Marco

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

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

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,

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

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.

OF BLESSED BARTHOLOMEA OR ELIZABETH

VIRGIN OF THE THIRD ORDER OF THE SERVANTS OF BLESSED MARY

AT SIENA IN ETRURIA. A HISTORICAL COLLECTION.

Her cult, elogium, relics.

A.D. 1348.

Bartholomea or Elizabeth Virgin, of the Third Order of the servants of Blessed Mary, at Siena in Etruria (B.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

[1] Archangel Gianius of Florence, in the Annals

of the Order of the Servants of Blessed Mary, about the year

1618 published, book 2 of the Century

2 begins from the year 1248, Her memory as Blessed in the Annals of the Order and the Fasti of Siena.

in which a plague immense, from the Sicilian shores suddenly arisen,

an entire nearly triennium held, with the greatest of men

and beasts slaughter through the world whole; to the very

Order also mournful, on account of the death inflicted on its ninth General

Matthew. This death, in the month of November undergone,

a whole half-year had preceded the happy death of the Blessed (as he calls her) Elizabeth

of Siena, who also Bartholomea, before

the sacred of the Blessed Virgin habit she had received,

was called. For on which day, he says, of S. Pudentiana

Virgin the memory is venerated, on the XIV Kalends of June, from

the prison of the flesh to heaven she was translated. He makes mention of the same

on this day in his Fasti of Siena our P.

Sebastian Conti of Pistoia, the elogium's argument from Gianius

borrowing, under the sole name of B. Bartholomea. We from

the fountains, when we can, more gladly drawing, the of more elegant

style curious reader to those Fasti we refer, and

of Bartholomea or Elizabeth herself the deeds, as in

the Chronicle of the Order they are narrated, from Gianius we receive.

[2] The most prudent Virgin Bartholomea, who also

Elizabeth de Vajariis, By the institution of B. Francis of Siena a life she leads, of Siena, a Sister of the third Order

of the Servants, and of Blessed Francis the most beloved disciple,

of so great a master the footsteps having followed, to the same beatitude

merited to come: of whom indeed the same is the labor

glorious, the same surely ought to be the reward and wages

copious. Which indeed wages how she has

obtained that woman sacred, it is fair to assert. For

(as relate the Annals of the monastery of Siena) taught by

Blessed Francis, a vow of chastity she vowed and inviolably

observed; the counsels, as precepts, she fulfilled; fasts

and macerations of the flesh were to her the most sumptuous banquets,

prayer likewise and sacred confession, chaste eloquences, which

always she had before her mouth: for fifty times in the day and

fifty times in the night Christ and the Virgin Mother of God

she saluted, that the remission of sins and

of mind jubilation she might obtain. Sins daily to expiate

she strove, nay at the feet of Priests fallen,

certain things with tears herself accusing she confessed, in

which scarcely anything of defilement appeared, those namely

which in childhood idly she had said.

[3] Relate some, that, when her body she refreshed

with bread, by a demon she was assailed with these words, and variously is tempted. O glutton!

what do you merit by eating? She indeed the enemy's frauds

knowing, so much the more to eat she strove,

by how much the serpent cunning by envy was tortured.

Many other things of this Virgin's temptations and abstinence

are said by the Fathers, which all are omitted. Only

this to all be known, that her ashes

at Siena remain in the edifice of the Servants of Blessed Mary the Virgin,

which still with miracles shine: the head of the dead one shines with miracles. her indeed venerable

Head, upon the heads of the infirm placed, them

from languors cures, and at the same time the possessed by a demon

frees. That also seems of it by no means in silence

to be passed over, that the same Head, long after

death cast into fire (whether that by chance happened,

or that some of it proof be made) unburnt

and unhurt as before, all marveling and venerating,

remained. Her image, anciently painted,

appears in the Sisters of our Order manner clothed, with

a figure of the most holy Crucified in the right hand, a book in the left,

and a crown at the girdle. But if anyone her

food at the table blessing with a demon standing by

should paint, the matter perhaps more nearly, according to her

narrated history, would attain; and her type from

other of this kind of Blessed images more elegant

without doubt would represent.

