Rita

ON ST. RITA,

WIDOW OF THE ORDER OF THE HERMITS OF S. AUGUSTINE, OF CASCIA IN UMBRIA.

MCCCCLVI.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

On her cult, the writers of her life, and the year of her death.

Rita, Widow of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, of Cascia in Umbria (B.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

There flourished in the century of Christ XIV and XV B. Rita, or (that the name entire be expressed) Margarita, who when an adult for some time in matrimony had lived, her husband being dead a widow made, a most holy seized of living mode; and then among the nuns of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine taken, at Cascia holily having died, she lived and died at Cascia, or Cassium, (Cursula to the ancients to have been wish some) which is of Umbria a town quite frequented in the Spoleto diocese, from its metropolis XX about miles distant, from Norcia only seven: and there in her monastery the body entire is kept, and she with miracles shines. Was of the Spoleto diocese the Prelate once Maffeo Cardinal Barberini, who (attesting Ughelli in the Bishops of Spoleto) the nuns' monasteries, surer applied disciplines, so in a short while best instituted had, as if then first they began to flourish. He afterward created Pontiff Roman and Urban VIII called, the singular, which of B. Rita's deeds and miracles notice he had, by Urban VIII as Blessed to be venerated permitted in the year 1627, more easily to the Supplications of the Prioress and nuns of the monastery of B. Rita of the Order of S. Augustine of Cascia of the Spoleto diocese inclined, a license and faculty imparted, that of the said B. Rita in the whole diocese of Spoleto, and by all of each sex of the said Order Religious wherever existing, an Office and Mass as of the Common neither of a Virgin nor of a Martyr to be recited and celebrated freely and lawfully can and may, through also to new Supplications inclined, a license and faculty he imparted, that on the feast day of the same B. Rita a Mass by all Presbyters Secular, to all of the whole Order aforesaid and of the diocese of Spoleto churches flocking, to be celebrated freely similarly and lawfully can and may … through a Brief similarly Given at Rome on the day IV February MDCXXVIII.

[2] The Life first to have written seems John George de Amicis of Cascia, No ancient Life is extant, by Herrera indicated (who it in the year MDC at Viterbo to be printed cared for) and to another the same into verses about to translate material to have suggested. And both a little work, without the authors' name, nor added, in Latin or in Italian they wrote, praises Br. Augustine Cavallucci in his Preface, and much to them to have added to be seen he wishes. And indeed miracles several he added, already from that very in which the Blessed died year to public consigned monuments, just as we saw in a copy by our Fathers submitted at Siena, where in the year MDCX printed it had been. But although Cavallucci to that Life to be adorned through whole ten Chapters, before to the miracles he comes, much of paper and words spends; it appears however, both himself, and others him preceding, scarcely anything to have found anciently of things before her death written; and unless a certain old picture into six tablets divided, several in this century have been written, and to the very Nuns' tradition joined, some of the same memory had preserved, altogether about to be lacking to have been what they should write. Nor more to say could, Onuphrius Martini of Iliceto, and Jerome de Getthis a Roman by Herrera praised, as to Cavallucci later, but unknown to us; the same to think we can, of the Life which in Spanish published Alphonsus de Aragon & Borgia, of the Province Castilian a foster-son; and also of another which with himself now has P. Aloysius Torellus, by P. Donatus de Donatis of Lucca of public right made. That moreover of Cavallucci so little solid material has; that when, the omitted Compendia soon to be named, it I wished from the Italian Latin to make, in what part historical it was (for in moral episodes to tarry it was not fitting) at last one Chapter scarcely full I found.

[3] And this the cause was why in the very of the Beatification year, in which the Fathers Augustinian nearly everywhere of their new Blessed notice to divulge tried, published her life, most from the Italian of Cavallucci taken, professed all only her Compendium to give; although even that very which they gave of words a little more, less of substance had: because namely, the of Cavallucci superfluous things rejected, exceedingly little remained of material. The first of this kind Compendium, which to the chief us use for forming the Appendix was, at Rome from the typography of the Apostolic Chamber came forth in the year of the Beatification aforesaid; which in the year soon following augmented reprinted at Bologna was, by the work of Paul Frassinelli of the Order Augustinian and Convent of S. Mark offered to the Countess Justina Visconti Bilia, partly from Cavallucci aforenamed, partly from Andrew Gelsomini Bishop of Ascoli's Thesaurus of devotion heavenly to the Blessed Virgin, as also the French of Simpliciano, more prolixly deducing this argument. And these indeed in Italian expressly of B. Rita, that Jacobillus in the Saints of Umbria and others I pass over. Simpliciano de S. Martino the Lives of the Saints Augustinian in French published at Toulouse, in the year MDCXLI, and to them the Life of B. Rita inserted, exceedingly floridly amplified, and with epigrams Latin and French distinguished. But while he confesses scarcely another author to have had before his eyes, than Cavallucci and the Roman Epitome; sufficiently certain us he makes, many beautiful circumstances, which he adjoins, from the talent of himself and verisimilitude; not however from fit authority to have been received; which kind of writing as commonly grateful, so to historians exceedingly inconvenient happens; not a little afterward laboring, that from certain relations the known from the verisimilar of rhetorizing encomiasts inventions they may separate. Has however Simpliciano, which elsewhere I have not found, a Relation in the name of the Congregation of Rites to Urban the Pontiff made; but turned into French, which if originally in Latin he had exhibited, I would wish to this work to insert, and the Latin of Curtius. although in this also (as long after the deed composed) perhaps some are found things not altogether certain. For where Cavallucci says heard at the death of the Blessed a triple of the monastic bell ringing no one touching; there says the Relation, in Simpliciano, a bell a certain for convoking to the funeral the people the whole day thus to have sounded; he himself indeed Simpliciano the matter augments, by saying that of all of the whole town bells: which I indicate, that it may be understood, how many among themselves dissonant things to creep in is necessary into histories, whose authors do not discern between anciently found things and their conjectures,

but in the same all things by the style they hand down. Much moreover before than in French Simpliciano in Latin wrote Cornelius Curtius, and in a compendium contracted Life published at Antwerp in the year MDCXXXVI. Whether into the Teutonic and German tongue another anyone that of Curtius Epitome turned, not yet I have learned: but from all together collated learn, besides those things which from Cavallucci I shall select, nothing by the historical way ascertained to be had: therefore those all I let go, and on Cavallucci alone to insist I propose, added however from others an Appendix.

[4] A difficulty there is some how as well in the aforesaid Life as about the year and day of the death of B. Rita, which in the aforecited all of the Life compendia Italian and in Jacobillus of the Saints of Umbria, and also in a leaf a certain expanded of the year MDCLXXV, Died the Blessed on a Saturday 22 May not in the year 1447, is said to have died Rita on a Saturday the day XXII May in the year MCCCCXLVII. Which characters cohere not. For in the said year MCCCCXLVII in the cycle of the Sun XXVIII the letter Dominical A, the Saturday fell not on the day XXII May, but on XX May, which therefore seized Cornelius Curtius. Naevius XXII retained, but expunged the Saturday: the Author of the Lessons which now in the festive solemnity are recited, omitted also the Saturday, wrote the Saint in the year after Christ born one thousand four hundred forty-third, or 1443, on the eleventh Kalends of June to have fallen asleep in the Lord, and therefore on the feria of the week fourth, in the cycle of the Sun XXIV the letter Dominical F. Joseph Pamphilus in the Chronicle of the Order of the Brothers Hermits of S. Augustine, that with XXII May the Saturday he might put together, with no other author preceding the death of B. Rita transferred to the year Bissextile MCCCCLXXXIV having the letters Dominical D C, or 1484, in the Cycle of the Sun III. Thomas de Herrera in part 2 of the Alphabet Augustinian page 333 thus of the death writes: At length with years and good works full, not in the year MCCCCXLVII as Andrew Gelsomini in the Thesaurus of heavenly devotion to the blessed Virgin chapter 8 and 11 page 60 and others esteemed; but in the year Pisan 1457, but in the year MCCCCLVII, as in the ark which her body preserves, is inscribed with ancient characters, after in the year MCCCCL Rome at the Jubilee time she had visited, on the day Saturday XXII of the month of May to the heavens she migrated. Herrera as to the day and year follows Lewis Torellus on the Lives of the Saints and Blessed Augustinian Century 3 chapter 85, but he was silent of the Saturday: he saw indeed that in the year MCCCCLVII having the letter Dominical B, the day XXII May fell on a Sunday.

