Julia

ON ST. JULIA,

VIRGIN MARTYR IN CORSICA.

SIXTH OR SEVENTH CENTURY

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

On her Acts, age, cult, translation to Brescia.

Julia the Virgin, Martyr in Corsica (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

Celebrated is the memory of S. Julia in all the Latin and those more ancient Martyrologies. Among these stand out four of the Hieronymian Martyrology copies; in which after the old Martyrs, whom alone Jerome could have transcribed, The sacred memory in the ancient Fasti by another of the same Martyrology to be enlarged the curator, but very ancient, at this XXII of May added are read these words: In the island of Corsica the natal day of Julia: thus the Ms. Epternacensian. But the Lucensian and Blumianus. In the island of Corsica the passion of S. Julia: and is added Virgin and Martyr in the Ms. Corbeian printed at Paris: and everywhere then from the prior day is repeated. At Caesarea of Cappadocia the natal day of S. Polioctus, which similarly by Jerome written there was not. Of the same S. Julia mention is made in the Mss. Martyrologies Barberinian, in the Supplement of Bede, Augustan of S. Udalric, Richenovian near Constance, Trier of S. Maximinus, and others. There agree Usuard, Ado, Notker, and others later with today's Martyrology Roman, in which these things are had: In Corsica of S. Julia the Virgin, who by the punishment of the cross was crowned.

[2] The Acts of martyrdom several times we obtained, but among the various copies, in phrase, in variants the first place obtains, that which we at Florence transcribed in the Medicean library, The Acts of the Passion from the Mss. from a Legendary above shelf XX found. The author in the Prologue asserts, that he it from the tradition and full faith of the elders received. Another copy, somewhat more elegant, but without a prologue, John Gamans our own found in a monastery of Westphalia, Böddeken, of the Canons Regular of the diocese of Paderborn, where at the end it is said that the Monks, who by Angelic admonition from Gorgona the neighboring island to Corsica sailing the body of the Martyr from the cross took down, and carried away, found her Life and passion and contest by Angelic hands written. Which if true it is, to be grieved indeed that a writing of this kind, however brief, so negligently was kept, that long after it was needful from the elders' tradition to write the Acts. It must be confessed indeed that there crept in certain things, correction rather than

faith meriting. Meanwhile the Florentine Acts, which alone now we can, from the Böddeken ones we have illustrated. A third Acts to us submitted Bernardinus Faynus, Canon of Brescia, from an ancient Breviary of the Brescia nuns of the royal monastery of S. Julia, in which her venerable body is kept. These to the old add nothing, except a looser phrase: wherefore from them we shall take nothing other, than the clause about the body's translation: then we shall give the Hymns of the Saint, on her feast to be recited wont, which the cult confirm, and the faith had in the Passion from Gorgona the island together with the body received. Other things from the said excerpts printed are found in the Appendix of Ado, and thence taken in Surius and Baronius can be read; as also, those things which published Peter de Natalibus book 5 chapter 29 from which his elogium formed Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy. Of the same S. Julia after Christopher Lauro Octavius Rossi and others, more has Salvator Vitalis in the Sacred Chronicle of Corsica in the year MDCXXXIX at Florence printed, but (as best observes Francis Mary Florentinius in the Notes to the Hieronymian Martyrology) with a pious rather than solid truth supported: while the Saint he feigns in Corsica born, the faith to the islanders to have preached, and under which it is not worth the trouble to refute.

