Bobo

ON ST. BOBO, OR BOVUS,

OF VOGHERA IN ITALY.

ABOUT DCCCCLXXXVI.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY

On his cult, the Life from the Mss. to be given, Fraxinetum snatched from the Saracens.

Bobo, or Bovus, of Voghera in Italy (S.)

G. H.

[1] Viqueria or Vicheria, commonly Voghera, a town rich is and opulent, Tortona between and Pavia, at the river Staffora, to the ancients Iria; whence Viqueria, also Iria or rather Vicus-Iriae to the ancients to have been called we judge with Cluverius book 1 of Italy ancient chapter 10. The site of Voghera, In this town, in the Church Collegiate of S. Laurence, rests the body of S. Bobo, who otherwise Bobus and Bovus (commonly San-Bovo) is called, The sacred cult of S. Bobo 22 May. and as Protector chief and Advocate as much of the Clergy as of the town and territory of Voghera this XXII of May with solemn veneration is venerated, and in the Office daily, while the Suffrages of the Saints are recited, his Commemoration is celebrated. In the Missal of the Church of Milan of the year MDXXII, and the Breviary of the same Church of the year MDXXXIX and MDLX according to the institution of S. Ambrose, in the Calendar prefixed these things are read: On the XI Kalends of June of S. Bovus the Confessor and of Julia the Virgin and Martyr. Of her already above we treated. On the same day him to be venerated at Lodi-Pompeia hands down Ferrarius in the general Catalogue, although he himself as much there as in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy refers it to the day XXIII of May, judging then to be venerated at Voghera. But from the letters of the Archpriest of the Church of Voghera we know, him this XXII of May wont to be venerated, and the Acts below to be inserted in all the exemplars have him on the XI Kalends of June having died. On which also day he is referred in Greven and Molanus in the Auctarium of Usuard, and in Canisius in the German Martyrology, where however not Bobo or Bovus, but Bonus is written. He is venerated also at Verona, but as the aforesaid Ferrarius asserts 25 May. But in the ancient monuments of the Church of Verona by Augustin Valier published page 46 and following is extant some his Life, in which with letters transposed it is said he migrated into heaven on the IX Kalends of June, which would be the 24 May, when it ought to have been printed XI Kalends of June, which is the already said XXII of May.

[2] A church dedicated to him with a monastery, To the sacred of S. Bobo veneration to confirm also it conduces to know, that in his honor was once constructed a monastery of the Benedictine Order, with a church to him consecrated, placed near the way, which the Magistra is called, at the head of the suburb to S. Peter dedicated, distant about twenty paces from the new Church, to the same S. Bobo also sacred with a convent of the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchin of S. Francis, as these and other things soon to be referred described Brother Anacletus Cezzius de Vicqueria, of the said Order Capuchin in the already mentioned convent residing, and to us from Genoa transmitted John Stephen Fliscus of the Society of Jesus, there of sacred Theology Professor and then Rector of the College.

[3] The Life of S. Bobo is extant at Voghera in a very ancient Legendary of the Lives of the Saints, which used the Reverend Canons of the Collegiate Church of S. Laurence of Voghera, The Life from 2 Mss. in reciting the Lessons at Matins on the festivities of the Saints. From which Legendary, by the Reverend Lord Caesar Cattaneus of the same Church Canon Dean to himself lent, transcribed it the before-indicated Anacletus, who at the beginning and again at the end testifies and confirms, himself the same faithfully word for word to have extracted. The same Life of S. Bobo is extant in a very large parchment of the monastery of Blaubeuren near Ulm in Swabia of the Benedictine Order, in the Passional of the Saints the tenth, part the first folio 50, which had been by Br. Bartholomew Krafft in the year MCCCCLXXX most elegantly written. Thence this Life caused to be transcribed John Gamans of our Society a Priest, and he himself after a careful collation made to us submitted. and Mombritius: Besides the same we have in Boninus Mombritius, in a Legendary before two hundred years printed part 1 folio 141 and following. There is hence extracted an epitome, some things omitted and others added, in the above cited Monuments of the Church of Verona by Augustin Valier written. He published also an illustrious Life's compendium the above cited Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy: and elogia certain to the same composed the Writers of Ticino or Pavia, as below shall be said.

[4] The time and place, in which lived the Saint, can be gathered somehow from the site of Fraxinetum its occupation by the Saracens, and the destruction of the fortification by S. Bobo; of which, he who lived at the same time, Luitprand, not far from Voghera the Emperors and Kings of Europe, chapter 1 these things has: A town by name Fraxinetum, on the of the Italians or Provincials border, by the sea on one side girt, and on the rest by a most dense of thorns wood is fortified… Fraxinetum by the Saracens occupied, Twenty Saracens, in a small skiff from Spain gone out, unwilling thither by the wind carried the Christ-worshipers slaughter, and the place to themselves claim and Mount Maurus adjoining a refuge prepare. Summoned more into Spain they direct: a hundred with themselves soon they bring back; and their forces from Spain always augmenting, the Provincials in all ways they pursue, they rage, they exterminate, nothing of the rest they make. These and other things there Luitprand: who book 2 chapter 11 these things adds. But also the Saracens, who Fraxinetum inhabited, after the weakening of the Provincials, certain highest of Italy parts to themselves neighboring tore; whence so great a fear had invaded all, that none there was, who their presence, unless perhaps in safest awaited in places. These things there, to which similar he has book 5 chapter 5, where is indicated the apparatus of Hugo the King, that the said Saracens from Fraxinetum he might drive: he storms it, and chapter 17 is said Hugo Fraxinetum having entered, the Saracens all into Mount Maurus to flee compelled. But with them a treaty he made, that with them against Berengar he might use; which was done in the year DCCCCXLIV. But with vain event: hence in the year following him into Provence to have fled, and shortly the way of all flesh entered writes chapter 14: whom there in a constructed by himself monastery of S. Peter de Arle a monk made asserts Leo of Ostia book 1 of the Chronicle of Monte Cassino chapter 61. We have the time in which the Saracens held Fraxinetum, and laid waste the neighboring domains: hence to be proceeded to that in which S. Bobo it took, burned, and laid waste. If be given to any conjecture place, could this be founded in the History of Glaber Rodulf monk of Cluny, whose book 1 and page 6 these things are read: The Saracens a little after in a place, which Fraxinetum is called, surrounded by the army of William of Arles the Duke, and all in a short time perished, so that not even one returned to his fatherland. under the Principate of William the Duke, Was this Duke, to others Count, or Prince of all Provence, William, or Guillielmus, under Conrad the Pacific, King of Alamannia, of Transjuran Burgundy, and of the kingdom of Arles, to whom as Prince now as it were hereditarily were attributed those things, which his army's Dukes generously perpetrated. Why not moreover of these one be reckoned S. Bobo? who Fraxinetum occupied, so that on that occasion all the Saracens were from Provence and the neighboring domains expelled, cooperating the rest of the said William's army. The time of the deed is indicated by Glaber, about the year 973, when he adds, that At that time died Otto the Emperor, and undertook his son the second Otto the Empire. Done that indeed was in the year DCCCCLXXIII on the day III May.