[4] Thus far Gianius, of the Annals more ancient to the words

some things (as appears) adding of his own, nor incongruously. unhurt by fire about the year 1570. P. Sebastian

affirms, the miracle of the unhurt by fire Skull a hundred

years about from the time of his writing, that is about

the year 1570 to have happened; and it in the of Siena of the Servants

temple, in a precious enclosed shrine, to be kept. Of the temptations

indeed of the Blessed herself he adds, that the enemy, though daily

routed, dared upon the dying Bartholomea

with stronger snares to rise. Opportunely however,

he says, was present conspicuous from heaven the most beneficent of the serving

her Virgins Patroness; and the tartarean dark-dweller

eliminated, up to her last breath, no

less than a blessed to her eyes serenity, a serene

to the lying one's breast tranquillity she kept. in some elevation of bones separated from them. Now

said moreover the veneration of the Head, for so many years of which the beginning to be assigned cannot be continued, the Ordinaries knowing and not contradicting,

an argument is, her without doubt

with the Siena-folk to have been held always for Blessed; and makes

also verisimilar, some of the body elevation

and translation, either under some altar, or to a more honorable

in the church monument, already formerly to have been made; in

which the Head from the rest of the body, for the greater of the faithful convenience,

separated was; although of this kind of elevation or translation

neither the author, nor the time, nor circumstances other

now are commemorated, nor of the burial even first or second

the place is shown any more.

[5] Of the afore-mentioned Blessed Francis we treated on the XVI of May,

and saw in n. 4, an excessive of women familiarity

to him by the envious objected to have been; and him, that

the occasion of calumny he might cut off, humbly having besought

to have obtained deafness, through which from all of men colloquy

he might be excused. her with Blessed Francis familiarity. Among those Bartholomea to have been and

with him to have borne a part of the injurious sharp-tongue, for of her virtue

a trial, scarcely I would doubt. Not so much of foundation

appears to confirm the conjecture, by which one would lay,

her of those two Virgins one to have been, who him

preaching a globe fiery to have seen affirmed

above his very head. Less even

foundedly might say now first someone, that the same was that noble and holy

of Siena Matron, who, in the same as the Blessed expired

hour, beheld him brighter than the sun before the sight

of the most holy Trinity to be led, and on his head

a most precious crown by the Mother of God to be imposed.

Neither however either is repugnant to the reason of the times, since Francis

for whole twenty-three years before Bartholomea died;

or is foreign to her sanctity exceeding, which

the aforesaid sufficiently and superabundantly confirm.

OF BLESSED ANDREW OF PESCHIERA,

OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS IN THE VALTELLINA.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

Of the Summary of the Life, the cult, the translation.

A.D. 1480.

Andrew of Peschiera, of the Order of Preachers in the Valtellina (B.)

D. P.

[1] Of the Sanctuary or Martyrology of Como,

in the year 1675 printed, the author D. Primus

Aloysius de Tattis, of the Congregation

Somascan Theologian and of the holy Office Consultor, The cult at Morbegno,

at the XIV Kalends of June notes

At Morbegno, of the Valtellina

a town, of the diocese of Como, the cult and memory

of Blessed Andrew of Peschiera of the Order of S. Dominic, and his

long elogium weaves; and in the Annotations these he subjoins.

His life's compendium, from the ancient of the Morbegno cenobium

monuments, and from S. Benignus the Abbot's Acts

manuscript, published at Como in the year of the Lord

1644 Lactantius Guarinonus of the Order of Preachers:

with whom agree, John Michael Plodius

and Leander Albertus on the illustrious men of the Order of S.