[3] The first in the Acts mentioned place, is Carthage the city, which by the barbarous enemies stormed, She seems to have suffered led away thence Julia was. Baronius in the Notes to the Roman Martyrology and in the Annals at the year CCCCXL num. 16 and 17 looked to the times of the Vandals, when by these was taken Carthage, and even to the year DXXXIII possessed. But a little before they from Africa were expelled, Julia could still a little girl by them have been into servitude sold, and after twenty or more years' course to Corsica with her master have come. And this to have thought seem the Brescia Lessons' authors, when from the time of the body buried in Gorgona (which itself from the time of death by some many years perhaps must be disjoined) even to the same body's translation to Brescia, about the year DCCLIII, they say to have flowed of about two hundred years a course. Because however S. Julia into servitude led away is said to have come into the power of a certain merchant of Palestine, in the 6th or 7th century, if to me it were allowed that time to contract to about a hundred and fifty years, more would please the irruption of the Persians, who like a torrent Syria, Egypt, and Libya having overrun, Carthage occupied in the year DCXVI; and the journey with booty retracing, could the Saint in Palestine have left, sold to some Saracen, although Pagan the Acts call him, and by Pagans in Corsica then the Saint crucified say. For since those Acts long after the deed were written, easy it was, idolaters for any infidels to come into the pen, nothing explored of their superstition having the author, and yet wishing this Passion with particular circumstances by his own grasp devised to adorn. Certainly to the Vandals some earlier under the Gentile Emperors times, do not suffer us to think, either Carthage taken by barbarians, or the Gorgona and Capraria monks in the Acts mentioned; of whom the former the body carried away; nor than the Persian incursion some later of the VII century under the Saracens calamity to think suffers the antiquity of the Epternacensian copy, where Julia to the other Martyrs added is found. There was indeed the island of Corsica Christian then wholly: but nothing impedes, that the Promontory sacred, to which with her master Julia, Capocorso commonly called, at least for a short time came, should have held of the same impiety the consorts pirates Vandals or Saracens; to whose leader the same license made the author the name of Felix, by which Julia's master he called Eusebius: neither indeed that I believe from the elders' tradition received, but equally as the words by which they are said to have used among themselves, for ornament's sake devised. But the Saracens, a few after Chosroes extinguished years, of the Persian Empire and of Syria and Egypt possessed, the whole Mediterranean had with piratical skiffs infested, nor rarely a landing made they fixed their tents, for of things and men booty from the fields to be driven, the inhabitants within more fortified places and the garrisons of cities themselves keeping, nor to prohibit daring: and into such fell the ship which Julia carried.

[4] Further since Gorgona the island scarcely more than 30 Roman miles is distant from Corsica, How the cult in Corsica began it was easy that the cult of S. Julia, already by the fame of miracles celebrated, be taken up by those, among whom she had suffered; and to her churches some be dedicated, in that especially place where crucified she was said, namely in the extreme of the island's angle toward Italy, near the town of Nonza. At its walls says Vitalis page 168 there gushes a fountain, there where cast off are believed the breasts of the Virgin from her body cut, whose water most salubrious is held and miraculous, and therefore also far and wide is carried. By name moreover that experienced asserts the Provisor of Leghorn's daughter, given up by the physicians about the year MDCIX, and by that water's taste suddenly restored to health: nay even constantly affirmed to himself to have been by the inhabitants, that before the wall, the same there a miraculous fountain around the same fountain's rim led, was smeared with lime, they were wont through the stones' joinings to burst forth on the day XXII of May, from early morning even to evening, milky together and bloody drops, to all conspicuous: and the matter that even to boys most known was, since he himself about the year MDCXXX such things examined, but now more rarely and more sparingly that to be done. Adds the same Vitalis, besides that place's Parochial church, sacred to S. Julia, in the very crucifixion place a chapel anciently to have been, which by lapse of time ruinous having been by the Faithful was restored; and another of the same name church, surnamed of Tavaria, across the mountains near Vigianello. A matter moreover especially memorable in the building of the Parochial of Nonza done he says, namely that when the site of the place more inconvenient and than just nearer to the citadel seemed, the inhabitants wished it to make on a neck Guaita called, at an interval of two hundred paces from the town: but all the material thither brought, found daily in the morning to be where now the church is; and watches set for observing nocturnal, was seen a girl, who a cart by two snowy bullocks drawn with the same material loaded, whom they did not doubt S. Julia to have been. And certainly so special herself to the people of Nonza a Patroness showed, that their town never any suffered from the Turkish pirates assault, and various churches. although other neighboring places with their vast loss them sometimes have experienced. In fine he concludes his third book Vitalis, who wholly of S. Julia is, with this of praying formula, I believe as used by the Corsicans.