[5] Of the site of Fraxinetum these things, as more probable, I take from the Chorography of Honorat Bouche, who page 170 thus writes: Fraxinetum was in Provence and the diocese of Forum Julii, The site of Fraxinetum and the neighboring places, commonly Fréjus, in a place commonly Frainet called, between the villages Mole, Grimaldus and Guarda, everywhere la Garde Frainet near the bay of the sea Grimaldican. The name derived he says from the ash trees, of which there the greatest is abundance, even to the woods which Maures they call, with a name conformable Mauri, which used above Luitprand. Finally from the site of Fraxinetum the rest of the places, in the Acts of S. Bobo related, not far thence placed, can be known. For there are in the said diocese of Forum-Julii places under various forts or castles named about a hundred (and among others Castrum de Castro-veteri) or Castra from various Saints surnamed, so that easily could the Castrum or Castellum Nugherium, in which was born S. Bobo, if not plainly destroyed it be, under a similar name lie hid. Which the same of Petra-impia on the mountain's summit more easily can be believed. These thus deduced, because the region in peace constituted was wont S. Bobo every year to Rome to set out, and on the way at Voghera died on the XI Kalends of June on the Saturday of Pentecost, to be sought by us is a year some, in which with the Dominical letter C Easter fell on the day IV April, and the feast of Pentecost on XXIII May, as happened in the year 75 and 86 after the nine-hundredth. And so to one or the other, his death about the year 986. and rather to the year DCCCCLXXXVI we judge to be referred the happy of S. Bobo from this life departure.

THE LIFE

From the Mss. of Voghera and Blaubeuren and Mombritius.

Bobo, or Bovus, of Voghera in Italy (S.)

BHL Number: 1383

FROM THE MSS.

[1] In the parts of Provence, in a Castle which Nugherium * is called, of most noble and most Christian parents was born the most blessed Bobo. His father Adelfredus, his mother Odilinde were named. With wealth rich and by nobility lofty, Of noble parents born, vain glory and secular desires driven away. The Omnipotent's work under a watchful heart they cherished, And with the steps of faith they followed the words of the master. Nay with equal will and equal concord their most dear nursing offspring, with good manners they instructed it. The boy moreover of good character growing, the paternal custom as if by hereditary right delayed not to embrace, exercising himself with the bow and quiver and the equestrian struggle; that if ever necessary it were the bow he might know, and if

to ride a horse he might not be ignorant; virtue with arms he joins: in the faith however Catholic instructed, he studied that as a Christian in all things he might be held. This a great of posterity presage was, that when a boy not yet fifteen was of years, secularly, as is the custom, desiring to climb among secular operations, the Christian work to retain he studied. In boyhood a faithful dweller he was held. But when to the youthful he came age, of virtues the beginning in boyhood taken, from virtue to virtue to climb he endeavored. Which so was done, that by all he was loved and with great diligence venerated. And deservedly: for the inroads of enemies, the Christ-worshipers' land defending, often he had checked, and for the poverty of many himself a shield he had opposed. For they had proposed the dwellers of Spain to devastate Provence, which often they had tried: to whom he himself, rather to die desiring, than that the Christian name to them be subjected, manfully resisted. Grew therefore of this valor the fame praiseworthy, so that some of the Pagans, of pirates also and of brigands the aforesaid region wont to disturb, from the barbarous assault desisted. With these and many other things Glad each parent, the burden now of flesh laid down, To their fatherland returned theirs, which the fault of parents Had closed, and the citizens of heaven they merited to be seen. Whence it came that of the whole family and possession the burden to Bobo devolved, which he himself by well ruling with wealth and manners cherished.

[2] After a little while indeed it happened, that through Provence's parts, which one of the Transalpine regions in fertility powerful and abundance of men at present is held, of the Pagans the perfidy superabundantly increased: against the Saracens holding Fraxinetum. who from Spain sailing, round about the region to devastate strove. For they possessed for of their bold cruelty's help an island, which Fraxenetum is called, which they themselves had preoccupied, with naval fortification and the sea's embrace fortified. No into it entrance was had, except that the land a thin tongue into the seas had stretched, which with the island was joined, which they themselves with a most firm tower's fortification had obstructed: in this without all fear, as in their own fatherland, they tarried. They stirred up therefore against the Christians daily slaughters and brigandages: and as many as to find or to overcome they could, to the aforesaid island carrying back, in a safe refuge they gathered: whence of innate pride of the Pagans they said, themselves The parts which are beyond the Alps easily to subdue, And the people of Christ to tear from the law of the master. Rare also fortifications in that region were had; but each one in his villa rejoicing before the aforesaid of the Pagans inroad his own used: and not only the rich and noble in riches and nobility rejoiced together, but even the poor to Christ devoutly serving, by whom they were freed, even in their poverty with the highest alacrity lived. But after the aforesaid inroad prevailed, now many into captivity led, Bobo to provoke they strove; he fortifies a mountain's summit: that the stronger overcome, the dwellers weaker more quickly they might destroy. Which hearing Bobo most blessed, and in part now knowing, what safe was foresaw. Of a mountain one the summit, which Petra-impia is named, preoccupying, and by hope living in the Lord, of his secular fortification there constructed an edifice: in which most firmly dwelling the Lord he besought daily, that his people he would preserve, a triumph over his enemies and peace he would grant, lest by the disturbance of the impious the kingdom of heaven he should lose.

