple, The monstrous head of a boy but so that in two days it grew to a magnitude equal to the very head. Grievingly the mother saw her son in that state, and the grief was increased by the neighborhood, asserting in mockery that a monster had been brought forth by her. Therefore she committed the infant to a surgeon: who after he had twice plunged a little lancet into that fleshy mass, and thence copious blood had flowed; the wounds being quickly closed found it so hard, that he did not dare to touch it further. At this the mother's grief grew keener, and much compassionating the suffering little one, B. Paschal being called to her aid she promised, that for him, if he should be cured, she would make a habit of the Order to be worn for one year. Meanwhile approaching the cradle, it is suddenly changed. and waking the infant, she applied her hand to his head, and it seemed to her that that whole tumor had vanished. So she calls out to her husband, saying her son had been cured by B. Paschal: he lit a light, inspected the head, and besides the scar of the wounds made by the surgeon found nothing, the little infant being sound in all things: which matter was of the greatest admiration to the common people.

[97] To Thomas Urgiles of Monforte a malignant carbuncle came to the neck, Now to be fortified with the holy Oil, which so inflated the head and breast, that it brought him scarcely breathing to the point of death: wherefore the surgeon wished him to be fortified with Extreme Unction. There was present the Parish priest of the place, who while he goes out to seek the sacred Oil, there goes out also from the chamber of the sick man his tearful wife, and panting with her whole breast said: Saint Paschal, since it is given you to do so many miracles, be also an intercessor with God for the life of my husband. More she could not say, because she heard herself called with a loud voice by him, whom scarcely breathing she had a little before left. But he raised on his elbow; Do you not see, said he, how I conveniently open this eye? (and he showed the right with his finger). The woman soon recognized him to be the effect of her prayer. Therefore more spirited by the very success; he immediately recovers. Come, said she, Thomas, commend yourself to the servof God Paschal, and have him for a Patron; which I have already done. And when the man received that he would do it, immediately he began to be so much better, that running into the square the woman ordered the Parish priest to be told not to come. Nevertheless he ran up with some others, the message being so interpreted, as if Thomas were dead; and seeing him they were astonished at so sudden a change; but greater was the wonder when they learned that within three days he had been healed. In equal danger was judged to be Antony de Burgos, dwelling at Sueca: who seized with so grave a quinsy, that not even a drop of water was suffered to be passed; when he had implored the help of B. Paschal, the abscess being broken, was free and sound. Likewise also Friar Joseph Pons, at Gandia in the convent of S. Roch touched with the plague and laboring with fever, invoked B. Paschal, and the wounds being suddenly consolidated stood sound.

CHAP. VII.

[98] Don Joannes Muñoz della Matta, Treasurer of the Cathedral of Plasencia, was sailing from Spain into Italy, Sailors a wind being obtained when a grave tempest having arisen drove the ship toward Barbary. Which being known and the danger which followed thence, the sailors with whatever industry they could hastened to withdraw, and labored; for now the wind being remitted a calm had succeeded no less to be feared; and the barbarians were seen from afar, making ready their ships to gather the prey. Therefore Don Joannes, fearing slavery equally with the rest, When, said he, friends and companions, human means fail us, let us flee to divine ones, and ask the intercession of B. Paschal, who among the Spaniards works infinite miracles, that he may preserve for us our liberty already almost lost; for I know we shall be heard. are snatched from slavery now imminent. All obeyed him persuading salutary things: who after a brief prayer, began with great faith to say to the sailors: Come, sons, spread the sails. No delay: the sails being soon spread the wind filled them, and drove the ship with a prosperous course even to the shores of Italy: which was received as a miracle by all, acknowledging that they owed their liberty to B. Paschal.

[99] Two are freed from the lousy disease. There was lodging in the convent of Villa-real the nephew of Friar Francis Suesa, the Procurator of him who managed the cause at Rome, and was vehemently exercised with the lousy disease. So he betook himself to the chapel of the Blessed, and asked to be freed from so troublesome an evil. But the hearing was so certain, that the youth departing thence and shaking out his garments, saw all those so hostile little animals, dead, fall before his feet, and dry like bran: nor did he suffer uncleanness of this kind any more, although at some time he had to make a journey by galley, and that for fifty and more days without any convenience of changing his shirt. From a similar plague, borne for fifteen years, in a similar manner freed he also professed himself Dominicus Sales, a citizen of Villa-real.

CHAPTER X.

Miracles done through the Relics of B. Paschal.

CHAP. IX.

[110] When she was still little D. Damiana Sarez, of Játiva by birth, the nerves of one side being contracted, remained maimed with one leg drawn up: wherefore the afflicted parents desired her cured, Through the relics of S. Paschal two maimed ones obtain entire walking; but the physician did not dare to apply any of the necessary means, on account of the tender age of the girl. They therefore knowing that in the house of Jacobus de Valentia was kept a staff, which Paschal was wont to use making a journey; and it was held in great veneration, on account of certain miracles done through it; received it on loan, and after signing often the drawn-up leg bound it to it, with so good a success, that within a few days the nerves being loosened the girl was restored to her pristine health. The same happened to Vincentia Arcis, daughter of Sperantia Ballester of Almazora: to whom only sixteen months old when from a dislocation

of the hip and of two little ribs the nerves had been contracted, and the remedies applied for four years profited nothing; her mother offered the daughter to the Saint, promising that she would visit his sepulcher and there make a novena with bare feet. But doing what she had promised, that to her daughter might be applied the chain and the hood of Paschal, and returning home with great faith, she composed the daughter in bed, and went out of the house to seek some bread for her: and when returning with this, she found the daughter raised on her feet, which had never befallen her as long as she lived, and freed henceforth from every evil.

[101] In the town of Elche, it happened to Joannes de la Fuente, a boy of eight or nine years, that gathering olives at the top of a tree, its branch being broken he fell to the ground; not so grievously hurt by the fall itself, as by a sharp chip of wood, dangerously wounded which entered him between each natural passage so deeply, that he could not render urine except with the greatest pain. His parents spared no expense in summoning surgeons from everywhere, but with no profit; nay the evil was believed to be beyond all hope. Under these things there entered that house a certain Religious of his Convent, which we have in the already named town: and the case being understood he exhibited some Relic of B. Paschal, to be applied to the wounded part. The mother obeyed, but neither thus was the son better; nay rather the evil was so increased, that the urinary passage being now closed the boy remained for a whole three days deprived of the faculty of relieving his bladder. Then the afflicted father suggests to the son, he is entirely cured; that with his whole heart he invoke B. Paschal: which done soon the boy was lulled to sleep, then awakened cried out that he was sound: and that he had said the truth he proved by the wound perfectly consolidated, and the urine flowing forth through the ordinary way without any sense of pain.

CHAP. X.

[102] To Catharina Hernandez dwelling in the town of Yecla the flesh swelled with a great inflammation from the shoulder to the breast, which tinged with a pestilent lividness bred for her so great pains, the inflammation subsides; and so great danger by the physician's judgment, that that evil was believed to be altogether lethal. Destitute of counsel amid these things the woman received solace from a certain Religious of our convent: who understanding the matter came to her, and exhibited a particle of wood from the bier, on which the body of Paschal had been placed, when it was to be buried. This therefore she taking as reverently as she could, applied to the painful part; and thence somewhat relieved, even began to sleep. But awakened she found herself without inflammation, nay without any sign of it, except that she had her shirt wet with a certain yellow humor, which had copiously burst from that hardness, leaving her well and sound, and in her flesh the natural color. At which so unhoped-for success the glad woman exclaimed for joy: and the neighborhood running up pursued so great a miracle with due admiration and giving of thanks. Isabella Ceva, dwelling in the place called Agost, likewise labored with a carbuncle born upon the breast, so pestilent and producing so prodigious an inflammation, that no force of medicine could temper the malignity of the disease. She the Sacraments being received, was suddenly deprived of the use of her senses, and lay as dead the whole night, another likewise more dangerous. a Crucifix being placed upon the pillow. The next morning the solicitous Parish priest asked whether she were dead, and hearing that she still lived came; and finding her in the same state in which he had left her, he placed a twofold Relic of B. Paschal, one from the habit, the other from the lesser cloths upon the inflated breast of the sick woman. Then indeed seven wounds being suddenly opened, a great abundance of pus and blood burst forth; and the sick woman opening her eyes, and feeling herself much lighter, without any other remedy, the same wounds within a few days again closed, she wholly recovered: and excited so great admiration of herself in the people, that there was a rivalrous running together to see her, as to a woman raised from the dead.

CHAP. XI.

[103] Vincentius Pla of Valencia suffered very much from certain tumors, Various are freed from various evils. which had also caused a malignant fever: to which when a certain Religious from our convent of S. John della Ribera had applied the Relic of the Blessed, he suddenly marveled that he was sound, and came to Villa-real to visit the sepulcher. A similar Relic when it had been applied to a certain woman of Ayora, grievously sick on account of a fetus dead in the womb; she immediately bore the now putrefied corpse, and with the admiration of the whole town continued to be sound. But the tunic of B. Paschal, which is kept at Villena in our convent, dissolved the quinsy of Isabella Ponte an inhabitant of that place, which did not suffer her to pass even a single drop of water. By a similar evil, but still more desperate, was pressed at Yecla Peter Ximenez, and his breast being now inflated the physicians had pronounced him about to die that very night: which a certain brother of his seeing and remembering B. Paschal, asked of the sick man whether he wished some Relic of his to be brought to him. When he had shown by signs by which he could that he greatly desired this, it was gone to the Convent, and the relic was brought and placed on the breast; and the abscess being broken much corruption flowed out through the mouth; and in a short while he sat up in bed strong and asked for food, affirming himself to be sound, as indeed he was, free from the fever and within a few days from all infirmity. In Nules dwelt Franciscus de Mora, when a pleurisy brought him to the gates of death, now destitute of all sense; but suddenly recovering, while he marvels whence that change had come to him he understood from his wife and daughter, that by the touch of the Relic, sought from Villa-real, and applied to his breast, and placed upon the pillow, he had been healed. But his wife already named, useless on one side on account of paralysis and pressed besides by a grave fever and other mortal accidents, after a similar contact suddenly was strong.

CHAP. XII.

[104] The Syndic of our convent of Villa-real, and also its chief benefactor, Joannes Jorda had a little daughter, by name Isabella, to whom certain malignant pustules so beset the eyes, that, A girl beset by pustules and scrofula becomes sound. no art of the physicians profiting anything, she had a very dim sight: to which evil there had also been added incurable scrofula at the neck. Hence the sad father had determined to lead his daughter to be touched by the most Christian King: but as he discoursed concerning that his affliction one of our Religious reproved him, that having before his eyes so great a promptness of B. Paschal to grant miraculous curings to those asking, he was still of so little faith, that he as it were despised to have recourse to his help, although he had him so bound to himself. There was added to these also the exhortation of the Guardian, devoting his and his Religious' prayers to the same effect. Then he confidence being conceived and communicating it with his wife, began equally with her a Novena in the Chapel of the Blessed, daily taking care that Mass be said there under such an intention, and the daughter be signed by the touch of the Relics: by which it was effected, that the girl, from the fifth or sixth year of her age suffering such dangerous evils, was freed from each on the last day of the novenarial devotion, as if neither had befallen her.

[105] A certain Frenchman, called Joannes Bordeus, residing with his family at Castellón de la Plana, attests, To three the use of the eye is restored. that when his son was gathering hazelnuts, one of them fallen pointwise into his eye so broke it, that now only the whiteness remained, with the greatest pain for a long time. This son so irremediably afflicted he himself and his wife once led to S. Paschal, an occasion being seized, on which his chest was to be opened. And when the pious woman had obtained that her rosary be applied to the holy body, she then applied it to the extinguished and painful eye of her son: who immediately felt some relief, and returning home within two days had the pupil entirely restored to himself. Moreover at Almazora Francisca Navarro had lost the sight of each eye: who having herself led to the chapel of the Blessed, with many tears and great confidence asked that at least the use of one be restored to her, by which she could help her family; which the chain of the Blessed being touched she soon obtained; as also another Francisca, surnamed Montañes, of whom fuller mention is made elsewhere, who herself also had asked only one eye to be restored to her, and one alone by the touch of some Relic had received.

CHAP. XIII.

[106] Doctor Benet, physician of Villa-real, who to the curing of Michael Vicente from a malignant fever by the touch of the hood, narrated more distinctly elsewhere, had attested; affirmed concerning himself, that brought by a grave and lasting fever to that point, The fever of two is driven away. that he could take no part of sleep or rest; and according to the rules of his art and on account of certain other symptoms thought altogether that he could not live; with great confidence asked the Relics of B. Paschal to be brought to him, and at the touch of these suddenly recovered; acknowledging indeed his curing to be above nature, but not much marveling, on account of the frequent experience of graces of this kind obtained by others. Likewise the physician was Doctor Michael Sancho, residing at Jumilla, who testifies that his three-year-old daughter, by name Clara, was brought by tertian fevers to that point, that he thought her altogether about to die, since no opportune remedies could be applied to so tender an age. But the Relic, which there in our convent is honored, brought health to the girl; and that so swiftly, that the next day she ran out into the square to play with her coevals, to the greater evidence of the miracle.