[5] The difficulty however whole solved seems, and the old of the ark inscription preserved, which to us is 1456. if be taken the year, not that which now is used, but which Covarruvias tome 2 Resolut. variar. book 1 chapter 12 num. 1 calls Pisan, whose beginning is taken nine months before the nativity on the very of the Incarnation of the Lord feast XXV March: this indeed reckoning of time very many through Etruria and Umbria cities held, and so May of the year according to them MCCCCLVII, would be May of the common year MCCCCLVI, when in the cycle of the Sun IX with the letters Dominical D C the day XXII May indeed on a Saturday fell: and so is preserved the time of the Jubilee Roman in the year MCCCCL celebrated under Nicholas Pope IV, as writes S. Antoninus in the 3 part title 22 chapter 12 §. 3. More certainly however defined the matter could be, if of the miracles after the death of the Blessed wrought Notarial copies were had: the concurrence indeed of day and feria, from the people of Cascia were wont their year's beginning to lead. Is moreover very wonderful, that since all whom we have aforecited of the life Writers or rather abbreviators expressly made mention of the Jubilee by the Saint before her death sought, that death could some place before the year jubilar, easily from the historians of her age to be known. Further from the year of death depends the year of birth, born about the year 1386. which easy it would be more or less to define, if B. Rita died about a septuagenarian, just as has the Roman Relation, and from it others; consequent indeed it would be born her to have been about the year MCCCLXXXVI. Which not so by conjecture to be said seems, but it can a foundation give to correcting an error (no doubt typographical) in Cavallucci where are said the parents of Rita to have come together in matrimony, long without children about to be, in the year 1309; for if a kindred thou substitute character 6 for 0, and read 1369 a thing plainly like the truth thou wilt have put. The Milanese Abbreviators, not knowing how the error they should correct, enough had to define the century XIV, in which she was born between the year 1300 and 1400.

THE LIFE

From the Italian of Br. Augustine Cavallucci.

Rita, Widow of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, of Cascia in Umbria (B.)

FROM THE ITALIAN OF CAVALLUCCI.

PROEM.

Although the Life of our B. Rita, kind Reader, twice now to the press has been subjected, The plan and form and fonts of the work. once in prose and again in verse; in each however not enough distinctly explained seem her notable acts: wherefore not only by many faith-worthy persons solicitously instructed and with my own eyes not a few taught, as well about her life as about her miracles, in a brief transcript by James Victorius of Spello lately published, weighed meditatively single things at length I resolved, into one work to collect all things and to the press to subject; and that as well to the faithful's devotion to be augmented I may serve, as a command I may obey of the very Rev. P. Master Laurence de Fulginio the Augustinian. I divided moreover the work into several Chapters; namely on her origin, on the intention with which ought a state religious to be undertaken, on her entrance to the same, how all her own will she abdicated, how diligently the vows religious one by one single she observed, adjoining admonitions many to Religious readers about to profit; on her abstinence great, prayer frequent, happy transit, and at last miracles.

CHAPTER I.

On the life of the Blessed in the world and religion, and the happy of the same transit.

[1] Among other of fertile Umbria towns in the diocese of Spoleto, near Montecorvo Cascia lies, Born at Roccaporena, ancient and celebrated, to whose jurisdiction pertains Roccaporena, two of paces miles thence distant a castle. In this lived in the century of the Christian era the fourteenth spouses two, with much concord, devoted to works of religion and piety Christian, especially moreover piously affected toward the Lord's passion; and of peace among those at variance to be reconciled so studious, that everywhere Peace-bearers of Jesus Christ they were called. But a marriage sterile for many years having used, now nearly they had come to old age, from parents long sterile, when to the divine goodness it pleased to them a daughter to bestow, illustrious to the whole world about to be by works and miracles. She wondered herself pregnant the woman now an old little woman, when to her praying stood by an Angel, who of good mind to be bade her; that it would be that a daughter she would bear most acceptable to God. She bore moreover without pain: doubting indeed what to her a name they should impose the parents, admonished by a nocturnal vision were, Rita that they should call. Under this name baptized the little infant while sometime she lay in her cradle, often was seen a swarm of white bees the infantile mouth to enter and to go out: which prodigy made that her care intended the mother to the education of her; to whom she most beautifully responding, so grew in age and grace, that to her parents never was she troublesome in anything.

[2] Meanwhile with years grave the parents nothing cared more solicitously, than that their daughter before they should die in an honest matrimony placed they should see: which although least of all she inclined to, a twelve-year-old to a difficult husband she is delivered, a spouse Christ to choose professing, their however consenting will, a twelve-year-old still herself she delivered into the power of a man, exceedingly fierce and everywhere feared. But this man so to soothe knew Rita, that him with great of all stupor wonderfully mild and of divine obedience studious she rendered, for whole eighteen years with him most peacefully living; nothing however the less intent on her devotions, by which the blessed Virgin, the Baptist John, holy Father Augustine, and holy Nicholas of Tolentino more earnestly she pursued. She fasted moreover on all of the Marian feasts vigils on bread and water, fasting and prayer nonetheless she attends to: the fasting other days by the Church appointed religiously observing, and beyond the greater Lent common to all the others two; she intended to alms and the care of the poor infirm, approving his wife's actions the husband.

[3] Meanwhile a twin offspring and that male born to them was, whom while Christianly to be educated she intends after the mother's office Rita, is slain to her unhappily her husband: of whose death no less afflicted than that she saw her sons of taking sometime a vengeance seriously to think; the husband slain and the children dead, after of this kind a will she saw by her exhortations to be bent not able, with the same of charity ardor, with which God she had for the homicide prayed, to pray the same she began, that her sons before from this life he would take, than they by pouring against his precept blood their hands should defile. Nor slowly what she prayed she obtained, and both with an infirmity seized quickly she saw to a life better gone before. she asks at Cascia to be admitted among the Augustinians, So from worldly loosed bonds, after to conjugal and maternal she had sacrificed affection, and herself to God's will to be performed she composed; admonishing as if interiorly she felt, that to Cascia she should pass to the monastery of the reverend Mothers of S. Mary Magdalene. She went therefore and asked humbly to the habit to be received: but by the Abbess to those Nuns proposed, rejected by these she was, not however cast down. And indeed to her own returned castle to piety's exercises she began to give herself more attentively; among which when again revived the before conceived of a life more religious desire, she returned to Cascia once and again. But the third also time a repulse having suffered, she thought humbly, that not yet had come the time foredefined by God, in which of her vow partaker she should be made.

[4] Therefore the wonted exercises of prayer following, when on a night a certain she keeps vigil supplicating; of her house the door more vehemently to be knocked she heard, and to them by S. John the Baptist is introduced, and the voice of one crying, Rita, Rita. She runs immediately to the window: but no one before the house seen, when herself again to prayer she had given; a similar voice to her to be made she heard, by which she was admonished by Jesus to ask that into a spouse of him she be received, and she saw three Saints to her aid sent. Then rapt into an ecstasy she felt to herself with a voice clear to be said; Come, beloved Rita, now indeed the time it is that thou enter the monastery, whence so often thou hast been repulsed. Again therefore to the window she: and she saw before the doors S. John the Baptist: after whom immediately gone out, even to the place which the Scopulus of the Rock-Porena is named, she was astonished at the horror of so precipitous a height, which even on a full day to attempt anyone would shudder: but appearing soon two other of her Advocates S. Father Augustine and S. Nicholas of Tolentino, and received the veil she takes, her spirits resuming, the same she followed even to Cascia and within the monastery itself she penetrated, the gates and windows all closed, as they were, remaining. Which

when wondered the Monks, and others into others unbarred houses the fault by suspecting cast back; she what done miraculously was ingenuously professed, easily persuaded the Sisters, not to wish ejected her whom the Saints had introduced; and her virtue and perseverance well experienced, even to the solemn of the three religious vows Profession, the sacred veil granting, the same they received. She indeed not only then to God thanks gave; but as long as thenceforth she lived that of her entrance day a festive she had.

[5] When on a day at the sacred of the Mass office she was present, to her mind so deeply impressed were these of the Gospel words, by a vision of a ladder to heaven reaching she is animated, I am the way the truth and the life, that with divine illustrated spirit into of the same the sense exceedingly deeply she penetrated, and by meditating she grew warm into the love of Jesus. The first moreover after the made profession night, she had seen a ladder, whose summit the very heavens reached, and on it leaning her Lord most beloved; with an indication not obscure, that through of the three solemn vows the steps about to come she was to the highest of Christian perfection. She was further of obedience studious especially and loving of the enclosure: for the Jubilee's cause to Rome she sets out, but nevertheless on the occasion of the year holy, when several of the Sisters to Rome themselves transferred of gaining the Jubilee for the cause, her also a desire came of the same to go: which disclosing to the Mother Abbess an answer she received, not before to her this to be permitted, than wholly healed should be a wound below to be commemorated. This indeed a simple unguent applied soon coalesced, and to her a convenience afforded of completing her pious desire: healed for a while the wound which obstructed. which that divinely inspired to have been might be clear, again it burst, when from Rome into the monastery Rita had returned. More even her obedience proved, that at the command of the Abbess her to test wishing, with a daily labor long she watered a dry little plant, which in the garden of the monastery had withered; just as of the Abbot John we read among the Lives-of-the-fathers.