[3] He vowed also saying, that if to himself God his enemies the Christ-worshipers assailing to suffocate would permit, he vows to visit the thresholds of the Apostles, himself arms to lay down, of orphans and widows the care thenceforth to have, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul the thresholds once in the year, and (if more he could) through the whole of his life's space thenceforth to seek. And so finally it was done: for what he asked of God he obtained, and he himself what he vowed faithfully fulfilled. Was strengthened therefore in his hands of the whole monarchy the prosperity, and the admiration with the virtues increased. Which the aforesaid nation's King (a King indeed they had) to lie hid could not, and therefore studying of snares with darts him they strove to overcome. It happened moreover that on a day a certain Bobo most strong a villa, in which his men dwelt, with three only accompanying home-servants to visit had resolved, which for the sake of encouragement he did. After to the villa it was come, and under a certain tree's broad foliage he tarried, by S. Peter he is encouraged: (for the sun in the midday prevailed) by the arboreal shade's delight overcome to sleep he delayed not. To him sleeping Blessed Peter the Apostle in a sleep's vision appeared, saying: Be strengthened Bobo, with thee God, be robust: Nor fear, but spurn the threats which the pestiferous enemy, With immoderate acts now now to fulfill threatens. For I by my prayers from the Lord obtained, that a triumph to thee over visible and invisible enemies he would grant; Rise however most swiftly, to the citadel run back, lest the enemies for this wonderfully eager it be able to preoccupy. These things said nowhere he appeared.

[4] Awaked therefore Bobo by confiding feared, and narrating to his servants what he had seen the dream, he hastened to the citadel, returning with him those who had come. And behold from a certain watchtower from afar looking, them almost now the heights of the mountain catching he saw. Whence terrified more swiftly he hastened, through the Saracens besieging he enters the citadel, more however with the steps of faith than with bodily gait: and again and again the Apostolic recollecting words, himself about to conquer he hoped, which the place's difficulty and their swifter to the citadel progression to deny seemed. Wherefore long drawing sighs, the Lord he besought saying, Almighty God whose to obey will is nothing else, than perfectly to be enriched, to whom possible are whatever impossible seem, to look deign upon my humility's prayers. Confirm in my hands, what to thy most blessed Apostle Peter of me to promise thou deignedst, lest the elated pride of the Pagans the Christian name be able to destroy. And these saying the citadel to enter-before manfully he was busy: the Pagans however the mountain preoccupying before the gate remained. O wondrous power of the Savior! Bobo still besought and with prayers fought back, and what with shield and spear he availed not, with prayers all he merited to obtain. Through the midst of whom the man most blessed, with hope provident and with faith fervid, and them he puts to flight: the citadel enters, and his with him leading, from above darts they began to cast down. Confused indeed the Pagans, and with too great terror terrified, while themselves nothing about to profit they beheld, to a safe refuge they returned; in which confidently dwelling, they studied how Bobo and his they might overcome.

[5] The Lord God, of the Christian people the safety providing, all of their disturbed snares. Who after many they had devastated provinces, by whose wealth rich made they grew, and when the external rage somewhat had cooled, by an internal rage moved, on themselves their hands they turned: and so much, that some of others' goods envying, what in common they had taken, common they esteemed not. Each one also wicked adulteries, as he could, exercised: Which not only some of the people did, but even the King, in whom all victory to be was believed, to luxury wonderfully given, if of any of his a spouse for the world fit to have he knew, against all right to ravish strove. But after many other he attempted, on account of these and the King's luxury, and, as he wished abused rested; of the Ferryman that one, who the island's entrance assiduously used, the spouse most beautiful he loved: whom neither many riches, gold, silver, garments precious by promising, nor even by threatening to bend he could. Whence vehemently angered the King, what by prayers and threats he could not, by force at last he obtained. Sad therefore was made the Ferryman, and rather death than life desiring, he revolved assiduously, by the gatekeeper he is admonished, how his he could avenge injury. And after many things, many revolving to the port at last of his will he attained. Then a boy to himself summoning a certain, this by prayers he admonished saying: Hastily go to Bobo: whose most renowned fame thy as I believe already often has struck ears, and these to him of my littleness letters saluting carry, of which a copy of the letters below is contained. To Bobo the most renowned man, of the Christ-worshipers a shield, a Pagan, in whom of all Fraxenetum the custody firmly rests, health. Because thee, of Christianity a lover, I have known a man, whose promise firm and ratified seems; these to thee miserable of my anguish voices to signify salutary to be I have known. For to me is denied with the Pagans to live, but a Christian to die I desire. The Pagans indeed into their own turned bowels, of Fraxinetum to be delivered: one of the other slaughters strive: they exercise adulteries and rapines; to me also the King himself my wife ravished; and what is worse, death he threatens. Prepare therefore thyself, and gather a not small multitude, for destroying the hateful nation. As many as with thee thou shalt lead I will lead in, which on my faith I covenant.

[6] These things heard thanks gave Bobo to the working God, who almost to the port of safety his already had led people; and convoking a not small multitude of horsemen and footmen, the journey he undertakes. it he occupies and demolishes: But while to the island they drew near, they sent before legates, the Ferryman's will to announce. Who with joy returning, signified the victory over the enemies. Set out therefore they came to the entrance of the island. To whom the Ferryman the gate opening, the island's entrance pointed out: which they themselves gladly entering, of those resisting the necks they cut. Each one indeed round about running, whomever he could slew. But when to the King it was come, from slaughter to be ceased to be judged the renowned Bobo; and to himself the King calling, asked if he wished to confess Christ. To whom he, More willingly, to the King and others embracing the faith of Christ he spares, he says, I wish with the Christians happily to live, than with the Pagans unhappily to die. Which all hearing wondered, and leading him out wonderfully venerated: the island also burning they devastated, and whoever wished to confess Christ were reserved, but the unwilling with a double destruction were condemned. Going out moreover with gladness great they baptized the King, with a not small multitude of his: and thanks to him giving who blessed in the ages preserves all things, each one returned to his own. These thus passed the land for many days pacified rested.

[7] But after Satan his frustrated knew snares, not wont from evil to desist, others he strives. It happened that a certain, of diabolical fraud the goading wickedness, the carnal brother of Bobo dared to kill. to his brother's slayer he grants life. Whence Bobo moved utterly was disturbed: he was conquered indeed by inner perdition's fear, he conquered however by fortitude's assumption, and the wrath against the enemy excited he recalled by his mercy: and so the athlete Bobo more within himself, than in the enemy fought. As often as the enemy he thought, he was kindled; but when of his soul the peril he pondered, he was softened. Conquered therefore for a time he rested. After some indeed courses of time, Bobo with three accompanying home-servants alone the enemy saw: whom from afar looking, to be approached to be he judged, by saying: None him let see strike, but to me alone, to whom is due of the brother the vengeance let it be kept. Whose will in the fitting-together the enemy knowing, place of escaping not having, of his own was distrustful of safety. A better however deed having used, his arms he throws; and before Bobo falling, he cried: Spare, spare, most renowned Bobo, lest me thou kill a sinner: for if the killing thou shalt have deferred

thou wilt suffocate the devil, whom now I have known of my killing to rejoice. These things heard, moved were the bowels of him, and with piety moved, amid long sighs he spoke: Impious one, cruel, why such a crime to perpetrate didst thou not doubt? Didst thou think in this one alone the whole seed of his family to be able to destroy? Indeed thou hast not done it: To render who am able for deeds worthy, I survive. Not by hands shalt thou die mine, but live: Faithful Be thou to the Lord Christ, who in this time may save. Rise therefore and the kiss of peace receive, and defer not the enemy's mortal to avoid snares, lest by his own caught service eternally thou be punished. The happy the happy imitated master, who to his by admonishing had said disciples, To none evil for evil rendering. These thus settled was silent the earth, with all glory hedged round.

