OF BLESSED AUGUSTINE NOVELLUS PRIOR GENERAL OF THE FRIARS HERMITS OF S. AUGUSTINE, AT SIENA IN ETRURIA. IN THE YEAR 1309. PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.
Of the Life written by a contemporary, the age, country, family, relics.
Augustine Novellus, Prior general of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Siena in Etruria (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR D. P.
[1] An eminent of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine star shone forth, in the century of Christ thirteenth, on account of doctrine's and sanctity's excellence, Blessed Augustine; for distinction from that first and great Doctor, of Hippo in Africa Bishop, The death on the 2nd day of Pentecost. Novellus surnamed: who when of the Supreme Pontiffs the Penitentiary, and of his whole Order Prior General had been; he chose in the century of Christ fourteenth in a certain hermitage to himself and to God to live; and thus of miracles by the glory celebrated, merited from this mortal life to the eternal and immortal to migrate on this day XIX of May, on the second day of Pentecost. The year that was 1309, in which by the cycle of the Moon XVIII of the Sun II, and by the letter Dominical E, Easter was celebrated on the day XXX of March, and the feast of Pentecost on the day XVIII of May, so that wonderful it is in a matter so clear various authors, who of him made mention, to have been able to err. His sacred body is kept in the city of Etruria of Siena in the Church of the Fathers Augustinian, The body at Siena. very ample, and with many ancient altars adorned: which we approaching in the year 1661 on the day X of October, venerated were the body of Blessed Augustine Novellus, enclosed in a marble chest, into the wall inserted above some lateral altar. There also we saw a most ancient of the same Blessed picture, and of four notable miracles the history: then having addressed the Reverend Father Marcellinus of Siena, we received offered to us a Life, to be transcribed from a double Ms. codex, The Life from Mss. hitherto unedited, one parchment, the other paper, in one or other of which at least it was noted, that to have been drawn from an ancient Ms. of the convent of Pisa, of the same Order of Hermits of S. Augustine. When then on the XI of October in the morning we were occupied in transcribing the Life of the said Blessed Augustine and other monuments, which the day before we had found; unbidden brought the said Reverend Father Marcellinus an instrument authentic, of the cult of the same Blessed Augustine, as below to the very Life we subjoin. The author of the Life plainly contemporary was, and of the same Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, who of his conversation, life, death, and miracles himself to treat prefaces, according to what from worthy of faith he heard: and so in n. 4, the author contemporary, while he treats those things which were by Blessed Augustine performed when of the Court of Manfred the King he was Prefect, asserts himself what he narrates to have learned from Brother Augustine of Forteguerris, who then was present among those assisting the said Blessed Augustine: and in n. 14 he hints himself to write, when over the kingdom of Naples presided Robert King, who to his father Charles II in the year 1309 dead (in which already we showed Blessed Augustine also from life to have departed) substituted, lived up to the year 1343.
[2] This Life hitherto unedited various men saw, and thence of their own transcribed: from which transcribed their own Jordan of Saxony among whom first deservedly to be reckoned is Jordan of Saxony, who often the office of Vicar General discharged, and in the book, which the Lives of the Brothers he titled, very much alleges keeping the words of him; the book moreover that he composed about the year 1360. Octavius Cajetanus in tome
2 of the Saints Sicilian published a Life, by himself in order of time arranged, from those things which Jordan of him scatteredly handed down in the books which the Lives of the Brothers he titled, that so the said Life, into one body compacted, and thence the Bergamese, to each before the eyes and in the hands with no labor might be: which labor he could have spared, if the which we give Life he had obtained. A Breviary of the same's life wrote various men, among whom James Philip of Bergamo in the Supplement of chronicles, but wrongly his death he referred to the year 1303: Thomas de Herrera in the Alphabet Augustinian, who asserts from life to have gone in the year 1310, Herrera, and followed him Philip Elssius in the Encomiastic Augustinian.
James Pamphilus Bishop of Segni, in the Chronicle of the Order of Friars Hermits of S. Augustine, Pamphilus, rightly established him to have died in the year 1309, and describes what he had found in the Bergamese and Jordan of Saxony. Dielman, Cornelius Dielman, of the same Order Religious of Ghent, published a Rule of the monastic life, in some men of the Order of Friars Hermits of S. Augustine, by science and of life sanctity illustrious, delineated; where first is brought forth Blessed Augustine Novellus, and his Life most widely is deduced. But that part to us most certain appears, which with the Life here to be given agrees. There survive moreover in our of the Society of Jesus Palermo College two volumes manuscript on the origin of heresies, and Riera. by the author D. Bernard Riera Doctor of both Laws Sicilian of Trapani: in whose second, where it is treated of the Kingdom of Sicily, how it always the Catholic faith kept, and more specially of the Religion under Charles of Anjou the Gaul, is read the Life of Blessed Augustine Novellus; extracted (as the author prefaces) partly from the book which is titled the Lives of the Brothers Hermits of S. Augustine, which wrote Jordan the Saxon a neighbor to those times; and most recently from Joseph Pamphilus, Bishop of Segni of the same institute; and others. Among these others also James of Bergamo was, who in the year 1435 his work finished at Brescia and published: Pamphilus, one century after and in the year of Christ 1581, his book to the Roman press subjected: wrote therefore Bernard before the end of the century XVI; and in this sense Vincent Auria, the very Life, with his Annotations printed at Palermo in the year 1664, dedicating to the Senate of Palermo, from an old codex received said in the preface to the Reader. We the omitted rivulets those all, purer from the fount water reach forth; nor heavily we bear to our hands not to have come the life, which (the same Vincent being witness) James Cascio of Termini at Palermo published in the year 1611.
[3] In the time of Frederick 2 King of Sicily in the year 1309 dead In the Annotations aforesaid two especially assumes Vincent Auria, to be discussed and explained. First, at what time he lived or flourished; second, in what city was born Augustine. About the first inveighs the author against Philip Ferrarius, that he in the Martyrology general notes him to have flourished under Frederick II Emperor, about the year 1290. We acknowledge here some slip σφάλμα, of Ferrarius: for Frederick II Emperor, in the year 1250 on the day XVIII of October in Apulia from life departed: but that slip σφάλμα would be corrected, if it be said Augustine to have flourished under Frederick II, King of Sicily: this for from the Aragonese born, in the year 1296 at Palermo on the VII Kalends of April the Crown received, and up to the year 1336 reigned. He flourished therefore truly in the time of Frederick Augustine, now older, and to death in the year 1309 to be undergone near; while moreover still in the world Matthew he was called, a King and Lord he acknowledged Manfred, he was in the year 1259 of King Manfred a Counsellor, of whose Court he himself presided, with the title of Counsellor and Judge perpetual: as appears from this of the aforesaid King instrument, which exhibits Vincent aforesaid, in the year 1663 authentically transcribed from the original Register, which is conserved in the archive of the great Royal Court Sicilian at Naples, and is of a tenor of this kind. Manfred by God's grace of Sicily and Jerusalem King and of Taranto Prince, to all and singular the series of the present privilege about to see and in whatever way to inspect. Wherefore be it known that the brightness of blood, inveterate magnificence, and services at their own costs, of blood an effusion in deeds done against the Barbarians, and other most important occasions of the Christian faith, both in the service of the most Serene Kings of Aragon and of Castile, and ours and our most Serene Father's, afforded by the strenuous and renowned family of Thermes, of the Province of Catalonia of the Spains, which from the ancient Kings of the Goths stock its origin to have drawn its ancient privileges say; and to the Counts of Narbonne, and by the same is given a noble fief. and the Viscounts of Thermes, whose governance to the whole family the name gave. Considering we the merits of many other services, by you the noble Matthew de Termes, our Counsellor and of our Royal Court Judge perpetual, and of the nobles Oliver and John de Termes, your grandfather and father, to our most Serene Father Frederick the Emperor of Counsellors, in whatever way afforded, by which also to you a debt to be of remunerating, lest our royal largesse of its debt be lacking, it has seemed. By the measure, into the account of the said services, gladly we give and grant to you, the noble our Counsellor Matthew de Termes, as by the present series of this present our royal privilege of grant is granted, the fief and castle of Campus-Martini in Bitonto, with the rights and pertinences its all: as amply held and possessed James de Montecavioso, our traitor, and in the same manner and form, nothing adding nor diminishing, with a confirmation rather of those royal privileges, to those by our predecessors in whatever way granted. Therefore we command all of our royal dominion, and especially of our City of Bitonto, that at once and forthwith the present received a vacant, free, and natural possession of the present fief and castle of Campus-Martini, with the rights and pertinences its all, into the hands own of the present noble Matthew de Termes our Counsellor, or his lawful proctor, to deliver they ought, and in it continually to maintain, by obeying him, as a true Lord and Baron of the present fief and castle, as if he were our royal person, with the very authorities, powers, jurisdictions, dominions, pre-eminences, gains, and incomes, in whatever way to the said Barony of the fief and castle of Campus-Martini belonging and pertaining. So execute, under penalty of our royal indignation. Given at Gaeta on the VIII of July 1259. By the mandate of the most Serene King Manfred. Saw Gualterius de Ocrea, the great Chancellor.
