OF BLESSED JAMES-PHILIP THE PRESBYTER,
OF THE ORDER OF SERVITES OF BLESSED MARY,
AT FAENZA IN AEMILIA
A.D. 1483
PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.
On the Life written immediately after his death, his family and cult.
James Philip, of the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, at Faenza in Aemilia (Bl.)
Nicholas Borghesi, a Sienese Knight, a learned and pious man, by whom we praised the written Life of Catherine of Siena on the 30th of April, with the same style also adorned three Blessed of the Order of Servites of St. Mary, Acts written by the Knight Nicholas Borghesi, namely the Blessed Joachim and Francis of Siena, and this one of whom we have undertaken to treat Blessed James-Philip. Their Lives, as he himself wrote them, we have in vain desired on the 16th of April and of May: this James-Philip's Life, we should perhaps equally in vain require, had not Archangelus Gianius the Florentine, the author of the Annals of his Order, inserted it in their 3rd Century not many years ago printed at Bologna; whence that I might have it described, while that book itself is still awaited, Brother Francis Locatellus of Faenza did, Prior in the native Convent of the Servites of Blessed Virgin Mary in the year 1678; who professed himself and his Order bound to us by the debt of eternal gratitude, for the work which we devoted to illustrating the Acts of the Blessed Joachim and Peregrinus in April.
[2] in the very year of his death, Blessed James-Philip had died at Faenza in the year 1483, on the feast of the most holy Trinity, and so the 25th of May: for the Easter of that year by the Cycle of the Sun 8, of the Moon 2, the Dominical letter E, falling on the 30th day of March, brought Pentecost on the 18th of May, of which the Octave is the aforesaid Sunday: on which his feast is celebrated yearly, writes Julius Caesar Tonducius, in the History of Faenza. But it is exceedingly notable, that a cult of this kind began immediately from his death: whereby it happened, that soon at the sepulcher there was hung up on a tablet a Synopsis of his Life and miracles, from a tablet hung at the sepulcher which also is given which described thence for us by Locatellus we give in the first place. In the same year coming to Faenza Nicholas, for the cause of paying a vow for recovered tranquillity of mind, gave to the prayers of the Prior asking him, that the same and more things which had successively happened, he should collect in his style. But the city of Faenza wished its gratitude toward the Blessed not to stick in cultivating him alone: but for his sake to his father also Missurinus son of the late Oliverius della Cella, weighed down in slender fortune by a useless family, and chiefly by three marriageable daughters, for placing them more honorably and sustaining the family more conveniently, granted great immunities, with a privilege granted to the family of the Blessed. in regard of such a son, a few months after his death, on the 24th day of August: of which Instrument the copy the aforesaid Locatellus obtained from the kindness of the most Illustrious Count Bernardino Azurini de Comitibus, a most excellent Doctor of both Laws and an Academician Philoponus. Which Instrument, because it makes not a little to our matter, I exhibit after the Miracles.
[3] There will follow then an Appendix concerning various documents of the cult continued from his death, The continuation of the cult. transmitted by the hand of the public Notary Natalis Laura, faith being made for it as such by him, and the seal of the city of Faenza being affixed, by Alexander Mabucellius, Notary and Chancellor of Faenza, by the mandate of the Lords the Elders, on the 15th day of June in the year 1678. Moreover a witness of the cult continued through two consecutive centuries, I myself with my Master Henschenius was, in the year 1660 on the 17th day of November, when passing through Faenza we also surveyed the temple of the Servites, and adored the body enclosed in the altar; no ampler knowledge then related, because those who could and would have given it, were then all absent from the convent. Philip Ferrarius, in the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy weaving an elogium to this Saint, wrote that he died on the Ides of May, by an easy slip supposing the day 15 for 25, or reading so in his notes: for the true day is clear from what has been said: and he himself recognized and corrected the error in the other general Catalogue of the Saints who are not in the Roman Martyrology, where at the 25th he writes: At Faenza Blessed James of the Order of Servites, and in the Notes alleges the Tablets of the church of the Servites of Faenza, just as before he had alleged the Monuments of the convent, namely those very ones which we bring forth.
LIFE AND 11 MIRACLES:
From an old tablet affixed in the sacristy.
James Philip, of the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, at Faenza in Aemilia (Bl.)
BHL Number: 4106
FROM THE OLD TABLET.
Blessed James-Philip of Faenza, whose memory is in benediction, in his thirty-ninth year of age, called from the lands by the Lord on the 25th day of May, joyful merited to ascend the secrets of heaven: for thus the most pious God renders reward to those laboring in his vineyard, as did this holy man, who came to work not about the eleventh, In the 9th year of age joined to the Order, but about the first hour of the day. For from his boyhood while he was in his ninth year received into the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, in all fear he began to serve the Lord, and, up to the thirty-ninth (in which time he closed his day) he constantly persevered against all kinds of temptations of the world and the snares of the demon; and like a tree planted by the running of the waters, he brought forth fruit, not thirtyfold, nor sixtyfold, but a hundredfold. This friend of God by assiduous fastings, and continual prayers was occupied, so that scarcely did the flesh cleave to the bones; and from his mouth only most pious words were understood to emanate. The Sacrament of Penance he exercised daily devoutly; and by long sighs and tears strove to wipe away expiations, that he might prepare himself a true and fit temple of Christ: and from venial sins he so guarded himself, that for the most part through four days not even the least inordinate temptation could be found in his heart. The precept of the Lord concerning fraternal correction he always set before his eyes: and corrected by a Brother, not once only, but ten and twenty times, with the greatest humility he asked to be pardoned. They affirm that he rarely used wine, but that he never ate flesh they assert, who weave his life; nay rather they describe his virtues. They add moreover that he, seized with so great fear, offered the sacrifice of Mass daily, so that not only an abundance of tears flowed from his eyes, but also he trembled in all his members. With the sevenfold gift of the gracious Spirit this gracious man was full. There was to him the fear of the Lord perpetually associated in heart, in mouth, and in work; which like a broom purged the heart from duplicity, the mouth from falsity, the works from vanity. And because it profits little by the spirit of fear to avoid evils, unless other gifts be present by which thou canst also do good things; by the most pious Father he was adorned also with the rest. For he had the Spirit of piety, by which he learned to do good things; the Spirit of knowledge, by which he was shown to have discretion in all things; the Spirit of wisdom, by which he was inwardly affected; the Spirit of counsel, by which he did nothing precipitately; the Spirit finally of fortitude, by which he fortified himself against all the adversities of the world: immediately from his death he is famous for miracles: and therefore after this life his happy death was illustrated by so many miracles. For forthwith when the glorious body was brought into the church, several sick, faithfully touching it, cured of various languors, were restored to their pristine health, as the public writers of the City of Faenza noted: but of these these few are recounted.
I. Ginevra, the wife of Gaspar Zucharini, a citizen of Faenza, weighed down by an unutterable pain of the right foot for three years, of which eleven are here described. bringing herself to the glorious body, forthwith felt all pain removed.
II. Paul of Faenza, of the Noble family Cavina, the same day contracted in the legs, and the sick body resting on wooden supports, betook himself to the ashes of the Blessed, and crying for mercy, imploring suffrage, touches the relics, and immediately rises free.
III. These miracles being divulged everywhere the peoples flow together, bringing their sick: among whom is carried Francis Aluptavus from the town of Granajolo near Faenza, who so long had had swollen legs and a turgid body, that he could scarcely move himself from the place: a vow however being undertaken, and the sacred ashes touched, immediately he is restored to health, and took care that his wooden staves should be hung up for perpetual memory in the house of the Servites.
IV. The son of Philip de Spadis of Valle Amonis (called Julianus) blind in the left eye, is brought to the venerable body: whose right hand immediately when it was joined to the eye, suddenly all the blemish fell from the eyes.
V. Menghinus Ravaglienus from the disease of apoplexy had lost the strength of his left side, and likewise had fallen into the hernial disease, by which he was afflicted not only with intestinal pain, but with weariness of life: but approaching the glorious body, he convalesces.