℣. Pray for us blessed Mother Julia, ℞. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God creator and preserver of all nations, thy mercy humbly we ask, that this day of thy blessed Martyr Julia with fitting actions celebrating, with everlasting also exercise we may rejoice.

[5] The body translated to Brescia in the year 763. Celebrated besides at Brescia in the Subalpine region is the memory of the translated body of S. Julia from the island of Gorgona, and at Brescia deposited in a monastery under the name of the Lord Savior and S. Julia by Desiderius King of the Lombards, at the prayers of Ansa his wife most magnificently erected and endowed, together with a church, which Paul of this name the first Pontiff Maximus, assenting to so great Princes' vows, in the year DCCLXIII with solemn rite consecrated. Who in this celebrated monastery established under the rule of S. Benedict the same Kings' daughter Angelberga as Abbess, … Endowed the same Kings this same temple and monastery with many estates and many also of the Saints' bodies: but especially of S. Julia the Virgin and Martyr of Carthage, in the region of Corsica to the cross affixed. Her body with so great always veneration was venerated, that the nuns, of the same Angelberga the first Abbess followers, for the highest of so great a Virgin and Martyr devotion, the prior Royal temple inveterate omitted, a new one from the foundations of admirable structure built; just as from the monuments marble in the chapel greater carved, and from the following inscription above its door appears: THE TEMPLE LEFT, WHICH

DESIDERIUS THE KING TO THE SAVIOR HAD ERECTED, THIS NOBLER

TO GOD AND S. JULIA DEDICATED THE SACRED NUNS

BUILT, IN THE YEAR OF SALVATION MDXC. Thus

Bernardinus Faynus in the Notes to the Brescia Martyrology; in the year MDCLXV at Brescia printed: where also he says in the old temple's foundation by a Royal hand placed was a Title, which entire thus to be read he thinks: To Divine Julia of Carthage, daughter of Ansolo, Christ's Virgin and Martyr, to the Savior Desiderius the King and Ansa the Queen. But Joseph Ceus of Leghorn, of the Congregation of the Oratory to have been; but a sepulchral inscription in his epistle to us written he calls it, with these marks expressed. D. O. M.

AND TO DIVINE JULIA OF CARTHAGE DAUGHTER OF ANALSO CHRIST'S

VIRGIN AND MARTYR T. H. S. DESIDERIUS THE KING ANSA. Where

the letters T. H. S. can be explained This tomb or This tomb or This case he consecrates: and the last letters, by age worn away, thus perhaps to be completed will be; AT QUEEN ANSA'S REQUEST. And so the first church under the name of the Savior alone stood, the second under the name of S. Julia. But Brescia is under the Metropolis of Milan, in whose ancient Missals and Breviaries of S. Julia the Virgin and Martyr the memory is celebrated. In the ancient Calendar of the Breviary of Dol, in the year MDXIX printed, is indicated S. Juliana Virgin and Martyr, who seems this Julia to be. Various otherwise in this work are celebrated also Julianas.

ACTS

From the Mss. Florentine and Böddeken.

Julia the Virgin, Martyr in Corsica (S.)

BHL Number: 4516

FROM THE MSS.

[1] The Acts received from the elders' tradition. It is written, Brothers ^a most dear, they shall narrate these things to their sons, that they may put in God their hope, and not forget whatsoever God has worked in his Saints. For in those days, we inquiring of the elders, what was the life of the holy Martyr Julia, or what trophy of her passion she obtained the palm of martyrdom; this to us with full faith of the deeds they related, to themselves by their parents thus to have been related, which we the same to posterity in some little page, not so much by elegance of speech, as by simplicity most faithful, to the readers we believe to be transmitted: lest perhaps the faith growing old, in the hidden of so great a Martyr the passion be spent, A captive serves a pagan: who from Capo Corso ^b by the effusion of her blood in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ the whole province ^c consecrated.