[4] Thus far that privilege, whose exordium, not sufficiently happily and faithfully transcribed, it somewhat pleased to smooth, by interposition and transposition of a few words; we suspect however even thus not to be had entire, but in the beginning a whole one line, from which depends a sound sense, to have been omitted. The year of the date 1259 in Arabic ciphers notes Vincent on page 39: for which then on page 55 crept in by a typographic error the note of the year 1254, by an easy of two ciphers 9 and 4 commutation: for which to be corrected a certain reason suggests the year 1258, in which first King crowned
Manfred was; joined with the year 1266, in which he perished, in battle vanquished by Charles of Anjou, brother of S. Louis King of France. Then indeed Blessed Augustine, the world renouncing, the habit monastic of the Friars Hermits of S. Augustine assumed in Sicily: The habit had taken the Blessed in the year 1266, and when in this island not for much time with his Brothers he had been associated, as in n. 11 is said, he came into the province of Siena: and there for an idiot held, the vilest each offices in various Convents he performed; until at length who he was and had been by others was known. Then namely a Priest created, and by of the Order universal the General Blessed Clement of Aquino into a Companion assumed, with him the Constitutions of the Order he composed. We gave the Life of Blessed Clement on the day VIII of April, and said the first time the Order to have presided over from the year of the said century 70, up to the year 74; and afterward again assumed in the year 84, and in the year 87 to have been established. It seems moreover by Blessed Clement elected Augustine when the first time General he was; and him he could afterward in the Constitutions to be composed have helped, when he was of Nicholas IV Supreme Pontiff Penitentiary created, in the year 1277 or the following. This moreover office he sustained up to the year 1298, in which was created of the Order universal the General: the dignity moreover of his own accord he laid down in the year 1300, and thenceforth in the hermitage of S. Leonard a private lived, up to the day XIX of May of the year 1309, in which there on the second day of Pentecost (as we said) to the celestial country he migrated.
[5] The other, which Vincent Auria to be discussed had assumed, is, in what city was born Blessed Augustine; The country whether Palermo, and he resolves, himself a Palermitan, in his city of Palermo him to have been born. The proof first and nearly all he assumes from the Life by Bernard Riera composed, where these are read: Born was this holy Father in the city of Palermo, from a noble family de Thermes called, up to today most renowned. But who before Bernard Riera made mention of Palermo, as of a country? To the author of the ancient Life in n. 3 is said Blessed Augustine from a certain castle, or rather the Castle Teranum? Teranum called, which from the Palermo city nearly XXX miles is distant, to have taken his origin: and in n. 11 by an ancient name he is called D. Matthew de Therano. And by Jordan in the Lives of the Brothers (whom Bernard Riera especially praises) he is called Augustine de Terano, or by a prior name Matthew de Terano. So is read in book 2 chs. 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 18, book 3 ch. 11, book 4 chs. 10, 11, 14. Hence by posterity also he is called Augustine de Iterano, and Interamnum. James of Bergamo in the Supplement at the year 1303 thus the elogium begins. Augustine de Interamnum, General of our Order Prior, by nation a Sicilian, once of both Laws most consulted and a Theologian distinguished, in this very year not far from the of Siena of Etruria city, in a little place to the Divine Leonard dedicated, by many renowned miracles, with a good end rested etc. Which his elogium in the edition of Paris of the year 1585 plainly is omitted. But in the Chronicle of Joseph Pamphilus it seems the Bergamese, and others him having followed, by a near plainly of the name ambiguity deceived, Interamnum or Interamna, of Umbria a city to have regarded, which commonly Terani, and more contractedly Terni is called: from their very however error manifest it is made, that they no other name, than what in the ancient Life is read, expressed to have found.
[6] But a difficulty other hence arises, how so constantly is written by the more ancient men a castle Teranum, which nowhere now is found; and this same as Thermes? when in the same XXX miles' distance from the city of Palermo is situated a town, Thermae called; and by this surname, both Augustine himself or Matthew in the world, and others from the same family, before and after him born, are found called: of whom in the Dedicatory his Vincent: That family repeats its origin from Oliver de Thermes, among the Catalan Magnates a chief man; to whom he annexes Brother John de Thermes, Archbishop of Palermo, Jerome, Bishop of Mazara and elected at Palermo Prelate; Matthew, who Blessed Augustine as uncle had, of the Kingdom of Sicily Master Justiciar; Francis, a Knight of Jerusalem; and other men, who the Palermo city, with of Captain and of Praetor, and also of Senators dignity ruled, or of the citadel the Prefecture bore. He adds also Vincent on page 45, of this family the men commonly all to be called de Termini and da Termini, which also by examples he proves; and it is wonderful enough, since Thermes and Termini neighboring indeed of the same tract, but yet divers places are. There accedes to the difficulty to be increased, that the Termini-folk pretend, that as ancient at Palermo is the family from Termini named, so to be old with them a family de Terano, although it now extinct be. For in the scrutiny of the Magistracy of Termini, made under King Martin in the year 1398, is read among others Peter de Terano, in this order: Thomas de Palma, Simeon de li Pulielli, Simeon de la Sentina, Antony de Basto, Thomas de S. Marco, N. de Salvo, Peter de Terano, Agathinus de lu Cavano, Peter Solito, Philip de lo Masello.
[7] What moreover to the Castle Teranum pertains, thinks Octavius Cajetanus our man in the Annotations, whence the name of the family? corrupted to be the word, and Thermes to be read. Joseph Pamphilus, with words from Riera transcribed, thus begins: Augustine de Therma, of our Order General Prior, by nation a Sicilian. But fully the suspicion purges the Scrutiny of Termini aforesaid; and proves, truly some Teranum to have been, from Thermae equally as from Termini divers. To be reconciled however the difference could, if to presume it be permitted of the very of Termini city's castle, which Augustine's father for the King as governor held, by a proper name Teranum to have been called. For the rest as it does not follow, Augustine, because de Thermes surnamed he was, at Thermae also to have been born; since this of his family the name was, handed down to posterity from Oliver, of that town once Lord or Toparch: so neither from the fact that the same family at Palermo now its Seat has, by occasion of the offices afore-noted, which both Augustine himself and others after him there bore, by no means it follows, there, and not in the of Termini of his family house to the light to have come the Saint. Wherefore, if the Teranum castle and Thermae town divers be not, but to this that pertain; a juster presumption and on a more ancient authority leaning, against a simple of Riera and Auria conjecture, will stand for the Termini-folk, an old with them tradition pretending. On account of this moreover of their office to be they believed, after received at Siena Relics some of Blessed Augustine, some Relics to Siena brought. in the year 1620, from the most Serene Great of Etruria Duke Cosmo II, into the cult and veneration of him more solicitously to inquire, as will be clear from a double Appendix to be added after the Life. Sufficiently moreover informed and certified of all things, from Ferdinand Archbishop of Palermo they obtained in the year 1645 the faculty, the very Relics in the greater church publicly to expose, and processionally each year to lead around, on the day of his Translation: which to have been the Sunday first of August, taught us the Reverend Father Vincent Galeanti, of our College of Noto in Sicily Rector in the year 1669.
LIFE
By a contemporary author of the Hermit Order. From the Mss. of Siena and Pisa.
Augustine Novellus, Prior general of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Siena in Etruria (S.)
BHL Number: 0804
BY A CONTEMPORARY FROM THE MSS.
PROLOGUE.