VI. Lady Ellena, a sexagenarian widow of the Pasulini, with swollen legs and turgid body, when she was vehemently afflicted, she too a vow being undertaken departs joyful.
VII. Melchior a boy, thirteen years old, when he had borne a left foot turned and twisted many years, by the merits of so great a man escaped free.
VIII. Antonia a seven-year-old, daughter of Ugolinus de Marchettis from the Castle of Granajolo, she too labored in the same way; but in the same way a vow being undertaken, in the same way also she is given to her pristine health.
IX. Ursula the mother of Antonia, from the harsh disease of a fistula, which for eight years now she had suffered in the left arm, suffers no more an infirmity of this kind.
X. A certain girl (whose name was Gentilis) had lived thirteen years deaf and dumb; and her parents, namely Luchinus, and Ginevra Vexanenses of Forlì, lead her to the blessed body: which done immediately she began to give praises to God, who by the merits of the blessed Father had cured her from such and so great an infirmity.
XI. Gisola a woman of Lugo, forty-six years old, when she had long languished with the hernial disease, approaches the sacred body, and prayers being poured forth is given to health, through the merits and intercession of Blessed James Philip: whose body, honorably interred in the church of the Servites of the city of Faenza, still is famous for miracles: and as many sick as run from the neighboring places, are cured of various languors.
LIFE AND MIRACLES
By the Author Nicholas Borghesi of Siena, written in the very year in which the Blessed died.
from the 2nd part of the Annals of Angelo Gianius.
James Philip, of the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, at Faenza in Aemilia (Bl.)
BHL Number: 4105, 4107, 4108
BY NIC. BORGHESI FROM GIANIUS.
PROLOGUE OF GIANIUS.
[1] That James-Philip of Faenza was no small or mediocre ornament to our Order in this time, many arguments of his most approved and most innocent life declare; which are proved so much the truer, the more by the most praised and noble writer Nicholas Borghesi, the golden Knight of Siena, not perfunctorily or fortuitously, but by an opportune Miracle, which from the merits and intercession of this blessed Father in himself in the year 1488 he had experienced, the Brethren who were present relating all things most diligently, and the fame of all the people of Faenza approving, he collected. For when he labored with a certain pernicious disease at Siena, moved by devotion of the blessed Man, he made pilgrimage to Faenza for the cause of a vow to his tomb, and offered a silver image of himself; to which also he subjoined this verse for the truth of the matter, "I labored in heart, stirred by an evil disposition, / Because by the vice of the stomach the black bile grew: / Hither soon I fled suppliant; and to the number of one praying, Nicholas freed from disease by a vow made writes the deeds of the Blessed. / O Saint, thy prayers returned not empty." This occasion therefore having got Father Taddeus of Arezzo, the Prior of that place, earnestly asked Nicholas, whom he knew endowed with elegant eloquence, that the life and miracles of Blessed James-Philip, before he departed from the company of Faenza, lest the memory of so great a man should fall away, he would deign to compose at once. Which he most willingly performed, thus narrating his deeds from the beginning.
THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE.
[2] James Philip, of good, yet of mediocre fortune parents, is born at Faenza. The father was Misserinus de Bertonis of Cella of Montecaro, From his father's vow, the mother's name was Dominica, or Lucretia. This one was called Andreas, before he was dedicated to religion: who when at two years old he labored with the falling sickness or epileptic disease, the father undertook a vow, that if he were freed, he would destine his son to religion. Andreas from the beginning of his boyhood began of his own accord to frequent the divine temples: nor was he delighted with pleasures, nor games, by which boys are wont to be amused. By nature he was somewhat timid, and taciturn especially, and exceedingly desirous of solitude. When he was about nine years old, addicted to religion at nine years old, the father, that he might pay his vow, addicted him to the religion of the Servites of the Blessed Mary Virgin in the year 1453; who reborn in spirit and name, was afterward called Brother James-Philip. Initiated already a boy he showed obedience, and singular observation of the commandments: then in mature age he exercised himself with fastings and vigils: but the Evangelical hearings and the sacred Page he prosecuted with all study, because for so long he seemed to be refreshed. While he read the deeds of the Fathers and the examples of holy men, of chastity, observance, humility as a youth, he acquired so much of letters, that he could plainly and rightly understand the books of the Christian and approved Latins. He is delighted with the examples and studies of the Saints, The rites and ceremonies of the Church and of his Order and the observations of the divine Offices he knew especially well, and was most studious of all those.
[3] He discharged some offices, which he ministered for the grace of all the Brethren: for he was by nature easy, mild, and one who gladly complied with the honest desires of others. he discharges various offices; He was never seen to be perturbed in mind or angry. The maledictions of others against him, if there had been any, he bore with the most even mind: he himself reviled no one, whose tongue in every age was most sparing; not only of base, but also of idle words devoid. If sometimes among those conversing among themselves he by chance had heard anything obscene, immediately he was darkened in countenance, and by a brief admonition and his departure chastised the erring. After he had obtained the Sacerdotal dignity, who with more devout mind and greater reverence, with flowing tears might sacrifice, none was found; as one who the mystery of the Cross, and exercises virtues worthy of a Priest: while he had the Host in his hands, more deeply contemplated. He was a most great enemy of idleness, because he said it the bilge-water of all evils. While chanting, and celebrating the divine Offices in the choir, he came together with the other Brethren; but in his cell now praying, now reading he spent the time: yet sometimes by some ministry either of weaving or of figuring he was wont to lighten the burden of his mind; so that he was never not occupied with some thing. He used the walks mostly alone: and meditative and with downcast countenance he walked. Both the other sacred volumes and the books of Blessed Jerome he eagerly read through, and especially the little work concerning the passing or death of Jerome he frequented. Now now he meditated only heavenly things, and was fed more by heavenly substance, than by bodily food: chiefly temperance, since he ate almost once in the day, and was content with little and vile food: yet called by the Superior, what had been commonly prepared, he ate. But on Friday, in memory of the Lord's passion, according to the institutes of his Order, with a hair-shirt, he fed only on the food of herbs and water.
[4] Nothing did he seem to tolerate more painfully than the mouths of those praising him: in this matter he seemed singular in our age, and humility. who hid his spiritual works and highest virtues, as far as he could. Although he was held good and upright by all, yet he was in far less price among men, than with God: for he wished to be abject and contemned among mortals, after the example of the Saviour; and in secret he desired nothing more, than to please in any way God his father and author, and to follow the way of our Redeemer. Therefore he had transferred all his study to incorruptible riches, and so solidified his mind in heavenly things, that he panted only for the joys of perennial life. By the sign of the Cross he heals a sick man. While still living he healed James Monius, a citizen of Faenza, from a fistula behind the back, with which he had long labored; signing him thrice with the Cross, and charging James that he should give thanks to God, and what had been done he should never manifest to anyone. Yet James, after the death of the Blessed, narrated the matter as it had happened: and placed his statue for a vow, which still is preserved there.
[5] When the last day was at hand, he is seized by adverse health, which he indicated by countenance and more by words. And when he was asked, that he might be well; The last things to him sick, Well always according to the Divine will, he gave answer. There was absent from that man, both in enduring death, and in all other things, impatience or complaint. He did not lie down, but to and fro he walked about sick. The day before he departed, he was present to chant Matins in the church with the other Confreres, nay even in the morning fasting he had celebrated the divine thing. There was familiar to him exceedingly Brother Simon, of the Matthiola family a citizen of Faenza, a very modest and upright man, who had had a cell common with him for several years. Brother James-Philip calls Brother Simon to him, some days before he departed from life; the retribution of the damned, the purging, and the Blessed is shown; to whom he secretly communicates things seen, had in the choir through quiet: by which he says were shown to him the perpetual punishments of the damned in hell; thereupon the torments of those, whose sins are purged not without hope of future life; afterward he had before his eyes the joys of eternal salvation, and the glory of the heavenly kingdom. In the evening each one separately, the day before he migrated, he approaches the Confreres; suppliant asks pardon, and prays, that among tomorrow's prayers of the divine thing for the salvation of his soul they would be willing to pray with God, which he said he believed would quickly depart from the bonds of the body.