[8] Bobo also growing daily, of himself master, and of his vow not unmindful, his arms laid down; and wholly peaceful made, through single years a Rome-seeker was held, mindful of the promise of the Apostolic vision. As often as to Rome he set out a mule with himself always he led, on which either scarcely or never to sit he was wont: never however and without a blind and a lame and a poor man some empty he dismissed it, yearly to Rome he sets out: and whom he carried with the refreshment of food he fed. He macerated therefore his body with a certain kind of martyrdom, lest the vices of the flesh, by delights increasing, of bursting in an entrance might find. A horseman indeed not such using, with foot exercise he was worn; and bearing for himself a cross, Christ he followed the footsteps. But the Lord many of his servant not thenceforth suffering hardships, this end willed to have of Bobo's labor. On a day moreover when to Rome he set out, the holy of Pentecost feast approaching, to Voghera even he came; which one of the Italic villas and for nobility praiseworthy, by a populous frequented access. he dies at Voghera. But when to the villa he had come, and after his wonted manner was lodged, to suffer he seemed; and not further proceeding, in a certain of his godfather's house he tarried. And foreknowing the last to have come day, a place he chose in which the precious of him members might be laid. And taking whatever with him of his faculties he had, to the poor gladly distributing, pouring watchful prayers to the Lord, and with heart entire him beseeching, on the XI Kalends of June on the holy Saturday of Pentecost, His members their mother seek again, but his spirit sought the stars, he reigning, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns God, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

* Noghiers

MIRACLES

After his death wrought.

Bobo, or Bovus, of Voghera in Italy (S.)

BHL Number: 1384

FROM THE MS.

[9] After of his praiseworthy acts, in which he himself while still with the carnal burden hedged round exercised himself, sufficiently we have signified, those things which through him the Lord, the carnal dissolved matter, to work willed, the present style to unfold let it not defer. The sepulcher with a hedge is closed The most blessed therefore members of Bobo to burial delivered in the aforesaid place rest, just as he himself by living had disposed. Whose most glorious body's to-be-proclaimed virtues for a time first rested. Assiduously however through him the Lord virtues magnificent worked: for if a horse, or beast, or any animal (as by chance) his burial crossed, immediately it expired. Whence the dwellers terrified, having used counsel, an enclosure wooden round about built, that both the place of burial most cleanly might be preserved, and of animals thenceforth the loss might cease. Which thus done remained: but the Lord unwilling of his faithful one the virtues long to be unknown, of the sick, of the lame, of the withered the health foreseeing, in this manner him to reveal deigned.

[10] In the parts of Liguria, in a Castle which Tragaucium is called, a certain young man tarried, John by name, who an exceedingly with bodily languor depressed sister had, of light both lacking: and therefore the Omnipotent the recoverer of all assiduously he besought, that to her the lost he would restore. To whose humility's prayers inclining the Lord of his mercy's ears, a blind woman is enlightened, by a nocturnal vision his Angel, of health the counsel bearing, to him even directed, saying: If thou wilt of thy infirmity the remedy have of thy sister, rise and to Voghera hastily go: and there at the head of the villa a burial thou shalt find with wood on all sides hedged round, in which the glorious members of Bobo in peace rest: by whose intercessions of the infirmity an escape and of the sight a restoration she shall find. These things heard rose he, and by Angelic was strengthened promises, in no way of his sister's distrusting of the health, and hastily a boy of the journey a leader summoning, to Voghera even came: inquiring where such was had a burial, to the place he attained, in which with contrite heart and humbled the Lord he besought, that by the merits and intercessions of his most renowned servant Bobo the suffering and the privation he would drive away. Who after the prayer suddenly leaping forth, sound and seeing was made the woman. Which all hearing the people, old and young, virgins and widows, boys and girls, to the stupendous miracle ran. And asking the man what had happened, the body is raised, of the deed the vision in order they heard. Whence glad made all the people in B. Bobo's praises burst forth, and digging the most precious they find body, from which so great of odor abundance emanated, that even if the virtues ceased, in the odor's that fragrance the body's sanctity might be known. And taking the body, with hymns and praises they laid in a sarcophagus new. On the same of his deposition day they constructed also a basilica, a church is constructed: to the praise and glory of almighty God, in which three altars they built: of which the middle in honor of the holy of God Genetrix and ever Virgin Mary and of holy Nicholas and of Saint Bobo consecrated was; another also in S. Bartholomew's name, the third indeed in honor of the Archangel and B. Benedict they built; giving thanks to almighty God, who his to visit deigned people.

[11] This hearing innumerable peoples of each sex, to his thresholds ran together, Christ's mercy by his intercessions asking. a blind man is enlightened: Each one according to of his passion's effect, his benignity's besought help. If conscious of sins by obstacles he was anguished, of sins remedies he asked. If by a bodily he was pressed infirmity, of the suffering an escape, the Saint's interceding by merits, he found. Sounded therefore the fame of the virtues, and by spreading the miracle the whole province was filled. Which heard a certain blind man made, a crippled man is healed: in a castle which Rivus-turbidus is called dwelling, without delay to S. Bobo's glorious led vestibules his merits besought, saying; Most renowned faithful of the Lord blessed Bobo, to most wretched me a sinner to succor defer not. Hear in blindness laboring, his asking the virtue, who of the blind-born the eyes opened, who is blessed in the ages. Who after from prayer he rose, of his eyes the film removed, the desired merited to see light, praising and magnifying the omnipotence of the Creator, who by sole command restores all things. These thus passed, another certain in a villa which Carlaxe is called tarried, whom so a supervening sickness had crippled, that either scarcely or never heaven to see he availed: of his feet the office least of all he used: but with hands stools bearing, on his knees he set out. Who of the virtues hearing the fame, to his to tend thresholds strove: but after to the holy he came threshold, after the wonted manner to enter he hastened, blessing the Lord who his assiduously raised people.