[107] The same physician asserts, that a certain surgeon, called Peter Perez, From a fever into a phrenzy burdened with a melancholic humor, fell into a vehement fever, to which a continual pain of the stomach was added, with frequent fainting: and this infirmity lasted for him seven years. Various remedies the said physician had applied to him, but never could he profit a whit. On a certain occasion therefore, when so violent a pain held him, that as if phrenetic walking about the house, he cried out, Confession, Confession; his most afflicted wife sought a particle, long before kept by her from the habit of the Blessed; and admonished her husband, that commending himself to his intercession, he should place it there, where he felt the chief torment. But when he had done this, in a moment of time he congratulated himself freed and restored to his pristine strength. The aforesaid physician also relates, that when he was curing a seven-year-old girl, daughter of Antony Matthew, brought by certain malignant pustules to the extreme danger of life, whom he himself did not believe could survive; she recovered health, a certain Relic of B. Paschal being placed upon her head. In a certain place, called Chinches, pressed by a violent fever Peter Catala, also fell into a lethargy, and another falling into a lethargy both are cured. and now the physician despaired of his life; when there passed a certain Religious of ours, having with him a linen cap, which the Saint had used in his last illness. He understanding the danger of that devout man, came to him: and placing the aforesaid cap on his head, at once both shook off the lethargy and drove away the fever: wherefore the sick man rising from bed sound,

a few days after came to give thanks, and of his own accord obliged himself, to receive into hospitality all the Religious of our discalced order, who should pass through Chinches.

[108] There was at Valencia a surgeon Salvator de Mata, very devout to B. Paschal, and so loving of our Religious, A certain one is blessed with a threefold curing in his sons. that at whatever hour he was called, he ran up gratis to our convent of S. John: whose charity God willed to reward manifoldly through the Relics of that Blessed, which he experienced in a threefold case. For when to his five-year-old son Ludovicus, most tenderly loved, a lethal fever had brought the extreme danger of life, and the boy admitted no food however pounded; the father grievously afflicted, for the cause of solace came to our convent: and to Father Friar Antony Sobrino setting forth the cause of his grief, was confirmed by salutary admonitions from him, namely that committing his son to the divine will, he should also commend him to the intervention of B. Paschal, the Religious meanwhile about to join their prayers also to the same end. And when he said these things, he sent to the Novices a mandate, that each should recite a Salve Regina; and destined to his house two of his with the habit of the Blessed himself. The father returned with these now more glad, and said to the boy: Behold son, these Fathers bring to you the garment of a certain holy Friar, commend yourself to him, and ask health of him. At this the boy raised himself upon the bed, however weak; and full of affection beyond what such an age bore, with tender tears kissed the habit offered to him, and for more than one hour sat as if rapt into ecstasy; until his grandfather questioning him, asked what he was doing. To whom he, What should I be doing? when I am now sound by the benefit of B. Paschal. Then he asked, that he be permitted to come down from the bed; and permitted he raised himself, walked through the chamber, asked for food, and quickly was wholly strong. Then after some months a vehement scab seized the same boy, which the father about to cure, wished to dispose him by some purging medicine: but its force was so great, that exceeding the tender strength, it again brought the sick boy into danger of life; this time also to be restored to him by the touch of the Relic of our Blessed. Finally when the same Salvator believed another son from a similar case already dead, by a similar application of the same Relic he kept him alive.

[109] To D. Bartholomew Giner, Rector of the town of Carcaixent, on account of a dangerous and malignant fever the Viaticum had been administered and the sacred Oil was being prepared; Two feverish ones are relieved. when there was brought to him the linen, in which the Blessed had died. He clasping this tightly with his arms, so remained for a quarter of an hour: whence those standing around judged that this sacred contact had not profited him, and began to lament. Whom when he saw weeping; Do not, said he, do not weep: for I shall not die of this infirmity, for which B. Paschal has obtained the grace of health: just as the truth itself soon proved. With a similar fever and continual phrenzy labored Cosmas Damianus, a citizen of Valencia; to whom when his wife had placed one of the sandals of the Blessed upon his head, he immediately returned to himself, and looking at his wife; What do you marvel at? said he: do you believe me to be present from the other world? Then she; Why should I not admire the great miracle, which in your favor B. Paschal works? Commend yourself to him, for you shall be healed. Doing this indeed, he vowed to wear the Franciscan habit one year and to visit the sepulcher; and so he recovered within a short time.

[110] To the last term of life had come Franciscus Pisa, dwelling in the place which is called the Grao de Valencia, A flow of blood through the nostrils is stopped. on account of fevers and a flow of blood from the mouth and nostrils: which seeing his domestics ran to our convent of S. John, about to commend him to the prayers of Father Friar Peter Lobo a man of most noted religion. He compassionating the sick man, took the habit, and exhibiting it to the sick man persuaded, that with a living faith he should commend himself to B. Paschal. But as soon as he had spread it upon his body, the blood stopped, and he now stronger asked for food, and within a few days free from all trouble rose from bed. But since also at the same time a certain son of his labored with a tertian fever, to this one also it brought health the sacred garment being unfolded over him. Another also rustic in the place called Torrente, where also our Order has a convent, called Antony Catala, was tending toward death; when his domestics asked some one of ours, who should bring help to him in his agony. There went the Guardian himself Father Friar John the Baptist Duran, One in his agony is snatched from death near at hand; because the sick man was known to him, and brought with him a Relic of B. Paschal. But although he saw other Priests assisting, who were already reciting the Commendations of the soul over him; he nevertheless approached the bed confidently, and applied that Relic to the dying man: who soon returned to himself asked, what had happened to him. The Guardian then answering, that it was a Relic of B. Paschal, he asked that he place it on his head; where keeping it for some little time, he was lulled to sleep: and after an hour's rest awakened, asked for food, and ate: and within three hours freed from all danger of death, suddenly recognized himself perfectly sound, with great congratulation of the whole people.

[111] Joannes de Tezeda, surgeon of Aspe, led his daughter grievously sick to our convent of the Virgin of Loreto, for the sake of making a Novena. But after the sixth day the evil was so aggravated for him, the same befell a girl. that the afflicted father now took counsel not of a remedy, but of a burial, to be given to his daughter in the convent itself. Then a certain one of the Religious said to him: Lord, trust in B. Paschal, and we will apply his Relic to the sick girl. Said, done. At the touch of the Relic the fever was diminished, the artery began to beat more orderly, and the girl returned from death to life: the father affirming, as one experienced in the art, that the health had been altogether miraculous, with which after two days she returned to her home. Friar Antony Ferrer once Provincial had kept for himself a little staff, which the Blessed used, rousing the Religious to Prime and knocking the doors of the cells. This therefore, when by chance he was afflicted with a lasting tertian fever, he took in his hand, and at the same time health also. Seized with a similar fever Anna Xaques in the town of Yecla, was suddenly freed, when she touched the Relic of the Blessed offered her by a certain Religious, and thrice pronounced these words; My Saint, since you do so many miracles, heal me also. The same befell at Jumilla two women, Catharina Valente and Quiteria Sanchez: who a chip from the wood of the bier being applied to them, from the diverse infirmities which they suffered, recovered in a moment.

Chap. XIV.

[112] Anna Orquiza, born of Elche, when she had reached the twelfth year of her age, began to suffer a most acute pain of the head, A pain of the head of twelve years is relieved, which exercised her another twelve years, procreating a rheum so malignant, that the gums being corrupted the wholly useless teeth were only an impediment to her wishing to chew, and therefore she was able to take only liquid and softened foods. She went daily to hear Mass in our Convent, which when at some time Father Friar Didacus Adan had said, and Anna was kissing his hand (which is a ceremony most usual in the whole kingdom of Valencia) that good Religious asked, how she fared. But she answering, that worse daily, the Father persuaded, that she should commend herself to Friar Paschal, not long before passed to a better life and growing famous by miracles; and that she should not at all doubt, but that he, who in his house had experienced so great a charity while still mortal, now immortal would do her the grace of health: that he himself also would bring to her that same evening some Relic of his, about to be the instrument of the desired health. Most welcome to the sick woman and her father, who had always made the greatest account of B. Paschal, was that message: wherefore when to those expecting was brought the linen in which he died, the plasters being removed, which the girl had applied to her head, they placed it on her: and immediately she felt herself better, but only for a short time: which afflicted her vehemently. Nevertheless her father and the other domestics animated her to firm her confidence in B. Paschal: and the teeth are made solid. nor in vain: for through the vehemence of the pain, compelled her garments laid aside to lie down, and soon forgetful of the torments, she slept until morning, and rising sound found her teeth made solid for her.

[113] Sick after a miscarriage, To Isabella Avero, having suffered a miscarriage in the city of Valencia, certain bitter pains were left in the belly and hips, to which a more burning fever being added afflicted her greatly, the medicines applied against these evils profiting nothing: but as soon as a particle from the habit of B. Paschal was applied to her, for urine she discharged a great quantity of a certain black humor, and at the same time the fevers and pains ceased. Which when it had been related to the physician, who had abandoned the woman as incurable, he came of his own accord to see her, and attested the miracle. A certain nun in the Convent of the most Holy Trinity of Almansa, called Sister Anna Besaurri, emaciated by a continual fever suffered vomits so troublesome, that she could retain no food, and so was placed beyond hope of human remedy. She commending herself to B. Paschal, and asking his garment, and emaciated by fever are restored to themselves. which there is honorably preserved, to be brought to her, spread it on her bed, then asked for food. But feeling her stomach after a few mouthfuls moved to vomit, she put the sleeve of the same garment around her neck, and her stomach being quiet she proceeded to eat very savorily; and the fever by which she was held vanished.

[114] In Villa-real a dangerous flow of blood through the nostrils befell the little son of Ludovicus Bonai, A flow of blood which lasting beyond thirty hours could by no art be restrained: until the boy asked, that a tuft of wool plucked from the habit of B. Paschal, which his mother kept, be inserted into his nostrils. When this had been done, the blood was repressed: and that little blood, which had remained in the body, so invigorated him, that by no indication could it have been believed that so great a quantity of it had been lost. and a pain of the side cease. By a grave pain of the side was oppressed Doctor Martinus Pastore, physician of Elche: which so prevailed, that he thought it necessary to summon some Religious from our Convent for the cause of making a Confession. He came, and his office discharged asked, whether he wished a Relic of B. Paschal to be brought to him. But when this had been done, the sick man holding it for a great grace, scarcely had it been applied to the affected side, when immediately all pain vanished, never afterward seen to have returned. From the same evil by a similar application of the Relic was healed at Jumilla Agatha Huellau, after she had borne it for more than ten continuous years. There the testament being made Joannes de Palentia a public Notary had already received the Sacraments on account of a suppression of urine: which was immediately loosed for him when he touched the Relic of the Blessed.

CHAPTER XI.

Healings obtained by a vow made of visiting the sepulcher.

Chap. XV.

[115] Joannes Monton, a rustic in Nules, for seven years fixed to his bed, [By visiting the sepulcher of the Saint a certain one is freed from a seven-year-old evil.] and in it so immovable that he had to be fed by others' hands, at length was so far somewhat relieved, that supported by two crutches he raised himself and dragged himself even to a seat, where he then sat whole days. Meanwhile he heard much of the miracles of B. Paschal, and raised into the hope of obtaining health, if he should visit his sepulcher, he determined to undertake that journey with his crutches; although this seemed impossible and plainly rash, since the place is distant two whole leagues from Villa-real. Yet full of faith he set out on the way: and little by little acquiring strength as he went he accomplished the whole within thirty hours, with some beginning, as he judged, of health: and approaching the chapel and the sepulcher of the sacred body, after prayers poured out with tears, suddenly recovered; so that leaving his crutches there, taking a light cane he began to return to his house. But the fame of the miracle had gone before him, which roused his son, to go to meet his father with a horse; by whom found midway on the journey he would not mount the horse offered him, saying that he ought to go on foot, that the miracle might more evidently be clear, and God be the more glorified: which also was done, especially when him, who could not even move a foot by himself, they saw run and leap.

[116] Sperantia Larga of Almazora, had fallen from a mulberry tree so unfortunately, Dislocated in various members she receives wholeness: that her bones being dislocated in three or four parts none of the surgeons presumed to undertake them to be cured. Hence suffering most acute torments, and destitute of other counsel, she committed herself to the hands of a certain Moorish woman, dwelling in Borriol with a fame of fortunate experience in the art of healing. But she also not daring to profess herself fit for curings of this kind, dismissed the wretched woman as she found her. Therefore destitute of human helps, with great faith she asked to be led to the body of B. Paschal, and this done received health in a moment; and returned to her home, brought stupor to all. The same befell Angela Rives of Castellón de la Plana, who seeing the faculty of walking taken from her by a certain infirmity, and herself condemned to keep her bed for all her life, a vow being made of visiting the sepulcher and there procuring a Mass, asked her husband to lead her there: and during the very Sacrifice, which she had asked to be done, she began to stand on her own feet, with much giving of thanks.