[6] On the following and last day, when he still thought of celebrating Mass by himself, prohibited on account of adverse health, especially by Brother Clement, whom in the place of a father he had always observed; he lay in bed for some while, reading the divine and accustomed Office, and holding Christ crucified near him, whom very often he kissed. Meanwhile he seemed to faint in mind. He had now laid down the book, which he had in his hands: he nods with his head, and trembles a little. Confrere Simon, who was walking about through the cell, noticing it, immediately runs up: and rests in the Lord: and had scarcely finished the prayers commendatory of the soul, when the holy man in his thirty-ninth year, exchanged death for eternal life, his parents still surviving and mourning, at the ninth hour on the feast of the most holy Trinity, the eighth of the Kalends of June, of the year 1483. But this one when in the cell he was washed by the Brethren according to custom, and now in his disease and the harshness of life while he lived had a scabby and spotted body, forthwith found cleansed from all blemish and scab, rapt all the Brethren into admiration. But when after the honorable funeral they wished to entomb him according to custom, and illustrated by miracles is entombed. the people of Faenza, having heard a brilliant oration concerning his praises by a certain Father, with full mouth protested, that the blessed man was not to be buried, while the sick flowing together were on the spot healed. Wherefore his body, by the common consent of all, is reserved several days on the bier; until Galeottus, the Prince of Faenza, of the people of Manfreda, moved by the fame of the Blessed, betakes himself to see him; and made more certain of each thing, resolved that the glorious body should be honored with all honor, and commanded it to be placed and venerated at the altar of his chapel. Meanwhile he is illustrated with so great miracles, that the whole city of Faenza can attest, that there was no one mourning, who did not from his grace and benediction recover health.
ANNOTATIONS.
EPILOGUE OF GIANIUS.
[6] These things Borghesi. Concerning this Blessed also sang sometime, The Epigram of Gasparinus the Venetian on Blessed James-Philip: one who had known him, Gasparinus the Venetian, among his Poems on the glory of the Blessed. "Whom Faenza bore, and as a boy cherished, to thy altars / Now the same suppliant brings its vows. / Thee now, who couldst avoid the venom of life, / And spurn the solicitous cares of men, / Either pious Religion sets among the highest stars, / Or rather religious Piety blesses." The image of Blessed James of Faenza at Arezzo, where he had stayed very much, his image at Arezzo depicted to the life Father Bartholomew the Camaldolese, now Abbot of St. Clement of Arezzo: who not only in writing and adorning books for the choir with Phrygian work, but also in the pictorial art being eminent, among the highest artificers of those times is recounted by Giorgio Vasari in the book on famous Painters. Another image also of him very ancient is held at Pavia in our church of St. Primus, and at Pavia: under which follow these words: This work caused to be made D. John Ambrose de Podio, who a vow being made to Blessed James-Philip of Faenza was freed from a mortal infirmity, 1496, on the 9th day of September. Augustine de Vapria painted it. 1498 on the 4th day of April.
[7] That Blessed one was tall of stature, prominent, so consumed with leanness, that he seemed to consist only of skin and bones: of a narrow, but oblong face; with erect neck, a feast at Faenza the 25th of May a longish nose, deep-set eyes, the fingers of his hands stretched out, and notably pale. Thus, who knew him well, Borghesi described his lineaments. There are those who put a small Cross in his hand, with a little paper, in which thou mayst read, The Lord is my light. His annual commemoration in that church, with solemn frequency of peoples to his tomb, the 25th of May is held very celebrated, and blessed bread to his honor is dispensed to the people.
[8] In the same year also, in which the blessed Father deceased, the Community of Faenza by unanimous consent of all ordered Misserinus his father with the whole family of the Bertoni to be enrolled among its citizens: and since the father now had three marriageable daughters, who were the sisters of Blessed James-Philip, and the domestic means for placing them were slender; they determined by decree of the Senate, that Misserinus, in regard of that son, lately Blessed, should be immune from all burdens and real and personal charges: and this with the favorable and applauding acclamation of all, on the 24th day of August, scarcely the third month elapsed from the deposition of the same Blessed. Galeottus the second himself also, his family endowed with citizenship and immunity. the Prince of Faenza, just as before he had commanded, that that blessed body should be placed in the proper chapel of the Manfreda family, so afterward to the Bertona family itself all his rights of that chapel, to the honor of Blessed James-Philip, of his own accord and with munificent liberality ceded and gave. But when his Body, famous for miracles, the Brethren had at the beginning deposited in a certain sepulture, which was in the chapel of St. John, and there it had stood up to the year 1495; it seemed afterward, on account of the frequency of peoples, the body translated in the year 1495 that by the vow and devotion of Galeottus Manfredi, in a certain chest on the right part of the same chapel it should be enclosed. And when it had rested there up to the year 1594, the Bertona family at length, and 1594. by the common contribution of the kinsmen (which the words there set down indicate) dedicated to him a stone sarcophagus: which they determined should serve also for the altar of the same chapel: and they took care that his body should be enclosed in it by a solemn translation. But that was to the people then running together of the greatest admiration, that the flowers, long ago poured upon his body by pious faithful a hundred years before, were afterward found just as fresh, as if on the same day, with their proper color and odor, they had been gathered.
ANNOTATIONS.
PROLOGUE OF GIANIUS
To the miracles collected by Borghesi.
[9] The miracles of the living one bidden to be kept silent by the Blessed, The profound humility and modest taciturnity of this servant of God, with many miracles to be recalled and worthy of memory perpetrated while he lived, deprives these our Annals, that they may not be recounted; since he had for a custom, that the graces which he had obtained for the mourning he imposed on them perpetual silence. This without doubt that John Antony Monus attested after his death, to whom after the fistula healed by the sign of the Cross (as was said above) he had charged under grave threat that he should never reveal it to anyone. But he after his death pressed by another similar sickness, as John Ant. Monus testifies; revealed the prior, which had happened in his life; but for the other, his own image being set up, he subjoined also such a monument.
D. O. M.
John Antony Monus, sick with a fifteen-year and incurable disease (James-Philip the Father having appeared to him here praying for his health) placed this effigy at the sepulcher of Blessed James-Philip, and soon composed his mind.
But that the several things, says Gianius, which immediately after his death, other things after death written by Borghesi. and through the subsequent days from his intercession came, in the same order, in which they were written by Nicholas Borghesi himself, may be read through; we have judged to embrace them, both in greatness, and in number never more published, thus from the beginning. So Gianius. We who exhibited the first miracles above, from the same tablet which Borghesi faithfully transcribed, have enough to exhibit the continuation of them added by the same, the number however being kept by which they are marked by Gianius: who in the Annotations says, that Borghesi's Manuscript is found entire in the Library of the Servites of St. Antony of Pisa, that he learned also some things from the public Monuments of the city of Faenza at D. Bernardino de Azzurinis, a Notary and diligent asserter of the antiquities of that city.
CONTINUATION OF THE MIRACLES,
Wrought in the same year in which the Blessed died.
[12] XII. The boy Hieronymus, thirteen years old, of Ravenna (for he was notably lame, Are healed, a lame boy, bending into the right part with a shorter leg, wherefore his gait seemed to be deformed in a great degree) had access not without great devotion to the sepulcher of Blessed James-Philip, and that he might be freed he suppliantly besought. Neither on the first, nor on the second day did he obtain the grace: he therefore nonetheless on the third day prayed, nay rather with much crying, with very many tears insisted more, that what he had asked he might obtain. Blessed James-Philip overcome by pity of the boy, at length complied with his demands. So he made the boy whole, and made him straight with even legs. Glory was given by all to God, not without abundance of tears: and the boy joyful had return into his country.