[1] Although the omnipotent and good God gifts and graces to each according to His good pleasure bestows: to some however greater, to some lesser He apportions:
(For this is what through the Apostle is said: To one is given the word of wisdom, to another moreover the word of knowledge; to another faith, to another the grace of healings, to another the working of virtues, to another prophecy, to another discretion of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of speeches: these all works one and the same Spirit, dividing to each as He wills) the sacred however and venerable religion of the Friars Hermits of the Doctor eminent Augustine with gifts especial and graces most abundant He heaped. 1 Cor. 12, 8 The Hermits of S. Augustine For to the holy Apostles, the rest of death received, raised God sons, namely Holy Hermits, by the word of God's seed in the womb of mother Church begotten: who as legitimate sons, of the prior Fathers, namely the Holy Apostles, imitators of the Apostles, the life would imitate and morals: and into whom and upon whom of the very Apostles, as Elijah's upon Elisha, the spirit should rest, and with the mantle of holy conversation the streams of carnality they should divide: who by of the supernal country the love kindled, all the world's prosperities, as certain dung, would reckon: who not only death by no means would fear, but for the sweetness of God it eagerly would desire: who as another Abraham, at the precept of the Lord, kindred and country would leave: to be compared to the Patriarchs who as another Moses, themselves sons of the daughter of Pharaoh, that is of the very flesh and of the world, to be called would abhor, and the reproaches of the Cross great riches would esteem: who as another Joseph, corn to the Egyptians and the pastures of the word of God to carnal men, with the Egyptians' darkness involved, solicitously would minister: who as other Maccabees, for the very holy of God laws all their things would leave, and to die by no means would dread; and of all enemies, namely the world, the flesh and the demon, manfully fighting would triumph. to the Angels These are Seraphim, with zeal of God fervent: these Cherubim, full of knowledge, the Lord contemplating, and to Him to be known others leading: these Thrones, in God alone resting, and no but in God rest to be showing: these Dominations, others by life and morals presiding, and others to all of God obeisances directing: these Virtues, with miracles glittering, and of God conscious nothing impossible thinking: these Powers, demons coercing, and by their virtue God's people protecting: these Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, the care of others having, and now greater, and to the Planets. now lesser, namely what to men's salvation suits, announcing, and God's people by prayers, life and example solicitously guarding and defending: these the Sun, the world illuminating, and of ignorance and of sins the darkness driving away: these the Stars of heaven, in the night of adversity the sad directing, and by their example them strengthening: these the precious stones in the vestment of Aaron, and of the very true Priest Christ with a wonderful brightness shining: these built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets with a most firm stability lasting. Let rejoice therefore the holy Mother Church, with so many and such sons made fruitful: let rejoice the Hermits' Religion, whose head is Augustine, the Doctor eminent, by its Spouse with so many and so great gifts decorated: let rejoice the people of the faithful, with so many soldiers defended; let rejoice also the city of Siena, with of so great a Father, namely S. Augustine, a new Confessor, the Relics fore-endowed. especially he whose Life here, from worthy of faith received, is given. But now to Blessed Augustine the New, who in our times in the holy Church and our Religion, as a certain celestial star shone forth, and into whom all the above said came together, let me return: whose conversation, life, death, but also with what he shone miracles, according to what from worthy of faith I heard, to treat I intend, by the very Saint's devotion moved, for the holy conversation's example and souls' salvation.
CHAPTER I.
Augustine's Life before and after the taken habit in Sicily.
[2] He was moreover Blessed Augustine by a double name called; namely Matthew and Augustine: MATTHEW in the world, AUGUSTINE in the order: which by divine providence, not casually was done, that namely from a double of the name appellation a manifold perfection might become known. For is interpreted MATTHEW, A gift of hastening: Matthew in the world which well suits him on account of his hasty conversion. At once indeed after the death of his Lord, namely King Manfred, of whose
Court he himself presided; Augustine in religion called, when the voice of one within knocking he heard, from the little bed of the body and of negligence rising, to the one knocking opened; and him inward leading, a supper to him exhibited and from him received. Or he was called AUGUSTINE from AUGUST, which is the month hottest, that in it be denoted the fervor of charity: or he was called AUGUSTINE from AUGUSTUS the Emperor, who held the principate in the world, that from this be denoted to be understood, that he was about to hold the principate in the Order: or he was called Augustine from Augeo (to increase), because in his time the Order of Hermits manifoldly was exalted, and with many privileges and graces by the holy Mother Church fore-fortified.
[3] Therefore Blessed Augustine from a certain castle Teranum called, which from the Palermo city nearly XXX miles is distant, took his origin: and although the name of his father or mother is unknown, it is clear however him from noble born birth, born in Sicily, as his progeny up to the present day declares, which there and in many other castles holds dominion. From his very moreover boyhood both to letters delivered, and as much as that age allows sufficiently instructed he was. Him wishing moreover to proceed to Bologna to study, prohibited him his mother, who him most tenderly loving drew back: seeing moreover the firm mind of him, him up to Rome she followed. at Bologna Doctor of both Laws created, Began moreover from his adolescence the of predestination gift in him to shine, and of what kind he would be future by indications most manifest to appear. For many vices, with which the very adolescence and the manner of living of scholars by their as it were is implicated nature, he began to abhor; of women and of lascivious youths the companies to spurn, vain words and dissolute laughters to avoid, the church to go to, to preaching intent to be, and (as much as that age allows) what he heard by work to fulfill. Coming moreover to Bologna, so in not many years he profited, that he could deservedly among of Doctors the number be reckoned. Of both therefore Laws made a Professor, Prefect of the Court of King Manfred: to his own he returned: and began his report to increase, and everywhere to be diffused; so much, that King Manfred, who then in the Kingdom presided, over his whole Court him summoned set, and at his command all things were done.
[4] And because in a certain way it is impossible, that one in the midst of carnal men placed, should remain from vices unsullied; protected him God by His grace and mercy, that at least he should not be implicated in those vices, which into ruin the soul plunge, and to God by no means to return permit, and which his future vocation chiefly to hinder could. estranged from the vices of the flesh, For although, as we said, in the midst of carnal men placed, he had made however for himself of perpetual virginity a purpose, which up to death he held and kept; as became known from his words, not from boastfulness, but from charity said, as the Apostle, by the charity of his disciples overcome, himself sometimes commended. There assisted moreover the man of God a certain Brother Uguitio, a man good, noble and of sound sense: who when from a certain chance was absent, said the holy man to certain of those assisting him then Brothers, among whom was then Brother Augustine de Forteguerris, from whom what I narrate I learned; he said moreover: I so love that Uguitio, as a son, although never have I done that whence a son I could have; he himself moreover always from me withdraws. And at once he was silent, as if penitent of what he had said. From which word it is given to understand, that not only in the Order, but even secular existing, a vow of virginity he held and kept. Which word willed God from his mouth to slip, that from this be given to understand, of what kind and how great he was, whose life to be set should be to others for an example. from a judgment of blood, In the same also Court remaining he withdrew himself, as I said, by divine protected grace, lest he be a man of blood, who to build was a house to the name of the Lord, a Father and Pastor future in the very Religion of the Hermits. For never was he present at a judgment of blood, nor in councils where of shedding blood it was treated. From illicit also gains and little gifts, from gifts and duplicity. in which of such men the kind is wont to be implicated, he was totally estranged; so that not a Judge, but a Father as it were by all he was held. Oaths and words double and vain, and extortions which often in Courts are made, altogether he abhorred so much, that already shone forth in him, what future him the grace of God had foreseen.
[5] When moreover that Venerable Father was in the Court above-said, it happened the above-said King Manfred by King Charles to be vanquished: in which conflict while was Augustine, God disposing, To him sick, by fear of death led, he fled into the island of Sicily: in which island he incurred a sickness violent, now by his own judgment about to descend to hell, carrying with himself sins. And fearing before the sight of the eternal Judge with many sins, which he himself in himself from humility to be acknowledged, and without any merits to appear, he asked from God a space of penance, promising himself about to enter an Order religious, at once when he should be freed. Regarded moreover him God, and restored to pristine health: who not unmindful of the word of Solomon saying, if anything you have vowed to God do not delay to render, because displeases Him a foolish and indiscreet promise; disposed to enter the Order of S. Dominic. Eccl. 5, And two of his household sent, when for the called three times Dominicans there met them two of the Brothers Hermits of S. Augustine: whom to their Lord at home remaining they led: whom he seeing venerated as Fathers; his purpose however by no means to them opening, he sent them back. Indignant moreover against the servants sent, whom he had taught, how were the Brothers, whom he sought clothed, and of their name, and where they dwelt, he said: Why did you not fulfill what I said? Go, bring those whom I said. Who going, two others of the same Hermit Brothers brought: whom likewise he sent back, and more against the servants indignant, a third time them to the place of the Preachers sent back. Who an Angel leading, not knowing the place or the Brothers, there should come always Augustinians. went by a straight way to the place of the Brothers Hermits, and the received Prior together with another Brother led to their Lord. From which deed it is plain manifestly, him by God singularly fore-elected, that he might be a Leader and Father of the Brothers Hermits. their habit he assumes: Knew moreover the man holy, himself by divine grace to the place of the Brothers Hermits called: and the divine mercy and goodness in himself considering, he burned with the fire of divine love: and already of the reward of eternal beatitude made certain, and himself for the sweetness of God not containing, to those Brothers his purpose opened: and utterly the world and its pomps renouncing, into a man other wholly was changed, and the habit of the holy Religion, namely of the Brothers Hermits of S. Augustine, assumed.