[2] In that time when the city of Carthage ^d taken had been, then B. Julia from it captive was led; and by lot into servitude came of a certain man, by name Eusebius. But the venerable Martyr the Apostolic observed precept: she served a carnal lord, not as if to the eye serving, but as God with all

power subjected publicly she served. and strictly fasts: And although a Pagan had been her master, he admired so great of her service the virtue: on account of which also in some way he venerated the constancy of the same's religion. But when of her service rest to her had been given, either to reading she gave herself or in prayers she insisted. Therefore when herself by food's wearing in the love of God she afflicted, by no means by her master neither by blandishments nor by admonitions nor even of one day, as is reported, the fast could she be relaxed, except only of the Lord's Resurrection day. Pale was her face with fasting, but her faith firm endured: dried up her members with affliction, but her mind to heaven intent, with the words of God daily was fed: she grew pale with the violets of abstinence, she glowed with the lilies of chastity.

[3] And so her master carnal Eusebius, a citizen of Syria Palestine, translated to Corsica: to Gaul with most precious merchandise hastening, we not expecting what precious he had at Capo Corso he left. Therefore when there with the strongest oarings his ship by anchors they stayed, seeing of one rite by the Pagans sacrifices there to be offered, immediately headlong Eusebius with all his to sacrifice descended: on the same day a bull to his demons he immolated. Meanwhile while they in surfeits reveled; but holy Julia on account of the error from the depth of her breast deep sighs drew, it was announced to Felix ^g by his satellites, that in the ship was a girl, who the worship of the gods derided. Addresses Felix the Saxon son of the serpent Eusebius saying: Why have not all, who with thee are, to the worship of our Gods descended? Besides I hear there to be a girl, who the names of our Gods derides. To these Eusebius answered: for the faith to be tortured, The girl whom thou sayest, in no way from the worship or superstition of the Christians to remove I prevailed, nor under threat to our religion could I lead: and unless to me most faithful services of her service necessary were, already her with punishments various I had afflicted. Then Felix the Saxon says to him: either her to our gods vows to pay compel, or certainly I will give thee of mine four handmaids which to thee shall please better, or the price which shall be taxed, only give me her. To these Eusebius answered: If to me thy entire revenue thou wilt give, it cannot to the same's merit of service be compared.

[4] Then counsel taken the most venomous serpent a banquet prepared, where Eusebius with cups gorged, in deep sleep was lulled. Forthwith the Gentiles' throng raging the ship boarded, and thence S. Julia to the shore brought down. Then Felix the Saxon said to her: she is struck with blows: Sacrifice to the gods, girl, I for thee to thy master as much as he shall ask will give, and the bond of thy condition I loose. But holy Julia answered: My liberty is the service of Christ: whom I daily with mind pure serve. As for the rest that your error not only not I venerate, but even also I detest. Then Felix the Saxon orders her with blows to be struck. But holy Julia says: If my Lord Jesus Christ for my sake spittings and blows on his face received, why not I for myself with blows be struck; and for spittings, with my tears my cheeks be wetted. Therefore the most savage dragon ordered her by the hair to be tortured. The venerable of God Martyr is tortured, is scourged: she indeed in her confession cries out: Him I confess who for my sake with scourges was cut down: for if my Lord for me with thorns was crowned, and the trophy of the cross received, why not I through the softness of my hairs, and through this banner of faith sustain of this passion the contests, that I may merit to come to the martyrdom's palm? And so the hasty dragon, affixed to the cross she dies. lest of his savagery the loss he should suffer, immediately ordered the holy of Christ handmaid on the gibbet of the cross to be placed: and Eusebius awakened there she bore the contests victrix the last. And when she had loosed the body's bars, to the sepulcher made subject by her merits, ^h from her mouth a dove with rapid sought the stars by flight. ⁱ