[13] a dumb woman, XIII. Rengarda, of Massa of Ferrara, married to Angelo Ghermaglio, was sick with a disease of such a kind, that she utterly lost the faculty of speaking; and so for nine continuous months she could make no word. The splendor of Blessed James-Philip's miracles shining more day by day, the woman was brought into hope, that if she were brought to the sacred body, she might be made whole and possessed of speech. Led therefore to the sepulcher of the Blessed, great reverence being applied, she supplicated from the inmost marrows of her mind and heart, that she might recover the faculty of speaking. Then Blessed James-Philip restored to the most devout woman her pristine faculty of speaking. Who immediately had a ready oration in the sight of all: afterward giving the highest thanks to God and the Saint, she returned to her home rejoicing.
[14] XIV. Sancta, the daughter of Nicholas Romandiolus of Forlì, languished hindered by the entangled nerves of her whole body: a girl without strength, carried by her mother to the body of the Blessed, she was made whole and free; after prayers applied, praising the Majesty of God, she soon returned to her country.
[15] XV. Magdalena, born of her father Benedict of Forlì, as soon as she was born, another paralytic on both sides, is perceived to be weak on both sides and maimed; her age now permitting, almost unable also of walking: which sickness lasted up to the thirteenth year of her age. Her mother, Dominica Ostentis, compelled by the miracles of Blessed James-Philip divinely shining, resolved to carry her daughter languishing with such calamity to the monument of the Blessed: who after she was led before the sacred Relics, having tarried there a little while, was not a partaker of grace. Then prayers being repeated, neither did she obtain her vow. Wherefore when she had resolved to go away, and had begun to return home; on the way with a most devout heart she vowed a waxen image to the Blessed, if returning to her own she should be made whole. After this purpose of mind she was immediately made a little better: and before she had come to her own home, she was utterly freed. Then mindful of the vow undertaken she betook herself to the sacred body, and paid the vow with great joy, glorifying God, and giving deserved thanks to the Blessed.
[16] XVI. Jacoba de Rombellis, from the Castle of Granarolo, occupied by a malign spirit, was not a little vexed. a possessed woman, She is drawn to the blessed body, who after prayers frequented was cleansed of the evil demon, who before by the other adjurations could not be cast out; but by the merits of Blessed James-Philip it behooved to depart from her, who with great faith had implored the help of the Saint. The infinite goodness of God was praised by a huge crowd: and the woman, the demon being shaken off and in possession of her mind, with great joy of mind returned home.
[17] an epileptic, XVII. Matthias, the son of John, from a village of the Faenza territory, his health disturbed by the falling sickness, which they call the falling disease, had labored long. This one with great reverence and hope approached the venerable body: applied a devout supplication: immediately he was healed, as one who afterward was never lulled by a disease of this kind: and glory being given to God, he returned joyful into his country.
[18] one with a hernia, XVIII. Sanus Sabbatinus, of St. George of Valle Amonis, a boy of five years, sick with the hernial disease, is commended to the Saint: and immediately he was made sound. His kinsmen, exceedingly praising God, and giving thanks to Blessed James-Philip, led the boy well home.
[19] XIX. Joannina a widow, who had married Stephen of Marradi of the Florentine dominion, a paralytic, by the disease of apoplexy had lost all the strength of her right side; remaining at home, when she knew the so great miracles of Blessed James-Philip to grow brighter day by day with the full mouth of all, most devoutly commends herself to the Blessed; and makes herself liable to a vow, if by his grace she should be healed again. This immediately done, she was loosed from such a disease: mindful of so great a benefit received she suddenly entered upon a journey; and having set out to the venerable body, gives due thanks; and the vow undertaken she abundantly satisfied.
[20] a woman with a hernia; XX. A woman about forty-five years old, whose name was Pax, of Russio a castle of the Faenza territory, of the people of Bellona, had been sick with the hernial disease for fourteen years, so that she was useless, nor could she do anything at home, which pertained to a woman's office. She came eagerly to the venerable body of the Blessed: asks the grace suppliantly; which according to her desire having obtained, she gives just thanks to the Virgin Mary and the Blessed at once, and content returned to her own.
[21] likewise one with a hernia, XXI. Weighed down by the same disease the son of Stephen, of the territory of Forum Cornelii, which they call Imola, with the highest will and hope betook himself to the monument of the Blessed, besought most devoutly, that entire health be restored to him: which immediately having obtained, before the eyes of all who were present, the bounty of the eternal God being praised, he departed thence home unharmed.
[22] XXII. James the son of Bartholomew in a village of the Imola territory Mazzollano, a frenzied man, was out of his mind for many years, who frequently agitated by frenzy said many absurd things, thinking ill of himself and of others; wherefore it was often necessary to bind him with bonds and fetters. This one, not without great labor of his own, was led to the sacred body. Who after he entered the church, crying with a great voice was insane in various ways, whom it was necessary to bind, lest he should bring destruction to himself or to the rest. Who first offered before the altar of the Virgin Mary, after supplications then frequented, returned at length to himself, and utterly came to his senses. Therefore in possession of a good mind, before the faces of all the bystanders he used these words: You saw me insane, you saw me furious; now by the highest clemency of Blessed Mary the Virgin, and by the merits of James-Philip, the frenzy laid aside I am made utterly sound, and can use free choice, which I had asked; by all let God be magnified, who beyond merits has always deserved well of the human race.
[23] one growing blind XXIII. James, the son of Peter of Ravenna, was weighed down with dulled keenness of the eyes. Having set out to the sacred body he suppliantly commended himself to the Blessed: having merited the grace, with free and bright eyes he returned to his country, God being glorified.
[24] and another, XXIV. Baptista of John Tonius, of Valle Amonis had borne one eye covered with a blemish six years, with which he saw almost nothing. He came to the sepulcher of James-Philip, implores help, the eye is immediately cleansed of the blemish, and plainly uses its proper office. Which thing indeed perceiving Baptista himself, gives the highest thanks to the Blessed, and joyful departed.
[25] with a contracted hand, XXV. Teresina, who had been the wife of Missirolus of Faenza, was pressed by a left hand contracted into a fist, which could not be unfolded except by force. She has access to the venerable Body, prays suppliant for the liberty of her hand, which from her devotion without delay she obtains: she gave thanks to the Virgin Mary and the Blessed, and with hand free returned home.
[26] weak in the foot, XXVI. Nicolosa, the daughter of Baptista, from the town Oriolosicco of Valle Sancterni, was born with a weak and twisted right foot, by whose vice and pain hindered she lived painfully. With great hope she seeks the sepulcher of the Blessed, humbly commends herself; obtains the grace, the foot being healed; after she magnified God, cheerful she returns home.
[27] three with hernias, XXVII. Thomas, the son of Peter Gratianus, sprung at Cotignola; Primus, the son of James Renaldus; Christopher, the son of John Mulianus, of the territory of Ravenna. These three laboring with the hernial disease, on different days indeed betook themselves to the sacred body of St. James-Philip, each suppliantly asking grace for himself. All were made possessed of their vow, and glory being given to God returned to their homes.
[28] a contracted one, XXVIII. Galitia, the daughter of Alexander Phalisamphari of Faenza, languishing with an invalid and contracted body, brought to the venerable body, was utterly freed, for the merits of Blessed James-Philip, to whom she gave thanks.
[29] XXIX. Tarsia and Andrea sisters, the daughters of Silvester, of the Castle Bugnesio of the Faenza territory, both came to the bright body; sick indeed with different diseases. Tarsia, by the force of a quartan fever with two fingers emptied in her hand; Andrea, was pressed with great torment of the right breast. maimed in 2 fingers, Suppliant they prayed the Blessed for entire health, which they easily obtained: soon being well, thanks being given, they returned to their country.
[30] grieving in the breast, XXX. Joanna, the daughter of Sebastian a trumpeter, at Lugo of the Ferrara territory, on account of smallpox had lost the light of her eyes. To obtain the light she came to the body of Blessed James-Philip; an accurate supplication being made, she obtains the grace. Enlightened therefore, thanks being given to the Blessed, with great joy she returns to her native soil.