[6] And because for ruin alone grows what is built, unless a foundation of humility before the mass of the structure be procured; willed the man of God, in the very of his conversion beginning, of humility to lay the foundations, that the house of his soul founded on Him who says, Learn from me because meek I am and humble of heart, by no ruins could be destroyed; namely because in the Gospel is written, There came the rivers, blew the winds, descended the rain, and rushed into that house, and it did not fall: founded for it was upon a firm rock. Matt. 11, 29, Matt. 7, 25 and his person hiding, Therefore the man of God divinely inspired, not only in affection, but in the exterior effect, studied the virtue of humility to have. Wherefore to the Order coming, and the habit of the holy Religion assuming, he hid of his science the brightness, of his lineage the nobility, and of his prior state the loftiness: lest anyone from any of the aforesaid him considering might venerate, and lest from this could some pride creep into his heart. Made was therefore among the Brothers a fool, that by God he might be instructed: made was poor, that with riches celestial he might be enriched; made unknown to men, that by God he might be known; made vile to the world, that with God he might be exalted. He associated therefore among the Brothers more vile and more despised than all, he lowers himself to the lowest things, knowing himself by so much to be of greater merit with God, by how much for love of Him more he was despised in the world. Humble he was in effect, but more in affect: boastfulness or word any of a prior state never was heard from him: the begging-quest and humble services of the house whatever more vile, unknown remaining, with devotion and humility exceeding he fulfilled. In the very moreover his humility rejoicing, he wept because so long had deferred God the joy of his soul. Melted his soul with love of the supernal country, for whose love whatever here he did for nothing he reckoned. If any word sometime for the cause of fraternal correction to be made slipped from his mouth, which sometimes by detestation of evil and fraternal charity he was wont to do, at once himself condemning, at the feet of the Brother prostrate pardon he asked.
[7] He had also the perfection of highest poverty, as can be plain to all, his life and death considering: tenacious of poverty, for since first in the world with many riches he abounded, in the Order shortly nothing for himself of those, besides humble clothes and few, he wished to retain, whether in Sicily remaining, or to the Siena province coming. And when he had stood in the Court Confessor of the Supreme Pontiff for twenty-two years, in which he could, as other Confessors of the supreme Pontiff, abundantly abound; never however did he wish anything to amass: so much that to death coming, nothing he had shortly which it behooved him to leave; having imitated his Father Blessed Augustine the Doctor, whose name and habit with so fervent devotion he had received, who to death coming a testament did not make, because whence to make it the poor man of Christ he had not.
[8] in food sparing and austere. He was also very austere to himself in food and drink, although in the world he had been with foods noble and delicate nourished. For in his youth, when he came to the Order, never anything he sought, except those foods vile, which then the Brothers commonly used, with this superadded, that always wont for him it was to eat once in the day. After moreover he stood in the Court, Prior General of the Order made, and after to the desired solitude he had returned; although sometimes by reason of infirmity other foods him to use it behooved, always however he ate once in the day, weighing the bread which he ate, namely fifteen ounces every day; in this not to pleasure, but to necessity condescending.
[9] He was a follower of hospitality: The hospital of Siena to be founded he cares for, for although with occupations very many, which to dismiss from the very conscience by no means he could, he was implicated; he was however of hospitality a counsellor, and a fosterer of those who hospitality loved. Which chiefly was plain in the Lord Restaurus, whom he himself by his counsel induced, that he might be the Father of the Hospital of S. Mary of Siena. For since the same Lord Restaurus with many riches abounded, he placed himself totally in his hands, about to do through all things as he should counsel him. And when he could to the succoring of the Order him induce, and to be ordained. which also he would have done; he judged better to be, that the very Lord Restaurus all his goods to the Hospital should commit: which also done was. And from then, both from the goodness of Lord Restaurus, who very laudably the above-said presided over Hospital, and from the riches which there he left, began the Hospital to be augmented and to grow, since before small it was. Moreover also all the good privileges, which has the said Hospital, and that they could be called Brothers, and of their exemption from the holy Mother Church, he himself when he was of great reputation in the Court, acquired. To the very also Brothers of the Hospital a manner of living and an order he handed down: but also to the very Lord of the Hospital, how he ought to be clothed, he ordained: which, up to the time of venerable memory the Lord John, was kept.
[10] With so great also devotion was affected his heart to the Lord, that all things to him grew bitter, With love of God and devotion fervent, and only God grew sweet to his soul. A tedium it was to him to think except of God or to speak: which manifestly can be plain, to one thinking of what kind he was in his life: for up to a decrepit age, when a man failing by old age is forced from labor to cease, he seemed in God's service every day in strength to grow strong. For always in the night he was first to Matins, long always in prayer he remained, always, other occupations wholly dismissed, more solicitous at all the Hours. Mass every day infallibly, unless by infirmity detained, with devotion fervid he celebrated: nor, after he had said it, to the common words he returned; but in his cell shutting himself, up to Terce in prayer he remained. the novices accurately he instructs. The youths, whom to the Order to come he perceived, because their innocence and purity he considered, and because God in them he venerated, with most tender love and paternal affection he loved: and when to S. Leonard of Silva-lacus to see him they came, with his own hands he served, and with the food of God's word them he fed. And if sometime anyone either to go out of the Order, or not fully to do what he ought, he perceived; the pious Father pious tears emitted. But now to the order of his life, whence somewhat we have digressed, to return we intend.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER II.
The Acts of Augustine in Italy up to his death.
[11] After moreover in the same island of Sicily, of which above we made mention, from Sicily into the Province of Siena passed, was the same venerable Father in the habit of the holy Religion clothed, and there not for much time with his Brothers associated; it happened a certain Brother of Siena, by name Bindus Nenni, by obedience of the Order to the island the same to come. Whom seeing the man of God, asked of the places of the Siena province; and learned there to be places from the habitation of men remote, and for to be free for God very apt: and license from the superior obtained, he came to the Siena province, with few and vile clothes clothed, to the Brothers of that province wholly unknown, to God moreover known and approved. And placed in a certain hermitage, which to S. Barbara dedicated had been founded near the castle of S. Flora, to God alone he was free: and so much he delighted that he seemed to the of the Blessed troops to be present, and of blessed quiet the reward to taste. Because moreover he was not known of what kind and how great he was, humbly he lives at S. Barbara's: there were imposed on him humble services of the house; which he himself with humility assiduous and charity fervid fulfilled. He made the begging-quests, purged the house, the platters and other house furniture washed; but also all other things, of his prior life the haughtiness wholly laid aside, voluntarily he exercised. Although he was humble and abject in his own eyes, considered however the Brothers his perfect conversation, and the gravity of his morals, and the words of life which always from him came forth, and gladly him they heard. There was moreover there
Prior a certain Brother of Siena, Brother Bonus called, a Brother sufficiently venerable and capable, who long afterward was Vicar of the Lord Rainald Bishop of Siena: who considering his goodness and counsels most salutary, to Rosia he is led away: beyond what he saw of him estimated, and was delighted with his humility, gravity of morals, and of his eloquences the sweetness. When therefore the same Brother Bonus from the Convent of S. Barbara was transferred to the place of S. Antony, with himself him he led: and another following year made Prior of Rosia also with himself retained; and although him he did not recognize, he venerated as a father: in which place Blessed Augustine remaining, though unwilling, was made known and manifest.
[12] When the Brothers of the convent of Rosia a certain in the Court had a question, by occasion of a writing by himself made, in which already the Brothers were succumbing; and of this too greatly were saddened, since from this a certain possession they would lose, from which the Convent much was sustained; willed God a lamp, which long under a bushel had been, upon the candlestick of the Holy Religion to place, that it might shine to all who in it were. Seeing therefore the holy man the Brothers' minds perturbed, and knowing to the Brothers an injury greatest to be done, the Proctor he approached, asking for himself secretly something to write. The Proctor indeed derided him, not knowing that to read he knew or to write: he however persevering to ask, reached to him paper, a reed-pen, and ink, as he had said. He wrote moreover few words, but of science much: which writing he exhibited, to be handed to the Proctor adversary the Lord James, father of the Lord Nerus de Pagliaresis. Which writing when read the Lord James, the words' brevity and of science the virtue considering, said: The devil, or an Angel, or the Lord Matthew de Therano, is recognized and indicated by a former fellow-student. with whom I was studying at Bologna, who is dead in the conflict of the Lord King Manfred, this writing composed. And hearing from the Proctor that a certain Brother rustic and ignorant this writing composed, he said: No, I say, so it is. And at once descending to the place of the Brothers Hermits of Siena, the summoned Prior Brother Placitus and many other Brothers asked, who was this kind of Brother, and of what country, and how he came hither. And from the response of the Brothers his conditions known, he suspected to be who he was: and at once going to Rosia, and seeing whom dead he thought, marveling at his humility, he fell into embraces and kisses of him, the tears of devotion not being able to contain. And when asked him the same venerable Father, not to perturb his peace by manifesting him; by no means he acquiesced, but said to the Brothers: Brothers, you have a treasure hidden; this for is the better man of the world; hold therefore him as is fitting: but also your question is terminated for you. Began therefore the Brothers him to venerate, and to him reverence to exhibit. He himself moreover with true humility founded, honors and all reverence rejected; and works servile not dismissing, altogether thus remained.
[13] It happened moreover, Blessed Augustine in the hermitage remaining, the venerable Father Brother Clement, then of the Order General, to the Siena convent to come: Made a Priest with the General the Constitutions he ordains: who hearing the most celebrated report of him, the summoned him into his Companion assumed: and leading him to the Court, though unwilling, a Priest ordained. Associating therefore both together, they composed the Constitutions and manner of living of the Order, with much ordinance and sanctity shining; where of the cult of God, of the charity mutual, which of the Brothers each one to a Brother to have ought; of the office of Clerics and laymen, of the reception and nurture of Novices, of the election of the Officials of the Order, of the penalties to be imposed for faults, and of the rest others, which to the manner of living of the Brothers pertain, so wisely and discreetly are treated, that nothing can be judged to be added or diminished.