[117] Another woman of the same town, called Vincentia Moliner, The contraction of the nerves is loosened. keeping from a disease an even greater inconvenience with bitter torments (for she could not raise her body) had herself led to the same sepulcher her mother accompanying. Who as soon as she entered the chapel of the Blessed, vowed that, if her daughter should obtain health, she would return to visit him a second time with bare feet. The offering finished, the Relic was applied to the sick woman: and she, although all things were rigid with winter frost, began to sweat so copiously, that those sluggish humors being expelled the nerves returned to their state, and they likewise returned to their home rejoicing. After this seven years passed, in which the mother did not fulfill her vow, forgetting it, when the daughter fell back into her first contraction: which understanding to be the penalty of her negligence, she satisfied her obligation, and led the daughter back to the same place: where again she was so cured, that she began to dance in the very chapel. Therefore wishing to show herself grateful, she ordered the maidservant, who had accompanied, that running home, she should bring a certain silver cup, to be offered to her Liberator.

[118] A lame man recovers his walking. Father Friar Franciscus de Soto, a notable preacher, affirmed, that when he was Guardian of Villa-real, on a certain morning he saw enter into the church a man dwelling in Puzol (which place is distant three leagues from Valencia), so weak, that besides the crutches by which he was supported, he had need also of two men to walk. He when he asked nothing else than Confession, the Guardian heard him: and to him asking that he intercede for him with B. Paschal, since he possessing nothing had to earn his living by his own sweat, promised that he would do it; and going out in the evening to the procession of the Cord, he had his poor man, who before could not move himself, to meet him, holding his crutches in his hands, and crying out, Father Guardian, S. Paschal has made me sound: take therefore these crutches (for I have nothing else to offer) and hang them at the sepulcher. The affected leg of two, In Villa-real itself also, when the son of Catharina Serin had his leg so inflated, that he could not move it, she made a Novena to the Blessed: and on its third day obtained by divine power, what for two years the care of physicians had not been able to do. Sperantia Alis of Castellón de la Plana, in her two sons Theophilus and Ludovicus received a twofold benefit. The leg of Theophilus inflamed with a malignant heat, the evil thrust forward even to the hip: which when it had come even to the belly, the physician said he was about to die. But as soon as the mother vowed a leg of wax, to be offered in the chapel of the Blessed, that heat beginning to subside, quickly left him sound. Ludovicus, by a quinsy, about to be strangled, the physicians despairing of his cure, and therefore led by his mother to the tomb of B. Paschal, at the same instant began to speak saying; I, mother, am now sound. And indeed he was.

Chap. XVI.

[119] A tumor, similar to an egg, and yielding to no remedy, the daughter of Magdalena Jorda bore at her neck: whom her mother leading to the chapel of the Saint, and anointing with the oil of the lamps burning there, the tumor disappearing led back sound. The third year of her age was Gabriela Clara of Almazora, Various curings are made. when she burst in one of the groins. To whom finding no other remedy her parents, on the day on which her chest was to be shown, led her to the chapel: where at the touch of the Blessed suddenly the rupture was solidified, and she confirmed had full health. The same evil suffering for five years Joanna Ortiz, was likewise freed by a Novena, made by her mother to the often-mentioned sepulcher, before this was wholly finished. Besides this inconvenience, another terrified Vincentius Ortiz had incurred, dwelling at Castellón de la Plana, by which both his breathing and other natural acts were much impeded. Him his mother Hieronyma Pastora scarcely set before the sepulcher of the Saint, when the boy stood free from all trouble. To the same woman the Saint had raised a son, whom she had borne dead: and when she herself, fallen from a mulberry tree, had lost the faculty of walking, not without great commiseration of the common people, knowing how much that matter inconvenienced her family; she had herself carried to the sepulcher of the same Blessed, and suddenly received the effect of her confidence, with the stupor of those, who knew her to have been so long impeded.

[120] To Antony Alfari, surgeon of the town of Cabanes, a daughter had been born, so burst on each side, that all his art could profit nothing. He, having anointed her carried to the sepulcher of the Blessed with oil, taken from the lamp burning before it, and returned home; found her entire, and had her always free from inconvenience of this kind. To Joannes Baptista Fernandez also came into the light a son, most worthy of commiseration; for the flesh growing about the groins hung even to the knee, nor could anyone excogitate a remedy. But his parents, by vow going to the sepulcher and procuring the Sacrifice of Mass there, obtained for the boy perfect health. Very many other affections of this kind were cured, not only the sepulcher of the Blessed being visited, but at the first emission of the vow of going to it; which read deduced in the Processes, but for the cause of avoiding prolixity are omitted by us; the following however, because they contain much of prodigious wonder, ought not to be passed over in silence.

Chap. XVII.

[121] To Monserrado Gavalda and Joannes Vax, dwelling in Nules, there was a son Michael: to whom only six months old, blood going up into the head, had deprived him of hearing and sight; A blind and deaf one becomes capable of those senses. so that the pupils being extinguished only the whiteness of the eyes appeared; with so much greater grief of the parents, the further the evil, borne for seven years, was from the hope of curing. Meanwhile the most Excellent Dukes of Gandia had a passage there, of whose company some one, asked by the boy's uncle whither the journey was, answered, to Villa-real, to visit the sepulcher of B. Paschal by vow. Scarcely had he heard these things, when running to his sister's house, and finding her lying in bed, lovingly complaining thus addressed her: Can it be, sister, that when persons so conspicuous from parts so distant come, either to give thanks or to ask favors, and we know miracles to be daily wrought through B. Paschal; you should be so negligent that having him so near, you do not commend to him your son deaf and blind? At this rising on her knees upon her bed the woman; Blessed Friar Paschal, said she, if you restore to my son the senses he has lost, I vow that I will go to your sepulcher, and afterward do many services. She had said: and immediately the boy who sat in a corner of the kitchen, having entered his mother's chamber, with great alacrity said, that he both saw and heard. But when the eyes, of which only the whiteness before was seen, were beheld most clear and most bright, it cannot be said how great admiration that miracle, celebrated through the mouths of the common people, moved in all.

[122] Eyes eaten away by quicklime are restored. A little son of one year and a half had Francisca Miralet of Villa-real, who falling head downward into a basket of quicklime, and long sought by his mother, was found to have his eyes plainly eaten away. At this spectacle the afflicted mother to wail and lament: but the grandmother of the boy; One remedy alone, said she, remains to us, that we have recourse to the blessed Friar Paschal. The following day therefore very early in the morning the woman is present at the gate of the convent with her son, and having entered the chapel, recited a Pater and Ave: which done the boy opened his eyes, free from all injury. Of somewhat greater age in the same city was the son of Isabella Nosca, when on the eyelid of one eye grew a pustule so malignant, that seeing it the surgeon judged that it was all over with the whole eye: The eyelid being cut off is recovered with sight. he nevertheless began to cure him, the eyelid itself being entirely cut off; but neither did this profit, for the noxious humor penetrating into the eye itself dried it up. Then the mother began a Novena, and promised a silver eye to be offered in the chapel of the Blessed, if the boy should recover the lost one. But while she so prays, a little bird escaped from the boy's hands, who began to attest the loss with tears: at whom another woman turning her eyes, and seeing tears flow on each side through his cheek, said to the mother: And how, Lady, can it be that this boy, having one eye dried up, yet from each pours forth tears? Then the mother taking away the bandage, found that same eye not only clear, but even covered with the eyelid long before cut off by the surgeon.

[123] Martha Aznar, also of Villa-real, so

deaf was she, that she could take in no voice, however much a mouth was applied to her ears: which afflicted her vehemently, Two deaf ones begin to hear. because she could neither hear sermons nor confess conveniently. And she indeed for recovering hearing did not omit to make a Novena to B. Paschal, but nevertheless remained deaf. Yet she did not on that account lay aside hope, but oil of the lamps burning in the chapel being poured into her ears, when she continued this on the third or fourth day, she began to hear more perfectly than ever before. With a similar inconvenience for many years had labored a certain Augustinian Religious, called Friar Michael Martinez, dwelling in the Convent of Our Lady called of the Virtues, half a league from the town of Villena. He on a certain day inserted a particle of thread, plucked from the habit of B. Paschal, into his ears, and with great confidence said, S. Paschal, restore to me my hearing: and at the same instant he emitted a great quantity of corrupt humor from his ears, and fully sound remained most devout to his curer.

CHAP. XVIII.

[124] Don Michael Fenollet, lord of Ginoves and Fenollet, dwelling at Játiva, had a four-year-old son sick, A boy brought to extremity suddenly recovers. for whom the physicians made no hope of life remaining, nay said that at the first paroxysm of the fever he would altogether die; which was believed, as soon as the fever increasing he fell into a sleep, which all augured to be his last. Him so cast down and weak seeing one of the citizens, who had come to visit him, said to the parents, that if they wished their son safe they should commend him to B. Paschal. They obeyed, and pledged that the benefit they asked being obtained, they would visit his sepulcher. But that citizen judging it too languidly done: These things, said he, ought not to be done by a bare ceremony or with the intention of commuting the vow, but from the heart. Then the mother bending her knees, renewed the vow: and while she thinks, what especially she should offer, the boy awakened from the lethargy sat up in bed, and with a loud voice thrice said; I am sound. Asked by his parents who had healed him, Some Saint, he answered. At this all standing by were astonished, as if they had heard a dead man speak; and the matter divulged through the whole city snatched all into admiration of itself, when they saw the boy sound in every part. And the memory of the deed endures even now among the posterity of that Knight, so that the head of the family is one of the chief benefactors, whom our convent has in that city.

[125] Likewise another. Equally by a lethal fever to the last agony had been brought Vincentius Amiguet, son of Sperantia Avinent, ten years old. When the funeral linen for wrapping this one had been prepared, the mother turned to a certain little panel of B. Paschal, said: Saint Paschal, I trust that you will save my son: which if you do, I promise to hang this very linen in your chapel, and to procure a Mass to be said there. It was night, when she so prayed: but in the morning the boy began to open his eyes and to eat, and to be sound. Suddenly also free and sound felt herself Isabella Joanna, a citizen of Valencia, when she vowed to visit the sepulcher of B. Paschal, on account of the fevers she suffered and the swoons, each access of which she believed to be her last. Jacobus Renau of Játiva, A certain man held for dead suddenly recovers. multiplying his vows of visiting the same sepulcher and his prayers, and adding that approaching he would make the journey of one league to the convent with bare feet and procure a hundred Masses, and aid the Religious there by an alms given, was touched by a paroxysm so grave, that he was believed by all to be dead. The physician therefore departed, and covering his face with the sepulchral linen they placed upon his body the crucifix, who had cured the sick man. But a little after returned to himself he recalled the physician: who exploring the pulse of the artery, found the man without fever, and with a glad countenance said to him: Lord, you are well. To whom he: Most well. I was indeed even now dead: but B. Paschal prodigiously saved me. A similar case had befallen at Alcudia Francisca Garzia, so that for more than five hours she was held for dead, and as such her husband had bewailed her: but turning to invoke the help of B. Paschal for his wife, the vow being emitted of going to the sepulcher, he was heard in a moment of time.

[126] A certain Knight of Cartagena Don Antonius de Montoya was afflicted in mind, because, although God bestowed many children on him, Likewise also a boy. all yet died within the second month from birth. He promised therefore, that if again another should be born to him, he would give him the name Paschal. So it was done, and the boy surpassed the term below which the others had died: but yet one day from a certain sudden symptom he was held for dead. But the mother fervent in faith had herself with her son placed in a portable chair: and brought to the convent of that city, upon the altar consecrated to the Blessed, she placed her son in his chapel: and prayed with tears, that he would either raise him for her or save him. The prayers were heard, and in a moment the boy recovered. Nor only salutary to the sick, but to demons also is terrible the entrance into the chapel at the sepulcher of the man of God, as is clear from various experiments, but especially the following. There was at Villa-real a woman without doubt possessed. Her about to cure with the accustomed exorcisms of the Church Master Guardiola, A demon is cast out from a possessed woman. a beneficed Presbyter of that city, wished to carry with him the chain of the Blessed, which also he obtained. Before therefore he entered to the patient, the demon knowing him to be coming, and laughing at apparatus of this kind, said, Soon little Paschal will be here. But although at the touch of the said Relic she wonderfully tortured herself, he yet refused to go out; until the Presbyter judged that his patient must be dragged into the very chapel of the servant of God: where when he had renewed the exorcisms, the demon expelled with no great effort, left the woman freed.

CHAPTER XII.

Apparitions of B. Paschal made to the sick and others invoking him.

CHAP. XIX.