[31] a one-eyed boy, XXXI. Dominic, the son of Magnanus, of Sarago in the Faenza territory, was blind in the left eye. He takes the way to the venerable body, devoutly supplicates, quickly obtains his demands: to Blessed Mary the Virgin and at the same time Blessed James-Philip he gives just thanks: and both eyes equally seeing, with great gladness, he returns to his own.
[32] one weak in the leg XXXII. Betuccius, the son of John of Imola, an inhabitant of Bagnacavallo, when he had been sick fifteen years with a weak and contracted leg, to the body of Blessed James-Philip, supported by an iron staff, painfully led himself. He prayed suppliantly for the desired grace, which then having obtained, with the highest praises he prosecuted the goodness of God and the merits of the Blessed, and the leg being healed returned to his country.
[33] XXXIII. Sanctes, the son of Stephen Macharinus, of the village Felice of the Faenza territory, and another, had labored with a like weakness of one leg. This one came to the bright body of the Blessed, who after he had prayed Blessed James-Philip with great reverence, was altogether freed. So blessing God, and giving due thanks to the Blessed, he returned to his own.
[34] XXXIII. By the name Adamantes, a girl of Thomas Meluxandus, of Bagnacavallo, a one-eyed girl; marked with one eye covered and blinded, while she desires the help of Blessed James-Philip, wrapped on her knees before the monument, obtains the grace which she had sought; who glorifying God, brought home the eye freed from vice.
[35] XXXV. Joanna, the daughter of Ludovico Gharaguinus, of Lugo; when she was sick with one arm so infirm and weak, one infirm in the arm, that she could not lift it; she came relying on great hope to the bright body of Blessed James-Philip; and asking the liberation of her arm, was made possessed of her vow. Who giving just thanks to God and the Blessed, joyful then sought home.
[36] XXXVI. Another by the name Joanna, is made infirm by a similar disease in the leg; she flees to the glorious body, another in the leg, and supplications being diligently applied, according to her vow she is healed again: and she gave glory to God, and joyful returns home.
[37] contracted in the arms and leg, XXXVII. Thaddeus, the son of Dominic, of Oriolo-sicco of Valle Sancterni, when he was sick with both arms, and the right leg, contracted and invalid; hoping help from Blessed James-Philip, he approaches suppliant the monument: and before his departure has the grace, by which he obtains his vow; yet not forgetful of the thanks, which he owed to God and the Saint.
[38] two with hernias, XXXVIII. Benedict almost an infant, carried by his mother Gentilis to the glorious body; Octavianus the son of Manfredi, having set out from Castronovo, to the sacred Relics; both, when they languished with the hernial disease, recovering health, God being praised, returned home.
[39] XXXIX. Antony the son of Pasquinus, from the Parish of the Valle Amonis territory, when six years he had been seized in the eyes, blind for six years. fleeing to the blessed body, was enlightened before the faces of all the bystanders: he praises the Virgin Mary and Blessed James-Philip not without abundance of tears.
[40] XXXX. Catharina, the daughter of Andriolus Sytonius of Forlì, in her third year, with closed eyes and injured eyelids, is carried by her mother, not without great devotion and hope, to the glorious body. The grace asked suppliantly is granted without delay, another for three years, in the sight of two thousand men or more, glorifying the highest goodness of God, and giving due thanks to the Blessed.
[41] XXXXI. Antonia, the daughter of Philip Rusticus, of Bagnacavallo, a boy's foot curved. had been now three years maimed and hindered in the right hand. Led to the body of Blessed James-Philip, having utterly obtained the grace, which she had wished, glorifying God, with joyful mind she returns.
[42] maimed in the hand, XLII. Peter-Antony, the son of Marchio Maizottus, of Lugo, now fourteen years, bore one foot curved and weak, which he moved in no part except the thumb. He approaches the body of the Blessed, and suppliant commends himself: having obtained the grace which he had asked, with free foot joyful he returns home, thanks being given to the Blessed.
[43] a girl with heart disease, XLIII. Dina a girl, the daughter of Gorus Barbianus of Ravenna, gravely labored with the heart disease. Led to the venerable body, her heart was freed from the pressing pain; and the name of God at the same time was glorified by all who stood by.
[44] having an inverted foot. XLIV. Gregory, the son of Matthew Lionellus, of Varnello, when with the right foot flat he could not tread the earth by a vice of the anterior part; fleeing to the body of the Blessed, and suppliantly asking grace, obtains his vow, the foot being made even and freed. Thence joyful he departed, after he gave just thanks to the Blessed.
[45] XLV. Gutia a girl, the daughter of George the Prefect of the citadel of Ferrara, and a leg shorter than the other, when she had the left leg shorter by three or more fingers than the right leg; after she came to the glorious body, and suppliantly commended herself; the left leg was extended, and made equal to the other leg, to the admiration of all who stood by, praising at the same time the eternal power of God.
[46] XLVI. Forlivesa, the daughter of Blasius, from the village Grappa of the Forlì territory, a paralytic, labored with the paralytic disease. Coming to the body of Blessed James-Philip, and devoutly supplicating, she utterly got, what she had vehemently wished: for her limbs ceased to tremble; and freed from the hard disease, quiet then they returned. After thanks given she offered an image to Blessed James-Philip, in proof of the grace received.
[47] grieving in the leg, XLVII. James, the son of Nigrinus, of the Castle Solero, when he had had in the leg six months a not mediocre pain, which he could in no way lift; asks himself to be led to the sacred Relics; and the grace which he suppliantly asks, immediately he obtains: so freed from the long languor of the leg, after he gave just thanks to God and the Saint, he returned joyful into his country.
[48] hindered with oblique feet, XLVIII. Francis, the son of Dominic a barber, of Terdotio a castle of the Florentines, was hindered with oblique feet, inasmuch as their toes had been bent to the posterior part. This one proceeded to the venerable body of Blessed James-Philip, and suppliant prayed that he might be made with feet free and ready. Which grace, from the highest goodness of God, through the intercession of the Blessed having got, he returned content into his country, thanks having been given before to God and the Saint.
[49] curved in one foot. XLIX. Magdalena a girl, the granddaughter of Xantes Passanteus, of Granarolo, was born with one foot curved, with which she could not have a step. Carried to the glorious body, immediately she was freed, and discharged the office of walking before the eyes of all the bystanders, praising at the same time the Majesty of the eternal God.
[50] with a contracted hand, L. Baptista, the daughter of Marcus Bucchinus of Faenza, was languishing with a contracted and entangled hand. Suppliant she proceeded to the Relics of the Blessed, and applied most diligent prayers: soon she gets the grace asked, before the eyes of a huge crowd, praising the highest goodness of God, and likewise giving just thanks to Blessed James-Philip.
[51] a Minorite with a hernia: LI. Nicholas a Teuton, of the Order of Friars Minor; had languished twenty years with the hernial disease. So many miracles of Blessed James-Philip being known, with most devout mind he seeks his monument, suppliantly prays, at length obtains his vow; praising God he gave worthy thanks to the Saint, and leaves the trusses of his disease before the monument of the Blessed.
[52] freed when oppressed by a wagon, John Andrew, the son of Nicholas of Faenza of Casalensis, fourteen years old, on the way is crushed by a laden wagon. Placed in danger he commends himself to James-Philip. He escaped at once, and divinely indeed: inasmuch as he who ought to have been crushed and extinguished by so great a mass, yet alive and almost untouched came out of the cart. Freed therefore from manifest death, he offered a waxen image to the Blessed, in testimony of so great a gift received.
[53] fallen into a well, LIII. Dominic, the son of Antony Mulio of Faenza, in his fourteenth year, by chance fell into a deep well, and sought the lowest depths overwhelmed by water. While he falls, there comes into his mind Blessed James-Philip, to whom he commended himself from his heart. From the bottom he escaped to the surface water of the well; whence a rope being offered he was drawn out free. Those who had seen this matter, all in a great degree praised the mercy of God, and gave just thanks to the Blessed.