[12] While these such were done, and to proclaim the miracles a people's frequency came, a girl a certain, by blindness's obstacle long troubled, another blind woman is enlightened: at Montebello wont to dwell, had come. And hearing what had been done, many hearing she besought saying: And to me succor I pray most holy prayers of thy piety. Me wretched, succor I pray thee with heart praying, that of eyes the blindness driven away, of my mind the eyes thenceforth to the work of religion thou mayest open. Scarcely those words she had completed, no intervening of time space, sound made she said; Blessed art thou God almighty, who of my father Bobo by the merits me in this hour to visit hast deigned. Whence the peoples exulting who had come, and others for joy weeping, of the Creator praised the great things.

[13] Other also miracles which follow, in no way I believe to be passed over. The secret indeed of a King to conceal good it is, but God's wonders to narrate magnificent it is. In a Castle which Caselle is called two men tarried, who with the same sickness bound, almost no of their members had offices: bent indeed was the joint of their members so much, that neither arms nor shins they availed to stretch out. There are healed crippled several On a day therefore what they had desired to do they decreed, and put on a vehicle to his even are led church. Who after from the vehicle are set down, and before the altar led, for the space of almost two hours prostrate they lay, prayers to the Lord as they knew pouring. Of bones a cracking, when their members were stretched, gradually were heard. They also vociferating for too great pain prayers miserably poured. Wonderful enough, who through many of times spaces the same infirmity had endured, in the same moment to health were restored. Going out They rejoiced sound with their own to walk soles, Whom another's hiring lately had led thither.

[14] These thus to former health restored, another certain of Lacusanum who hands having of their offices lacked, came; and after the most holy he touched thresholds, to health restored of the contraction the impediment he escaped. Also a certain in a Castle a certain, which Via-cava is called, nourished, of his feet the office destitute, escaped of his infirmity the obstacle. After whose escape a girl a certain of Vico-piculum, with fevers and another sickness hedged round, and various diseases his aids asked: whose he himself hearing the prayers, to former restored health. A certain also little boy of Pavia had come, with body's infirmity altogether constrained, whom immediately to health he restored. Came also a certain of Bobbio, who by gout's impediment utterly speech had lost; to whom after long of heart contritions, are restored the offices. Came also a certain woman blind, dwelling in a Castle which of S. Julitta by name sounds: who long asking of his piety the help, to the port at last of her will attained. A certain also of Lardiracum, withered in part of his members; and a blind one of Lomello, for the sake of their own consolation had come, his mercy miserably asking: and therefore each one of his petition received the counsel. One indeed of these the health received of his members; the other indeed, the blindness driven away, the desired could light see. At Voghera also a certain Teutonic woman tarried, to whom neither with feet to set out, nor with hands anything to work was allowed: who seeing him assiduously so great to work virtues, his mercy expected: and she at last what she expected obtained. A woman also of Aquitaine having a withered hand, and a mute a certain to his to ask suffrages came: and while for some time there they tarried, the woman the health of her hand found, and the man as he had desired spoke. Of the Adda also a blind a certain had come, who soon as his he touched thresholds, the light received. Of the Lodi indeed parts a man a certain, with himself leading a little boy, and otherwise sick came, both of their members weighed down with contraction: whom on the same day to health he restored. Among so many and so great nameable virtues a man a certain came, whom a disease which commonly canker is called so had devastated, that almost now his eye right he had lost. Who long watchful pouring to the Lord prayers, so to former restored was health, that neither in his face

of him even of the wound a scar was found. This done the miracle also a woman a certain came, through whose mouth a demon spoke, saying, Bobo by thy prayers why me dost thou compel to depart. And terrible sending forth roarings, Compelled at last by Bobo's prayers it departed.

[15] Another also miracle, which among the rest wrought I heard, 2 blasphemers, written also to have seen me I recall, to be passed over I believe not. Horsemen certain so great of him wonders hearing, to Voghera to go they hasten; not that of their offenses pardon they might ask, but that they might see the wonders which were done; whom with this intention to have come the following letter will declare. After of wax a multitude to come they beheld, by greed overcome, candles from the monks the altar guarding earnestly they asked. Whom they assenting to their petitions as they could, with charity's zeal imparted; but because their not was filled greed, blaspheming, the monks wonderfully they reviled: whence sad made the monks, lamented, from B. Bobo help calling. They indeed with pride retiring, from threats in no way desisted; but after from the monastery they had departed, with blindness struck they are healed. with blindness struck farther to proceed they availed not. Stupefied therefore and with much fear loosened, because farther to proceed they availed not, they returned, with heart entire pardon asking. O Divine power and to-be-proclaimed glorification! they who a little before had come, that in others of virtues the operations they might see, in themselves their own recognizing rejoiced. This hearing all the peoples, running together said; Blessed God almighty, who doest wonders alone.

[16] Two also Soldiers, of their necessity for the cause to Voghera even had come. And while there for some time they tarried, among various conversations one the other addressed, saying; 2 negligent to visit his church are punished. Wouldst thou to the church of S. Bobo set out? To whom he, Let them go, he says, those, who of that virtue's help are in need: we moreover sound and unharmed, not of such in need virtues, to our own let us return. Which done they tried the journey to complete, and setting out beginning when to the villa's exit they came, their horses with spurs and blows urging in no way to go out they could. Descending therefore, what as horsemen they could not, as footmen to complete they tried. But neither in one nor in another way to go out they availed, until first to S. Bobo's merits, his praising virtues they came. And after the holy they entered church, who lately confused had come, glad made, Christ's praised great things: and offering as they could gifts and vows vowing, to their own with joy were returned. Amen.

ON THE BODY OF S. BOBO.

Whether it be at Voghera or at Pavia, or at least sometime here it was?

Bobo, or Bovus, of Voghera in Italy (S.)

FROM THE MS.

[1] A controversy of the place, in which rests the body of S. Bobo, is agitated between the people of Pavia and of Voghera. Philip Ferrarius, There is a controversy about the Body in the Academy of Pavia public of Mathematics Professor, in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy in the year MDCXIII printed, and in the encomium of S. Bobo had written, that the body of S. Bobo at the city of Ticino, in the church of S. Apollinaris, had been found. But afterward in the Catalogue general of the Saints, in the year MDCXXV published, as if modestly retracting his prior opinion, these things he notes: The body at Vico-Iria lies, although at Pavia also to be it is reported. We first will refer what by the people of Voghera are alleged.