[6] In the aforesaid Roman journey was clear also how much to her in heart was poverty, the viaticum given for it she rejects. while a stock for the viaticum's uses granted in the crossing of a river from herself she cast away: and to those reproving her companions she answered, nothing of it need to be to those who Christ had as provider, but herself by it to be burdened longer she could not. She was wont moreover often to inculcate to the Sisters, then at last greatly to be made by men (if however that of so great were) when were found despisers of worldly riches. Salutarily the Sisters she instructs, She said also a reasoning the best for repressing the flesh's stings to be, no of the body reckoning to have, no to it compassion to bestow. Nor less than she said did she herself, now a finger, now a foot burning to herself, for extinguishing of concupiscence's fires. She persuaded indeed to love the enclosure, and solicitously to attend to the custody of the eyes and tongue, nor any one external rashly to address, because every in this kind excess lacked not a grave fault, and to fame was more dangerous. thrice daily with scourges on her body she rages: She scourged herself herself daily thrice; and the first indeed time more prolixly for the deceased, with little chains iron for that using; the second discipline, for benefactors, of leather cut; the third for sinners all, was woven of little cords. Of these the vehemence when to bear could not the enemy, to turn her from so great rigor again and again he strove, now the disciplines withdrawn by hiding, now thoughts injecting, lest perhaps to herself death she should accelerate: but to all his cunnings superior she, proceeded with the Apostle chastising her body and reducing into servitude. Asked indeed whither she went, when herself she betook to the flagellation wonted, To weaken, she said, the enemy's strength, and arms against him to be taken. Clothed also always she was with a hair-shirt, of bristles swine woven: and she was wont within her tunic thorns, by which again and again she was lacerated.

[7] In a wondrous manner given to prayer, seemed from it not to be able to cease: to the to-be-meditated Passion devoted, of her meditations indeed the chief argument the Passion of the Lord was, which that more vividly to her mind she might present, stations to herself within her cell she had distinguished, so that one part the mount of Calvary she called, in a corner she thought of Christ's sepulcher, elsewhere other steps she considered: and in that exercise so nearly daily she was affected, that again and again by the Sisters she was found alienated from her senses, and almost dead believed. From midnight even to dawn wont to contemplate divine things to insist, so brief she reckoned the time, that of the too-early sun's rising not rarely she complained. She had heard sometime preaching B. James della Marca of the most bitter Christ's passion, a thorn from the crown of the Crucified she receives in her forehead, and so deeply on her mind his words she had impressed, that home returned and prostrated before the feet of the Crucifix, even now in the old oratory to be seen, most ardently him she began to demand, that to her also he would bestow one at least of those thorns to feel, by which so numerously was fixed his sacred head. What moreover she asked abundantly she obtained: nor indeed only she felt of this kind a torment, but even her forehead wounded thenceforth she had with an incurable wound, which to her wound to death even remained. which all thenceforth of life time to her remained (except as much as in the Roman journey she put it aside) and putrefying and with worms swarming so a grave from itself it emitted stench, that, lest to the Sisters troublesome she should be, of their company for the most part herself she withdrew; for fifteen sometime days entire to no one except to Jesus her speaking. Falling down moreover from her head the worms, if any asked her what was the matter that it was, with a laughing face she answered, to be her little Angels.

[8] Now indeed how grateful to God and to whatever it pleased efficacious her prayer was, a sick woman she cures, easily by himself can each one estimate: I find moreover that when her sometime a woman of Cascia had asked, that she would beseech God for her daughter infirm; as home she returned, praying she, a demoniac she frees: her daughter sound altogether she found. Likewise that a demoniac a certain similarly by praying she freed from a demon, the possessed body to dismiss being compelled. Of which miracles the fame when it had begun itself to diffuse through the town, and thence even more widely to creep; was made to her to be visited even from remote regions a concourse frequent, of whom no one without solace and of good edification fruit returned.

[9] After these and other several her holy works, of which the memory to obtain I could not, visiting her the Lord with infirmity seized, extremely infirmed, for an example of patience unconquered to be afforded. At which time when scarcely anything of food she took, wondered the Sisters by what reasoning she could life draw, except that they believed by taking often the Eucharist more herself than by material any food to be sustained. Thus lying there visited a certain kinswoman her more specially beloved, who when in her departure had asked the infirm woman, whether of those things which at home she had things she would; I would, said Rita, a rose from my little garden: in January roses and figs to be found she causes: for a little garden she had had to her house joined at Roccaporena, and in it some of rose plants. The month then January was passing: wherefore to rave the infirm woman thinking the other, smiled and went away. But to Roccaporena returned, and the little garden of Rita by chance inspecting, a vernal in the rose-bush flower and well ruddy she found; and of the petition of the day before recalling, plucked immediately to Cascia she brought and exhibited to the infirm woman. Who the rose of so good odor and color receiving, after given to God thanks, through the wondering Sisters' hands to pass it she wished. Again moreover from the same kinswoman from the same little garden recent two figs she asked: which she, now least of all hesitating, sought, found plucked, plucked brought to Cascia, to the stupor of the inhabitants, who the same to see and to touch desired, themselves with their eyes hardly believing.

[10] After these passed months some she felt her death to be present, with the last sacraments fortified piously she dies, and convoked the Sisters all she asked the last of the Church sacraments: which received all to the Augustinian Rule's observance exhorted, she joined into the form of a Cross her hands: and the benediction of the Abbess received, most placidly she expired in the year one thousand four hundred seventh, on a Saturday toward night, 22 May, on the day XXII May. In that very in which she expired moment, heard was the monastery's bell, moving no one, thrice to be rung, by hands (as to believe right it is) Angelic; and a sudden light through her cell shone, and by the whole monastery was perceived of an odor plainly heavenly a fragrance. The corpse wondrously beautiful appeared to those beholding: nothing however greater stupor was, than that the wound of her forehead, before so horrid, as if into a carbuncle converted glowed red. The following morning all to honor the exequies with a multitude of wax candles running, left in the church the body was, while a place to so honored a funeral worthy was prepared. at the body is healed an arm withered. Meanwhile a certain kinswoman of the deceased was present, an arm for all work useless bearing: but having tried the neck of her kinswoman to embrace, to have returned to the arm dead life she felt: and with great gladness it to all showing, and most freely whatever was agreeable doing, she divulged the miracle, with universal soon applause received. This history even today depicted is shown in an old cloth, together with other five chief points; so that first are represented bees white, about the mouth in the cradle lying of the little infant flying; second the three afore-named Saints, an old of her life picture. leading her to the monastery; third the Profession of her, under the habit of the holy Mother Monica; fourth the wound, in her forehead received before the image of the Crucifix; fifth her transit, and the obsequies of the Sisters and others around the dying woman's bed standing; sixth the concourse of peoples, to visit the dead woman's body. The rest which there expressed are not, as better I could to describe I cared, to God's and his Blessed's glory.

CHAPTER II.

The miracles at the invocation of B. Rita done in the century XV.

[11] That the weak things of the world chose God that the strong he might confound, was clear through the miracles, which even in these our times to do deigned God in the church, where the sacred B. Rita's body rests, With miracles many she is illustrious after death, just as demonstrate anathemata many silver and waxen, figures in wood or cloth depicted, iron bonds of captives loosed, staves or supports under-arm of the weak: of all which faith most certain make Notaries, to public of each one miracle testimonies subscribed. To these other many faith most worthy witnesses accede, reverend Priests from the Orders of SS. Augustine and Francis: and so abundantly is certified, many grievously infirm and wounded to have been healed, enlightened blind, to the weak and limping a step, and to the from nativity mute speech to have been given; freed demoniacs, and from death rescued whom to it to undergo a judicial had condemned sentence: so that superfluous perhaps to seem can them to refer one by one. To a fuller however satisfaction of the Reverend those Mothers, whom, obliterated the prior of S. Mary Magdalene name, of S. Rita to call the common people was wont; I will note certain more illustrious things, ascribed the year, month, day, and the name of the person, to whom each grace was done.