[127] When the forces of the Catholic King stood ready to enter Catalonia in the year 1645, and some of them were lodged in the place called de la Xana in the diocese of Tortosa, A certain one pierced past the ear Michael Pelegri a farmer, most devout to our Religious, on a certain evening descending from the convent which we have there, saw certain soldiers quarreling with their host: to whom for the sake of peace interposing himself, he was struck with a dagger at one of his ears, so that the iron passed almost through the other temple. Immediately fame divulged that Michael had been killed by them: but he carried into the house of Hyacinthus Belaguer, and in the courtyard placed upon a mat (for they did not dare to give him more convenience, who believed he would very quickly expire) made his Confession, as he could. There was soon present Thomas Ferrer, surgeon of the place: and seeing the wound to be mortal, openly declared, that he would not undertake to cure it, unless another surgeon were present, to be summoned thence from the town Cervera one league away, because he feared lest he should die between his hands. The unfortunate case soon became known also to Isabella Saura his wife; who invoking the help of B. Paschal, betook herself to the house where her husband lay; and the surgeon being heard immediately sent one to summon the other from Cervera. Meanwhile both she herself and the wounded man did not cease to invoke B. Paschal; nor did the surgeon himself return again and again to Michael, each time thinking that he would find him dead. There came at length the awaited Jacobus Betet from Cervera, and together with the other betook himself to the sick man: whom finding sitting in bed: they wished to uncover the wound, on which the former, after the blood had been washed off the preceding evening with wine, had placed some little cloths and bandages. he is cured by Paschal appearing to him. But Michael said to them: Lords, you have come too late to cure me: for B. Paschal appeared to me, and healed me. The surgeons laughed at this, thinking the man delirious, who had been struck in a place so near the brain. But loosing the bandages, they found no other indication of the wound inflicted, than a little lancet introduced for the diminution of blood would make: whence astonished and confused, they preached the miracle through the whole town.

[128] No less prodigious was that which Doctor Ludovicus Piedra, Physician of Villa-real, attested concerning Claudia Sovias, The same appearing to a girl given up by the physicians a girl of fifteen or sixteen years. To her a certain stupor had rendered one whole side of the body useless and had drawn back her tongue; and the aforesaid physician visiting her hastening to extremities on a certain day about the ninth hour so left her, that he believed she would not live until midday. Under these things the sick girl's mother Magdalena Grafulla, from the chamber where she lay to the courtyard of the house, found there Susanna Marti: and to her asking how the daughter fared, answered in the physician's words, that she would not live except a few hours. While they thus speak between themselves, the voice of the girl was heard crying out; Mother, Mother: come here quickly. The women astonished (because for three weeks the sick girl could not form a voice on account of the retraction of the tongue) and entering the chamber together, saw a great splendor, although the windows were closed, and perceived an unusual odor, and saw the girl upon the bed with knees bent: who with her eyes turned to the right said; Come, mother, and kiss the garment of B. Paschal, who is sitting in this chair and holding a torch in his hand. The mother answered that she saw nothing such, but perceived an odor as of wax. But they doubted whether the girl were not acting in a phrenzy, until she; Now he has gone, said she, give me my garments, for I am sound. Asked moreover, by what reckoning she had been healed; she answered, he imparts entire health. that after the departure of the physician she commended herself to B. Paschal, who immediately appeared to her holding a torch in his hand: but she marveling one Religious only in that place, gave a sign with his hand to withdraw. Who said to her, that she should not fear, for he had come to heal her: then touched the pillow with his hand, and she was healed: and that when they entered B. Paschal still sat in the chair, but soon disappeared. The case so wonderful soon published drew all the citizens, but especially the physician, to the spectacle: who having seen her whom two hours before he had left for dead, exclaimed Jesus! Jesus! what miracle do I behold? No one surely could doubt of it, especially when she was seen clothed in her garments walking through the house, as if she had never been sick. But for greater certainty it happened, thirty years after the deed done, that on account of some equivocation, inserted by an imprudent Notary into the relation, the matter had to be examined again in the year 1669, when Claudia Sovias and Susanna Marti were still among the living.

[129] Don Michael de Belvis, lord of Benizuela, lay in the town of Benigani given up by three physicians. But when there had been placed upon him the coverlet, which the servant of God Paschal had used, when he stayed there in our convent of S. Antony; Likewise to another. and his father had commended his dearest son to his protection, promising a silver little panel to be carried to the sepulcher; the Blessed himself appeared to the sick man, clothed in his habit with an aspergillum;

and the holy water being given to him, he disappeared. At this the sick man cried out strongly; the father ran up, the domestics marvel: he narrates what he had seen, and feels himself better, and within three days without the use of any other medicine recovered. But since before the fulfillment of the vow, not long after the miracle done, the father had died; Michael was again struck with new infirmities, which held him sick a whole six years, until Helena de Belvis, his aunt, observed that the cause of the returning diseases was no other, than that the paternal vow had not been fulfilled for the son to be healed, when B. Paschal succored him by a miracle. Wherefore that Knight immediately betook himself to visit his sepulcher, and placed the silver seal carried there in the chapel, and returned sound.

[130] In our convent of Valencia to Friar Joannes Cirugeda, grievously sick, B. Paschal also appeared, to whom he had from his heart commended himself, By a similar apparition a certain one is made certain of health to be recovered: the Relic of him being asked, saying; that he should take courage, because within eight days, which preceded the Nativity of the Mother of God, he would go out to hear Mass; and a benediction being given he withdrew from the eyes of the sick man, to whom it plainly happened as he said had been told him. Sperantia Raphael dwelling in the Grao of Valencia, brought by a certain grave disease to the last danger of life, B. Paschal being invoked asked his Relic to be brought to her. There came therefore from the convent of S. John de la Ribera two Religious, bearing his garment; which when they had spread over the bed of the sick woman, she said, if I could swallow even a single thread of that habit, I believe I shall be healed. They gave it, she swallowed it, and began to be better; but by night, Grievously sick she is relieved: when two of her sisters watched over her, she saw a Religious with knees bent and speaking. Then the sick woman to her sisters; What is that Friar saying? They say; What Friar? No one is here present. Then Sperantia altogether affirmed to them, that there was there a discalced Friar with joined hands, and a Rosary which he recited inserted between his fingers, praying toward the image of the Mother of God giving suck, which was there represented in a panel; but she said, that she had never seen that Friar. To whom again the Sisters: We indeed do not see that Friar, yet we do not doubt but that it is B. Paschal, who comes to restore health to you. And indeed within a few days she was sound, who from that very moment had begun to be relieved.

[131] By vehement fevers and other accidents exhausted at Valencia Franciscus Font, brought by fever to extremity is restored to his pristine health. was so weak, that he could not take food with his own hands, but his stomach did not receive what was thrust in by others' hands. To him fortified with Extreme Unction the physician ordered some myrobalans (a decisive remedy for life or death) to be given. Then Franciscus asked some Relic of B. Paschal to be given to him: and the garment was brought, and left over the bed of the sick man by night. Who although for many causes he could not before sleep, slept for about three hours: and in sleep saw two Religious, one of whom, who was a lay brother, approaching the bed of the one lying asked, what disease he had: but the kind of evil being heard, placidly said to him, that he should be of good cheer, that he would be well, only let him sign himself with the sign of the Cross in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. But although the sick man was impeded in his arms and weak, as has been said, he could yet then sign himself; and waking with admiration, and finding two Religious with him, in sign of gratitude extending his arm, he wished to kiss the garment of him, who had brought him solace: but they disappeared. At that very moment the father of the sick man entered the chamber, who heard some noise: and his son asked him; who the Friars were that had just been with him. Thinking these things to be said from weakness of the head the father persuaded him to try to sleep, for no one had entered that chamber. Therefore seeing Franciscus that his father spoke seriously, he narrated to him all the aforesaid: who seeing his son move his arms and body before impeded, gave faith to the miraculous apparition, especially when he also began to eat. Then morning being made the physician came, to see whether the sick man had now died: and finding him the fever being dismissed to be beyond danger, came as a witness to so evident a miracle.

[132] To Catharina Sperantia of Benigani, a malignant swelling coming on, By the touch of the Saint two are healed. had made health humanly despaired. But signed by the touch of the Relic kept in our convent of Benigani, she had B. Paschal visible to her in sleep, who touched the tumor with his hand; and so touched it burst; and the sick woman waking, found a great quantity of blood and pus to have flowed out, and herself so healed, that she did not even feel the wound, whence the very copious humor had gone out. Therefore her mother being called to her she narrated all things, and with her began to give thanks to her curer. Another woman of Valencia had gone to bed sound, but having by night suffered a sudden agitation of blood, in the morning found her body and face beset with tumors, one of which under the arm had the magnitude of a quince. The physician soon called judged no remedy could be applied to her before evening: but the devout woman would not defer the medicine of the soul to be made by Confession, and prayed also Blessed Paschal, that he would have her safe, who to him living had so often given alms. At the same time fallen into sleep, she saw the servant of God himself, who placing his hand on those tumors made them all vanish. Then the sick woman waking, very glad, asked a mirror from a certain niece of hers present there: which before the girl delivered; Lady, said she, aunt, you no longer have any tumors on your face. Which she seeing to be true, and that in the whole body no vestige of any other remained, except under the arm; she believed this to have been kept for her by God's will, that going to the sepulcher of the Blessed she might there be freed from it by him, as also was done.

CHAP. XX.

[133] Now dying and destitute of sense Sperantia Domingo of Mascarell, was carried to Nules to the physician, who answered that it was now too late, Numbered among the dead she finds, becomes sound. when Sperantia could now be called dead. But since not long before Paschal had died, who had often visited her sick in her house while he lived, and had promised her his help; he appeared to her in that last moment. Whom recognizing Sperantia; What is this, said she, Father Paschal, how do you not remember me, to commend me to God as you so often promised? But he only nodded with his head, and disappeared. Under these things the woman returned to herself marveled that she heard the stroke of a clock, such as in the place of her habitation, much less in her house, there was none. She cried out therefore, and astonished there ran up those, who already numbered her among the dead. But to her asking where she was, when they had answered what was the case, and why they had carried her there, she narrated whatever had happened: and without any other medicine returned to her house entirely sound.

[134] In the same place of Nules Vincentia Monleon was approaching the end of life given up by the physicians, A certain one with a drink given by the Saint draws health. when she wished a vial of water to be brought to her, received from the well which is in the convent of Villa-real: but the domestics did not dare to give the brought water to her to drink, lest they should hasten death. She commended herself therefore with the greatest devotion to the Blessed, and vowed that she would visit his sepulcher with bare feet, and hang up the funeral linen, if she should live. But at midnight he himself visited her, and having spoken with her, held out the vial: whence she drank as much as she could, and with notable solace of hers was sound. The husband of the same woman Franciscus Canalda, had some quarrel with Jacobus Mora: who a knife being drawn, with great violence inflicted some wounds on Franciscus, by the surgeons' judgment very deep. The case when Agatha Stella knew, the wife of the assailant, and considering the danger which threatened her husband from that action, if the wounded man should die; she vowed discalced to go to the sepulcher, and this done obtained life for the wounded man from B. Paschal. But Franciscus understanding by what reckoning he had been saved, forgave the injury done to him, becoming a friend of his adversary.

[135] Dwelling also in Nules Joannes de Mendoza, on account of a grave disease despaired of by the physicians commended himself to B. Paschal, Two sick spouses are visited by the Saint and asked from the convent a Religious, who should assist him. There came Father Friar Ludovicus Moreno, and the same night after the rest had gone to bed, the sick man began to cry out strongly; and the aforesaid Religious having entered at the cry, he said; Do you not see, Father, B. Paschal, who has come to visit me? But when he answered that he saw no one; Joannes narrated to him that he himself had been seen by him, and that he had been restored by him to his pristine health: which appeared to be true, and the next morning the physician confirmed, declaring that curing to have been miraculous. But the wife of the same man, called Vincentia Borraz, in a still more wonderful way experienced the help of B. Paschal. There had been born to her under the arm a malignant tumor, which the physician and surgeon did not approve to be opened with iron, although they greatly desired it, on account of its too great hardness; nor if they had approved it, would she herself have permitted it, having all confidence placed in the Blessed, by whom by a gentler way they hoped she would be cured. She vowed therefore to visit his sepulcher with bare feet, and there to offer an arm of wax: and on the same day there seemed to come into her house the Preacher of Villa-real, Friar Gaspar Romeu, carrying with him the chain of the servant of God. Who applying the same to the sick woman said; Trust, sister, in Friar Paschal, that he will restore health to you: for at the eleventh hour of the night that tumor will be opened, and to that end I bring you this Relic, about afterward to return that I may receive it. under the appearance of another Religious carrying his chain. But he returned after three hours, and carrying away with him the chain went away. But at the eleventh hour precisely the ripe abscess burst, and after a great quantity of purulent humor emitted the fever ceasing the woman was well, and so the physician and surgeon judged her to be returning the next morning. Eight days after came to the same house Friar Gaspar Romeu; to whom when Vincentia gave thanks for the received benefit, and narrated to him, how at the very hour he had foretold the abscess had burst; she filled him with no moderate stupor, as one who said that he had neither known anything of her infirmity, nor come for the cause of curing her, much less brought the chain, which under precept of obedience the Provincial had forbidden to be carried out of the convent. In turn that woman was astonished hearing, and all the domestics were astonished, who with all certainty affirmed that they had seen the said Religious there. At length all things being heard on both sides, it was believed that Paschal himself, his person being assumed, had even after his death wished to dissemble

the glory of so notable a miracle.

[136] The Saint appearing orders the sick man to rise from bed, D. Joanna Garzia of Cartagena, had commended to B. Paschal her son, given up by the physicians. He when on a certain night he had begun to cry out with a loud voice, she herself ran up with her husband Cyprianus Machiavellus. But the son said to them, that sleeping he had seen a Religious from the convent of S. Didacus, who had commanded him to rise, because he was now sound: which so prompt a benefit the parents marveling gave thanks for. Catharina Ardid of Sueca deposed, A woman of lost life is brought to amendment. that when a certain woman led a scandalous life, she herself prostrate before a certain image of B. Paschal prayed for her conversion. But from the same panel she heard a voice of this kind issuing; Tell that woman to change her life, otherwise a grave penalty from God threatens her. Catharina nothing doubting, but that that voice was the Blessed's, the next morning went to admonish her whom she meant: and it was so useful to her, that henceforth she was for the best edification to the whole people.