[2] And first it is certain the body of S. Bobo to have been by his prescription at Voghera buried, and with miracles to have been illustrious, which at Voghera buried: and then raised and in a new sarcophagus laid: then a basilica constructed, and in it an altar to the honor of S. Bobo consecrated. in the year 1469 found, Afterward in the year MCCCCLXIX found was the body among the people of Voghera in the middle altar on the day XXII of February, which then fell on the third feria after the Sunday first of Lent. But soon from the day XXIIII of February, within three months, namely even to the day XXIII of May, by his merits and intercession were wrought illustrious miracles two and forty: which in few then described are extant in the archive of the Collegiate Church of S. Laurence, with words and characters ancient, as in those times in use they were: from which Ms. to himself by D. Nicholas de Ruys lent, them transcribed the above-indicated Anacletus Ceucius the Capuchin, which by his hand written to us from Genoa transmitted the above-mentioned John Stephen Fliscus of the Society of Jesus, and we below give. The feast of his finding with solemn cult and great of the people concourse is celebrated yearly on the Sunday second of Lent, namely the next after the very finding, at which time was illustrious the Saint with new miracles.

[3] Finally in the year MCCCCLXX, that is the following after the finding, the sacred body laid up and enclosed in a new ark marble, above the very altar was deposited on the XXI of May at the hour of Vespers, which then solemnly of the Saint were recited, in the year 1470, enclosed, for that the feast on the following day was to be celebrated. The authentic instrument of this enclosure we add by Charles Vespasian Garino of the Church Collegiate S. Laurence the Archpriest communicated, and by the said Fliscus to us transmitted: who also from the domestic memorial of Francis Negri, once Canon of Voghera, that transmitted testimony: In the year MDXXII on the day VII of the month of November, about the twentieth hour, the Body of S. Bobo of Voghera was carried out by the Reverend Lords Canons and Clerics of S. Laurence of the town of Voghera, in the year 1522 brought to the Sacristy. and other Clerics of the said church of S. Laurence, and was placed in the sacristy of the same church. These things there. Adds Garino that this was done on account of the seeds of war, then stirred up in those parts by the Gallican soldiery of Francis the King; who afterward Pavia besieging, was captured on the 24 February in the year

MDXXV.

[4] Hither finally pertain some stones or laminae marble, taken from the ancient ark, in which laid up was the body of S. Bobo. the old tomb's marble tablets. Of these one and the chief is placed in the interior angle right near the altar greater, and contained these words: Here lies the body and members of S. Bobo of Voghera, placed in the present ark new MCCCCLXX on the day last of April. That was laid up moreover the ark above the altar on the XXI of May already we said. Another stone marble is placed above the gate of the Convent of the said church, in which is sculpted the image of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sepulcher. Another also stone, in which the image of S. Bobo upon a horse, is placed above the gate of the church near the roof. In another finally is the image of the corpse of that very saint, with a sword before his hands, and placed in the aforesaid angle of the church above that first related. Which all more largely describes the often praised Capuchin Anacletus, asserting himself younger to have seen that ark before it was broken up. And these are the things which for their possession bring forth the people of Voghera.

[5] But on the contrary the people of Pavia also bring forth ancient monuments, namely of Rodobald of that name the second Bishop, who is said to have sat from the year XXX even to the year LIV above the thousandth and two-hundredth, At Pavia is said the body of S. Bobo to have been in the year 1236, For him asserts Ughelli tome I of Italy sacred in the Bishops of Pavia, of the city of holy Relics a repertory to have constituted, lest oblivious antiquity their should blot out memory. Of this moreover Ricobald at the year MCCXXXVI writes Paul Paratus in his history: In the monastery of S. Apollinaris outside the city in the said church lies the body of S. Apollinaris Archbishop of Ravenna likewise in the said church is a scattering of iron, where lies the body of S. Bobo the Confessor and Soldier of Provence. These things there, to which conformable are read in the History of Ticino, Gallican called, written at Avignon by a certain Gallic Courtier, where at the year MCCCXXX is said: In the church of S. Apollinaris the body of S. Bobo, the Soldier of Provence, who all Provence from the Saracens by arms his strenuously freed: and in the year 1330, thence tending to Rome a pilgrim he dies: from Voghera to Pavia he was translated. These things there. But at what time these two writers lived, we could not attain. But James Gualla a Patrician of Ticino, who in the year MDV from life departed, and about the year 1500, book 3 of the Sanctuary of Pavia chapter 7 these things has: Apollinaris in that shrine, from his name named, is entombed: who in sanctity most illustrious by the Apostle the Prince Peter was ordained Bishop, to Ravenna then is sent to pontificate. Whose indeed sacred body through the times to Ticino brought in that sacred temple, in a very ancient crypt was laid … Of Bobo also with the body of S. Apollinaris Bishop of Ravenna, the holy Soldier from Provence sprung, who for Christ's faith against the Saracens strenuously fought, and who, while to Rome a pilgrim hastened, at Voghera with a grave disease seized dies: the venerable of the same body to Ticino brought, with special devotion there is venerated, together with the arm of S. Thomas of Aquino. Thus far Gualla: whom describes and follows Stephen Breventanus of Pavia book 4 of the History of the Antiquities of Pavia in Italian in the year MDLXX printed chapter 2; where he adds, and the arm of S. Thomas of Aquino: the aforesaid church of S. Apollinaris, when Francis King of the Franks in the year MDXXIV Pavia besieged, to the ground leveled was, and all the sacred things to the church of S. Thomas of the Order of Preachers translated were.

[6] But several very difficult things in that relation are found. The people of Ravenna indeed assert the body of S. Apollinaris to be in a monastery to him dedicated in Classe the town, but the body of S. Apollinaris to others is in the Classensian monastery. scarcely three miles from Ravenna distant: which by the authority of Alexander III the Pontiff in the year MCLXXIII was examined by Hildebrand and Theodinus the Cardinals, Gerard Archbishop of Ravenna and others, and with anathema's penalty to those proposed who elsewhere to be of D. Apollinaris the holy body should affirm. Most recently in the year MDXI, when Julius the second the Pope was at Ravenna, was made a new of his body translation of which the full history we have to be published at his day Natal XXIII July. Meanwhile can be seen what Rubeus wrote book 5 of the History of the Ravennates page 241. I omit moreover the various monuments which we have of the body of S. Apollinaris into Germany brought, for another perhaps Apollinaris it is: meanwhile can be seen certain things in Hermann Crombach of the Society of Jesus in the History of the three Kings the Magi tome 3 book 2 chapter 11. Less is the scruple, there is however some about the arm of S. Thomas Aquinas, and the arms of S. Thomas are at Paris and Naples. there at Pavia as is alleged kept: for his arms we said at his Life VII March page 740 to be deposited one in the Convent of Paris, the other at Naples in the church of S. Dominic, and is said the arm true to the King offered, and by him and others accompanying brought to the Convent of Paris, then, the true bone of the arm from joint to joint entire by the assent, of the Definitors of the general Chapter to Naples transmitted. But since this manner of speaking signifies only the chief bone from the shoulder

to the elbow; How the same at Pavia are ascribed. nothing impedes that the smaller two bones, from the elbow to the wrist pertaining, separately from the greater bone elsewhere be had, and of these one at Pavia be. Similarly to suspect we could only some of SS. Apollinaris and Bobo bones there existing, be taken and called for whole bodies: or at Pavia to be Relics or bodies of other Saints of the same name, which soon are believed SS. Apollinaris of Ravenna and Bobo of Voghera, as very often we have detected done in various Saints: or finally to the Bodies of anonymous Saints, for affection toward the said Saints, imposed of these the names, and for veneration assumed their days natal.