[12] Before however to particular miracles I descend, to be premised I judge, that even today, and with a heavenly fragrance coming forth from the ark,

while is unbarred the ark in which the body is laid, is felt a wonderful a certain fragrance, as of an odoriferous some mixture, as long as it open remains. Nay even observed was diligently, and most certainly known that on single occasions, on which our Lord Jesus Christ to anyone a grace notable makes through the merits of S. Rita, of this kind a fragrance is perceived some days before; and afterward from various places and cities to come pilgrims of a vow guilty, and the received benefits with an offered alms attesting. So a few from hence years it happened, that when for days quite many the whole monastery with a most sweet odor suffused wondered all, especially while some miracle is done. from Senigallia there came D. Violantes, wife of Mag. Andrew Medici, full of joy, and a silver anathema with thanks giving offering, for the preserved to her son, whose life the physicians had despaired. Many besides from hence years experience taught, the veils, with which her head covered the Saint, and whatever other to her for the covering of the body in use had been, and also the cloth to the body the same deceased sometime spread, a salvific to abound virtue, and to those giving birth to facilitate the labor, and for demons to be driven away efficacy to have. likewise by a miraculous of all the garments integrity. More moreover can be seen, that even at the sole contact of a reed, to which are affixed little skins certain, for the casket in which she lies within and without to be cleaned from dusts, demons are compelled to go out. Hence the Reverend those Mothers and full of charity, a custom to themselves made, of this kind of veils and linens particles to friends to distribute; which on the neck of the infirm hung, to many health swift have restored; as also little pieces, from the tunics of B. Rita cut.

[13] In the year MCCCCLVII on the day XXV May, Baptista of Angelo de Colgiacone, There are healed some on the 25 May, of his eyes' use altogether deprived and at the body of B. Rita praying, the former of them light recovered. On the same day brought thither Lucretia of Ser-Paul de Colforcello, not only with years grave but also with dropsy, there received health. In the same month Cecca of Antony de Fucella, with ear one for years five nothing hearing, with evident before all the people signs demonstrated it to herself to be unbarred. On the day also XXIX, 29 of the same, Salimenes of Antony de Podium, a finger of one hand plainly dead having, and it to the sacred body no less reverently than devoutly and faithfully moving, the hoped-for to have obtained grace with many tears publicly testified. On the last indeed day of the month, Giacomuccia of Leonard de Occone, and on the last. for many years grievously her legs grieving, and in her whole inflated body, so that for two years not except most sparingly to feed she could; among domestics' arms brought before the body, herself in the church remained for days eight, nor except free thence she withdrew, thanks copiously given. On the same day Cecca of John de Bissellis, of the territory of Norcia, brought was from nativity mute, just as her testified the parents: who while before the holy body their pour prayers, to speak the girl began and the Ave Maria to recite, with the greatest admiration of the present people.

[14] On the day II June, Matthew of Rex de Ocone a vow made for his son, Likewise on the 2nd, 3rd, 7th June, whom even to death tortured a stone of the bladder innate, and it done freed him to have been he testified. On the day III Spiritus of Angelo de Cascia, with sciatica pains most intense laboring, and to B. Rita recurring, help bore back. On the same day Antony of S. Cyprianus de Matrice, from nativity mute, and to B. Rita brought by his father, and through two days fervently to her merits commended, of speaking received the power. On the day VII, Matthias * of Cancer de Rocca-Indulfi, of the district of Norcia, similarly from nativity mute, and similarly brought by her parents, when to speak all hearing she had begun, immediately into thanks givings moved the Clergy and people, a procession public to be proclaimed judged, in which the R. P. Mag. John Pauletti of Cascia an oration to them had. and on the 18 of the same, On the day XVIII June of the year aforesaid Lucy of Sanctis, of the Castle of S. Mary of the territory aforesaid, of years fifteen for the space of one eye's light deprived, and the other with a film obscured bearing, so that very little altogether she saw, and by the hand to be led she ought: when her prayer before the body of the Blessed for days fifteen she had continued, with each at length eye enlightened, thanks to the divine Majesty she bore back, not without pious tears and sighs.

[15] are continued the miracles in the year 1477 In the year MCCCCLXXVII, on the day III June, Petrus-Santes, the little son of Florentius de Paganello, of the district of Norcia, by a disease a certain had lost the speaking faculty and almost of all the senses use, so that himself to raise on his feet he could not. For this when a vow to B. Rita was made, heard he was to call his mother and to say, Mamma, with great admiration of his parents. Who iterating the vow; saw the boy within three days of every of his members and of his tongue bond loosed, and they rejoiced.

[16] In the year MCCCCLXXVIII, on the day XII June, Santes of Marcianus de Roccaporena, while at ball playing swiftly he runs, upon a companion with a knife girt he struck so violently, 1478, that the turned point to him entering into his body, a great inflicted wound: which although according to art well cured had been, nonetheless into a fistula turned, made the physicians of his life to be preserved to despair. But whom to preserve they could not, preserved the protection of B. Rita into a vow invoked, and from the peril rescued.

[17] 1480, In the year MCCCCLXXX, Spiritus of Peter-Antony de Podium, made frenetic, with so great was driven madness, that often he wandered through woods and mountains, at home moreover shut up violence he made that himself he could throw through the windows: but after on the day VII April B. Rita invoked for her son the mother, under the obligation of a certain vow; a grace for the same she obtained, and to a mind sound restored she rejoiced.

[18] 1481, In the year MCCCCLXXXI, Vannota of Ser-Antony de Foliano with so grave labored a quinsy, that obstructed by it her jaws nothing of food to transmit she could any more, and not to drink even; and now given up by the physicians often also dead she was believed; when on the day XXII May to herself somewhat restored, to those standing around she said, O how grateful a vision to me ye have interrupted! And asking what she had seen; B. Rita, she said, consoling me, and with her hand touching my throat, and saying, Do not doubt, daughter, rise and spit out. Which she doing free herself she felt; and hangs even now in a tablet depicted this miracle near the ark of the Blessed. On the same day Antony of John de Colforcella, a son having to whom of urine the passage closed a stone, the bladder's neck occupying, and him to B. Rita commending, from the pertinacious and dangerous that obstacle freed him.

[19] 1482, In the year MCCCCLXXXII, on the day XXII May, Joannes-Marinus of Marcus de Longe, a serpentine a certain infirmity long had suffered, by which his whole body was impeded; but when for imploring the Blessed's help his parents had recurred, of their vow partakers for their son were made. In the same year on the day XII November, Peter-Marinus of Marianus de Norcia, in one of his eyes and knees so grievously hurt, that long tried the curation at length the physicians despaired; himself to B. Rita through a vow offered, and within the eighth day so far convalesced, that he could to give thanks the body holy to approach, before which at last a perfect he obtained health.

[20] 1483, In the year MCCCCLXXXIII, Sancta of Dominicus de Longe, her head and throat for a long time inflated, so that to speak she could not, and with great pain was urged toward death; what her tongue could not, in mind she conceived a vow, of visiting with an alms the body of B. Rita: and it personally fully healed she paid. On II June of the same year, Jacomuccia of Marinus de S. Anatolia, from a scaffolding a certain twelve feet high fell, and so grievously dashed to the ground was, that of her loins the joining broken to her was, and falling following her from on high a stone, to her also her shoulder broke. The pains' vehemence followed a spasm, which dead to seem made her. Made therefore for her a vow was, of whose efficacy soon having experienced, with an alms she came to give thanks. Then on the day X November, Antony of Antony de Norcia, to whom besides seven inflicted wounds, his shoulder almost from its trunk was cut off, when for dead he had been abandoned, making for him a vow his parents he convalesced, and the vow he satisfied.

[21] In the year MCCCCLXXXIV, Menica of Dominicus de Norcia healed was on XVIII July, 1484: after long in vain had labored her parents to cure a wound, which to her for two years under her ear had lasted and putrefied, so that several of bones particles through it were drawn out: this moreover received to be referred ought to B. Rita by her parents invoked. On the day IX December, John-Andrew of Joannettus de Atri a tall a certain nut-tree cutting down, it so unexpectedly upon himself rushing received, that no one of those standing around doubted but the whole crushed and certainly about to die he was. He nonetheless to B. Rita himself vowed: and behold that great tree, miraculously turned to the side, a faculty to him afforded of withdrawing himself from the weight so monstrously pressing.

[22] 1485, In the year MCCCCLXXXV Ser-Bartholomew of Amadeus de Cascia, in the recovery of a town which Castle of Cascia is called in his ankle with an arrow hurt, when the iron could not by the physicians and surgeons be extracted, and spasms acceded; recalling the miracles of B. Rita, whose then by chance the anniversary day was imminent, her he prayed, that with God interceding, him from so intense a pain she would free: which done again tried the physicians the iron to extract, and with it the greater part of the torment took away. On the day therefore following, on which the feast was celebrated, confidently he came to the church, the Mass about to hear: under which through God's grace so immediately better to himself to become he felt, that not except wholly healed the wound home he returned.