[14] Remaining therefore both Venerable men for some time in the Court, asked Pope
Nicholas of the General to be given him one Confessor in his Court, sufficient and suitable: is created Penitentiary of the Pope. who being existent the Supreme Pontiff together with the Cardinals in consistory, led Blessed Augustine, a man suitable and proved. And seeing the Cardinals despised in habit, in face austere and rigid, to the General they said: From what wood did you bring him? Led therefore Blessed Augustine to the feet of the Supreme Pontiff, and ignorant to what he was led; when the Pope imposed on him his hands, his authority bestowing; so bitterly to weep he began, that the Pope and Cardinals he provoked to wailing. There was in him an appetite, to the hermitage, where before he had been associated, to return, that to God alone as he was wont he might be free. The Supreme moreover Pontiff and the Lords Cardinals, knowing his humility, and holy conversation, and of his science the eloquence, more than can be believed venerated him. Although the pious Father was forced to remain in the Court in body, in mind however he dwelt in the hermitage, as after a time appeared manifestly. He remained moreover the Venerable Father in the Court above-said Penitentiary of the Supreme Pontiff for years twenty-two, to the supreme Pontiff and the Lords Cardinals more than can be believed acceptable and gracious. So much for the grace of God overflowed in him, that the very Supreme Pontiff and the Lords Cardinals with a pious him venerated affection. And when sometimes, by zeal of justice supported not only by beseeching but by rebuking he reproved, most patiently they heard, God in His servant venerating: of so great for judgment and so celebrated counsel he was, that they seemed from heaven to have sounded the words and counsels, which often from him came forth.
[15] In that moreover time in which the pious Father in the Court dwelt Roman, Elected General, it happened a General Chapter at Milan to be celebrated: in which Chapter the same Venerable Father unanimously and concordantly into General of the Order, though absent, by all of the Chapter was elected. Which election by no means he accepted: nor would he have accepted, unless by the Supreme Pontiff the Lord Boniface he had been to accepting compelled. He presided moreover over the Order for years two, with much charity, humility, and of justice zeal supported. Humble in exhorting, severe in correcting: to all benign, though to himself austere: and because most grievous it was to him the wonted peace and sweetness of devotion and contemplation to leave, and to others' care to attend; after a biennium he abdicates: he hastened of governance the burden to lay down. For since by the custom of the Order a Chapter from triennium to triennium to be celebrated was wont, he himself the pious Father overcome by the of governance tedium, in the year second of his governance, a Chapter at Naples to be made instituted; where although by the Order he was urged to govern, by no means he acquiesced. In which also Chapter the devout King, namely Charles father of King Robert, both of the Order and of the holy man to the devotion affected, the head of Blessed Luke the Evangelist to the Order handed over, instituting every year that of Blessed Luke the feast solemnly to be celebrated there should be (which up to the present day is kept) where both the King and the Queen and other Royal persons, he receives the head of S. Luke the Evangelist. both of the very S. Luke by devotion, and of the above-said King by institution, to come together were wont.
[16] The laid down therefore of governance burden, to the Court by no means he returned; but at once, all other things omitted, to the desired solitude: and in a certain Hermitage, which in honor of S. Leonard had been founded, with few to himself joined Brothers, He acts in the Hermitage of S. Leonard: he rested in the shade of divine contemplation and of spiritual sweetness; and dismissed all other cares, to God alone he was free. And now to blessed quiet to himself he seemed to be present: nor could however the light, but that it be manifested, lie hidden. For other men of Siena far remaining, hearing the report of his sanctity him came to: whom he by the word of life and of sanctity by example all refreshed: nor was there anyone so impassioned and so afflicted, who not consoled from him departed, he consoles the afflicted: and who God not venerated in him. For also a certain noble man the Lord John Provost, of Salibenis called, when from the death of his mother he was so afflicted that it wearied him even to live; by the counsel of his friends to him came: and hearing the sweet exhortations of him, more than could be believed marveling, said: I would not wish my mother to live, for I so great a consolation by no means would have perceived.
[17] When moreover had stood the same Venerable Father in the same hermitage years nearly ten, after the governance of the Order he had dismissed, his death foreseen piously he dies. willed him God from the world's exile and of his flesh the burden to free: and began, beyond the manner accustomed of his infirmity, troubles other of the body to sustain. And the voice of God him calling understanding, to many Brothers he said, and asked that to his death they should be present: from which it is manifest his death by spirit to have known. Coming moreover to the very of life extreme, so of sound mind and sense always he remained, as if no alteration he had in his body. And when there were present at his death many Nobles of Siena, to them and to the Brothers all it was plain from his gesture, him to the eternal banquets to come invited: and so the assisting him Brothers and praying, his spirit to God he rendered.
[18] Was moreover his death revealed to a certain great and proved for a long time, who was called Brother Peter of Camerata, who about twenty years remaining in a certain hermitage, where was one place of the Order left, [his death to another far placed is revealed.] by license of the Order in great austerity and sanctity of life remained. He also Blessed Augustine with a great was affected love. When therefore the Brothers wished Blessed Augustine in the last things nearly placed to refresh, they sent two Brothers, Brother namely Bonaventure of Monte-Puliciano, and Michael of Podium Bonizi, to the said Brother Peter of Camerata: whose dwelling remained from the city nearly miles XIV, that he might deign to come and visit so great a Father. Which Brother Peter, having gone forth a little outside his cell to meet those Brothers, before to him their purpose they opened, said with a certain tearful voice: Brothers, not is it necessary, that I should come: our Father indeed Augustine has migrated to heaven, and I have recommended his soul just now to God. Returning moreover the Brothers sent, knew at the same hour, in which they had come and such words had heard, Blessed Augustine to God his spirit to have rendered. From which manifestly is plain, that the same Blessed Peter, in his cell corporeally so far remaining, was in spirit present, as was plain in the effect.
ANNOTATIONS.
p. Joseph Pamphilus in the Chronicle calls the Relics of the head of S. Luke, which today with much veneration in the church of S. Augustine at Naples are kept. q. The convent of S. Leonard is distant 4 miles from Siena, and one from the monastery Lecitan: it is surnamed della Silva del Lago: of it more widely below is treated, and also in Herrera part 2 folio 33, who says, in the year 1251 it was united to the very Lecitan convent. r. To Octavius Cajetanus, from Jordan, he is called John surnamed Salimbenius. s. Nay the year tenth only had begun with the beginning of May. t. In the year 1309 on the second day of Pentecost, 19 May, as below is confirmed. u. Herrera tome 2 page 241 an elogium of him has with this beginning: Blessed Peter of Florence, from the place of Camerata, where a blessed life he led, from Camerata surnamed, with the spirit of prophecy, and many miracles shining, departed from Life.
CHAPTER III.
Miracles after death.
[18] A certain youth of Massa, laboring in a certain pit, standing in the pit, earth fell upon him in so great quantity, There are raised the dead a youth that dead thence drawn out he was. His sister moreover, seeing her brother dead, recommended him to Blessed Augustine, that if him from the dead he should raise, that she would come to the monument of him with feet unshod, and one image beautiful and great, as he was himself, she would make: and the prayer made devoutly, he himself his eyes opened, and something eatable took. Stayed moreover dead for a day and night, and by the prayers of Blessed Augustine to God freed he was. A certain girl, daughter of a certain Mezaiolus of the Lord Hugo, and a girl: fell into a certain pit full of water, and was suffocated. Her father and mother sought her for a day one, and the day following at terce found again her. Taking moreover her and drawing out of that pit, they brought back to the house: and vowed her to Blessed Augustine, that if that young one he should raise, that they would make to him a certain great reverence.
[19] a serpent is vomited out: A certain one of the county of Siena slept in a certain his field, and sleeping a certain serpent entered through his mouth into the body of the same. He came moreover to Siena, and no physician found, who him from that serpent free could. Withdrawing moreover from Siena as if desperate, a certain one who was at the gate of the city said to him. Why do you not make a vow to Blessed Augustine of the Brothers of the Order of S. Augustine, and you will be freed? Who at once recommended himself to Blessed Augustine most devoutly: and before many bystanders that serpent went out, through the mouth of him who had suffered, and freed he was.
[20] A certain youth of Siena had suffered a great infirmity in the lower part, namely that ruptured he had been: is cured twice a hernia: stayed moreover in that infirmity for a great time: vowed moreover himself to Blessed Augustine, and the prayer made freed he was. The vow moreover which he promised to Blessed Augustine to make, he did not make: and at once that evil, which first he had, again he had, and suffered afterward that infirmity six months: and again vowed himself to Blessed Augustine devoutly, and the vow made freed he was from that infirmity: and what to him he promised he offered to Blessed Augustine.