[7] Meanwhile whatever was that body of S. Bobo, for destroying the church brought to Pavia, That body several times translated. first to the church of S. Thomas of the Order of Preachers, thence translated was to the church of the nuns of S. Catherine of Siena, and there in a casket marble piously kept. But because the aforesaid nuns a new church to be constructed caused, with other things also the aforesaid body in the said casket marble laid up, with a solemn procession and many lights kindled, from the old to the new church was carried on the day Friday XXIX April in the year MDCXXXIX, even to the year 1639. under the auspices of the very Reverend Mother, Sister Ursula Hyacintha Botta, of the same monastery the Prioress. Which all communicated the above praised Charles Vespasian Garino, toward the end adding S. Bobo at Voghera, at Lodi, at Pompeia, and through all Lombardy to be invoked in the diseases and molestations of beasts and herds, the occasion taken from the first miracles at his sepulcher wrought.

MIRACLES

In the year MCCCCLXIX after the finding of the Body done, and the new of it enclosure in the year MCCCCLXX.

From the Ms. of Voghera.

Bobo, or Bovus, of Voghera in Italy (S.)

BHL Number: 1385, 1386

FROM THE MS.

[1] These are the miracles lately obtained from S. Bobo, whose body was found in the year one thousand four hundred sixty-ninth, on the day twenty-second of February.

The beginning of the miracles was in a pilgrim, who nothing felt of one arm, and prayer made obtained health.

Likewise in the son of Stephen Gabrianus of Voghera, who could not walk, prayer made obtained his step.

Likewise in John Antony de Ricciis, who had three fingers bent and a hand bent, prayer made freed was, watching all the night above the pit, in which he was buried.

Likewise in the daughter of Hilary de Gentilis of Tortona, who suffered a flux of body, prayer made through her parents had health.

Likewise in the sister of Lord the Presbyter de Povris of Voghera, who stood for seven years bent; and prayer made obtained health, and stood through all the night in the pit of B. Bobo.

Likewise in a man of Novara, who suffered in the joints of his feet the gout, and immediately prayer made obtained health.

Likewise in Zaninus de Pilie, who at the age of years sixty opened on each part, immediately sound made was, and watched through all the night in the pit of B. Bobo of Voghera.

Likewise in Bonus Merius, who had knees bent, and prayer made sound was led back.

Likewise Antonia Tarinacia of Voghera, was healed of one infirmity, of the disease of her fistula, which she carried for years ten and eight, and prayer made received health.

Likewise in one boy of la Turri, of years two opened on one side, a vow made through his parents, freed he was.

Likewise in a Lady of Pontecurrone, who had the gout in one arm, so that she could not it move: and prayer made received health immediately.

Likewise in a girl of Porana, who had a mark in her right eye, and therefore nothing saw; and prayer made received her sight and the mark vanished.

Likewise a certain young man of Castro novo, who had his shin fistulated in five parts, and vowed himself devoutly to B. Bobo, and prayer made received health, and freed he was totally.

Likewise Lazarinus de Ferrariis of Silvano, who was opened on each side, vowed to visit the church and to watch through all the night: and prayer made received health.

Likewise a certain Marieta of Montréal, who lacked her sight in her left eye, and suffered in one arm, and could not move it, devoutly prayer made received her sight in the said eye, and in her arm received health on the day XII March.

Likewise in a girl of Silvano, who had one arm almost withered, with which she could not help herself; through the intercession of S. Bobo, and prayer made with great devotion, had health.

Likewise a certain boy of Calcabatium, of years four opened on one side, a vow made through his parents obtained health.

Likewise one of Casale, opened on each side, prayer made was healed.

Likewise a certain girl of Silvano had her smallpox in her eyes: and devoutly prayer made, freed she was from those smallpox.

Likewise a woman of the third order of Pontecurrone wholly infirm, and scarcely could walk and could not raise her arm right; and a vow made healed she was totally by the grace of God and of S. Bobo.

Likewise a certain woman of Castro-novo had a certain infirmity in her left hip and could not walk except with a staff. A vow she sent forth; and completed prayer received health, and left her staff before the altar hung up.

Likewise a certain Bertramina of Castro-novo de Torris of the diocese of Tortona, who suffered an evil in her shin left, so that she could not it raise, nor walk; a vow made to S. Bobo, and prayer made devoutly had health on the day XXIII March.

Likewise one of Castro-novo by name Isabeta de Cataneis suffered in her arms and in her knees, so that she could not bend her knees, and carried a fever quartan for four years; discipline done, and a vigil, and a vow, from these evils had health.

Likewise a certain woman of Tortona, who almost nothing saw, vowed herself to S. Bobo to visit the church, and to watch through all the night. The vow completed, and prayer finished, by God's grace obtained health, and her sight received on the day III April.

Likewise James de Nolo, wholly maimed on one part, so that he could not walk without a staff, and came to stand in the pit of S. Bobo through all the night with knees bent, in a shirt, and feet bare; a vow made the joy of health obtained, and left his staff hung up to the altar on the day V April.

Likewise a certain woman of Voghera, almost senseless, for ten and nine months had a fever quartan; and a vow sent forth, through the intercession of B. Bobo received health on the day XXIV March. And many other miracles did S. Bobo, which are not written, and are in the sum XXVII miracles, from the day XXIV February even to the day V April.

Likewise a certain boy of Silvano of years ten, opened on each side, visited the church of S. Bobo, and made a vow his parents: completed the vow healed he was, and left a prize before the altar.

Likewise Peragoli, son of Porana, lowest, so that he could not rest, nor food take: a vow sent forth through his Father, and watching through all the night by God's grace sound made he was XXIX April.