[137] In the year 1655, at Almansa on the 18th of January, in one house two spouses were sick at the same time, but the woman more grievously, called Guiomara Joannis, from a miscarriage joined with lethal symptoms. [The sick woman obtains life for herself and her husband from the Saint appearing to her.] To her about to die a Christian death assisted our Friar Josephus Domenec, who testifies, that the sick woman opened her eyes in a horrible manner again and again and seemed to have lost sound sense, but suddenly began thus to address those standing around; Brothers, let us have great faith in S. Paschal, and let us commend ourselves to him: because just now he stood by me, and restoring health to me, has also obtained it for my husband. Those present marveled at so sudden a change and at such words of hers: the aforesaid Religious therefore asked her, what had happened to her. The sick woman answered, that when they inculcated to her the profession of faith, there appeared to her three demons, warning her not to believe deceptions and follies of this kind; for that her soul was already lost: but she invoked B. Paschal, to whom she was much devout: but he in a religious habit, but most splendid appeared, together with the most blessed Virgin, and said: Fear not, daughter. But the enemies, wishing to retain her, the Blessed looking at them, vanished. And the sick woman said, full of solace and vigor of soul, Obtain health for us, if it be expedient for me and my husband. And the Mother of God inclining herself to Paschal, said: It is now granted to you: and the vision disappeared. Both therefore healed showed themselves to the physician revisiting: who testified that so sudden a curing without doubt exceeded the powers of nature.

CHAPTER XIII.

The abundance of other miracles; two excerpted from the second Process.

[138] So copious is the number of miracles, wrought through B. Paschal and his invocation, that they cannot all be related, nor weighed in a just balance according to all their circumstances: and so of most a simple memory only has been made, Votive offerings offered to the Saint. others which are clear from the Processes being passed over; besides that infinite multitude, which the votive tablets hung around his chapel manifest, of which if anyone should wish to note even the inscriptions alone, much paper would be needed. You may make a conjecture even from this; that (besides twenty lamps, some of which are most precious) in the same chapel are seen affixed a thousand silver votive offerings, representing hands, legs, heads, feet, or other parts of the human body, although a great part of them has been consumed or distracted: for because it is necessary always to have the chapel open, there have sometimes been found at one time wanting of silver so formed five or six pounds, which would no doubt make up the greatest number of such votive offerings. Add to these the sepulchral linens, the supports for the armpits, the staves, chains, firearms, waxen seals, images painted on a votive tablet, comprehensible by no number, although a great part of these also perished, while the chapel was being built. If only for noting the chief miracles a moderate diligence had been employed, there is no doubt, but that many well thick volumes would have to be filled: but we must confess that the greatest negligence has here been committed.

[139] The frequency of miracles, When this cause was first proposed one year after the death of B. Paschal, one hundred seventy-five miracles of the more principal note were noted: but the cause itself was terminated, the Decree of Beatification being obtained, in the year 1618. But of that whole interval of twenty-five years we have no memory consigned to letters, although the innumerable vows of that time testify very many miracles to have happened even then: by which we are compelled to believe, that not only from the city of Villa-real itself and the towns near it, but also from distant regions very many came, either to render thanks to B. Paschal or to ask them of him. Add that, since in each of our Provinces, and in the other provinces of our Reformation, unknown by the negligence of writers. as well as in various ones of the whole Franciscan Order, either all or most churches have a chapel, altar, or image of B. Paschal, everywhere are seen hung memorials of similar benefits: of which yet nowhere is found a knowledge signed in writings, except perhaps in one or another Province. But this defect the Saint abundantly supplied, by continuing his prodigies. Wherefore lest the miracles hitherto related by me from the older processes can be suspect to anyone, as less certainly known or more indulgently examined; it pleases also to select some, done from the year 1665, when the Remissorial letters were expedited for the second Process, until the year 1670, when this Process was concluded. I can indeed testify, as the Procurator of that cause, that if all the miracles were to be noted, which were reported from that time, in which through the kingdom of Valencia it was published that a new Process concerning them was being formed in order to the Canonization, this would have been more copious, than was that which had been made for petitioning the Beatification. But by those understanding the style, used in the Roman Curia at this time in an argument of this kind, and considering the whole cause to be terminated by the Decree of the year 1622; only six were selected, as more certain and more evident than the rest, with which related here I will conclude the argument.

Chap. XXI.

[140] In the first place there was approved and verified anew the miracle, wrought in the person of Claudia Sovias, which we related above at number 128. In the second place was received another, Fallen from the top of a pine 46 feet high head downward to the earth, which happened to two notable men in Villa-real, Josephus Renau and Victorianus Escabez. These had agreed on a certain evening, that they should go together into the orchard: but when they had come to a place planted with many pines, Victorianus had a fancy, to climb into one of them, which was a certain uncle's of his, to gather pine-nuts, his companion much dissuading, and much fearing some misfortune from so great a corpulence of body, with which Victorianus was burdened. But he the admonisher being despised, fortified himself with the sign of the Cross, and commended himself to Blessed Paschal, gathered some pine-nuts, and descended. Then saying those were too few, he climbed another, a similar sign and invocation being sent before; to whose top when he had come, and straining with his feet beyond what his strength bore to pluck the fruit, a branch breaking under him falling, he struck his head against another dry branch, and sense being lost here he fell to the earth, with his head downward. The companion ran to the fall, and held him for dead, he lies for dead, and soon rising betakes himself home; seeing blood flow through his eyes, ears and mouth. And when after an hour and a half the fallen man gave not even the least sign of life, Josephus determined to return into the city, and announce the case, although not without some fear for himself. And now he was mounting his horse, when he saw Victorianus rise, and heard him crying with repeated voices; May the glorious Paschal live. Which said he came to his companion, still trembling and emitting blood from his mouth. At whom when Josephus again looked, Victorianus said to him; This is nothing, friend, because S. Paschal has freed me. After this, the fruits being gathered which he had plucked, both mounted their horses, and returned into the city.

[141] And now they had come to the house of Victorianus, when he wishing to descend from the horse, where in greater danger than before, found himself impeded in all his members, and again began to pour blood from his mouth. Received therefore in their arms his domestics carried him into bed, and called the physicians: but these saying that he had wholly burst, scarcely made any hope of life remaining, both to him and to his wife, continually invoking S. Paschal. Then a vein was opened for him; and it was tried whether he could take two soft eggs for supper: but in vain; and in that state he remained two days, not even able to move himself in bed. He seeing this, and compassionating his family afflicted for his sake; Saint, said he, Paschal, since you have saved me, that I should not in the very fall be wholly broken; save now also my life for me, and restore health. So having prayed he slept until morning, when to his wife entering to him, and asking how he fared, he answered: Well: because B. Paschal has healed me. Give me my garments: for I wish to rise, he is suddenly healed by S. Paschal. and hear Mass in his chapel. Nor could his wife prohibit him, twice or thrice dissuading him not to do it. But he went out of his house at that very time, in which the Magistrate of the place was meeting to substitute for him a Captain, who should lead a cohort of soldiers toward Tortosa besieged by the French. Those Lords therefore standing on the balcony of the public palace, and thence seeing Victorianus proceed toward the Convent, called him to them, and indicated why they had met: who answered; With your good leave, Lords, I will execute the office committed to me: as also he did after two days all marveling; but he himself betook himself to give thanks to his Liberator. He adds moreover, that when with some companions out of curiosity he went to the place where he had fallen, and they found the earth, into which he had fallen head downward, hollow for his measure; but the pine to be forty-six Valencian feet high, which are equal to the Roman: which also two of his companions today surviving attest.

[142] A boy obtained from the Saint by prayers, When Petrus Oliver and Catharina Altabella, dwelling in Quart of the valley of Sego between Valencia and Villa-real, and had leased the mill which is called of the Fountain, distant half a league from the said place of Quart; Catharina went to visit the sepulcher of B. Paschal; and because she had heard much of his miracles, while she attends to hearing Mass, devoutly conversing with him she thus spoke: Blessed be the mother, who bore such a son: if I also should be made pregnant and bear a son, I would name him Paschal. Long before she had experienced herself barren, and her age near fifty made her despair of conceiving offspring: nevertheless within ten months she bore a son, and called from the vow Paschal, soon

and began to walk, she clothed him in the Franciscan habit: which she left on him even to the sixth year of his age, and took off on a certain Saturday of the year 1661. Then it happened, that while she sat and did I know not what work, near the little door whence there was a view down into the channels, through which water is carried to the wheel, the boy Paschalinus sat upon her skirts: and he saw between the two channels, from that part where the water is poured in, come a boy of about thirteen years, named Matthias Guimet, carrying some clusters of grapes, and he asked that he give him one. He assented, and the little one rose from his mother's bosom, and bending himself over the lip of the channel, and extending his hand to Matthias, who standing at the other lip held out the cluster, and deceived by him jokingly drawing back his hand, his footing failing amid the effort of seizing, he fell head downward into the same channel, snatched by the force of the water under the mill and toward the wheel was rolled by the rush of the running water. Soon Matthias crying out to the mother; Lady, said he, Paschalinus is being carried under the wheel. Which heard she, then by chance having her face turned toward those who were putting in their grain to the mill, rose, and ran toward the channel, again and again repeating, S. Paschal, now is the time that demands you help me. There stood at the mill then by chance two farmers, and Baptista Ferrer, organist of the town of Almenara, about to succeed them their wheat being ground; one of whom, named Michael Migarro, put his hand into the water of the channel, and led it toward its orifice, if perhaps the boy suffocated in the narrows still stuck there: but he not being found, he returned into the house. Meanwhile another, called Michael Guallart, he is taken out unhurt: had gone out by the other door, toward that part where the wheel revolved casts out the water, that he might at least receive the broken little body: whom those who had remained at home saw returning with the boy, whom he led by the hand, having suffered no injury. The mother running to meet received him in her arms, and said: Son, how did you escape so great a danger? The boy answered; Was there not standing there a certain Friar? And the same he had answered to Michael Guallart asking, who going out to seek him, found him at the lip of the very water; nor did he know to add anything else, than that that Religious was similar to the Friars, who from Villa-real were wont to come to his house.

[143] Perhaps this case will less strike him, who has not seen the form of Spanish mills of this kind, of which therefore an express delineation is seen in the process, but it is not equally easy to exhibit it here also: and so I will add only this, that before the Lord Bishops, the Remissorial Judges, the Subpromoter of the faith, the Notary, the Apparitors, and others, three men, deputed to inspect the place and the mill, and from an ocular knowledge of this kind to pronounce, what seemed to them concerning that case. in which a threefold miracle is detected. These therefore after an oath taken and other things accustomed in such cases, asserted, that the liberation of that boy comprised a threefold miracle. First, that he was not suffocated in the narrows of the channel, through which the water descends toward the wheel for the space of eleven palms; so that it above is open not more than two palms and a half, but below scarcely four fingers, that falling it may impress the greater rush on the wheel. Second, that if perhaps the rush of water was so great, that it poured the boy beyond those narrows out of the channel (which itself however is impossible, transverse woods hindering it, which like a grate led from lip to lip hold the sides that they be not torn apart) then nevertheless he must have fallen upon the wheel, and been utterly broken. Third, that into the trench running beneath, which at the least has water four palms and a half deep, the boy rolled from the wheel (if he was rolled that far) not only was not suffocated, but neither swallowed a drop, nor was terrified. And in this manner the truth of the miracle was proved to the Judges; especially when the boy himself, now fourteen years old, and asked what the Friar did, who was with him, and how he was clothed, answered, that he had taken him by the hand, withdrawn him from the danger, set him down at that lip of the trench, where Michael Guallart aforesaid found him, and there given him a benediction, and departed in the habit of the Friars of S. Francis. There is added that those witnesses note, the thing was done in an instant: since the boy went out more than forty-four palms in length from under the house, to the place where he was found; and that those six persons, who then were in the mill, all were still living, and attested those things which they had seen; as also the boy himself, who had given cause to the fall, deposing eight years after what he knew.

[144] In the town called Yli lives a farmer, very honest and upright, sixteen leagues from the city of Valencia, called Dominicus Perez: who laboring with a most grave pain of the stomach, long borne, commended himself to B. Paschal, came to visit the sepulcher, returned home sound, and was thenceforth so devout to the Saint, that to his image in his house painted on a great panel, he fostered a lamp continually burning, and exhibited several other signs of grateful affection. He possesses a field three leagues from his town among the nearest mountains toward the south, in which mountains for the space of six leagues in length, no water was ever seen to run, except that which in certain wells is collected from rain, at the foot of the mountains dug in the rock at the distance of one mile: which if it happened to dry up, it was necessary to convey water there on the backs of beasts from the town. Such being the nature of the place, In dry mountains it happened that in the year 1661, which was most lacking in waters, above the memory of men of this whole age, in the whole kingdom of Valencia indeed, but especially in those mountains, where for a whole three years it had not rained; it happened, I say, that not only were those wells wholly dry, but also the shady valleys around the foot, in which water is more easily kept. Meanwhile the month of August was passing, and his crops, although scanty and few, Dominicus was gathering, much solicitous, both for the men and the beasts, whose work he used, pressed by great thirst. Therefore a mattock taken upon his shoulders he went away to seek water in the name of B. Paschal, whom he remembered, while he was still a shepherd, to have elicited a fountain of water.