[54] a captive at Cesena: Blasius a notary, sprung from the City of Castello, was kept in the citadel of Cesena. When all hope of going out was utterly taken from him, by many ambushes prepared against him, he commended himself to Blessed James-Philip, and undertook a vow, which was by no means made in vain: since a wonderful occasion of his liberation immediately followed. For when, one foot loosed from the fetter, he had shown the other to the Prefect of the citadel, and had narrated the cause; the keeper of the Citadel, divinely indeed (as is credible) forthwith led Blasius himself out of that place. Thence having set out for Faenza, he offered a votive tablet to the Blessed, to whom at the same time he gave the greatest thanks.
[55] LV. Honufria, the daughter of John, of the Faenza territory, in her sixteenth year, not yet placed with a husband, had lain abed a long time; nor could the reason of the disease, with which she was entangled, ever be sufficiently discerned; yet from the common opinion of many she was thought bewitched. This one commended herself in a great degree to Blessed James-Philip, now shining with so many miracles. The Saint aspired to her vow, and without delay made her whole. Who soon strengthened, hastened to his monument, and mindful of the benefit, gave immortal thanks to God and the Saint.
[56] LVI. Guidonus, of Budrio of the Bologna territory, with the right leg contracted and curved, is cured one contracted in the leg, now ten years had lived. To the sacred Relics he fled devout, where he tarried some days. Whose leg was so rectified, that day by day little by little he felt himself more comfortable. Whom I myself saw descending the stairs without help, when before he could not have a journey without a staff. Thanks being given to God and the Saint, he returned on his own feet into his country.
[57] another in the fingers: LVII. Augustine, a blacksmith, of Montecchio of the Ferrara dominion, long had borne both his hands hindered with bent and entangled fingers. Suppliant he came to the sepulcher of Blessed James, there he draws delay some days, at length with hands free into his country joyful he returns, after thanks given to God and the Saint.
[58] the possessed are cleansed: LVIII. Those occupied by unclean spirits James-Philip, having obtained his heavenly country, especially freed and frees daily, as one who by his patience and virtue is said to have far overcome the false ambushes of the devil. Almost all of virginal age likewise, afflicted with various languors, he made unharmed: inasmuch as he likewise shone with the glory of virginity among mortals.
[59] LIX. To Lawrence of Lucca, a weaver of silk cloth, there was a son Michael, a grave wound of the head is healed, in his seventeenth month. Who when after the manner of little ones he tried to walk, having often fallen to the ground, gravely broke his tender head: whose wound was so great, that all the physicians utterly despaired of his health. The father commended and vowed the now deplored little boy to Blessed James-Philip: immediately the fever was remitted, and the little son henceforth altogether freed. The father liable to the vow having set out for Faenza, offered a waxen image of the Blessed to the monument, and gave just thanks.
[60] an incurable disease, LX. John of George, of Valle Amonis, labored with a grave and acute disease, which by the physicians could neither be sufficiently known, nor ever cured. This one therefore despaired of by all, cast all his hope on the patronage of Blessed James-Philip, and vowed at the same time. Whence suddenly made more comfortable, at length he was utterly freed from the inexplicable disease. Mindful of the vow undertaken and the merit, he soon betook himself to Faenza; an entire and true image of himself he offered to the chapel of Blessed James-Philip.
[61] LXI. The Count Palatine John, long had borne one shoulder broken; to whom when by no means the medical art could come to aid, a fracture of the shoulder. he suppliant implored the help of Blessed James-Philip: and vowed a vow, that if he were freed, he would proceed naked with a twelve-pound taper to his monument from his own home: with which purpose he obtained the grace. Some days he was negligent in paying the vow. Meanwhile while he was carried on horseback, the horse suddenly is prostrated to the ground, and he feels immediately the ribs of his now sick shoulder dislocated, because he had fallen back into the old and indeed graver disease. Then doing great penance for his ingratitude and error, he vowed the same again: again through the intercession of the Blessed he was healed. Not slothful, with a very great taper, naked he hastened to the altar of James-Philip: but the space of the journey was about sixteen miles: the promises therefore being fulfilled, and thanks given, cheerful he returned into his country.
APPENDIX OF GIANIUS.
[62] LXII. Nicholas Burgensius the Knight, he who committed to memory the life and at the same time miracles of Blessed James-Philip, was vexed with black bile and an evil disposition. Brought into hope of future health, for a vow undertaken he seeks Faenza, Nicholas Burgensius is loosed from a troublesome sickness, commends himself to the Blessed suppliantly for recovering health. Void of grace he tarries there some days: and when he lodged at the house of St. Mary of the Servites, where that true Servant of God had dwelt, persuaded by the Prior of his church, concerning this holy man's life and wonderful signs from heaven, as was said above, he composed a memorial. Afterward he departed thence, not freed, but more comfortable: but returned to Siena his country, he immediately so convalesced, that he manifestly perceived that he had received such a grace and one so great asked, from the merits and prayers of Blessed James-Philip. To give deserved thanks therefore he returned to Faenza on foot. But great thanks are to be had to this most illustrious Writer, by whose zeal and devotion so many and so great things, concerning this most blessed man James-Philip, were committed to eternal memory, that hereafter greater devotion is always to be applied to him, especially by those who in their necessities can hope his intercession will be propitious to them.
INSTRUMENT OF IMMUNITY,
Granted to the Father of the Blessed himself and his posterity.
James Philip, of the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, at Faenza in Aemilia (Bl.)
FROM THE MANUSCRIPT INSTRUMENT.
[1] Deputies gathered from the 100 Counselors. On the 24th day of August, the festivity of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, the first Indiction, Sixtus the Fourth Supreme Pontiff sitting, there being gathered the notable men citizens of Faenza, of the number of the hundred Counselors of the Council of the city of Faenza, at the sound of the great bell, in the wonted ground chamber of the Lords the Elders, situated in the Palace of the Lords de Manfredis, beside the square and the office of the Bolletae, as is the custom for treating the below-written businesses, whose names are below-written, namely.
From the Quarter of the Gate of the Bridge: D. Bartholomew de Pasiis, D. Papinianus de Alficellis, Francis Bettini, John Baptist of Master Michael, Ser-Caesar Caffarellus, Matthew Laca, Ser-Gaspar de Captolis, Ser-Nicholas of Robert Casalius, John de Pasiis, Favazzolus Zampaulus, Philip Baggiolinus, Bartholomew Albicellus, Carlo de Viacana, John of Ser-Philip, Gaspar Zuccarini, Ser-James Cittadini, Ser-Nicholas of D. Bernard Casalius, Gaspar of Marcus a Tumbis.
From the Quarter of the Gate of Ravenna, D. Melchior Tondutius, Andrew of Benedict Emiglianus, John Bamffaldus, Ser-Baldassar Fortunerius, Ser-Albert de Pecininis, Thomas Maglorius, Ser-Guido Beccabuva, Master Francis del Laderchio, Baptista of Master Dominic Rubeus, Ludovico of Marcus Ser-Severius, Ser-Zucculus de Zucculis, Nicholas of Master Antony Ser-Severius, John de Lazzana, Thomas Ser-Paul-John Amaducius, Christopher of John Climatori, James of Simon Cristaldi, Severinus of Master Ludovico, Francis a Cabibis.
From the Quarter of the Gate of Imola, Master Alexander de Zucculis, D. Taddeus de Viarana, D. Peter of Ser-Antony Ser-Amatorius, Galeottus Caranola, Zattonus de Zanellis, Guido de Frimpopulo, Ser-Zanfrancis Milcetta, James Monius, James Azzurinus, Simon de Zucculis, Ugutio de Feazolis, Ludovico Nicolutius, Contes Scaletta, Nicholas Paganellus, Averardus Zanellus, Ser-Paul de Viarana, Christopher Severolus.