Likewise N. a son opened on each side, a vow sent forth through his parents, and watching through all the night, by God's grace immediately freed he was, left a prize before the altar hung up on the day aforesaid.

Likewise in the daughter of Lazarinus de Ferrariis, infirmed in one arm namely the right, and could not it move: vowed her father to visit the church, and to watch through all the night: the vow fulfilled healed she was immediately on the day III May.

Likewise a certain girl of Voghera of years ten could not walk, and one arm had almost withered: a vow made through her parents, and watching through all the night in the pit of the Saint, healed she was on the day V May.

Likewise Master Gasparinus Arcivora a Doctor, who rules the Schools in the city of Pavia had a fever quartan for eight months, and vowed himself most devoutly to S. Bobo, his church personally to visit, and a Mass of that very S. Bobo to cause to be celebrated: which all most devoutly he performs, and through the intercession of the Saint him freed he was, on the day XIV May.

Likewise the son of Peter de Perusiis by name Sebastian, was wounded in the head with a grave wound, so that all the Physicians of Voghera no hope had, on account of a scar incurable: and half-alive left, his father most devoutly the church visited, and himself into the pit prostrated, most bitterly weeping and asking: and a vow sent forth through the intercession of S. Bobo had health on the day XX May.

Likewise a certain Nicholas, called Ciribicus of Voghera, an Esquire, infirmed so and in such manner that he could not govern himself, nor walk could; vowed to S. Bobo himself to visit the church: the vow completed and visitation made, sound made he was on the day XXI May.

Likewise Chichinus and Antony, brothers of Podium of Montedondone, each of them had a son, which both sons were opened on both parts: and vowed all to visit the church; the vow completed, and visitation made sound made they were on the day XXI May.

Likewise a certain of Linarolo of the diocese of Pavia had a son of years six lacking sight: vowed to visit the church, and to watch through all the night with his son: the vow completed his sight received on the day abovewritten.

Likewise a certain Br. Jerome, a Hermit in the place of Caselle, infirmed to death, so that the Physicians no hope had: and he himself as if sound in mind vowed to visit the church of S. Bobo, and to watch in it through all the night: completed therefore the vows received health on the day abovewritten.

Likewise a certain girl of years ten and eight, not able for the multitude of her infirmity to walk without help, vowed herself to S. Bobo, and watched for three nights in the pit, where lay the body of S. Bobo: and the vow completed obtained health on the day abovewritten

Likewise a certain woman of Silvano of years thirty suffered in her face, which had arisen from cholera; not she dared to be seen by anyone, so disfigured she was: vowed to S. Bobo to watch through one night in the church, and through the intercession of S. Bobo received health on the day abovewritten.

Likewise a certain woman of Castro-novo of years XXVI, had cholera in her face so that she would not to see, nor to be seen; herself she vowed to S. Bobo, and a vow sent forth through the intercession of S. Bobo sound led back was, and watched in the pit, where was the body for two nights:

and this on the day abovewritten.

Likewise the son of D. Marchinus de Guerris of Voghera, of years two or thereabouts, infirmed to death, the aforesaid begetter with the greatest devotion vowed himself to S. Bobo, and the vow completed immediately through the intercession of S. Bobo received health on the day XXIII May.

These things there, where two notable words, everywhere not met with, Bracrium and Colera. From the first, a hernia's bond signifying, from the Lombardic Brak a rupture, thou hast diminutives Tome 2 of March Bracheriolum and Tome 2 of April Brachirolum; Cangius in the Glossary from Brachis or Braccis the etymon to fetch prefers. Colera in the singular to be seems what the same Cangius from Ms. glosses in the plural Coleres calls, and humors interprets. But what if the icteric disease we interpret it, an effect of Cholera, that is yellow bile, through the skin and eyes diffused?

It remains that of the found body the new enclosure from the same Voghera church's instrument authentic we produce. It is such. In the name of the Lord Amen. In the year from the nativity of the same one thousand four hundred seventieth in the indiction third, on the day twenty-first of May, In the year 1470, at the hour of Vespers, in the burgh of Voghera, named the burgh of the gate of S. Peter, in the church of S. Bobo, present for witnesses fit called and asked, the excellent D. John Peter de Sartis Doctor of laws, D. John Stephen de Cavaneis Professor of laws, D. Charles de Pixalibus Jurisperite, Rainaldus Balduinus Notary, Ser-Bonacedra de Castaldis, before the witnesses, and also in the presence of very many worthy other persons, namely, the V. D. Archpriest of the whole Chapter, the Lords Canons of the Church of S. Laurence of the said Land and Chapter, the Lords Friars Minor of S. Francis, who for the cause underwritten there convened. Since in the year before was found in the same church of S. Bobo, in the altar middle, the most holy body and of his most holy body the bones, in a certain marble red sepulcher; and from that place not worthy, the most holy body and bones extracted are, with the presence, authority and license of the reverend and notable of decrees Doctor Sigismund de Vellonis, The body of S. Bobo with solemn pomp laid up. Vicar and Lieutenant General of the Most Reverend Lord D. Michael de Merliano Bishop of Tortona, to the end that it and they in a worthier place be laid up, in the presence of the Reverend Lord Bernard de Baldizonibus, by God's grace Abbot of the monastery of S. Bobo aforesaid; to be constructed and fabricated they caused an ark marble above the very altar of the middle, where first the very most holy body was found: and in that ark decreed the same D. Abbot, and also the excellent D. Antony della Cauda son of D. Rufinus, and James de Boscho son of D. Peter, Syndics and in the syndic name of the Community and men of the land of Voghera, and by the deliberation of the general Council of the said land, and the very most holy body in the said ark to be laid up or enclosed, there perpetually to remain. And also for this in the presence of the aforesaid witnesses specially called and the aforesaid Lords Canons of S. Laurence of the Chapter, and also the Lords Friars of S. Francis, and of other many worthy persons of the said land, and James de Miliardis and of me the Notary, asked at Vespers in the said church, in honor of the same, with hymns and canticles and lights kindled, by the hands of the aforesaid D. Abbot and also the Ven. D. William de Christianis Archpriest of the church or parish of S. Laurence of the said land, the very most holy body or bones of the same, in a certain casket marble, being existing, nailed with three keys, laid up, placed, and enclosed was and were in the said ark marble, being above the very altar, upon columns two, on the part toward the morning. Closed and sealed-with-lead was the said ark, retained however from it a certain part of the bone of the arm of the said saint. And to perpetual memory of these the aforesaid D. Abbot, Archpriest, and Syndics ordered and asked through me Abraham de Cavaneis, and through James de Miliardis a public to make instrument the present abovewritten.