[23] and 1486. In the year MCCCCLXXXVI, in the month of January, Peter-Marinus of Marinus de Norcia, hurt in his leg, so great poured an abundance of blood, that not only impeded he remained in all that side nor stand upon his feet could, but even in mind moved from himself he fell. Recalling however the miracles of B. Rita, to visit her body, and a Mass to it to cause he vowed; and soon to have lighter he began, and his vow he personally discharged. On the XXII day of April, Angelus of Paul de Colcorioso, pains intolerable suffering from gravels, which of urine the passage no permitted except with a vast torment; a vow he vowed, and sent forth a stone with the urine, which to the body offered in memory was. On the XXXIX day of the month aforesaid, Andrew of Angelo de Onellis, a tenth year bedridden, when he vowed himself about to come to the body of B. Rita, and in his church of her to cause the Mass sacrifice, suddenly convalesced, the vow he discharged, and on the day I May entered he at Cascia into the Magistracy.

* otherwise Caesarina,

CHAPTER III.

Other miracles done in the century XVI and the beginning of the century XVII.

[24] Are renewed the cures miraculous in the year 1501, In the year MDI, on the day X June, Perna, of John-Peter de Helena of Norcia, who in the month of May had been in marriage delivered, and soon by evil seized spirits prolonged,

de Colgiacone, There are healed some on the 25 May, of his eyes' use altogether deprived and at the body of B. Rita praying, the former of them light recovered. On the same day brought thither Lucretia of Ser-Paul de Colforcello, not only with years grave but also with dropsy, there received health. In the same month Cecca of Antony de Fucella, with ear one for years five nothing hearing, with evident before all the people signs demonstrated it to herself to be unbarred. On the day also XXIX, 29 of the same, Salimenes of Antony de Podium, a finger of one hand plainly dead having, and it to the sacred body no less reverently than devoutly and faithfully moving, the hoped-for to have obtained grace with many tears publicly testified. On the last indeed day of the month, Giacomuccia of Leonard de Occone, and on the last. for many years grievously her legs grieving, and in her whole inflated body, so that for two years not except most sparingly to feed she could; among domestics' arms brought before the body, herself in the church remained for days eight, nor except free thence she withdrew, thanks copiously given. On the same day Cecca of John de Bissellis, of the territory of Norcia, brought was from nativity mute, just as her testified the parents: who while before the holy body their pour prayers, to speak the girl began and the Ave Maria to recite, with the greatest admiration of the present people.

the little son of Florentius de Paganello, of the district of Norcia, by a disease a certain had lost the speaking faculty and almost of all the senses use, so that himself to raise on his feet he could not. For this when a vow to B. Rita was made, heard he was to call his mother and to say, Mamma, with great admiration of his parents. Who iterating the vow; saw the boy within three days of every of his members and of his tongue bond loosed, and they rejoiced.

de Roccaporena, while at ball playing swiftly he runs, upon a companion with a knife girt he struck so violently, 1478, that the turned point to him entering into his body, a great inflicted wound: which although according to art well cured had been, nonetheless into a fistula turned, made the physicians of his life to be preserved to despair. But whom to preserve they could not, preserved the protection of B. Rita into a vow invoked, and from the peril rescued.

Podium, made frenetic, with so great was driven madness, that often he wandered through woods and mountains, at home moreover shut up violence he made that himself he could throw through the windows: but after on the day VII April B. Rita invoked for her son the mother, under the obligation of a certain vow; a grace for the same she obtained, and to a mind sound restored she rejoiced.

of Marcus de Longe, a serpentine a certain infirmity long had suffered, by which his whole body was impeded; but when for imploring the Blessed's help his parents had recurred, of their vow partakers for their son were made. In the same year on the day XII November, Peter-Marinus of Marianus de Norcia, in one of his eyes and knees so grievously hurt, that long tried the curation at length the physicians despaired; himself to B. Rita through a vow offered, and within the eighth day so far convalesced, that he could to give thanks the body holy to approach, before which at last a perfect he obtained health.

her head and throat for a long time inflated, so that to speak she could not, and with great pain was urged toward death; what her tongue could not, in mind she conceived a vow, of visiting with an alms the body of B. Rita: and it personally fully healed she paid. On II June of the same year, Jacomuccia of Marinus de S. Anatolia, from a scaffolding a certain twelve feet high fell, and so grievously dashed to the ground was, that of her loins the joining broken to her was, and falling following her from on high a stone, to her also her shoulder broke. The pains' vehemence followed a spasm, which dead to seem made her. Made therefore for her a vow was, of whose efficacy soon having experienced, with an alms she came to give thanks. Then on the day X November, Antony of Antony de Norcia, to whom besides seven inflicted wounds, his shoulder almost from its trunk was cut off, when for dead he had been abandoned, making for him a vow his parents he convalesced, and the vow he satisfied.

de Cascia, in the recovery of a town which Castle of Cascia is called in his ankle with an arrow hurt, when the iron could not by the physicians and surgeons be extracted, and spasms acceded; recalling the miracles of B. Rita, whose then by chance the anniversary day was imminent, her he prayed, that with God interceding, him from so intense a pain she would free: which done again tried the physicians the iron to extract, and with it the greater part of the torment took away. On the day therefore following, on which the feast was celebrated, confidently he came to the church, the Mass about to hear: under which through God's grace so immediately better to himself to become he felt, that not except wholly healed the wound home he returned.

of Marinus de Norcia, hurt in his leg, so great poured an abundance of blood, that not only impeded he remained in all that side nor stand upon his feet could, but even in mind moved from himself he fell. Recalling however the miracles of B. Rita, to visit her body, and a Mass to it to cause he vowed; and soon to have lighter he began, and his vow he personally discharged. On the XXII day of April, Angelus of Paul de Colcorioso, pains intolerable suffering from gravels, which of urine the passage no permitted except with a vast torment; a vow he vowed, and sent forth a stone with the urine, which to the body offered in memory was. On the XXXIX day of the month aforesaid, Andrew of Angelo de Onellis, a tenth year bedridden, when he vowed himself about to come to the body of B. Rita, and in his church of her to cause the Mass sacrifice, suddenly convalesced, the vow he discharged, and on the day I May entered he at Cascia into the Magistracy.

* otherwise Caesarina,

CHAPTER III.

Other miracles done in the century XVI and the beginning of the century XVII.

de Helena of Norcia, who in the month of May had been in marriage delivered, and soon by evil seized spirits prolonged,

had borne torments; persuaded at last that to B. Rita with a vow herself she should commend, she obeyed those salutary admonishing; and soon as the church she entered, she began to have lighter, and within a few days freed she was. In the same month, John of Bartholomew otherwise Contestabilis de Rocca-Scuri, when with his sword himself in the joint of his foot he had hurt, and a vein of the larger one had cut, so copious blood he emitted, that it nearly all poured out, the physician D. Gaspar de Trevi judged it done with him to be. But he vowed to visit the church of B. Rita with an alms: and soon the blood stopped; and beyond the opinion of several physicians preserved, a crown silver grateful he brought, which today together with other treasures for adorning the sacred casket serves.

[25] 1503, In the year MDIII, on the day VII March, Peter-Angelus of Peter-Dominicus de Sanboleta, of Norcia, his house with a pestilence infected feeling, and in it now mourning his dead daughter; God through the merits of S. Rita he asked, that the rest of his family safe to him from the contagion he would render: and heard, with a liberal alms he testified his gratitude.

[26] In the year MDX, a certain D. Francis de Montferrato a canker in his throat suffering a fifth year lay in bed, 1510 a man of Montferrat with a canker, when on one of the nights to him sleeping appeared B. Rita; and faith to the dream not having, appeared again the night following. Wherefore all to him coming he asked, where in places was had the body of a certain Blessed, a forehead wounded bearing; and he narrated those things which sleeping he had seen. But they the matter into laughter turning, her again the third night he was seen to see, and to hear saying, I am B. Rita de Cascia: bidden to visit the body of B. Rita, go and visit the church where is the body mine: and these saying she was seen with her hand his throat to touch. He indeed awaking and healed himself finding, in the morning following into the way himself about to give to his domestics said, I go to make a pilgrimage, even until I shall have found the body of that Blessed, who so often by night me visited. So he came to Siena, a most noble of Etruria city and with many Saints' bodies enriched; hoping there to be found whom he sought: but of his hope frustrated, and various asking, at length to Cascia he came professing himself healed. the name of S. Cassian he heard, celebrated in those parts, on account of the baths salutary to which from everywhere it is come. But neither there anything of his mind's opinion having got, to Rome even he proceeded; where after an inquiry manifold, at length in a public inn some Norcian Pilgrims he met, by whom of the way to Cascia leading taught, thither he came; and given to God thanks he showed a scar from the wound of the canker left in his throat, and a notable alms he offered to the Blessed, by whose contact himself he said healed: wherefore by all the Presbyters and people instituted was a devout procession, under which this miracle publicized the very R. P. Mag. Lewis de Cascia of the Order of S. Francis.