Dominic; Lazarus Carafinus in the Catalogue of the Saints

and Blessed, whose bodies are kept in

the diocese of Como; Francis Ballarinus, of the Chronicle

of Como in part 3 ch. 2, and others. Of these Leander

in book 5, into the Lives of Blessed Venturinus and Conradinus interweaving a nomenclature

of certain men, with exalted sanctity shining,

with the title of Blessed in the margin, this only says, Andrew

of Peschiera at Morbegno shines with miracles. With more prolix

words, but scarcely more significant, uses

Bellarinus; and buried he says about the year of the Lord

1490. In this however both him to err, as much as

those who the year 1485 define, convicts the Epitaph

with a more prolix of virtue elogium published in Plodius

or Pius book 3 §. 48: for it is said, that

[2] In one thousand four hundred he died eighty under years.

The certain day, says Primus-Aloysius, is unknown: to which

was substituted another of the Reposition or Elevation,

when namely the venerable of the same bones a more decent

obtained tomb, in the year 1497.

Adorn him to these very times several little images

of wax and of silver, which not only a singular

of the peoples observance toward the blessed man,

but also the supernal his intercession attest

upon those, who by some pressed sickness his patronage

implored. Not yet is he enrolled in

the Album of the Saints, although everywhere by all is held

Blessed, and before his Relics a lamp pendent always

burns. Thus far the Author of the Martyrology; who asked

the very one, which he alleges, of Lactantius the Summary to communicate,

kindly did. It indeed since besides the elogium of the life it contains

the history of the Translation afore-noted, and some miracles,

it will be congruous in Latinity to give. First however I note,

Morbegno a notable town, where the Blessed here is venerated

to the Adda river, from Rhaetia sprung and into the Como

lake at length plunging itself, to lie adjacent, on its bank right,

there nearly where into the very river another smaller flows in,

Bito called.

ACTS

From the Italian of Lactantius Guarinonus of the Order of Preachers.

Andrew of Peschiera, of the Order of Preachers in the Valtellina (B.)

FROM THE ITALIAN OF LACTANTIUS GUARINONUS.

[1] Peschiera ^a, of the Dominion Venetian a fortress, to the blessed Father

Andrew of being born the place gave, in a family

of Greeks, as much indeed as to gather is permitted from the Life

having entered, an age surely opportune and mature

for entering upon of the remaining of life's course counsels, The entry into the Order of Preachers having considered

the vanity of secular pleasures and the uncertitude

of riches, to the transitory all sent a renunciation;

and a secure of salvation port regarding, where he might be

outside the tumults and storms by which the world is tossed,

he chose the most holy Order of Preachers,

by doctrine and sanctity as much as possible flourishing.

He received himself moreover into the Congregation

Lombard, which then as a dawn rising

glittered with the rays of most holy men, the whole Order

illuminating. In this so fervently he ran

to perfection, he tills the Valtellina that quickly its summit he obtained;

wherefore nor he feared himself to give into the public, that

he might shine to the world, who burned for God. For indeed (if not

deceives us the Life aforesaid of S. Benignus) very young

he came into the Valtellina, and before was founded

the venerable Convent of S. Antony: where from

one another divided those zealous preachers of truth, one

from one, the other from the other part were busy of the inhabitants

the minds to kindle to virtue; uncertain in what precisely

year; but this certain, that the Convent aforesaid

was built about the year 1465, under

the governance of the first there constituted Prior P. Brother Bartholomew

Maggii of Como, as in the books of accounts is demonstrated.

[2] by sermon and example All of Andrew the Preachings, to his institute conformable,

to this tended, that of the peoples he should care the conversion,

their minds deeply imprinting the contempt

of mundane and the love of celestial things.

Which to him marvelously succeeded, since in the whole valley no

however small place he left unaccessed,

in which he did not sow God's word, so much more penetratingly

the hearts striking, by how much of a more profound humility

and Apostolic simplicity by examples he went before.