[145] This saw a rustic of the same village Thomas Guillen, who was helping him, and with a flail beat out the grain on the threshing-floor; and asked Dominicus going thus, whither he was going. Dominicus answered; May Father Paschal provide water for us. To whom Thomas smiling; Water? none is found from here even to the sea. What follies! Dominicus nevertheless; Have, said he, confidence in B. Paschal, that he will give water to us and our beasts. And saying these things he climbed to the upper parts of the mountain, and said within himself: Father Paschal, regard the present necessity: you ought to succor us. And when he had advanced to about five hundred paces from the hut, set up for making the sowing; a fountain bursts forth: he stopped in the place with the same confidence: and his eyes turned about in every part, and finding all equally dry, nor discerning into what part rather he should put the mattock; he raised it, saying, In the name of God and of Father Paschal, and let it fall as chance bore: and at the same instant marveling he saw water gush out, for receiving which he made a trench, full of jubilation about to return to the hut. His face could not dissemble the joy: wherefore Thomas seeing him so glad; What good, said he, do you bring Patron? I announce, replies Dominicus, great joy, because B. Paschal has now given us water. Trifles, said the other. Nay the very truth, says Dominicus. Then going together to the place, they found the trench full of water, and the waters overflowing beyond the lip flow down to the lower parts. Astonished at this remained Thomas, nor were all the neighbors less filled with admiration: by whose benefit that fountain flows even today, and increases devotion toward the Saint, to that point that there is now built a sumptuous chapel.

[146] This miracle several circumstances render more conspicuous, some of which I judge here to be noted. More than eight years had passed, since that befell Dominicus Perez, when it had to come to proof. the situation of the place is ordered to be examined by Mathematicians: After therefore the most Illustrious Apostolic Judges had examined six witnesses of that place more worthy of faith (as also they could have examined each of the inhabitants of that and the surrounding places), they appointed that the whole ministry of their Audience should go to the miraculous fountain, to delineate its situation and quality, two skilled mathematicians being chosen for this, one of whom was Father Josephus Zaragoza of the Society of Jesus, whom I will not fear to number among the first geniuses of our Spain; the other Doctor Ludovicus Cambres, Master of ceremonies in the Metropolitan church of Valencia, public Lecturer in that university of the Mathematical disciplines. These therefore together with the Subpromoter, the Notary, and the Apparitors, with me as Procurator of the cause and some others, departed from Valencia eight days before the Lord's Nativity, not without their great admiration, because there was heat such as in the month of August: and nevertheless when we began to return to Valencia, on the vigil of the same Lord's Nativity, we found through those mountains snow two palms high. Which surely seemed to us worthy of observation: for if it had before snowed or rained there, it would have been impossible to form the judgment which was desired.

[147] But when we first arrived at the town of Yli, I was very solicitous where I should decently have so many companions of my Commission lodged: but there was no need to labor at all. For so great was the gladness of all at our coming, that the chief of the inhabitants vied, who especially should lead some to his house. But the next day departing to see the fountain, a very great multitude accompanied. There were stored the instruments necessary for the judgment, there the Mathematicians made their measurements and delineations. But for a more certain knowledge of the miracle it was commanded, the water of the fountain neither increases nor decreases. that in four parts, below and above the aforesaid fountain and on each side the earth dug should be explored, whether there were any springs there. There was added the testimony especially of the old and experienced, holily affirming, that neither there nor in that whole hill they had seen, I do not say water gushing, but not even a vestige of any torrent that ever flowed there: but that that fountain from its beginning was neither ever increased nor diminished, however great the abundance or scarcity of rains was, contrary to what is wont to happen in wells. They added, that in that water neither herb nor any animal familiar to fountains grew: and the ground appeared dry and not at all clayey, which from the surface even to the bottom, dug to the stature of a human body, contained excellent water, called of B. Paschal: which because the common fame was that it was miraculous, with the greatest devotion the sick sought from everywhere. I add, that while some weighed the magnitude of the miracle, Thomas

Guillen said: Lords, do not marvel: because Dominicus Perez departed from the hut with so great confidence, that if he had struck any stone whatsoever, he would have elicited water. Which words, proceeding from the mouth of a rustic, deserve no small admiration.

CHAPTER XIV.

Other four miracles, taken from the second process.

[148] At Valencia in the house of Josephus Marti, from the aforesaid town of Yli, there was a certain noble … called Cortes, The paralytic legs, cured in vain for more than two years, husband of Isabella. Their son a year and a half old, fallen from a height of twelve palms, remained paralytic from the knees to the heels of the feet, the legs utterly dried up, so that they had nothing but skin and bones; and using his hands alone, he dragged his miserable body along the ground. The physician of the University had indeed undertaken to cure him, but after fifteen months spent in vain dismissed him such as he had found him, and said to the parents, that he could be cured only by a miracle. Nevertheless they, lest they should leave anything on their part unattempted, employed another physician, Doctor Josephus Ybañez, who himself also labored in vain for one year and nine months. The parents afflicted by so unhappy a success, after a year and more than half again thought of a remedy, but one that should be more powerful than the human: and at the beginning of May of the year 1669 commended their son to B. Paschal, to whom they promised to clothe him in the habit of his Order, and to make a Novena for him in the chapel, erected within the church of the Oratory of S. Philip Neri. When they had done this, again on the 17th of May, the feast day of the Blessed himself, in the same chapel they communicated: and a printed image being received, such as the devout Priest there distributed, they returned home. Where finding their Dionysius (for this was the name of the boy) dragging his body through the hall, the father, holding out the image to him, said: Dionysius, this is S. Paschal, pray him to give you legs. He soon with stammering tongue, in the Valencian idiom said, suddenly they attempt to walk. Saint give me legs. The father was astonished at these words of his son, and said within himself; O blessed Paschal! What if through your intercession this boy should be healed? And raising him with his hand and seeing him stand on his feet (which for a whole three years he had been unable to do) he let him go trembling, and said: Come, my son Dionysius, walk and come to me. Who at the same moment began to walk, and to follow his father going before: and in a short while he was entirely healed, the flesh growing again on the legs, with the singular admiration of all even the physicians who had cured him, as is clear from their depositions: wherefore the Judges also wished to see the boy, and saw him clothed in the Franciscan habit.

[149] By no less a miracle was saved there at Valencia the three-year-old little son of Julius Capuz the sculptor, A boy crushed by the kicks of a horse and a wheel and held for dead in that same year in the month of April. He was in the square, which is called Tarazenalis, at the entrance of the open space before the convent of the Preachers, when there passed a cart of four wheels; and the mules kicking back, he was prostrated under their feet; many indeed being present and running up (for it was the fifth hour after midday) yet no one able to hinder, that one of the wheels also did not pass over the middle of the body crushed by the kicks: whence of his death no one doubted. Seeing these things, who was also present, a certain Joannes Ramirez, took the boy between his arms and carried him to his mother; meanwhile while the father, who in a chamber toward the square was designing some work, hearing the noise of the common people and the cry of those saying, that the son of Julius Capuz had been crushed by the cart, and conjecturing nothing else thence, than that he was plainly broken, raised his eyes to the printed image of B. Paschal, to whom he was specially devout, and said; My Saint, have mercy on me and my son. And at the same instant he heard one knock from the aforesaid image; soon without injury he resumes his play. whence to his breast grew an affection of so great confidence, that with no solicitude he descended into the hall, where his wife before much people held the boy in her arms. And attentively inspecting him, whom they believed dead, he showed him to live, and indeed injured in no part, although the marks of the nails fixed in the wheel were still seen in the tender flesh. At length all being astonished the boy extricated himself from the hands of those inspecting, and again betook himself to play in the square.

[150] On the 13th day of November of the year 1668, to the Licentiate Franciscus de Vargas, Parish priest of the place called Corralrubio, in the territory of the city of Chinchilla in the kingdom of Murcia, it happened, that at the first hour after midday taking a little axe, to form a club, to serve for softening sea-rushes, with the third stroke he so struck his left hand, that he inflicted a great wound on himself; which led from the joint of the middle finger even to the thumb had almost cut off the whole forefinger, The finger almost amputated hanging somehow by a thin skin, because the iron had penetrated even to the palm. At the voice of the crying Parish priest there ran up a farmer, called Martinus Simarro: and saw that holding the wounded hand with the other he said: Help me, S. Paschal, who am a poor Presbyter, and if I lack my fingers I shall not be able to live. But turning to the farmer he said; Lord Martinus, I have mutilated myself. Martinus had served as a soldier in the Duchy of Milan and in Belgium for twelve years, yet affirmed that in his whole life he had not seen a wound, from which blood flowed so copiously, so that for the horror of so bloody a spectacle he himself was almost fainting. Him therefore so consternated seeing the Parish priest; Take courage, said he, Martinus: for although I have cut my fingers, yet I trust in God and B. Paschal, that I shall retain no harm thence: for while I invoked the Saint, and vowed to go to his sepulcher on foot, begging alms to be distributed to the poor, all pain ceased for me. So great confidence of the Parish priest recalled the spirits of the farmer: who finding nothing with which to stop the blood, ground something of charcoal with a pestle, and with certain little cloths applied it to the wound. But although the wounded man had no pain, yet he ordered him stripped of his garments to be put in bed; and a surgeon to be summoned from Chinchilla, although he himself was unwilling that this be done.

[151] There came the surgeon, called Josephus Picazo, about midnight, when the Parish priest was already sleeping, so well supped that evening as if he had suffered no evil; and before Martinus himself uncovered the wound, much marveling, that although it was so great and in a part so dangerous, where it was necessary that the nerves, arteries, veins and tendons had been cut; yet not a drop of blood flowed from it; although the bandages could not but violently be drawn off, the concreted blood as it were gluing them to the hand itself. He ordered then that he should move his fingers: which when he did, the surgeon did not sufficiently comprehend himself, certainly knowing that the wound had penetrated even to the palm; and said; Lord Parish priest, this will be nothing. Then he with fervent exclamation answered: Therefore the fingers, which I myself saw cut, S. Paschal has healed. Blessed be God. The same said also Martinus: no curing being applied the hand is joined together. but the surgeon applied the first curing to the wound in that very place, and ordered, that since the wounded Parish priest was hindered by no other symptom, he should transfer himself to Chinchilla, to be cured with better convenience. The Parish priest obeyed: but then considering that the bones were solidified, and that he suffered no trouble from the wound, however great it seemed; he determined, the further curing being omitted, to commit it to him who had begun it. Nor did his hope deceive him: because on the third day thence he could celebrate Mass, and within a fortnight he was plainly healed, without the wound in the meantime forming any pus, or being closed by any medicament. To all which, besides the surgeon, four other sworn witnesses came.

[152] In the year 1664 when from a certain journey Don Joannes Tremon a Presbyter was returning home, Struck with five bullets from a firearm he is not hurt, an inhabitant of the city of Denia, together with his brother-in-law Josephus Botin, a certain one leaped out of the thickets, and from a small interval discharged a firearm at D. Joannes, who B. Paschal being invoked to his aid fell from his horse, struck with five bullets in the breast, and dead in the judgment of his brother-in-law. But he raising him, and loosing his garments, found no wound in the body; but inspecting and shaking the bodice, near the image of B. Paschal sewed to it, he found the five bullets which I have mentioned bruised and flat, as if they had been wrought by hammers. Marveling at the success himself also Joannes, persuaded his brother-in-law to be devout to Paschal, these being as it were flattened by a hammer. and to recite daily for him by an example used by him for many years five Paters and Aves, and to take care to carry the image always with him. Then returned into the city he narrated the whole case to another brother, likewise a Priest; and the next day coming to our convent, after the sacred rite celebrated in the chapel of B. Paschal, set forth all things accurately to the Vicar Forane Doctor Hieronymus Vives and other friends, showing them the leaden bullets, and keeping them as relics with him always in a little purse even to his death, which even today his brother carries with similar reverence. This miracle also was proposed to the Apostolic Judges, but on account of the absence of Joseph Botin, who as an eyewitness was thought to be awaited, it was not immediately inserted into the Process, in which, before he returned, the sayings of three witnesses most worthy of faith were yet received.

[153] Putting an end to the miracles to be narrated, I add one, which in the month of March of the year 1665 happened at Castellón de la Plana, A paralytic woman is healed. in the daughter of Leonardus Robira and Mira Poades, paralytic in the left side, so that she lay like a trunk in bed, the medicines profiting nothing. To her Don Petrus Ascentius, Vicar of the place which is called Codos, persuaded that with her parents she should have recourse to the help of B. Paschal, with a vow of visiting the sepulcher. This was done on Thursday the 3rd day of March: and the next day the girl awakened entirely sound, with great joy leaped from bed, and began to run through the whole house, who for four whole months could not move by herself. But immediately the parents fulfilled the vow made, coming to Villa-real by the occasion, that Father Friar Antonius Panes a preacher was going there to the same end: who relates, that he said a Mass for them, and saw the girl with his own eyes.