[27] In the year MDXXIV John-Angelus of Leonard de Ocone, before seized by a demon, Other several are aided in the year 1524, and on the day XXVI April brought to visit the body of the Blessed, within three days was by them dismissed: whence as much as he had he gave to that place, and himself besides as a servant addicted to the monastery, in whose also service even to death he persevered. In the same month, Bernardinus of Dominicus de S. John, who by seven spirits unclean for years ten, months seven possessed had been, and of them five hitherto hidden had borne, then indeed by the same themselves betraying more grievously was vexed; was to the body of B. Rita presented, and after a prayer poured freed.

[28] In the year MDXXV, on the day X May, to the monastery came John Francis Nardi de S. Bonito, 1525, whose three-year-old little son Osarus so atrocious a catarrh had occupied, that for three days whole without food he remained, with closed eyes like a dead man. Therefore of counsel poor the father, a vow to B. Rita made had come to visit the sepulcher; and made by himself and by the Reverend Mothers a prayer, he received from the Rev. Mother Abbess, a part of the tunic of that very Blessed with which home returned, and his son in the same state finding, upon his face and eyes the said of the tunic particle he led; which soon opened restored to sense the boy was, and sound appeared. He returned therefore soon to the sacred body now glad the father, and an alms to the Mothers reverend offered, with much thanks giving for so efficacious prayers' suffrage.

[29] In the year MDXXVII Bernardinus, otherwise Fatatus of Nicholas de Cascia, and 1527 to death hurt, a wood a certain in Abruzzo crossing, by robbers attacked, despoiled, and with many wounds inflicted for dead was abandoned: to whom thus on the ground laid B. Rita appeared, and he himself to her himself commending, rose on his feet; and as best he could to the nearest creeping town, again as if lifeless fell down. Falling him saw some, and running him taken between their arms carried to the convent of the Brothers: where cured and healed he returned to Cascia; and his vow about to satisfy, to the monastery he brought his case upon a cloth depicted, which there today is seen in memory of the miracle.

[30] In the year MDXXXIX on the day I May, Scholastica of James de Agriano of Norcia offered a garment green, from a vow made to B. Rita, because her son by the physicians given up she invoked her preserved among the living. 1539 is freed from drowning a girl, On the same day, Antonia of John-Silvester de Roccaporena, of years nine a girl, crossing a bridge over the Corno river spread, unexpectedly she fell into the deep, so that through the space of half a mile under the waters torrential rolled nowhere was discerned. Who moreover to the case had run and the river's course had followed, found her sitting on the bank, plainly dry and unharmed, because falling to B. Rita herself she had commended. Venuccius of Sanctis de Foliano, grieving an arm and a foot is cured, a useless altogether arm bearing, to B. Rita had vowed a waxen figure of an arm. And cured divinely, when the Sunday next he had resolved his himself by vow to discharge in the morning, changing suddenly his purpose to Norcia he went away to his certain affairs. Going moreover there supervened on the way in one of his feet a pain so great, that to proceed to be able he despaired. Recalling therefore the deferred vow, it again he confirmed; adding also a waxen foot's oblation, if this also time he were aided: which also happened: and so immediately after with a twin anathema he came to the blessed body. Finally on the day VII December Lucessa of John-Peter de S. Georgio, wife of John Marinus de Colcorioso, for a long time a demoniac, when for her about to pray a people much to B. Rita had convened, and is freed a demoniac, suddenly freed she was from the unclean spirits, openly crying to be compelled to the departure by B. Rita. But returned home, again to be vexed she began; and again brought and freed she was; and confessed herself to have seen B. Rita, commanding the demons that they should go out, and the reluctant ones extracting with her hands, and saying that of good she should be spirit, to have come she to her to aid.

[31] 1541 another demoniac, In the year MDXLI D. Cassandra of Aquila, sons three having, for the younger of them to death infirm a vow had made, that him she would lead to B. Rita, if God health should grant; nor in vain. But when she neglected the vow made to fulfill. Again infirmed the boy had died, and she herself seized by a demon had been, feigning itself the spirit to be of the son deceased. Wherefore when for many years afflicted she had lived, and had heard the malign clearly declaring, not about to depart he from her unless she were led to B. Rita; to her two surviving sons she indicated the vow for whose cause she was tortured. To Aquila therefore leading the mother with great molestation their own, so much always greater by how much more they drew near to Cascia, Aquila by her sons led, partly raised on shoulders partly violently dragged, at length they brought in where the body holy was: and when both by them and by the people fervent prayers were to the Blessed poured, Cassandra in her sons' between arms fell as if dead, while meanwhile was seen her throat to be inflated, was heard a spirit as if the son's it were to cry, A miracle! a miracle! These are the signs which I had promised about to give when from the body of my mother I should depart. Gone out moreover the spirit returned to herself Cassandra, and her sons asked where she was: answering moreover they that with B. Rita; she rose on her feet, came to the casket, and given to God and the Blessed thanks to Aquila with her sons sound she returned.

[32] In the year MDXLVIII on the day VIII June, 1548 are preserved two dying women, to Brigida the wife of Mag. Marsilius of Norcia, grievously infirm and given up by the physicians, assisted Jerome a certain Amicus, of Nocera; and when he slept he was seen to himself to hear a voice, bidding that the sick woman to B. Rita be devoted: in the morning moreover made his dream he narrated to the domestics: who with laughter as a dream received. But the following night again the same voice hearing, roused the family whole, with the rest he conceived a vow; and she suddenly to herself returned convalesced, and to speak beginning promised a crown silver, which a little after as she had promised she offered. A woman a certain from a far region, at Cascia long contracted had lain, and now was of all destitute of senses, wherefore in funeral things wrapped, brought on a bier was to the church of B. Rita and to her faithfully commended: and immediately freed by herself on foot to her house she returned, a one-eyed girl is enlightened, with much company of those crying out A miracle, a miracle. Thus to her returning met a woman a certain other, to whom a daughter was, by an inveterate upon one of her eyes film now plainly one-eyed. As therefore her she saw, whom from many back years to bed fixed she had known, with great with fervor of spirit in that very place herself she cast on her knees, and her daughter if her sight to the eye obscured were restored she offered to the monastery of B. Rita, provided of her and her husband's consent acceded. They indeed had gone away to Norcia, of seeking a remedy for the cause: but as they understood what done was, the vow of the mother confirmed the daughter and her father: and dismissed all medicines within a short time loosed was the film; and with each now eye rightly seeing the girl, entered the monastery; where not long after elected Abbess, an office that with great of all satisfaction held thirty-five continuous years. Potentia of Antony de Monte-Leonis, is freed one possessed. before possessed by a demon, brought to the body of B. Rita, there freed she was after a prayer by herself and the Nuns made, just as before her death she testified.

[33] Finally D. Antonia de Leonessa, in the year MDCIII similarly by malign spirits invaded, 1603 is cleansed another. and long and direly vexed, a vow also to S. Rita made freed, came to visit her church with a silver anathema, and a shield besides one of alms in the name leaving, thenceforth yearly the same alms to iterate even now ceases not. So that from all hitherto deduced to conclude we can, this Blessed to God exceedingly acceptable to have been, who her in death and

after death with so many miracles adorned.

[34] I would not omit further to indicate, that the Reverend those Mothers for many from hence years by custom have received, Loaves in honor of the Blessed distributed, to make in their monastery in the month of May small loaves, in that abundance which for two asses to be loaded would suffice; and these on the very of the Blessed feast for God's love and in honor of the Blessed to distribute. These for a long enough are kept time, without mold or stain: and experience taught, that by the feverish tasted or otherwise the infirm a benefit frequently confer of health desired. That also more wonderful by use comes, that in tempests, or excessive rains, fevers and tempests they restrain, or untimely hail, exposed to the air the loaves aforesaid, after recited upon them a Pater and Ave, to cease make storms and winds, by which manner sailors very many and merchants from shipwreck and other perils rescued themselves confess. I will say besides, that the same Reverend Mothers, feeding a lamp above the casket burning at the part interior, the same serves the oil of the lamp. often of its oil bestow to those asking for ill affected bodies with it to be anointed: which to many most happily turned out, and namely to D. Coluccia of John-Andrew of Norcia: who when she had a little son by name Ventura, of feet and legs, of hands and arms impeded; and him with the said oil she had anointed, in the year MDCII shortly from his bed rising she saw, whom wherever he walks leading about, she testifies to all, with great faith devotion and gladness, him to be the boy, whom B. Rita raised on his feet, and to walk made before immovable.

[35] These are B. Rita's miracles, others who will for his devotion to see, let him inspect the Notarial instruments which in the aforesaid monastery are kept; and let him consider the pictures, upon wood or cloth expressed, which about her body hang in testimony.

APPENDIX

From the Relation Italian at Rome printed and others.

Rita, Widow of the Order of the Hermits of S. Augustine, of Cascia in Umbria (B.)