Outside the Convent about to spend the night, with the poor

more gladly and more frequently he lodged than with

the rich; more this to be expedient judging, whether for diminishing

in his hearers the estimation of the comforts

of this world, or for continuing the more austere

which he used of food manner, with only bread from millet

grains made and chestnuts and water content, nor unless

hardly to lie wont: with a glad nonetheless always

countenance, of God mostly speaking, and the charity to him

by his hosts corporally bestowed spiritually

remunerating. It is not easy to explain, with how great he burned

zeal for all to Christ to be gained: a true

surely of his great Patriarch Dominic son, he dies in the year 1480 whose

breast not other had been than a furnace of love toward

the neighbor. In whose obeisance this servant of God whole

himself expended and over-expended, until

of mortal life the term he attained, of rare sanctity footsteps

after himself leaving, in the year 1480; and therefore of celestial

honors worthy esteemed by all.

[3] That moreover the devotion of the peoples toward this of the afflicted

consoler, the father of the poor, the master

of the ignorant, is translated in the year 1497 and the leader of sinners more might be kindled

after his death; willed God that in the year

1497, from the of the common burial humility

raised the bones should be carried to a tomb, in a chapel of S.

Roch erected, with due honor; painted above

his image radiated, and subscribed, Pray for

us Blessed Andrew of Peschiera. On each side painted

also were his miracles of the chief two, of whose

memory together with the picture was covered with lime,

by the incurious of the to be conserved antiquity men,

when in the year 1627 the chapel of S. Roch was whitened:

there remain however up to today votive little panels several,

with anathemas of silver and of wax, and a lamp before

the sepulchre burning, from that perhaps time in which first

the tomb erected was, with this Epitaph anciently

inscribed.

Brought forth Andrew with a fortunate Peschiera birth,

Of the high-speaking Order who the fortunate yokes bore.

he is praised in the Epitaph, He preferred at a slender, sumptuous than to eat at a table,

The arduous things of the cloister to whom sweet made love.

He imbued with auspices happy these peoples;

Of Christ's the asserter of Religion he was.

The very many things which he did living and by death pressed

Prodigies, these proclaim how great his grace.

To this one worth the labor so often to relieve the poor wretches,

He unfolds immense with piety his bosoms.

In one thousand four hundred he died eighty under years,

Who here reposes, of the Valley and of Morbegno mindful.

[4] Time nonetheless, by which slacken and grow tepid

even most fervent beginnings, gradually had extinguished

of the peoples the devotion: The cult renewed about the year 1623 and 1630, this therefore that

they might resuscitate the Morbegno-folk, in the year 1623 with new

ornaments the tomb they adorned. Which done grew warm

again the ancient toward the blessed man religion,

especially in the year 1630 raging an epidemic plague:

when of the Community of Morbegno the Magistracy,

among other things a vow made of caring for the of the sacred bones

Translation at the cost of crowns two hundred,

if, what it hoped, it should obtain from God; and to the same

soon others by making a testament added legacies various.

It was begun therefore the following soon year of such

was of that business the care: is decreed a new translation in the year 1641 but the public of those times

calamities, and which various supervened impediments,

the matter deferred up to the Priorate of the Reverend P. Brother

Thomas Fontana; under whom so much was advanced,

that in the year 1641, when he already was of his office discharged

and it was vacant, the last hand was applied

to the work, on the occasion of the coming into the Valtellina,

on account of certain his businesses, the most Illustrious and most Reverend

D. Lazarus Carafinus Bishop of Como.

[5] Then indeed it was agreed between the most illustrious Syndics

of Morbegno and the Fathers of the Convent of S. Antony,

that through their on each side proctor, the Bishop of Como consenting: namely

the most Illustrious D. Peter Antony of Castello

of S. Nazarius, a suppliant for this libel they should offer,

as was done they having gone forth in the encounter of his most Illustrious

and most Reverend Lordship, then in

the Convent residing; by which he was asked to favor the counsel,

undertaken to the honor of one Blessed, so greatly

honored by the people, esteemed by the Dominican Religion,

and by the very Bishop entered in the tablets of the Martyrology

of Como, with this most worthy elogium:

Brother Andrew of Peschiera of his morals the piety by miracles

after death wrought showed: that nothing be said

of John Michael Pius of Bologna, Inquisitor

of Milan and formerly of Lombardy Provincial,

and of Leander Albertus most honorably of him

having spoken. It was added, at Peschiera the country of the Blessed, in the church

greater an altar to be had, to his name dedicated, with a lamp

before it burning, as testified

the most Illustrious and most Reverend Bishop of Verona.

[6] These heard approved his most Illustrious and most Reverend

Lordship, who the tomb opening and praised of the parties supplicating

the devotion: to which that he might comply, he resolved

before all things by himself to be inspected the chest.

Therefore having assumed into testimony men some noble

of the Morbegno place, to the church he betook himself; and

the doors closed behind him he went to the chest, of brick work

fabricated, and founded upon a spacious stone: and

all things diligently described in a Process thereupon

made, he ordered to be broken by the masons the tomb

from one end. This done there appeared inside a wooden chest

red, outside with a linen cloth wrapped; and it thence

drawn out and unsealed we saw, with great solace

of all, the venerable bones of him who so faithfully served

the Lord; with which a glass phial, and

in it a membrane wrapped, and with words of this kind

inscribed. he finds the testimony of the first Translation, This is the body of the venerable Father and

blessed Brother, Andrew of Peschiera, who for a long time

through this Valley's towns and villages preached,

never nearly, unless when to wash he wished, his garments

drawing off; beds plainly leaving, and upon twigs

always sleeping; foods delicate rejecting, with millet

bread, chestnuts, and of water drink his life sustaining;

with the poor most gladly lodged, and them by examples

rather than of words by leaves to live well

persuading. With a holy end he rested in the year 1480, in

the convent of Blessed Antony the Abbot; and in this mausoleum

laid 1497 on the day XIX of the month of May,

through the Venerable Brother Dominic of… From the other

of the membrane part was written: This blessed Father's

soul among the Heaven-dwellers placed, no one

of those knowing is who doubts, both through the zeal which

most fervent he had of souls, both through the testimony

of all: and as is said Venerable… both

therefore the miracles, with which him after death the Lord

to decorate willed… For while with

a certain Apothecary ^f… The rest are lacking, by age corrupted,

even in the spaces by dots noted.

[7] These read through and transcribed, were collected

the sacred bones into a linen cloth, and replaced within a little box

new, and the bones he transfers into a portable chest, which with three seals sealed within a cell

a certain was placed; until his most Illustrious

Lordship should return from Ardenno. Meanwhile every which way

was diffused the report of the future Translation:

was sent also someone to Peschiera, to invite of that

place the Chief men, that they might choose from their number

some about to be present at the solemnity. Finally returned

after the businesses performed to Morbegno the most Illustrious and most Reverend

Lord on the day VIII of June, 8 June, and on the morrow

(for Sunday it was) to complete all things desiring; the aforesaid

sacred bones he replaced within a box of lead,

within with a silk cloth clothed, sealing it over

certain silk bands to it drawn around. After

that of Musicians from divers places summoned a choir

notable, with great pomp, led down the deposit

venerable to the church, singing the Hymn,

Iste Confessor: and the most Reverend P. Brother Peter Martyr

of Acqua-nigra Inquisitor of Como, to the solemnity

invited also himself, in a pluvial cope clothed

stood at the foot of the stairs, from the dormitory of the convent

leading to the church; which whole in the manner of a noble

theatre marvelously was adorned, with little trees ^h of equal

tallness. Not far from the steps, upon which

rises the sanctuary, before a numerous Clergy, and nearly in the middle of the church, erected