CHAPTER XV.

On the Beatification of Paschal, and the acts in the cause of Canonization until the year 1672.

Chap. XXII.

[154] To extol the prerogatives of B. Paschal it makes not a little, The zeal of many in promoting the honor of Paschal. that the cause of his Beatification and Canonization proceeded so swiftly, that within thirteen years it was concluded; the honor of Paschal being wonderfully favored by Pope Paul V with many most Eminent Cardinals, and the Catholic King Philip III urging it, with his prime Minister the Duke of Lerma, and other Prelates and Chapters of various Kingdoms and Cities, supplicating his Holiness to the same effect. How

seriously all did this, lest by relating each I become too prolix, the letters of the King alone to the Pontiff will sufficiently declare. The first expedited to S. Lawrence, on the 1st day of November 1608 contained this sense. Most Holy Father. Two letters of Philip the third concerning the same matter to the Pontiff. I write to the Marquis de Aytona, my Legate, that in my name he supplicate your Holiness, to the end which he himself will explain, concerning the Beatification and Canonization of Friar Paschal Baylon a Discalced of the Order of S. Francis, moved by the miracles, which God daily works through his merits. I ask your Holiness, that it may please you to hear him, and to give him faith, and to condescend to a petition so just, which contains a great service of God: for which cause also, and because I myself profess to be borne with a singular devotion toward that servant of God, I shall receive that for a most singular grace and benefit of your Holiness, whose person may our Lord preserve, to the happy and prosperous government of the universal Church.

[155] The other was of this kind, given thence on the 5th of June in the year 1613. Most Holy Father. Although otherwise I have written to your Holiness in order to the Beatification and Canonization of the holy Friar Paschal, of the Province of S. John the Baptist in the kingdom of Valencia; yet I so desire to see his exemplary life affected with worthy honor, adorned with so many miracles, which our Lord has worked at his intercession now dead, whence daily grows the devotion, which in these kingdoms is held toward him; that I have wished anew to supplicate your Holiness for the same cause, affirming that I shall receive a most singular favor and grace: as more at length the Count de Castro will testify to your Holiness, to whom I refer myself. May our Lord preserve your Holiness, to the good and prosperous government of His universal Church. The next year again 1614, Likewise a third. on the 22nd of May writing from Aranjuez, thus speaks the King. Most Holy Father. I write to the Count de Castro, my Orator, that in my name he supplicate your Holiness for accelerating the dispatch of the cause of Beatification and Canonization of Friar Paschal Baylon, a lay Discalced of the Province of Valencia, which for some years has been treated in that Court, on account of the many and most just reasons concurring to this, and especially on account of the great service which will be done to God, as more minutely my Legate will explain. I ask your Holiness humbly, that it may please you to hear him, and to give him faith and to condescend to my supplication: which for the aforesaid respects I shall receive for the favor and singular grace of your Holiness, whose holy person may our Lord preserve, to the prosperous and happy government of His universal Church.

[156] Nor content with these his Majesty also took care and urged that the means, necessary and most proportioned and efficacious for quickly attaining that end, should be expedited: as may be understood from the epistle, which the same Majesty deigned to write to the most Reverend Father General, who then presided over the whole Order, in these words. The King. Reverend and devout Father General of the Order of S. Francis. A fourth of the same to the Father General. You have understood in what good state the Beatification of the holy Friar Paschal is found, and the love and benevolence with which his Holiness embraces this business. I know indeed the manifold causes and reasons, which concur to it, and that it is not only a most pious work, but also greatly concerns you: yet on account of the particular devotion which I profess toward that servant of our Lord, and on account of the great consolation which will come to all from such a Canonization, I have wished efficaciously to enjoin you, which also I do, that on your part you study so to direct the business, suggesting it in my name to his Holiness, when you shall have judged expedient, that that cause may continually have its course, and that on every part may be perfected what I desire; and representing the singular grace, which by that deed I shall receive. To the Count de Castro my Orator, to the Cardinals Borghese, Zapata and Borgia I have already before written, recommending this to them particularly: from whom you will be able to know in what state the matter is; and to use their help, because in this I shall receive a great service. From the Prado, the 29th day of November 1614. I the King. — Antonius de Horostigui.

[157] To so solicitous a will of the King concerning this business, great testimony is added from the epistle of the most Excellent Lord Duke of Lerma to the same most Reverend Father in these words. A letter of the Duke of Lerma to the same. On the part of the King. To the Reverend and devout Father General of the Order of S. Francis. His Majesty so greatly desires to see the Beatification of the holy Friar Paschal terminated; that although he well knows in what good state the matter is, and how benevolent his Holiness shows himself toward it; and that, because such is the work, your most Reverend Paternity will so treat it, as its quality requires: nevertheless he has wished to write to your most Reverend Paternity the letter which you will see here adjoined; And because he has commanded, that I also do the same, and on account of the many causes, which oblige to desire a matter, that will conduce so greatly to the service of God and the solace of all; I supplicate your most Reverend Paternity, that you busy yourself to effect that which his Majesty so efficaciously enjoins, by whatever means most conducive to the intended end, that at length it may come to the Canonization. May God preserve your Reverend Paternity, as I desire. At Madrid the 5th of December 1614. The Duke and Marquis of Denia. By so powerful and hearty a solicitude the cause first proceeded as we have said. For when it had been proposed at the beginning of January of the year 1609, on the 22nd day of the following June the Remissorials were expedited for forming the Processes in general, and for forming others in particular others on the 26th day of February of the year 1611. These being formed, transmitted, examined, and discussed by the sacred Congregation of Rites, a Relation moreover being made before his Holiness, it pleased him to expedite the following brief.

PAUL POPE THE FIFTH

To the perpetual memory of the matter.

Paschal Baylon, of the Order of the Discalced Minors, of Villa-real in the Kingdom of Valencia (B.)

FROM THE ITALIAN OF D'ARTA.

[158] Placed by the Lord in the See of the Prince of the Apostles, although no merits of ours supporting, we willingly assent to the pious vows of the faithful, by which the Lord of the faithful is honored in His Servants, and prosecute the same with opportune favors. Indeed on the part of the beloved sons the Minister General, A Bull of Pope Paul V concerning the Beatification and cult of Paschal. and other Superiors, as well as the Brothers of the Order of Minors of S. Francis of the Observance called Discalced; it was lately set forth to us, that of good memory Paschal Baylon, while he lived a professor of the same Order, was illustrated by the Lord with many and exceptional gifts of virtues, graces, and miracles; wherefore not only the whole aforesaid Order, but also our most dear son in Christ Philip the Catholic King of the Spains, and our beloved sons Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church called of Lerma, as well as the Nobles of the whole Kingdom of Valencia, caused us humbly to be supplicated, that, until they obtain from the Apostolic See the honor of Canonization, which they hope will sometime, divine grace inspiring, be given to the said Paschal Baylon on account of his exceptional merits; the same Paschal Baylon may be called Blessed, and concerning the same an Office and Mass, as below, may be recited. Wherefore we the matter first by our Venerable Brethren the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church set over the Sacred Rites, to whom we mandated it to be examined, maturely discussed; by the counsel of the same Cardinals inclined to supplications of this kind; that he, of good memory Paschal Baylon, may hereafter be called Blessed, and that concerning him every year on the 17th day of May, on which he fell asleep in the Lord, by the Brothers of the same Order dwelling in the kingdom of Valencia as of a Confessor not a Pontiff, according to the Rubrics of the Roman Breviary and Missal, an Office may be recited, and a Mass celebrated, as well as in the Church of the Brothers of the same Order of the town of Villa-real, existing in the same Kingdom of Valencia, where his body is asserted to rest, by all Priests, both secular and regular, a Mass, as above, may likewise freely and lawfully be and avail to be celebrated, by Apostolic authority by the tenor of these presents we concede and indulge. Notwithstanding etc. Given at Rome at S. Mary Major under the ring of the Fisherman, the 29th day of October 1618. In the 14th year of our Pontificate.

CHAP. XXIII.

[159] These things being brought into Spain and into other provinces, the feast of B. Paschal began to be celebrated everywhere with the greatest applause and apparatus, especially in the kingdom of Valencia, which if anyone should wish to describe, he would easily fill an entire volume. Yet the ardent desire of those, who professed themselves obligated to B. Paschal, could not even thus be satiated, but that they advanced their prayers with the favoring Pontiff, to extend the cult of the Blessed more and more widely: by which there was obtained the following Brief, expedited the 10th day of February 1620, in the 15th of the Pontificate, which begins: Otherwise on the part of the beloved: and is continued in the same words as above (of which nevertheless the tenor, besides the derogation of contrary things here omitted, is ordered in the present to be held for expressed) then follows. But since, as the said King Philip, and the beloved sons the Minister General, Another Bull of the same concerning the amplification of the cult. as well as the other Superiors and Brothers of the same Order of S. Francis of the Observance, lately caused to be set forth to us, they for the affection of devotion, which they bear toward the same Blessed Paschal, greatly desire, the concession and indult, and the letters made thereupon of this kind to the whole Order of Friars Minor of S. Francis of the Observance of this kind, and also to the aforesaid town of Villa-real, where the body of B. Paschal of this kind rests, as well as to the town of Torre Hermosa of the diocese of Sigüenza, whence the same B. Paschal is asserted to be sprung, respectively, by us, as below, to be extended; therefore they caused us humbly to be supplicated, that we would deign of Apostolic benignity to assent to their vows in the premises. We therefore by the counsel of the same Cardinals inclined to these latter supplications: the Concession and indult, and the letters made thereupon of this kind, to all the Religious of both sexes of the said Order of Minors of the Regular observance, dwelling in the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, by Apostolic authority by the tenor of these presents we extend and amplify. As well as that in Villa-real, where the body of the same Blessed Paschal rests, and Torre Hermosa, where the same Blessed Paschal, as is aforesaid, is asserted to have been born and educated, the aforesaid Towns, by all Regulars of both sexes, and also by Priests and secular Clerics, concerning the same Blessed Paschal, according to the Rubrics of the Roman Breviary and Missal, an Office of this kind of the common of a Confessor not a Pontiff may be recited and a Mass celebrated respectively, by the authority and tenor aforesaid we equally concede and indulge.

[160] Moreover Pope Paul V of holy memory died in the year 1621 on the 28th day of January, and Pope Gregory XV succeeded him on the 9th day of February: who instructed with sufficient knowledge of the prerogatives of this cause, after the privilege of reciting the Office extended universally to the whole Order, proceeded in it; and seen a second and third time in the sacred Congregation of Rites

and through three meetings the fourteen miracles being approved, with so great success, that one of the chief Cardinals exclaiming said; From the age it has not been heard such a thing; at length this decree also was expedited on the 5th day of March 1622. Since the sacred Congregation of Rites had approved the cause of the Canonization of B. Paschal Baylon, The Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites for the Canonization of Paschal. of the Order of Minors of the Regular Discalced Observance of the province of S. John the Baptist in the kingdoms of the Spains, committed by Pope Paul V of happy memory to three Auditors of the Rota, and maturely discussed by the same to the effect of the same Canonization, the most Illustrious Cardinal Bellarmine reporting; and had pronounced that it was most sufficiently clear, both concerning the validity of the Process as well of the remissorial and compulsorial acts, as of the witnesses examined, and concerning the virtues of the Blessed himself, the fame of sanctity, the veneration of the Relics and sepulcher, and finally the many and glorious miracles after his death; it pleased the same supreme Pontiff, together with the indult of Beatification, to concede also the faculty of reciting concerning him, as of a Confessor not a Pontiff, an Office to the Brothers of the same Order dwelling only in the kingdom of Valencia. And when afterward our most Holy Lord Gregory XV had extended this concession of reciting the Office to the whole aforesaid Order, and at the suppliant instances of the same Order had again committed to this sacred Congregation the Cause of the said Blessed to the effect likewise of Canonization; the same Congregation, the most Illustrious Cardinal Boncompagno reporting, all those things, which had been examined before his Beatification, again and diligently discussed, judged, that our most Holy Lord could the same Blessed, whom the prayers of Philip III the Catholic King of the Spains, and of almost all the Nobles and Bishops of Spain demanded to be declared a Saint and reigning in the heavens, by a solemn Canonization whenever he should wish propose to the whole Catholic Church to be venerated.

Francis Maria Cardinal a Monte.

Joannes B. Rinuccinus Secretary.

[161] To this degree had the cause been brought, when the Saint himself seems, even for his humility in the heavens, to have wished it suspended, as if placed in safety, The cause of the delay of the same. and to yield the prerogative to S. Peter of Alcantara, whom he venerated as master and founder of our Province. For when on the 18th day of April of the same year, the Brief of Beatification of B. Peter had emanated, the cause of B. Paschal was suspended for more than twenty years (although Urban VIII had decreed to proceed to his Canonization) the supplications offered to that end in the year 1624 and 26 being rejected. At length in the year 1645 the Province sent its Procurators for the prosecution of the cause; who although it was already definitively concluded, and even exempt from the Decrees of Urban VIII, asked Apostolic Remissorial letters for proving those things, which happened after the Beatification, directed to the Archbishop of Valencia and two Bishops. There was therefore formed a second Process by the most Illustrious Lords Didacus Serrano Bishop of Segorbe, and Hyacinthus Minuarte Bishop of Minorca: who although they greatly desired to direct the business committed to them in the best way, and the Notary of the cause Vincentius Ayerve was devoted to the Blessed and very experienced in his office; yet God permitted an error to intervene, scarcely possible by human judgment: as is clear from the Decree of the sacred Congregation of Rites of the year 1658.