FROM VARIOUS

[36] After the author of the Relation, of the Cascia Mothers in the name and at the expense in the Apostolic Chamber's typography printed, What of the aforesaid are had writings and instruments, as we said, the first of the life and virtues of Rita part absolved; the second of the miracles he begins in this manner: Whatever above we have narrated by public voice and fame are known, by the elders transmitted to posterity, through a tradition of long time never interrupted: there are found besides writings certain ancient, by which the same are confirmed: before the rest moreover of consideration worthy is a cloth, from the very of the happy transit year painted, certain chief points expressing. This cloth worth while it would be even in bronze engraved to see; are desired for a supplement. but more to our matter would make the very ancient writings, for which, and also Notarial about the miracles aforenarrated instruments at Cascia to be obtained, to us indeed solicitude was not lacking; but, what is to be wondered at, good will to him, who for the old notice many things promised nothing afterward into effect gave: which to him God and the Blessed forgive, public of the Order advantages, to a recent a certain and not just little offense postponing. There will be perhaps after this another from the same Order, who his Confrere's fault may purge, in order to the Supplement of May. To the Relation Roman I return, which of the begun discourse the thread thus follows up.

[37] Of the aforesaid indeed quite well informed D. Constantia Barberini, Acting D. Constantia Barberini, both because of that very Blessed the life once she had read, and because anew all things she had learned from Lord Faustus Poli, Canon of S. Peter, and Master of the house of our most Holy Lord Urban VIII; desiring her own devotion to satisfy, for the legitimate Beatification of Rita her Beatitude she asked. For although in times past she was by the surrounding peoples honored as a Saint, hung at her sepulcher with great number anathemata and lamps, and with the devotion of entire Communities, processionally coming to venerate her incorrupt body; nothing however still upon that cult had been by the Apostolic See decreed. The Lady therefore Constantia her intercession efficaciously interposing with the highest Pontiff her kinsman; his Sanctity, mindful that the body aforesaid at Cascia he had visited, while he was of Spoleto Bishop; committed to the Most Illustrious Lords Cardinals of the sacred Congregation of Rites, and Urban VIII assenting is formed a process, that for a legal information thereupon to be taken in form wonted they should proceed. When therefore their Lordships most illustrious the Commissorial had expedited, with extreme diligence and fidelity was fabricated a Process, through which not only confirmed were all things above written; but even were digested many graces and miracles, of which some here briefly to subjoin it pleases.

[38] It will not be moreover inconvenient before all things to consider of the corrupted after years one hundred eighty and one body the miraculous conservation; in which not only nothing even of the extreme parts is lacking hitherto, in which is proved the body's incorruption and other miracles, but neither the very vivid color, so that to a sleeping than to a dead one more like she may seem. Hither accedes a sweet and delicate odor, by no human artifice procured, which continually from her Relics breathes, especially on occasions of some miracle to be done. Remains besides even now her house at Roccaporena, in whose roof a great lies open opening, through which the common of the popular tradition has to descend wont an Angel to visit the Blessed. That is certain, by no ever work to be closed by men it could: whatever indeed had covered it of their industry, soon again uncovered appeared. But it is established that an incorporeal Angel needed not of this kind a door; wherefore Simpliciano de S. Martino a truer cause to have followed seems, when he says; she herself for herself that hole to have opened, that heaven she could unceasingly contemplate, the doors of her house and windows closed. But of this kind a weakness, to popular traditions familiar, to the very miracle nothing detracts. Adds the same Simpliciano, in the same little house found the garments of the Blessed, thence to Cascia translated, even today to be kept most entire; and when to those giving birth they are brought, easily a childbirth to them to bestow. This while the Italians keep silent, in his alone faith let it be placed, until more certainly it be confirmed. These moreover premised, passes the Relation of which above, to singular some of the conferred miraculously healths benefits; whence some here it pleases to represent.

[39] and various beyond nature cures. Alexander Alexandrini de Matrice, his leg from part to part transfixed, supervening a spasm hastened to death. But when anointed he was with the oil of the lamp before the sepulcher of the Blessed burning, and himself to the same devoutly had commended, soon ceased the convulsions and then perfectly healed he was, no of the wound trace remaining. Ristonus Sarcius, thence sprung, with a sides' pain most atrocious pressed, and the end of his life to himself to be present esteeming, by his wife's counsel vowed to visit the body of the Blessed, and immediately freed he was. Granitia, daughter of Pax-Antony Vanatelli, of Atri of the Cascia territory a town, in her right side an abscess bore, which the most bitter to her bore torments, to which no remedy promised the surgeon short of incision. This shuddering at the woman took oil from the lamp of the Blessed, and with it anointing her side the pain drove away, from the Relation Roman. no of itself remains leaving in the part affected. John Andrew, son of Fabianus Fortunatus, of the age of years four about, near a place standing fell down; and with so great impetus struck his forehead in a pot of water boiling, that the pot broken and he himself in all his face burned remained, nor to speak or to see anything could. Him his mother to the Blessed commended, and the boy quickly to speak beginning even his eyes opened, and in no part offended appeared. Bernardinus of Tiberius his hand own so unhappily struck his eye, that the pupil broke, and the crystalline humor drop by drop fell out. They feared moreover the physicians not only for that eye which had burst, but even for the other lest of sight it be deprived: he however brought to the body of the Blessed perfectly cured there was. There are premised and mixed with these other certain things, already above from Cavallucci related, nor here to be repeated.

[40] To these and others Curtius interposes, that Cecca, of John de chiodo the daughter, from birth mute, to the tomb sacred is set, and to B. Rita from her soul commended, loosed immediately of her tongue the impediments, sounds the Ave Maria. There accede from Curtius and Simpliciano others. This he, to whom from Simpliciano add, what to himself by faith worthy related he asserts; to have seized sometime a fire the chapel, in which the blessed body of its ark enclosed lies; and consumed other ornaments all, the ark however to touch not to have been able, and it thus miraculously preserved to have been, to the common of all admiration. Further Curtius his concluding Epitome, Who will, he says, all things to know (but who can?) let him take in hand, a full of B. Rita lately published Commentary. To one asking what commentary this, no one of those among whom Curtius lived, wrote, is desired also the process aforesaid. and died, to answer could; nor from Italy more light brought, or indicated anything, besides those things which thence we have compendia, taken from the work of Cavallucci: which if a Codex the Process containing is understood, not well published can be said, which hitherto in the darkness of archives lurks, and not even to those asking and at their proper expense to have it described wishing is communicated. But to the Relation Roman I return.

[41] Is concluded this with an explication of the feasts at Cascia celebrated on the day XXII May MDCXXVIII on the occasion of the new Beatification, as more congruent to the purpose, that the popular devotion then was with new miracles inflamed more. In the year 1628 the Beatification at Cascia is celebrated When therefore drew near the anniversary day of the happy into heaven transit, with an apparatus as it could most splendid decreed it was it to do. And so besides the festive sound of the bells for days some before resounding, were stirred up as well at Cascia as in the neighboring places not a few triumphal fires; and a great number of Religious, especially of the Augustinian Order, was invited to honor the Procession, in which to be carried about was the banner of the Blessed: to which also to be present wished of the castles and of the towns neighboring the Parish-priests single, with a great of white wax torch, and a good abundance of money silver for alms: so great moreover was of strangers the concourse that were censused to fifteen thousand. with the greatest concourse and apparatus; These the procession accompanied in a long order, some also with penitential sacks clothed, going before a series of three hundred burning torches: and that every age and sex its part in the pomp might have, boys and girls many in groups appeared, in a habit fit for various Saints male and female to be represented. In the morning a solemn Mass, the Vespers after noon were sung, present both the Governor and the Magistrate of the place: that moreover the people not be dismissed without pleasure fit, in the middle of the forum erected stood a stage, into which was led David penitent, with an apparatus to royal persons worthy, with satisfaction public, and of the actors praise not ordinary.

[42] The church of the Blessed within and without most beautifully adorned was, not only with cloth silken abundantly it clothing; and on that very day is freed a demoniac of Spoleto, but even with nineteen larger tablets, honestly painted, representing the acts

and miracles of the Blessed. Nothing moreover equally to her praise made, than that on the very of the feast day was from a demon freed a noble a certain matron of Spoleto, who for many years had been possessed. The body indeed holy a spectacle and admiration to all was, not only on account of the wonted of miraculous integrity and fragrance most sweet prerogatives, but even because when before always her eyes she had had closed, and the corpse of the Blessed opens her eyes. on that day by very many were seen these to be open, and as if she lived shining: of which matter that it may be established more certainly, is taken at present a diligent information and is made a Process. In the same year (as writes Victorellus in the Additions to Ciacconius in Nicholas V, under whom Rita died) Antony Barberini, of lofty mind a youth, before a few months by Urban VIII his uncle with the Purple honored, and of the Nuns of B. Rita the Protector, on the XVIII Kal. of August in D. Augustine's church, by command and at his expense with a splendid and rich ornament adorned, the holy Widow with notable veneration he honored, the highest Pontiff not unwilling. At Rome is renewed the feast 16 July. There was present of the Purpled Fathers the Senate at the solemn Sacred, the admirable woman with a notable panegyric celebrated, the people which most frequent flew thither by the Pontiff highest with spiritual gifts heaped. Antony the Cardinal the solemnity to have presided over thou wouldst say. Hence it is that the aforementioned Relation to the same dedicated wished the Abbess and Nuns, in whose name it is published.