[5] There in the bridal-chamber of the cross her dowry full of faith of confession she recited, and by the effusion of her blood subscribed, the Angels standing by: and through them by divine dispensation in the island Margarita ^k it was announced, to the holy monks' congregation. The body carried away thence, Who forthwith the ship boarded, and raising the sails, affording to them a wind solace, suddenly came to Capo Corso: and seeking thus they found, as to them by the Angels had been revealed. Who with all reverence taking down the body of the holy Martyr from the cross, placed her in the ship: and raising the sails they sailed with all speed, returning, affording to them ^l a contrary wind. Then there met them monks with a ship of the island, which is called Capraria, ^m affording to them a wind great solace; and they wondered, that against the wind's strength in the manner of birds the sails full their way made. Who approaching and most diligently inquiring, what virtue of God was in the ship, set forth to them all in order as they had been done: it is deposited in the Gorgona island. and asking from them of the Relics a benediction they obtained, and returned to their own. But they came into the island of Gorgona, and taking down the body of her from the ship [they found her life and passion and contest by Angelic hands written. Then with joy was filled all that of the Brothers Congregation: and receiving the body of the most precious Martyr Julia] with joy great. Done were these things on the XI Kalends of June in this place, where flourish the prayers of the Saints, to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

APPENDIX

From the Breviary of the Brescia Monks.

Julia the Virgin, Martyr in Corsica (S.)

[6] But afterward, when it had pleased God, about two hundred years' course, The body translated to Brescia by God's will inspired Ansa the Queen, wife of Desiderius of the people of the Lombards King, hearing her venerable deeds and miracles; with her desire kindled, ordered her Body with due veneration to herself to be brought. Then at Brescia the city, to the honor of that Blessed Martyr Julia, a monastery with worthy worship and worthy fabric constructed she dedicated, where the Body of her most wonderfully she placed. In which place her flourish prayers, and her memory is not abandoned even to the present day: she is illustrious for miracles. and by her intervention benefits are bestowed on all, who to her holy Body, and most sacred solemnity with true faith, pure mind, and holy works to celebrate convene. Nor is it to be doubted by us, brothers most dear, by her pious intercessions from sins and evils all us the Lord to free, to whom so excellent of martyrdom grace he willed to confer, if with pure and worthy minds her we shall have willed to celebrate.

[7] Our manners therefore, brothers most dear, to the example of this Blessed Julia, and of all the Holy Fathers, Peroration to her cult and imitation; to correct and compose let us be busy: if to their consortia of which is the matter, to come we desire. For what profits to be present at the feasts of the Saints, if to be absent it happen from the rejoicing choirs of the Angels? What here avails for a time to be merry carnally, if not there it happen perpetually to rejoice spiritually? What here will profit one's flesh with feasts and the luxury of vices to nourish? for there not only always to hunger, but even of the finger of any poor man of water a drop perpetually to thirst; and what is worse the soul and body to fire perpetual to be condemned it will be necessary, whence never it shall happen any more to be freed. Of this therefore holy Martyr let us imitate the examples, that from vices and concupiscences our we may crucify members, that from all these punishments we may be freed, and together with B. Julia and the Saints all, by their aided prayers, in Christ perpetually to rejoice: to whom is with the Lord Father, and the holy Spirit, in three Persons, one divinity, equal glory, praise and power before the world's beginnings, and now, and through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

HYMNS

From the same Brescia Breviary.

Julia the Virgin, Martyr in Corsica (S.)

AT VESPERS

[1] The cause, the crown of Martyrs, God effectual of all, The female sex made The seat of Martyrs to obtain.

If endures what is fragile, To us it is admirable, So in the womanly sex The hardihood of Martyrdom.

Greater it befits to be The boldness of Martyrdom, If ever the fragile sex In the praise of the contest rejoices.

The Carthaginian Julia By torments undismayed, The threats fears not the woman, Which the cruel judge works.

In all things a Christ-worshiper, That she might be proved Julia, Of the cross she undergoes the gibbets Of Christ following the footsteps.

To the cross to be fastened she merited, Because through the cross she believed Sure salvation to be made To all the human race.

Precious is the passion, And admirable the reason, The handmaid of her own Lord To be condemned by a like death.

Now she rejoices, of the perpetual Reward the hope obtained: One of the prudent Virgins She sings in the Choir of Martyrs.

Blessed Martyr Julia Our great confidence, By thy prayers obtain Our crimes to be blotted out.

To God be praise, and glory, Through whom are praised all things, The praises, which to thee we offer To us may they succor quickly. Amen.

Sure salvation to be made To all the human race.

Precious is the passion, And admirable the reason, The handmaid of her own Lord To be condemned by a like death.