was an altar, with six candlesticks and a Cross silver,

a white above canopy furnished, and

with seats on each side in order placed up to

the beginning of the steps of the sanctuary, for receiving the Lords

Curates and other Ecclesiastics, designated for

the ministry of the Pontifical Mass and the processional pomp

to honor. Then were begun the Vespers

of Blessed James ⁱ the Venetian Dominican, the Office

making the most Reverend Father Inquisitor, before

the most Illustrious Lord Bishop. By his moreover disposition,

all things most studiously and most wisely arranging,

were summoned the Protonotaries Apostolic,

Archpriests, Provosts, Curates, and other all

Ecclesiastics, especially from the territories of Morbegno

and Traona ^k: and it was ordered that on the very evening

preceding be rung the bells all of the said

territories for an hour entire.

[8] on the morrow the sacred things Pontifically done By such an invitation and also affixed through divers places

papers, excited those whom I said Lords, on Sunday

morning with a notable retinue from everywhere they came together.

The sacred moreover of Mass Office with Pontifical rite and chant

performed the Lord Bishop; and in praise of the

Blessed a panegyric had from Milan summoned a most celebrated

Father, Thomas Reina ^l of the Society of Jesus.

The Mass finished was raised the Blessed's banner silken,

on each side his image painted exhibiting; which

a moderate rain bedewed the sky, as a testimony

affording to his sanctity: which however rain, lest a hindrance

to the Procession it should be, soon ceased. The banner moreover

that bore the most Illustrious D. Peter Antony of

Castello of S. Nazarius: there following two Confraternities

under their each banner, then under

its Cross the Fathers of S. Antony, of whom thirteen

from Como and Milan had come, the Fathers also

Reformed of Traona, Processionally it he carries around, the Fathers Capuchin,

the Clergy finally secular very numerous, in chasubles,

dalmatics, surplices and copes clothed, for

each one's grade. Then there was carried before the very most Illustrious one

and the of the sacred bones venerable bier the Crozier

Pastoral, by a certain Ecclesiastic titled,

whom there followed torch-bearers six, all Nobles

of Morbegno; and behind the most Illustrious one himself, to whom

for of devotion the tenderness frequent from his eyes flowed

tears. He with his own shoulders among the first

the sacred bones bore, until others and others in order

should succeed by changed turns, as changed also

those Nobles who of the canopy portable the shafts sustained:

there following again other torch-bearers six, and

D. Diocletian Bergaminus of Peschiera, also a torch

bearing among noble men two. Nothing I say

of the cries of the energumens at the sight of the sacred

deposit raised, nor of the of the persons devout

acclamations glad, and of others' pious tears.

[9] At the church's entrance was built with a beautiful

artifice a triumphal arch, with a notable apparatus of triumphal arches, according to the laws of perspective inward

leading, inscribed with verses and with other furnished

ornaments, upon columns two; so that on the side

right were apses two, with as many statues

and a Cherub, each apse with its as it were wings

embracing, below moreover this elogium:

Sits Andrew near the of Benacus ^m why waters?

A great fisher what, unless a river, loves?

under other two on the side left statues, above

impending a Cherub, below thus was read:

To Andrew the across-bones-bearing why jubilations do you bring forth?

Me by a word into life glad also himself bore ⁿ.

In the bases of the columns was expressed a figure of a Lion,

and under of the very arch the hemicycle hung Angels

flying two, having in the middle a shield ancestral

of the most Illustrious Lord. The eminent above the door

wall woven into the form of garlands ivy

surrounded, and also the image of the very Blessed, under which

such was read an inscription: To Blessed Andrew of Peschiera,

in this once notable valley of souls a lover exceptional,

a lover once of yours, now with the Heaven-dwellers a protector,

the sacred renew obsequies you Morbegno-folk. Hither vows,

minds, funeral offerings give. Festive to the bier let leap

joys: tears either let express or let explode gladness.