From the Quarter of the Gate Montanaria. Master Mangolinus the Physician, D. Alexander Monardo, Ser-Antony Paganutius, Lappus Severolus, Riccius Armininus, Ser-Padonanus of Ser-Julian, Ser-Daniel Bante, Ser-Matthew Monardo, Alexander Severolus, Antony Fazolini, Bernard of Ser-Nicholas Cenni, Habbrazzus Ponius, James Picininus, Peter of Ser-Julian de Cavina, Ser-Benedict Iacobini, Thomas Severolus. A supplication was offered through Missirinus son of the late Oliverius della Cella of the Chapel of St. Vitalis, of the below-written tenor namely.
[2] To your Magnificent Lordship it is set forth on the part of your devout orator Misserinus della Cella, they hear the supplication of Misserinus, for himself and his posterity: saying and humbly narrating, how he was and is weighed down by a useless family, and especially by three marriageable daughters, nor has he many means: and that he may be able more honorably to place them, and may be able conveniently and with honor to nourish and sustain himself and his family, and also that he himself and his posterity may receive some temporal fruit from this magnificent Community, on account of the venerable offspring procreated from him, such as was the newly Blessed, James-Philip, of the Order of Servites of the most glorious Virgin Mary, who a few months past deceased in our city of Faenza; and also that the same Blessed James-Philip, the late son of the Supplicant himself, may avail for such a gift, imparted to his father for love of him, to pour out most just prayers for the Faentine People, to the immortal, greatest, and best God and the most glorious Virgin Mary, devoutly he asks of your Magnificent Lordship, that of your benignity and grace they would deign to make the Supplicant himself, and his other posterity and descendants through the male line, perpetually immune and exempt, from and of all and singular burdens, collections, exactions, both real and personal, or mixed, ordinary, or extraordinary, coming in our city of Faenza for the time being; and especially also since our Illustrious Lord, D. Gabellottus de Manfredis of Faenza, by his most pleasing rescript of immunity of the same most gladly granted it: on account of which gift the Supplicant himself and his posterity perpetually will be debtors to your Magnificent Lordships: which may the Most High &c.
[3] Which supplication being seen and read by me Hieronymus the Notary below-written, to which the Prior of the Elders judges assent should be given, and understood by all the Citizens and Counselors aforesaid, gathered as above; then D. Taddeus de Viarana Doctor of Laws, Prior of the Magnificent Lords the Elders of the present month, rising from the place where he sat, then sitting, silence being first proclaimed by the public Crier of the commune of Faenza, the sound of the trumpet being premised, thus began and said: Notable Fellow-citizens of the present Council, you have heard and understood whatever the aforesaid Misserinus, our beloved fellow-citizen, narrated and supplicated and asked of you; but because it is an inveterate statute, and is always the custom of this gracious Council, that whatever is to be treated in the general Council of the city of Faenza, it should always be proposed by the Magnificent Lords the Elders; and because I am at present one of the number of the aforesaid Magnificent Lords the Elders, and also among them (though unworthy) Prior, to whom the first parts in speaking have always been granted, and that each of us may attend to my opinion on this petition of D. Misserinus: I, notable Citizen, have long known Misserinus himself, a most excellent man indeed, adorned with honest morals: who with his virtues always and a praiseworthy past life would have merited any favor, especially at present, as he himself set forth in his prayers, by the newly Blessed procreated from him, James-Philip, undoubtedly an everlasting favor of this our city. But although the thing asked by Misserinus himself seems both arduous and difficult to grant: in regard of the Blessed his son: yet in regard of the newly Blessed, James-Philip, that we may be said to be mindful of his sanctity, we ought not to doubt to grant and impart to Misserinus himself this present petitioned immunity, and to his posterity; that for such a gift, conferred on his parent also for love and veneration of him, he may deign incessantly to pour out prayers with the best God and the blessed ever most glorious Virgin Mary: and so I praise, counsel, and approve, by the will and license of the rest of my colleagues the Elders, that the exemption and immunity itself is to be and shall be granted to the aforesaid Misserinus and his descendants through the direct male line in perpetuity. But if any of you, to whom free judgment for speaking lies open, wishes to add anything to this opinion and consultation, or to take away, or to impugn it (which is possible and is granted), let him ascend the customary pulpit or rostrum, and declare his opinion on this matter.
[4] Then the aforesaid D. Taddeus the Prior, sitting and silent, and all going to the same opinion, silence being again proclaimed by the said public Crier, the sound of the trumpet being premised, all unanimously and concordantly the above-written Lords the Counselors rising, acclaimed, Let it be done, let it be done. Let it be granted, let it be granted. Most gladly. They being silent, silence being again proclaimed by the aforesaid public Crier, again the aforesaid D. Taddeus thus said: Notable Citizens, let each of you all see, Misserinus himself, his demand, and especially out of reverence for the newly Blessed, James-Philip; and because our statute declares, that any concession and deliberation, agitated and treated, to be established and decreed by the general Council of the City of Faenza, nor are votes to be sought from those acclaiming, ought to be put to the partition, by white and black beans; and if more white beans be given and rendered than black, the partition is understood to be obtained; therefore that the matter itself may proceed in its pristine municipal manner, it seems to me, that the matter, petition, and concession itself ought to be put to the partition and beans, that satisfaction may be made to the statute. Then these things heard, all the Counselors rising where they sat, with one voice brought forth and said: By no means, by no means let it be put to the beans: but let it be done, let it be done: let it be granted, let it be granted; and most gladly, as it was petitioned by Misserinus himself: and let it be held, held, and understood to be for a juridical, proposed, and obtained partition: and concerning this concession, and of this, let an Instrument be made by our public Notary. And so, these things being seen, the aforesaid D. Taddeus the Prior and the rest of the Master Lords the Elders mandated to me Hieronymus the Notary above-written in the present, a public Instrument is made concerning that matter. that if I were asked concerning the aforesaid, I should make a public Instrument, for perpetual memory of the matter thus done: and that it should be delivered to D. Misserinus, as he desired; with which he might teach hereafter concerning the perpetual immunity granted to him and his descendants. The premised things were done in the said general Council in the Palace.
[5] I Hieronymus, the son of Master Menghus de Moncinis, a citizen and Notary of Faenza, and now Notary of the Reformations of the above-written Lords the Elders and of the Council of the aforesaid City. ✠
And I Bernardino, son of the late Augustine de Azzurinis, a Citizen and Notary of Faenza copied the above-written Instrument of the aforesaid Council with my own hand, as it is extant in a certain copy, existing in my writings, word for word, on Sunday, the last of the month of February, 1610 in the evening, in my study, in the presence of Ser-Fenzolus Lagavinus, the only Witness, Paul the Fifth Supreme Pontiff sitting.
The same Notary then affirms, that the eleven miracles, set in order, done and illustrated by the above-written newly Blessed, James-Philip de Bertonis de Cella of Monte Chiaro, the son of the abovesaid Misserinus, after his death; which noted by himself Bernardino Azzurinus in the compendium of his Life, were not otherwise registered, omitted and left by him from forgetfulness, are contained in the same book folio 60, from which he had transcribed the premised Instrument.
But concerning this book in an authentic copy, taken care to be written in the year from the most holy nativity of Christ 1677, Indiction XV, on the fifth day of the month of November, our most holy Lord Innocent, by divine providence Pope XI, sitting, in the II year of his Pontificate, affirms Bernardino Lama of Faenza, public Apostolic Notary, that it was extracted by himself, as it lies word for word folio 185, from the book of ancient memorials, written by D. Bernardino the Elder de Azzurinis of good memory, covered with red boards, marked with the arms or insignia of the Lord Cardinal of St. George of bright memory formerly Bishop of Faenza on one of the boards, now existing in the study of ancient writings of the most Illustrious D. Count Bernardino the Younger Azzurinus de Comitibus, Doctor of both Laws, a Noble of Faenza.
ANNOTATIONS.
APPENDIX
On various documents of the cult from his first death.
James Philip, of the Order of Servites of Blessed Mary, at Faenza in Aemilia (Bl.)
FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS.