Now she rejoices, of the perpetual Reward the hope obtained: One of the prudent Virgins She sings in the Choir of Martyrs.

Blessed Martyr Julia Our great confidence, By thy prayers obtain Our crimes to be blotted out.

To God be praise, and glory, Through whom are praised all things, The praises, which to thee we offer To us may they succor quickly. Amen.

AT MATINS

[2] There is present of the Blessed Virgin The sacred natal day of Julia, On which heaven she ascends with renowned A Martyr laden rewards.

For an unspeakable barbarity Had plundered Carthage, From which the to-be-venerated Virgin Eusebius obtained by lot.

But the Virgin of Christ Julia, To the carnal yoke subjected, The kindly with chaste breast Faith kept diligently.

Pale was her face with fasting Vigorous her mind joined to God, Not bonds, not blows Feared Christ's little servant.

The Saxon Felix the wicked Duke The girl's mind tries: With arms fortified strong She knows not to fear the perfidious.

She on death's rack With scourges worn sings together: On the cross's gibbet leaning The enemy's Trophy she raised.

And a good end granting A dove very splendid From her mouth came forth, The way of the poles it sought. Amen.

AT LAUDS

[3] For the blessed Julia, At whose urn we stand, To us is present with joy At every time to be venerated.

On this day but most of all This to pursue us it befits, On which her members earthly leaving, She proceeded to the heavenly things

And examples salutary To us she left very many, Which if we follow strenuously Us to go astray they will not suffer.

Men, girls, little ones With diseases burdened most bad, At her request restored Are to former health.

Praise, Honor, Virtue, Glory To God the Father, and the Son, The Holy together Paraclete Unto the ages of ages. Amen.

AT SECOND VESPERS

[4] The blessed Virgin Julia Worldly leaving all things, Christ following the footsteps, Passed to the heavenly things.

From a Noble family A Martyr proceeded Julia, Sprung she was from Carthage By the splendor great of Africa.

Conquered then Carthage By the Barbarians' rage, To the island led of Corsica She remained a short time.

For what the Prefect wished, Eusebius this refused: Deceived at length craftily, He answered before the Governor.

Why, Felix the Saxon, art thou foolish? Why vain words dost thou speak? Not me do gifts turn back, Nor the savage of death wounds.

To pray she spurned the Idols The handmaid of Christ Julia, Ordered to be tortured with various Torments and punishments.

With limbs torn On every part the flesh, With styluses and little rods The breasts also of the Virgin;

Hanging on the cross's gibbet Prayers she sends to the Most High, My soul receive, O God of great power.

To her Christ appeared, When the dire punishments she bore; Of virtues preparing the rewards, The blessed of heaven joys.

The spirit sent forth to Christ, To the Saints' choirs is joined, With the triumphal laurel Of the heavens she ascends the stars.

The body bore the Monks, By the Angels forewarned, In Gorgona they prepare a tomb, O Christ Redeemer of all.

Adorned her the truth, And hope and faith, and charity The virtues and nobility, O light blessed Trinity.

The banner she bears of the Virgins, And of the holy also Martyrs, She flourishes like the lilies Among the holy companies.

She healed all the languishing In Christ's faith fervent, At the body of the Holy Virgin O consort of the paternal light.

Be to the Trinity Glory, Whom beseeches Julia, Who may grant us joys Through infinite ages. Amen.

IN THE TRANSLATION

[5] The King of the Lombards Flavius Illustrious Desiderius Founded this monastery, And consecrated it for nuns.

In the Savior's Name, Of the Virgin also Julia, At Queen Ansa's prayers, Exults heaven with praises.

The consecrated body of Julia Translated lies at Brescia: Adorned it splendidly, Of light the Creator most good.

Of Saints many bodies With it he brought as companions, Both of Martyrs, and of Virgins, O God of thy soldiers.

With the highest joy he placed it, In a royal monastery, Endowed with a great gift In honor of holy Julia.

Happy let Brescia rejoice Gifts so many bearing renowned, Of Saints it holds the Bodies Led through the world's climes.

Be to the Trinity Glory &c.