[162] At length when I was in this Roman Curia on account of other businesses of my Province, and now about to return to Spain, without having for five whole years put any work into that matter; in the year 1665 entering upon certain counsels concerning the same, among other things I received, that I should take care that new Remissorials be expedited for proving new miracles and confirming old ones. And the decree indeed was immediately obtained, but the letters not expedited before I had now returned into Spain. Moreover it cannot be said how many difficulties offered themselves to accelerating the execution; until at length the Canonization of the aforesaid S. Peter was finished, and its festivity terminated at Valencia on the 9th day of October of the year 1669. For soon those Remissorial letters were presented, and it proceeded so happily, that it can be said without scruple, that many things intervened beyond the order of nature, according to the judgment of the experienced. At length the process was finished, and brought to Rome, and offered to the sacred Congregation of Rites, and in a short time five Decrees expedited. The last of these was signed the 2nd of January in the year 1672, indicating, that our most Holy Lord Pope Clement the Tenth, at the prayers of Father Friar Christophorus de Arta, special Procurator in the cause of the Canonization of B. Paschal Baylon, kindly assented and commanded, that in the second Congregation of the sacred Rites, to be held before his Holiness for the cause of Beatification and Canonization, the doubt should altogether be proposed concerning the miracles of those, which supervened after his Beatification.

[163] Thus far he. Friar Hieronymus Taus succeeded Christophorus in the procuration of the same business. He being asked to weave a historical narration of those things which had consequently been done, answered that nothing further had been promoted, except that there was obtained a final decree for the Canonization to be made of this kind: It being established in the Congregation of the sacred Rites concerning the cult of Blessed Paschal Baylon, of the Order of Minors of the Regular Discalced Observance of Saint Francis, exhibited by Apostolic authority from the Indult of Paul V of happy memory, and concerning the validity of the Processes, duly made concerning those things which supervened after the indulged Beatification; as well as concerning the increasing of the fame of sanctity and veneration of the same Blessed; at length in the Congregation held before our most Holy Lord Clement by Divine providence Pope X, very many miracles being discussed, which God (who alone does great wonders) deigned to work by the intercession of His Servant, certain and surely more celebrated ones, at the report of the most Eminent Lord Cardinal de Maximis, by the unanimous opinion of the Consultors and the suffrage of the most Eminent Lord Cardinals set over the same sacred Rites, as accomplished by all the calculations of proof, were approved. First namely that of Francis de Bargas, whose forefinger of the left hand cut off by the stroke of an axe, so that scarcely a particle of skin cohered, immediately the bones, and nerves, and skin being consolidated, was restored altogether sound. And the fourth of Dominicus Perez the Farmer, who the help of the Blessed being implored at the first stroke of the mattock, from a more arid and altogether unfruitful site of earth, obtained a perennial fountain of water never either increasing or failing to leap forth, by which the public calamity of the place and of the herds was repaired. Wherefore all things being performed, which the latest decrees of Urban VIII of happy memory require, his Holiness, the Consultors being again summoned, approved their unanimous opinion as well as the suffrages of the Cardinals, that it could safely whenever come to the solemn Canonization of Blessed Paschal, according to the rite of the Holy Roman Church and the disposition of the sacred Canons; and to add him reigning with God in the glory of the Saints to the Catalogue of the same to be worshipped with universal cult. The 25th day of September 1674.

F. M. Bishop of Porto Cardinal Brancatius.

Bernardinus Casalius Secretary of the Sacred Congregation of Rites.

S. FABIUS MARTYR,

WHETHER ANYONE AT FIESOLE IN ETRURIA.

Restituta, Martyr at Cagliari in Sardinia (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

Fiesole, once a celebrated city of Etruria, still retains the title of a Bishopric, Ferrarius says that his relics are at Fiesole and alone there. and vestiges of its pristine fortune, on a pleasant hill temples and monasteries, and not ignoble villas of the Florentines, whose neighborhood was fatal to it. Here in the abbey of S. Martin is worshipped on the 17th of May, S. Fabius Martyr, whose body is there preserved, as Philippus Ferrarius is the author in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy, the tablets of that Abbey being alleged: but at what time, he says, under whom, or in what place he underwent martyrdom, is unknown. For his Acts are wanting. He then subjoins, that he, when he was at Fiesole, investigated the monuments of this holy Martyr, if any were there; but could find nothing further. Of him the same Ferrarius makes mention from the Catalogue of Saints who are wanting in the Roman Martyrology, edited twelve years after the former Catalogue, From the tablets of the Church of Fiesole; as if now altogether forgetful of the Martinian Abbey: asserting that concerning him in the book of the Saints of the Church of Fiesole, by the author Franciscus Cattaneus Bishop of Fiesole, mention is made. That book we have not seen. But we suspect, that perhaps this same S. Fabius is he, who with S. Anthimus the Presbyter, or a little after him, in the Sabine country near Forum-novum was crowned with martyrdom, of whom we treated on the 11th of May. But no argument is at hand, by which we may firm that conjecture.

[2] These things our Bollandus had once written, about to gratify the most Illustrious Fabius Chisius, Bishop of Nardò and Plenipotentiary Legate of the Apostolic See to the Congress of Münster for the universal peace of Europe, afterward Alexander VII Supreme Pontiff: who in turn wishing to repay his work to Bollandus, asked a certain Religious of the order of the Servites known to him at Florence, but the Florentines and people of Fiesole deny that he is known there, to inquire as diligently as possible into the aforesaid. He obeyed, and answered in these words in Italian: As for what pertains to the body of S. Fabius, we certainly labor in an equivocation. I have dealt about this matter with almost all the antiquaries of the city of Florence and with the Chancellor of the Bishopric of Fiesole; nor did any of them find an answer fit to firm the assertion of Ferrarius. Nay there is no Abbey of S. Martin in the whole diocese of Fiesole. Our Parish of S. Martin has no Relic of this kind; and the other S. Martin in Mensola, in which on the 22nd of August are worshipped the Relics of S. Andrew the Scot, is of another Bishopric. I fear therefore lest Ferrarius was deceived in the name, and wished to signify the Abbey of S. Bartholomew of the Lateran Canons, in which are several bodies of Saints; and singularly five, of which (as I understood from the Abbot) the names are unknown: but neither of these is any worshipped on the 17th of May.

[3] Such things, as he had received, the Legate soon took care to send to Bollandus, this epistle being added: I now communicate those things, which were sent to me by a Father of the Order of the Servites at Florence, studious of antiquity, concerning S. Fabius the Martyr: whose Relics while I seek at Fiesole, I grieved that they are nowhere. Let your Paternity use these, if they seem to make for your purpose: and since we can by no means and everywhere trust writers, let it see whether it would not be better to investigate similar things more diligently, and use my work, such as I offer most devoted in whatever matter. May you fare well with the fullness of the Saints, and enjoy a Nestorean life, that you may bring to light all to the veneration and instruction of the pious. Given at Münster of Westphalia, the 19th day of January, 1649. We bear it sorrowfully indeed, yet the alleged Franciscus Cataneus would make it credible concerning him that concerning the most religious Writer Ferrarius, conversant with the best faith (as we altogether believe) concerning the Saints, we must so often complain, that ill informed in many things, or using a conjecture not sufficiently founded, he erred from the truth; and that we are thereby compelled to hesitate at each of his assertions, until a more certain author be found who confirms them. Yet on account of the aforesaid answer of that Florentine Servite we would not have judged S. Fabius to be passed over: for of greater weight with us would have been the authority of Franciscus Cataneus de Diacceto, by Ferrarius (as we have said) alleged, if it had really been clear to us, that any such thing had been written by him

was written: since he, after his uncle Angelus, obtained the See of Fiesole as Bishop from the year 1570 until 1595; and so for thirty whole years he died before Ferrarius edited the second Catalogue: within which time many things concerning the buildings and sacred matters could be changed.

[4] Why then did we not put Fabius in his place? I will tell the cause. if he had truly made mention of Fabius. Ughelli treats sufficiently at length of that Bishop and his deeds, having begun to collect the material of his work at Florence, where born he lived long, and most accurately investigated the chief monuments of it and the surrounding cities; but in that place, that is in tome 3 of Italia Sacra col. 341, concerning the writings of Franciscus he has only this, he wrote eleven homilies on the most August sacrament of the holy Eucharist, six books of the Hexameron: in Tuscan and elegantly he edited some Lives of his predecessors, besides concerning the authority of the Pope and the Council, concerning the superstition of the magic art: he translated some little works of S. Ambrose the Bishop. From which words we can understand nothing else, than among his other works a little Italian book edited in the year 1578, under this title, The Life of the glorious Martyr S. Romulus, first Bishop of Fiesole, and of several other holy Bishops his successors, namely S. Alexander, of whom we shall treat on the 6th of June; S. Donatus from Scotland, for the 22nd of October; and then only Blessed, now also Saint Andrew Corsini, whose Acts we illustrated on the 30th of January. But neither in the said Lives, nor in the prefatory Dedication to Francis de Medici the Grand Duke signed the 9th of May, nor in the subjoined exhortation in the very year of edition the 14th of the same May, made to the Clergy gathered in the Diocesan Synod, is anywhere made mention of any S. Fabius.

[5] It remains therefore that we judge, that Ferrarius, both in alleging the book of Franciscus concerning the Saints of that Church, and in naming on this day S. Fabius Martyr, erred, truly but in a wonderful manner, and the more wonderful because not even any occasion of erring shows itself, perhaps about to afford us a handle for drawing out from the darkness some hidden truth concerning the aforesaid. Meanwhile it seemed worth the trouble at least in this place to exhibit to the reader a specimen of our diligence even concerning the least and doubtful matters, surely most laborious; that he may understand, that that class of the Passed-over, prefixed to the Acts of each day after the certain Saints of each day, although it often excuses the passing-over in very few words, is for the most part accomplished with greater work, than sometimes whole commentaries concerning some certain Saint; namely by turning over authors, both alleged and not alleged; but who seemed perhaps about to contribute something to the same; and by writing letters to and fro, with no slight tedium on each side, while the study and endeavor are frustrated of their effect, and this alone is known after all, that concerning the whole matter nothing is known.

[6] The Church of S. Martin de Mensola, although it is now said to be of another than the diocese of Fiesole, the situation of the monastery of S. Martin being inquired into, yet how this is true is difficult to grasp; for we found among our collectanea for the Life of S. Andrew the Scot, for the 22nd of August, a copy of an epistle, written in the year 1646 on the 6th day of November to the aforepraised Fabius Chisius, perhaps by the same Florentine Servite, in which it is said, that at the foot of the hills of Fiesole runs down a river called Mensola, above which is a church under the title of S. Martin, which is a Priory of the Cassinese nuns, but formerly was of Nuns. The same as to the situation has Franciscus de Diacceto in the Life of S. Donatus, whose disciple that Andrew was, and in it transcribed by Constantine Cajetan from a very old codex of the same monastery, it is clearly said: There was near the same city of Fiesole, beside the river Mensola, a certain church, which in honor of S. Martin had been constructed, and burned by the pagans; and in another, described by Philip Villani in the old Tuscan tongue, and rendered into Latin for us by D. Placidus Puccinelli, glorious in writings and books edited: There was at the roots of the hill where the most ancient Fiesole was situated, beside the torrent of the Mensola, a certain basilica etc. Add that to the Abbey of Fiesole (which about the middle of the 15th century under S. Antoninus Archbishop of Florence was translated to the Regular Canons, and which in the time of Villani about the year 1309 still was of the black Monks) was subjected that Priory of S. Martin. Those Monks therefore now almost extinct, those who survived, can be believed, by the authority of the same holy Archbishop, to have been translated to the Florentine Abbey of their Order, with the rest of their possessions and so with the said Priory: which therefore is now reckoned to be of the Florentine diocese, or really also is by legitimate agreement between the Bishop and the Archbishop.

[7] Ferrarius therefore would not here be much to be blamed, who first wrote at Fiesole in the Abbey of S. Martin; how it is now of the Florentine diocese. but afterward said that S. Fabius is worshipped at Fiesole in Etruria; if in the said Abbey of old, now a Priory, any knowledge of such a Martyr were found; for seeking which anew we went by letters to the help most ready for us in cases of this kind of the most Illustrious and most erudite man D. Antonius Magliabechi; asking moreover concerning the place and situation of that Priory. For although Fiesole itself is to the North with respect to Florence, yet the diocese subject to it beyond the Arno and Florence toward the South extends, as appears from what we said on the 1st of May at the memory of S. Euphrosynus in the place of Panzano; situated in a position altogether diverse between Florence and Siena, on the right bank of the river Pesa. Of another S. Fabius Martyr, whose body brought to Rome, to Vienna of Austria, we shall treat on the 21st of May; and at the same time of other Relics of various Saints likewise brought thither.

May IV: 18. May

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