[1] On Sunday of the most holy Trinity (as from the aforesaid book folio 60 the aforesaid Notary Bernardino Lama transcribed) the twenty-fifth of the month of May, After a life most holily passed, Blessed James-Philip, formerly of Misserinus de Bertonis della Cella of Monte Chiaro, of the County of Faenza of the Order of St. Mary of the Servites of Faenza, who was called Andreas in the world, before the evening hour, from this our worldly life passed, and closed his eyes, in his thirty-ninth year of age, with great grief of his father and mother then living, and of his other kinsmen standing around; living always in the said Religion piously, devoutly and strictly, fasting, praying, chanting, contemplating, and meditating the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, macerating and disciplining his body, never eating and drinking flesh and wine, except in the banquet of the most holy Eucharist; but living daily on bread and water. He was never seen to laugh, nor to speak idle and vain words, lest he should deceive any person, while he discharged the office of Prior in his monastery, neither before nor after. Never did he celebrate the most holy Sacrifice of the Altar without a great abundance of tears, saying himself to be unworthy of the great and most high ministry.
[2] Many miracles in his life he did, and especially with the sign of the most holy Cross three times he healed James Monius, and miracles wrought in life and after death, a Citizen of Faenza, of the disease of an old fistula in the back: to which James Monius, his friend and most confidential one, he expressly committed, that he ought not to speak with any person of this matter; but to give glory to omnipotent God, and the blessed Mary ever Virgin. But the grace received James Monius himself, after the death of the said Blessed vowed to the said Blessed, and placed his image in relief in a window, in the chapel, where is the body of the said Blessed James-Philip under the altar in the aforesaid chapel, in a marble coffer in the ground. And many other miracles he did after his death, which are not written and noted in the present memorial, as is known to all. And on the day of his pilgrimage to another life, his feast is kept with the blessing of breads: the Brethren of the said Order of St. Mary of the Servites in the said city of Faenza, in their church, with great honor and apparatus, and great concourse of either sex, hasten: and in a sign of his sanctity the said Brethren bless certain small breads, made by the said Brethren and kinsmen of the Blessed himself, called the bread of Blessed James-Philip: and indifferently give and distribute to all, being in the said church after Vespers, with great clamor of the people, wishing to have of that bread, considering the great faith and devotion, which they have in the said bread, on account of the sanctity of the said Blessed James-Philip and his memory.
[3] And for the greater devotion, exaltation, and glory of the said Blessed, and for the honor and reputation of our city of Faenza, and of the kindred of the same Blessed, all the men of the kindred and relationship of the said Blessed James-Philip, and his relationship all promoting the cult both rich and poor, existing and dwelling both in the city of Faenza and in its territory or elsewhere, came together likewise in the manner and form as in the Instrument made thereupon, written and signed by me Bernardino Azzurinus, public Notary of Faenza and scribe of the present memorial, on the 25th day of the month of February, of the year 1586, which is extant in the file of the said year, in which Instrument the said de Bertonis ordered many things necessary for it, for the glory and honor of omnipotent God and the blessed ever Virgin Mary and Blessed James-Philip, which Instrument was copied by me the Notary in public form, and delivered to the said de Bertonis. The body of the same Blessed in the year 1514, the fifteenth of the month of April, was translated from the wall of the said chapel, the body is transferred a second time where it had been placed in the year 1497 by the abovesaid James Monius, into a marble coffer, in the ground beneath the altar in the said coffer: which chapel in ancient time was of the Lords Manfredi of the City of Faenza: and in the translation of the body of the said Blessed the said Blessed James-Philip was uncovered by the Brethren of St. Mary of the Servites. In which coffer upon the said Body, upon one veil white as snow, I saw many green violets of yellow color, which by all then present were judged to be freshly plucked from his sole: upon which placed flowers, are found fresh. and of them I had one branch, given me by one of the said Brethren.
[4] Thus far that elder Azzurinus, subjoining the memorial of the immunity granted to Misserinus and his posterity, From the book of accounts of the Procurator of the Convent with a copy of the Instrument existing with him: which memorial it would here be superfluous to repeat. Then proceeds the Notary Lama, and from a certain folio, existing among the ancient writings of the aforesaid D. Count Azzurinus, written in the vulgar tongue, extracts the following little notes: which it will be worth while to make Latin, that the continuation of the cult, begun from the very day of his death, may appear more evidently. So therefore it has.
Of the year 1487 it is held In the year 1483 Brother Zanellus of Faenza began to exercise the office of Procurator, in his Convent of the Reverend Fathers Servites of Faenza, while the Prior of the said Convent was the Venerable Brother Taddeus of Arezzo, as appears from the book of Accounts, written by his hand, which is called R.
In the year 1483, on the 24th day of May, when Father Brother James-Philip of Faenza had begun to be sick, he bought for him two chickens for 4 solidi.
On the 25th day Brother James-Philip died.
[that immediately from his death he began in the order to be venerated as Blessed,] On the 28th day he gave to Brother Matthew, setting out for Cesena and Rimini, for the Brethren there to honor Blessed James-Philip 11 and a half solidi.
On the 1st day of June he gave to Master Leonard Scaletta, for the painting of Blessed James-Philip, namely that which is above the altar, and for the wall-hanging upon the board, 21 solidi.
On the same day he notes that pilgrim Brethren had come, and therefore beyond the ordinary measure, to honor the said Brethren, who came to visit Blessed James-Philip, expended by him 21 solidi and one denarius: then he notes another 10 solidi expended by him on flesh, because the provision already made had not sufficed.
On the 15th day he gave to Master Evangelista and John Barolotta 1 solidus, to make the collation, when the procession came from Castrocaro.
that an effigy is painted, On the 22nd day of July, to paint the chest, within which is kept the cape of Blessed James-Philip, he expended 11 solidi; and for the little rods and little nails for the said chest 2 solidi, in all 13 solidi.
On the said day he gave for eggs and a little cheese of recooked milk, for the dinner of the Brother writing the miracles of Blessed James, to be sent to the Father General, 2 solidi.
On the 27th of July for the effigy of Blessed James, which was to be sent to Rome to the Father General, 3 solidi.
[5] In the year 1484, on the 11th day of May, he gave to the trumpeter of Castelfranco, who published the Ban to honor the Blessed, 1 solidus.
On the same 11th of May a certain Brother Thomas of Faenza entered into the office of Procurator; who notes, that on the 20th day of the same month, he expended, for the salad of those who made the feast of Blessed James, 4 denarii.
On the 22nd day, which was Saturday and the Vigil of Blessed James, he writes that he expended on various things for the same Vigil, the Vigil and feast are kept both by the Convent, and by the externs who had run together to the feast of the Blessed, to be celebrated; as also for the following day the 23rd, which was the very feast of the Blessed and of the most holy Trinity, the fourth Sunday of May. For although he died on the 25th day of the month, yet because that death happened on the aforesaid Sunday of the most holy Trinity; on the Sunday of the Trinity, therefore no account being had of the number of days of that month, the feast began to be celebrated on the day of the Trinity; and that has always been observed thence, and is observed up to this present day.
[6] The abovesaid Brother Zanellus of Faenza, in the accounts of the receipts for the said Convent, mentions the below-written items.
On the 1st of June, he received from the Bank of Blessed James 21 solidi 7 denarii.
On the 16th of the same from the chest of Blessed James-Philip he took 24 solidi 10 denarii, which Guido and Zattonus had given.
On the same day he received from Guido and Zattonus six Ducats of Venetian gold, that he should expend them on boards to be bought: but those Ducats were taken from the chest of Blessed James-Philip: but afterward, he says, I received from the Prior 30 solidi, likewise taken from the said chest.
On the 11th day of August I received from Terdoza 10 solidi, for the lamp which he placed for Blessed James bought from us: and a lamp is fed at the sepulcher. who also made a vow of fostering the same lamp for one year.
On the 21st day of August, I received from Master Paul, who was collecting alms to the honor of Blessed James, for the love of God, 15 solidi.
ANNOTATIONS.
p. Bancum, soon it is written Cassa, and is taken for a treasury or money-chest.
q. Venetian gold, either because struck at Venice, or because brought by the Venetians from Hungary: now we call them almost Hungarian Ducats.