[21] for nourishing an infant milk obtains an old woman. A certain woman of Siena bore a girl, and that young one had not milk, whence she could nourish her daughter: was moreover poor the young one, whence she could not give to a nurse on account of poverty too great. The mother moreover of that young one, who bore that girl, was a widow, and a great time had stood that she had not milk. Vowed indeed herself to Blessed Augustine, that if of milk to have she could, that the daughter of her daughter she might nourish, that she would make to him that reverence which her poverty could satisfy: and the prayer made at once milk she had, and the daughter of her daughter she nourished, and the vow which to him she promised she made.
[22] A certain little boy son of the Lady Mona Margaret, wife of Miguccius the Lord John Paganelli of Siena, is cured the head of an infant broken, was in a cradle: and his nurse leading the cradle that he might be calmed, it happened that the little cord of the cradle was broken, and the boy struck his head against the wall: whence, from the striking of the head against the wall, made was his head like a glass-vessel: was moreover the boy nearly six months. Whence his mother wept strongly, and cried out sharply, because she saw her son so badly handled. Whence Mona Nera of the Lord John Paganelli began the head of the boy to refit, as if it were wax: and so refitting she vowed the boy to Blessed Augustine, that if him from that evil he should free, him she would offer upon his altar, clothed in the manner as if he were a Friar: and the vow made most devoutly, at once the boy began to weep, and the breast to suck, and freed he was. And him his mother carrying to the place, to him did as she promised.
[23] The wife of Bindus de Maladerata of Siena, one day fell to the ground, and falling so placed her hand to the ground, that to herself she might not make a great harm; a needle clinging to the hand is drawn out. but a needle was there where she had fallen, and it entered into her hand: whence that Lady received the greatest pain, and there came not out blood on account of this, so that she could not perceive what was in her hand: and she making many attempts, and going to the baths, nothing profited. And stayed that needle in the hand of her for a year: whence that she coming to the feast of Blessed Augustine, standing before the altar, vowed herself to him, that if from that evil her he should free, a great reverence to him she would make. And the prayer made began she with the other hand that part, in which was the needle, to rub: and at once appeared the point of the needle: and seeing the needle, before many bystanders she draws out the needle from her hand, and freed she was, and the reverence which to him she promised she fulfilled.
ANNOTATIONS.
APPENDIX I.
An Examination for the proof of the ancient cult in the year 1638.
Augustine Novellus, Prior general of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Siena in Etruria (S.)
FROM THE MS. PROCESS.
[1] By the mandate of the General an inquisition being made, In God's name. Amen. Since the most Reverend Father Master Giles of Milan, Syndic and Prior General of the Augustinian Religion, on days lately elapsed had written letters to the most Reverend Father Master Aurelius de Salvenienis of Castiglione of Florence, at present of the Convent of the Augustinian Religion at Siena Prior; and other letters had written to the R. P. Otho Petruccio of Siena of the same Religion, about to cause, as they said, to be authenticated the memorials, miracles and other things which in these places of Blessed Augustine Novellus might be found; in execution of the aforesaid letters a Chapter being convoked, in the above-said Venerable monastery, by the said most R. P. Prior of his Confraters, were for this kind of effect two elected and deputed Fathers of the same Convent, namely the R. P. Otho Petruccio of Siena aforesaid, and the R. P. James Orlandinus likewise of Siena and Syndic of the same Convent, as both they and the said most R. P. Prior said to appear in the book of deliberations of the same Convent. Hence it is therefore, that in the year from the salutary of our Lord Jesus Christ Incarnation 1633, Indiction seventh by the style of Siena, on the day indeed XXII of December, Urban VIII supreme Pontiff sitting,
Ferdinand of Austria III of the Romans Emperor elect reigning, and the Most Serene Lord Don Ferdinand Great of Etruria Duke V our Lord happily reigning.
[2] there are found at Siena the altar, image and body of the Saint; I the Notary, the election of me made standing by the same for their Notary to the effect aforesaid, since I had seen how many times in their Church at Siena to be the altar of the same Blessed, in a panel painted standing in the midst of trees, clothed in the Augustinian habit, and having an Angel at his ear, and a book red in his hands; and in the same panel some miracles of the same Blessed, and that in the altar is a marble chest with this inscription particular, Here Lies the Body of Blessed Augustine Nov. of Siena of the Order of Hermits, and to which there stands before it continually a lamp lit; I went together with the said most Reverend Fathers in the first place to the place named Val di Rosia, distant from the city of Siena by miles IX about, where is a certain church in the midst of woods, named S. Lucia di Val di Rosia of the said most Reverend Fathers, where continually remain two Fathers of the same Religion, one a Priest, the other indeed a layman: and is celebrated at least every feast day a Mass, and twice in the year two solemnities, on the feast namely of S. Lucia and on the feast of the dedication of the said Church, in Valle Rosia, an image; with a great of the peoples neighboring concourse. And beholding divers things, both within and without the walls of the said church, among other images of Saints divers in the loggia of the said church, we saw an image on the wall painted, like that of the above-said altar in their church principal at Siena; namely in the midst of two trees, having at one ear an Angel. And because not rightly was known the Angel, for the humidity and swelling with saltpeter, and the distance from the ground, therefore we took ladders; and ascending to it, we saw and knew rightly to be an Angel. And on a sheepskin parchment, above a tablet placed in the sacred shrine, in an ancient character written we saw these formal words, namely In the year of the Lord 1276, of Clement Pope the Fourth the III, by the work of Blessed Reinerius restored was the church this, and adorned with pictures, paraments and Relics. Then the most Reverend Bishop of Volterra, moved by the goodness and sanctity of the Fathers of this place, consecrated the aforesaid church, to the honor of God and of His most holy Mother, and also of the glorious Father S. Augustine and S. Lucia Virgin and Martyr: and so I attest for the truth, I the Notary above-written.
[3] and in the convent of S. Leonard, Departing thence afterward on the same day, and making a journey to the convent under the title and devotion of D. Leonard, far from Siena by miles four about, having entered the church with the most Reverend Fathers of the same convent, after with knees bent somewhat we prayed, together also with some rustics of the same place of S. Leonard, and the most Reverend D. Angelus, Curate of the church of the Community of S. Columba, a place contiguous, both of souls and also of the people of S. Leonard, we saw a picture entire, near the pulpit and altar of the said church, like the above-said and very well conserved: and by all and publicly, without questioning by the said most R. D. Angelus, afterward indeed by others below-written but questioned, was said and affirmed, to have heard publicly, the same image to be of Blessed Augustine Novellus. And descending from the said church by a stair of twelve steps, a double image. somewhat narrow, we entered a certain oratory or chapel; and we saw an altar with the below-written pictures, or images ancient in a panel, that is, the Blessed Virgin Mary in the midst, then S. John Baptist, S. Augustine, S. Leonard clothed in the formal habit black of the said Religion of D. Augustine (for within the hood black seems delineated white, in the middle girt with a belt, and in the hands a book red having) and Blessed Augustine Novellus, with an Angel at the ear as above, and with these words, S. Augustine. In which oratory within the wall we saw a place arched, Also with a frequent concourse on the 2nd day of Pentecost, of the breadth of arms two about, of the length indeed of arms three about, where is a likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ praying in the garden painted, and is within a seat, of this kind arched surrounding it: and before toward the altar, where stood to God praying the said Blessed Augustine Novellus, is a proportioned kneeler of the length of the arched aforesaid: to which place flow together the peoples, to sit and to prostrate themselves on the second day of Pentecost the day of his death, partly devotion's sake, partly indeed that from some sickness they may convalesce, as the aforesaid and below-written respectively spontaneously testified the most R.
D. Angelus, Priest Curate of the church of S. Columba aforesaid, of the age of years sixty: who said also in his above-said church to have on silk painted the said Blessed, with the arms of the Noble Azzolini of Siena, the breast touched in the Sacerdotal manner; and Sanctes Augustini de Pepis of years sixty five, an image in the church of S. Columba. and Dominicus Antonii de Gazzeis of years sixty five, and Dominicus Joannis de Joris of years fifty four, and John Baptist Antonii de Gagliardis of years forty five, the sacred things touched, at my of the Notary below-written delation swore, before the below-written witnesses, to be of the same Blessed Augustine Novellus, and devotion's sake of him made, and so to have heard publicly; and always from their elders to have heard, that such things venerated were; themselves too and all others to have venerated, and still in the same veneration to remain. In the walls of the said oratory, having in the vaults divers of divers Saints pictures, His deeds done are expressed by a picture in the vault. with the Evangelists likewise painted, are painted, namely the said Blessed's admirable entry into the Augustinian Religion; his bad health lying in bed, where he is seen sending to be called the Religious, which twice repeated in two other following places is seen; when of the said Religion he took the habit from one of the said Augustinian Religion Brother, he is seen with knees bent, reverence making to the Crucified, clothed in the habit of the Religion aforesaid; are seen also many poor and lame, having recourse to him, alms and grace about to carry back: are seen other particulars, but not rightly are perceived for the time's antiquity, and the head with splendors: which therefore are passed over: but well and rightly is seen the same Blessed's head with splendors, and some other persons prayer openly having with one religious: is seen the very Blessed a book holding, and beside or on one part is seen standing a herdsman: likewise with splendors he is seen praying before a Cross etc.