[10] and with a various of public gladness argument. On the gable of the door rose pyramids four,

and between them a statue of S. Antony, as the Patron

of the church: and at last from the very frontispiece basilican

summit hanging a banner precious, at the will of the light

breeze fluctuated: sounding meanwhile the Morbegno

bells all. At the head of the area before the church

lying open, by which there is going into the streets of the town, at one

or other square stood pyramids two with the insignia

of the Community and of the very Blessed: and from the other

of the area part stood a third pyramid, to the door greater corresponding.

When moreover it came to the market of the very

town, there occurred another triumphal arch,

and next to it a fountain wine good flowing, from the liberality

of a certain person much devoted to the Blessed. Of the houses

moreover the walls with pictures, garlands, and clusters

to be clothed the common of all testified gladness,

by whatever pomp it was led; arches also triumphal

others in other places were seen, until there was returned

to the area of the Convent. Here the sacred bier on their shoulders

received the Dominican Fathers four, to be brought

into the church: who it there placed

upon the altar, the Blessed's Breviary religiously kept. and left to the veneration of the people

that day, together with the very Blessed's Breviary manuscript,

which within a silver chest placed

lay at the foot of the altar. And in this manner

performed that festivity was. Afterward a certain devout

to the Blessed person brought two crutches under-armpit wooden,

on a certain morning found before the altar of S. Mary

Magdalene, which is of the most Illustrious Lords

Castelli, there (as he believed) left by someone,

in his feet maimed and divinely healed.

[11] Certain graces to him attributed, both then, Now indeed to be narrated by me it is, what deposed

John Mateselli of Gerola, as wrought

in the person of his daughter Antonia of months eighteen;

to whom had befallen a continuous certain tremor, with a fever

and a nodding of the eyes assiduous, and an inappetence

of maternal milk. In this state she was brought to D. Priest

Orlandus Curtoni, Curate of Bema,

that her evil he might know and to her bless.

He after some prayers over her recited, persuaded the father,

that the convent of Morbegno of S. Antony approaching,

he should devote her to S. Dominic of Soriano,

and take of the Oil of the lamp before the image of the Saint

burning, and with the same anoint the little one.

He did what to him persuaded was; with the oil moreover

which he received, he wished to be mixed something of another lamp,

before the deposit of Blessed Andrew burning, that with multiplied

intercessors more easily what he desired he might obtain.

Thus instructed and home coming there met him

his wife rejoicing, and saying; I believe that

of blessing something with you you bring: because our daughter

suddenly healed is. He anointed her nonetheless solicitous

the father, and sound thereafter she persevered. This moreover

happened in the year 1642. The same said John

to himself to have happened in his son the preceding year, in the very in which

the Translation was to be made time, when him to S. Dominic

of Soriano and to Blessed Andrew he had commended. and formerly in the year 1488.

There is also in the Convent of S. Antony a book old

of the incomes of the monastery, concluded in the year 1645,

in which is read that in the year 1488,

a certain D. Andrew Rusca, to the most Blessed Virgin Mary,

to Saint Father Dominic, and to Saint Vincent

Ferrer, and to Blessed Andrew vowed sixteen pounds, to be given

to the Convent, if through these Saints' merits children

to him should grant the Lord: of which vow a possessor

made I believe, because afterward in the very book in his hand

he noted that the aforesaid money he had paid.

ANNOTATIONS.

p. When you read S. Dominic of Soriano, do not think of this name the Abbot of Sora, whose Acts we gave 22 January: for to be understood is, the very holy of the Order of Preachers

Patriarch, whose image in the year 1530 from heaven brought to the Sacristan of the church of Soriano in further Calabria, with so great immediately began to shine miracles, that of that image copies, everywhere through the churches of the Order multiplied and to veneration exposed, everywhere nearly it now is found, under the name of S. Dominic of Soriano: of whose there miracles a book good and large in the year 1634 at Messina in the Italian tongue again published Silvester Frangipanius.