[43] What the Process pertains in the last words indicated, it to us necessary is not, since with me is an instrument, by their own hands of witnesses notable ten subscribed, and by a public Notary subsigned, and with the Republic of Cascia's seal by command of the Consuls by Dominicus de Lancillottis the Chancellor fortified, By a public instrument of the year 1682 in the year MDCLXXXII on the day last, of May, of the aforesaid faith making in this manner. In the name of God. Amen. On the day Saturday on the XVI May MDCLXXXII, in the church anciently called of S. Mary Magdalene, today indeed named of B. Rita, We the underwritten of Cascia of the diocese of Spoleto, by the means of our oath touched the sacred Scriptures, at the delation of me the underwritten Notary and Chancellor foreign Episcopal of the land of Cascia, a full and undoubted we make faith, how at present is found the body of B. Rita entire, is certified the present incorruption of the body, incorrupt, with flesh white without any of a defect of any stain, with eyes open and specially the left more than the right, with eyebrows firm, with mouth somewhat open, so that most conveniently can be distinguished the teeth, white, even themselves; just as also her hands white are and fleshy, not without sap, with nails equally white as of a person living.

[44] Similarly observed were the garments and veils of her head, the same and the same very which living she wore, and of the garments, and with which the body of the dead one composed within the casket was, the same in which now it is found (just as from the tradition perpetual of the Nuns of the monastery is had) entire and incorrupt, and nothing by moths or time having suffered, and such altogether at present as if a person now living with them were clothed. Besides we testify in truth as above, a sweet fragrance, to have smelled we often of a certain odor admirable a fragrance, and by it heavenly to us seemed, for that neither can be said of what kind it be, nor to art any human be ascribed; since the sacred this body neither with balsam nor with aromatics was embalmed or opened, but placed in the casket with all its intestines, not divided or separated; the odor moreover this thus sometime was propagated, that even outside the church could be perceived. Finally as above we attest, to have observed we, that the blessed body, raised from the place in which ordinarily it is situated, and the elevation of the Blessed within the ark. raised itself even to the grates, the ark in which she lies covering; and that to happen on the occasion of a feast, and when a miracle some is wrought: just as happened in the year MDCXXVIII when the first time was celebrated her Beatification; of which matter is had faith authentic written in the year MDCLX, on XIII June, through an instrument of Ser-Joseph Bennati a Notary &c. Subscribe moreover his each hand, Charles Judici Vicar general, Raphael Gittadonius Archpriest, Dionysius Pamphili Vicar Foreign, Hortensius Martini and Antony Ferfarelli Canons, Cherubinus Bernardi de Cascia Captain of the cohort of the cuirassed, there for custody placed; John Angelus Gratiani, Captain civil; and finally Alexius Martini de Cascia, the very instrument as a Notary signing.

[45] And these to an all-manner of the premised certitude could suffice; to the same attests the Historiographer of the Order, it pleases however for a conclusion to adjoin an epistle of the very R. P. Aloysius Torellus, of the Augustinian Religion Historiographer general, at Bologna with S. James in the vigil of S. Nicholas of Tolentino on the day IX September MDCLXXXI to me given of this tenor. From the letters of your Paternity I perceived the desire by which it burns, of knowing what cult to the body of B. Rita by the peoples is exhibited, and what miracles after the Beatification on account of the same's merits the most pious God has wrought; and if any other more recent wonders to these even times have followed. That therefore to your holy desire, as is fitting, entirely I may satisfy, the cult as to it concerns, I say, always daily to grow. From everywhere indeed from all of Umbria parts, and even from the bordering regions very many peoples about her feast to Cascia in troops flock, their vows about to fulfill, or new for their necessities about to send forth: nor are lacking who through the whole of the year's circle of devotion's sake thither nearly daily hasten.

[46] As much indeed as pertains to the more recent wonders, which still your Paternity, if any have happened, to know desires; I answer many indeed to have happened, which a brief this page to contain cannot avail; of which two only, but than the rest more notable, I shall give; of which one this is. While at Cascia after the Beatification of our Rita in the church of the Nuns, where her venerable body rests, a solemn festivity was celebrated; a case, the evil demon working, suddenly happened, which that solemnity great greatly disturbed. A suit indeed between the Clerics and our Religious so atrocious suddenly arose, that the people whole, who there much was, forthwith hither and thither divided, partly for the Clerics partly for the Brothers, now now about to fight was seen. When behold the body of B. Rita, which to public veneration exposed had been, her eyes immediately opened; and their pupils so entire and beautiful appeared, that in a moment the fury of the tumultuating people wonderfully cooled; and all with bent knee mercy crying out, pardon humbly for so great a sacrilege from God they implored.

[47] The other indeed miracle which above to narrate I promised; and the occasions on which the body raises itself: perpetual it can be said. For as often as those who any jurisdiction in that monastery have (just as the Bishop of Spoleto, under whose Diocese it is, the Father Provincial our of Umbria, the Prior local of Cascia, and even sometime the Nuns' Confessor) desire from devotion, or from another reasonable cause that blessed Body to visit; immediately as the ark wooden, in whose bottom the aforesaid body lies, is opened; immediately, as extended it remains, to the ark's summit it ascends, that more easily and more conveniently inspected it can be. Of this further miracle (which not once saw the modern Bishop of Spoleto) a witness I have the R. P. M. F. Nicholas Simonettus, of the Cascia monastery a learned foster-son, who when in the year MDCLXXIII to the Chapter General, at Rome that year to be celebrated, as in the year 1673 experienced the Provincial. of his Province the Definitor himself to transfer ought, and desired in that Chapter into the Provincial of his Province to be elected; before his departure the Mass to celebrate he wished in the church of B. Rita: which performed, to the aforesaid ark approaching, the intercession of the Blessed with many prayers for the said Provincialship to be obtained he implored: he protested however, that dignity that on this only condition he sought, that to God's glory, and the soul's salvation, and the Province's benefit it would turn. To Rome therefore he went, where without any art, and almost nor any little word using, Provincial he came out. Returned to Cascia, immediately the other day to the monastery aforesaid he proceeded, the Mass about to celebrate; and thanks likewise to God first, and then to B. Rita for so great a benefit about to render. After the Mass to the ark he goes, the Abbess with her Nuns he calls, the ark to be opened he orders; and soon the blessed Body to the summit of the ark by custom to ascend not without great of tears effusion he discerns: thanks as great as he could he gave, and to her holy and most powerful patronage himself, his monastery of Cascia, and the whole of Umbria Province, to him by her intercession committed, he commended. This event the same P. M. Nicholas Simonettus by an oath testified to me by his letters in the same year MDCLXXIII, which also did the aforesaid Father Bachelor F. Gregory Offidanus of the Nuns the Confessor.

[48] I pass over here two other miracles perpetual; namely his Body, after three hundred years and more, The Acts inserted in the Annals of the Order. still altogether incorrupt to be, and, what is greater, in sight most beautiful. The other is the monastic garment, which after death she was clothed, which still entire, strong, and fresh is, as if now sewn it had been. I add me also of the same B. Rita from various Authors to have compiled a Life, and in my seventh Tome, which now is under the press, under the year MCCCCLVII, which was of her life the last, to have inserted: and although in it composing as much as I could to brevity I have studied, nonetheless seven folios entire with a half it filled. The aforesaid Annals not yet in Belgium to see it has been allowed: I hope however by the Lyons booksellers' work the same sometime to obtain: meanwhile I add, that by the work of the aforenamed Provincial in the year MDCLXXV on the day IV May a Provincial Chapter was at Cascia celebrated, to that namely end, that those perpetual of B. Rita miracles so many witnesses might have, as were about to convene to the assembly the Fathers: who then to their each Convents returned, the notice and veneration of her everywhere should excite. But that more certain the memory might be, it was cared for by the Prior and Fathers of Cascia, that at Rome and Bologna be printed on an expanded leaf a most brief Compendium of the Life, among them to be distributed, together with an image, representing the Blessed before an altar genuflected, to whom from the Crucified's crown a plucked thorn descends into her forehead; above moreover flies a heavenly genius, her head a crown thorny about to impose.