[4] I Dominicus Julii of the late John de Boschis, Notary public and citizen of Siena, the Notary and Witnesses subscribing. because these I saw and heard, therefore required into a note I took, and into this public form I reduced, and with my wonted sign I fortified, to the praise of God, of the most Blessed Virgin mother Mary, of D. Dominic, of S. Lucia, and of Blessed Augustine Novellus. The acts aforesaid were in the said places, and (as to those things which were seen and heard) in the church of S. Leonard of the Convent of S. Leonard, before and present Bartholomew of the late Jerome del Banda, and Sebastian of the late Jerome of Siena, rustics in the aforesaid commune of S. Columba, on the day XXIII of the said month.
[5] Returned to Siena, together with the most R. P. Master Otho, I betook myself to the great Hospital of S. Mary of the Stairs: and the previous license of the most Illustrious Rector of that place D. Lawrence de Daccis a Noble of Siena, In the hospital is a picture of him giving the habit to its Rector. I went into the place named il Pellegrinario, or the Infirmary old, where are very many pictures of divers Saints, Blessed, Evangelists, Prophets, and the like: among which of the year one thousand four hundred forty-second, with an excellent hand painted and very well conserved, painted Blessed Augustine Novellus I saw, clothing with the habit of a Rector the Rector of the Hospital, with these below words precise. How S. Augustine Novellus gave the habit to the Rector of the Hospital.
[6] On the day following, namely XXIV of the same month and year, The Life and miracles in a double Ms. together with the said most Reverend Fathers, I went I the Notary above-said into the Archive of the said Convent of S. Augustine of Siena: and I saw two books in quarto leaf, one on sheepskin parchment with covers wooden and its clasps of brass at the end; and another on ordinary paper, without covers, but in an ancient character written and well preserved, in which are described the Life and many miracles of the said Saint.
[7] In the church of the same Convent I saw an altar with a chest wooden ancient, an old wooden chest, in which he is painted, in which, as asserted the said most Reverend Fathers, lay the body of the said Blessed, before it had been sent into the aforesaid marble chest: in which wooden chest are four pictures ancient, but with a good hand and well conserved, which they said to be in memory of the said Blessed: the first namely, when sick he lay in bed, and his servants he sent to be about to call the religious of the Religion aforesaid, but in the act of their departing one greatly is humbled, the other looks back whence he departs. In the second are seen two Fathers, together with the said servants, and D. Augustine in the air, the calling of the Blessed, the assumption of the habit, who with his hands pushes them back to the said Blessed sick. The third contains the said Blessed with splendors golden, clothed in a tunic, scapular and hood white, and a belt black, kneeling before an altar, nay before a Religious in the church in the Augustinian habit clothed, resembling a Superior of the said Religion; and him receiving there the habit black with much humility, having behind his servants, now in other garments clothed than before, when they led the Religious to the sick man. In the fourth picture appears the said Blessed with his golden splendors, in garments sacred clothed, the ordination, kneeling before a Bishop in a black garment clothed, putting on him a chasuble: from which appears his to the Priesthood ordination. There standing are seen other Friars of the same Religion. In the sacristy in a square panel painted, of the height of one arm about and of the breadth like, appears a certain Religious, in the Augustinian habit with splendors golden, denoting the Blessed or Saint: at whose left is painted a Bishop, having a pastoral staff, a mitre and a cope, the receiving of the head of S. Lucia and behind many Religious in the Augustinian habit clothed before the door of the church, receiving a certain head in a basin, with splendors golden, with pomp reached forth by a certain King, having with him many in various garments clothed and adorned, with the standard of the King, half black and half white above, with a great Cross golden with other six Crosses small intermediate, and in the part black are seen some lilies golden, and in the top likewise a lily golden: which effigy the said most Reverend Fathers said to be of the same Blessed, receiving at Naples gratis the Lord Luke the Evangelist's head. And because these I saw, read and heard I the Notary public, therefore here publicly I attest required. There follows the subscription of Fabius Sergardius Patrician of Siena, General Vicar of the most Illustrious Archbishop and of witnesses two.
[8] In God's name Amen. In the year of the Incarnation aforesaid, on the day XXVIII of the month aforesaid… Called I the Lord Boschus, who above by the aforesaid R. P. Master Otho Petruccio of Siena, again into the aforesaid of Siena Church, under the title and devotion of S. Augustine otherwise of Blessed Augustine Novellus, among some little pictures existing in the altars (one namely under the name and devotion of S. Stephen Protomartyr, of the Noble Lords de Pinis; An image in the altars of S. Stephen and the other of the most ancient and most noble family de Ghinuccis, vulgarly the altar of Our Lady of the childbirth) about to see the images there therefore placed in the altars aforesaid; among the little images of divers Saints and Blessed, I saw in that of the Lords de Pinis painted a Saint or Blessed, of whom there is not there written nor sculptured a name, having a book red in his hands, and at his right ear a dove: which said the aforesaid P. Master Otho Petruccio to be in honor of this Blessed. In that moreover named of Our Lady of the childbirth…of the most ancient family de Ghinuccis, I saw a picture of the said Blessed, and of the Mother of God. with an Angel at the ear, but somewhat effaced by age, and below in an ancient character these words, Saint Augustine Novellus: which all the pictures are of the same or like habit of the Augustinian Religion; declaring further, in the hands of the said Blessed in the altar of Our Lady, to be painted a book red like the above-said. In faith of which etc.
ANNOTATIONS.
APPENDIX II.
Testimonies of the cult and Relics sent to Termini in Sicily, under the day XX of April in the year 1620.
Augustine Novellus, Prior general of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Siena in Etruria (S.)
FROM THE MS. PROCESS.
[9] We the below-written make faith, how true it be, The feast on the 2nd day of Pentecost. that in the city of Siena in the convent of S. Augustine of the Fathers of the same Order, in each year is celebrated the feast of Blessed Augustine Novellus of the Order of S. Augustine, on the second day of Pentecost, beginning from the first Vespers, in which a procession being instituted there is going to his altar, singing the hymn, Magne pater Augustine: and while the Fathers approached the altar, they sing the Antiphon: Augustine the way of morals, the norm You are of monks, to the citizens join us of the Heavens the throng, who you of Doctors professes the canon. Then the Verse, pray for us Blessed Augustine, that worthy we may be made etc. And is added the Prayer: Creator of all, as below. On the very moreover feast day is sung a Mass solemn of the Holy Spirit occurring, and at the second Vespers is repeated the Procession, as at the first Vespers. So it is Master Brother Bartholomew de Ricciolinis of Florence, Prior of the Convent of S. Augustine of Siena. I Brother Christopher of Siena Secretary confirm. And these, partly in Italian, partly in Latin, Vincent Auria subjoined to the Life by him published, as received from the Register of privileges, where are noted the privileges and other things of the most splendid city of Termini, making faith and subscribing Antony Mola Master Notary. He adds then from the same Register, under the same Notary's faith, a testimony Archiepiscopal of the body of Blessed Augustine Novellus in the city of Siena, and his adoration and miracles, of this tenor.
[10] Ascanius Piccolomineus de Aragona, by God's and the Apostolic See's grace Archbishop of Siena, The Archbishop of Siena to all and singular… elders due reverence, to the rest indeed greeting in the Lord… Since to a just one petitioning is not to be denied assent, and of truth a testimony is with willing mind to be granted, and since on the part of the most Splendid City of Termini, to the honor of omnipotent God and His Saints, and namely of Blessed Augustine Novellus, we have been required, that of the within contained a testimony of truth we should bear; therefore preceding a diligent upon the below-written of some worthy of faith, an inquisition made by means of their Oath had, examination previous, moreover a personal visitation of the altar of the aforesaid Blessed Augustine Novellus, in the church of the Reverend Brothers of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine in this Siena city, and so upon the same had full information; by the tenor of our presents faith undoubted we make and testify, how in this city and church present of the Order of S. Augustine, the body and altar of the aforesaid Blessed Augustine Novellus, of the aforesaid Order is found erected with a sepulchre marble, under an inscription, namely: Here Lies the Body of Blessed Augustine Novellus of the Order Hermit, and his image, and figure with an Angel at the ear right placed, and four prodigies depicted, namely; A boy by a dog to death torn, and through Blessed Augustine Novellus to health restored. Likewise a boy from a high falling window, and on the ground prostrate, by the same Blessed's vow rose unhurt. Likewise a boy, the head crushed, to death come, by the same Blessed's vow unhurt appeared. And at last a man certain from a mountain most high falling, unharmed rose, by the Blessed's invocation. Likewise we testify how are found at the said altar and sepulchre, the said Blessed's body, and image and figure, and before a lamp day and night lit: the aforesaid publicly are venerated, and worshipped. the feast to be celebrated To the said Blessed's cult and honor the Brothers of the said convent, in each year, on the day first and second of Pentecost, together with a Priest, in a cope of silk clothed bearing a thurible, with a great of people confluence, devotion and veneration, the Hymn of the common of Confessors, namely Iste Confessor, singing, with wax torches at the same Blessed's altar both placed and lit, from a most ancient and never prescribed and without interruption of any time length, processionally by an immemorial custom approached and approach; and the completed of the said Blessed Hymn; and the body and altar incensed, the cantors with a loud voice chant; Pray for us Blessed Augustine Novellus, the Choir responds; That worthy we may be made of the promises of Christ: the Priest moreover chanting says; Let us pray. Creator, founder, and distributor omnipotent and merciful God, who Blessed Augustine Novellus Your Confessor an eremitical life to lead, and with miracles to glitter made; grant we beseech to us Your servants, so his life and morals to imitate, that with him partakers we may be of the glory of the Blessed: through our Lord etc. We attest also, how at the said altar of Blessed Augustine Novellus daily a Mass is celebrated, and at his altar Masses to be made. we not repugnant, and the Apostolic See tolerating. This public cult for the said Blessed Novellus, for years three hundred to have been employed, always and continuously, and at present to be employed and rendered, ascertained it is; as is plain evidently. In testimony of all which. Given in our Palace, holding, on the day twentieth of November 1632. The Archbishop of Siena. Bernard Bartolinus Notary, and Chancellor by mandate.
[11] Thus far he, of his See in the year third, which then very long he held, by Ughellus tome 3 col. 665 praised, as one who no less by doctrine and virtue shone, than his brother the Duke of Amalfi in leading in Belgium Catholic armies, for the of the Royal provinces defense. The same, I know not by what occasion, again after thirty years, under the day IX of January 1663, a like nearly Testimony wrote, whose original with the R. P. M. Augustine Trabucco, of Palermo of the Order Hermit, found Vincent and published, nor worth the labor it seems to repeat: only I note from this more specially to be clear, that the Altar of the Blessed is in number the fifth, from the hand left of the entrance of the church. He adds also this very Testimony, an icon, in which is painted the effigy of the same Blessed, with splendors, at the ear right an Angel speaking, in his hand a book red holding, in the habit of the Order clothed, among two trees; to have at the right two, and other two miracles at the left; the first, demonstrating an infant by a wolf devoured; the second, a girl from the height of a house precipitate; the third, a certain one ascending in a rock with a horse to the bottom rushing; the fourth, an infant in a cradle sleep taking, while by the mother unnaturally broken the cord, the boy slipped on the ground, a great wound suffers, by the Blessed's intercession freed. In which some diversity appears, from the manner in which the same miracles explained had been before years thirty. Namely a wolf from a dog; and a boy from a girl, was not easy to distinguish in marble: therefore easy was after so many years the explanation somewhat to be varied, remaining the same of the miracle substance. Says also this testimony, that Several vows of the faithful from the obtained graces are hanging, in number seventeen: and is assigned a Hymn the same as above, Iste Confessor: whence is understood, within the year of this century XX and XXX, a change made, and ceased to be used the hymn, Magne Pater Augustine: and deservedly, because this Hymn, for the festivities of the very holy Doctor composed, ought not to another to be applied, with danger of confusion thence sometime to come.
[12] There follows finally in Vincent Auria the Act of the most Illustrious and most Reverend Don Ferdinand de Andrada, Archbishop of Palermo, of the relics of Blessed Augustine Novellus, in the City of Termini (which here by an ancient name Himera is called) and his adoration permitted. We Ferdinand de Andrada and Castro, by God's and the Apostolic See's grace Archbishop of Palermo, Two fragments of bones of the Council of his Catholic Majesty etc. to all and singular these presents about to see, to read, and likewise to hear known we make and testify, since the Reverend Don Julius Regna, Protonotary Apostolic, formerly Archpriest of the greater of Himera city church, of our Palermo diocese, had accepted in the Plain of the maritime and fishing of the same city, and there had adored in the presence of very many Priests and Clerics, both secular and regular, and of the Spectable Jurats the Syndic and Secretary and Master Proctor of the city aforesaid, the below-written relics of Blessed Augustine Novellus of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, namely two fragments of bones of the arm, vulgarly called ficili, upon which is in part some skin and flesh with hairs affixed, from the body of the said Blessed Augustine, as below, taken and in a certain box wooden placed, conveyed, and brought by the late P. F. Joseph li Maistri Doctor of Sacred Theology of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual of S. Francis, of the aforesaid Spectable Jurats Proctor; to whom they were in the city of Florence by the Most Serene Lord
Don Cosmo Medici the second, given to the Termini-folk by the Grand Duke, Great of Etruria Duke fourth, in the name of the University of the said city consigned, and to the same Most Serene Grand Duke as a gift given by the Father Master Prior of the Convent of the said Order of Hermits of S. Augustine of the city of Siena, and by the same Father Prior taken from the body of the said Blessed Augustine Novellus, in the church of the same convent existing, in which church the aforesaid body is adored and venerated: and this, standing the license of the most Eminent Lord Cardinal de Auria, formerly Archbishop our Predecessor, to the aforesaid Spectable Jurats granted, of entering into the same city of Termini the Relics aforesaid, which were by the said Reverend Archpriest de Regna received, to the effect that them he might bring and convey into the said greater church, and there deposit in the name of the said Spectable Jurats, in the name of the University and People aforesaid; as to be seen is from the series of the Act of this kind of consignation, celebrated before the notary Jerome de Martino of Himera, on the day twentieth of the month of July of the year 1620. And when the said Father Master Joseph li Maistri life withdrawn, with a particle of flesh given to that Proctor, before his death had declared, another fragment of flesh small, which with him remained, to have been of the said Relics of the said Blessed Augustine Novellus, by him carried into the said city of Termini, and to him consigned by the said Most Serene Great of Etruria Duke; it was by the mandate of the said most Eminent Cardinal Doria Archbishop predecessor of ours provided, the said fragment of flesh to be kept with the said two present Relics, and to be venerated as with the said proper proven, as were the said Relics into the said greater Termini church brought, and to public cult exposed: as also from the series of an Act of this kind of mandate made, in the acts of the Court spiritual of the said city on the day XX of October, XI Indiction 1627, and of the Faith of the Reverend Don Francis Anfuso, Vicar forane of the same city made, under the day XXX of the month of June lately past, XIII Indiction of the instant 1645, we saw to be contained, to which both in all things and through all things let there be relation. There was therefore to us supplicated by the said Spectable Jurats and Syndic of the aforesaid Himera city, that standing the writings and acts aforesaid of Blessed Augustine Novellus, which in the said greater Himera church are conserved, to grant we would deign. We indeed attending the aforesaid Blessed Augustine Novellus' body's veneration, are permitted to be exposed to public veneration. which hitherto in the said church of the said convent of Saint Augustine of the city of Siena is kept, and this kind of people's of the Himera city devotion toward this Blessed, we gave a Judge in the cause the Reverend Don Francis Salerno, by virtue of an act of this kind of election made in the acts of our Archiepiscopal, on the day XXVIII of the said month of June 1645, whether the Relics aforesaid to be adored and venerated can. And it was by the said de Salerno to us reported, the Relics aforesaid (attended and well considered the writings aforesaid) to be adored able and venerated. For this it was, the Promoter cited first Fiscal of our Archiepiscopal, under the day first of the present, by the said de Salerno, by our mandate made a provision on the back of the said memorial with the writings aforesaid, under the day 4 also of the present, that they have license of exposing and adoring the relics of Blessed Augustine Novellus, as before, and let be made letters in form, and the oath stand among the acts. Therefore by the tenor of the presents the same license, and faculty we give and grant, the above-said of Blessed Augustine Novellus Relics in the said greater Himera church publicly to be exposed able, and by all of Christ's faithful duly and piously as before to be venerated and revered, and processionally through the same city in each year to be led around on the day of his Translation, as the same body of Blessed Augustine Novellus in the said church of the Convent of S. Augustine of Siena aforesaid is venerated, adored, and revered. In faith of which the present we gave, with our subscription and the seal which we use sealed. At Palermo on the day VIII of July, XIII Indiction 1645, Ferdinand Archbishop of Palermo. By the mandate of the most Illustrious and most Reverend Lord Archbishop of Palermo. Antoninus Camali Master Notary of Jerome de Albano Acting. In expressing by ciphers the number of the Indiction, a double of the printer error to be corrected was; one at the end, where was noted the Indiction 15, which above after the middle rightly was noted 13: and another there after the middle a little before, where in place of the Indiction 11, begun with September of the year 1627, wrongly was numbered the Indiction 15.