Exuperantius

ON SAINT EXUPERANTIUS,

BISHOP OF RAVENNA IN ITALY.

IN THE YEAR CCCCXVIII

HISTORICAL COMMENTARY.

On his cult, age and acts: and on various Synonyms to be distinguished from him.

Exuperantius, Bishop of Ravenna in Italy (S.)

D. P.

[1] The tables of the Roman Martyrology, the Tables

of the Church of Ravenna being cited,

this Saint on May XXX in these

words celebrate: At Ravenna of Saint

Exuperantius, Bishop and

Confessor. In the Calendar of the holy

Metropolitan Archiepiscopal

Church of Ravenna and its diocese, Sacred cult.

which we have for the year MDCLX, when we ourselves there were,

is prescribed an Ecclesiastical office, of S. Exuperantius

Archbishop and Confessor of Ravenna under

the double rite. The Lessons of the 2nd Nocturn begin, "Of the blessed Father,"

of the Nocturn "Watch." The Mass "Thy Priests," from the Common

of a Confessor Pontiff. His memory is inscribed in the

Florentine Martyrology, both the MS. of Senator Strozzi and

the printed of the year MCCCCLXXXVI. Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints

of Italy with this him adorns Elogium.

[2] Exuperantius, the XIX Bishop of the Ravennese, S.

Ursus succeeded, with Honorius Emperor. Elogium from Ferrarius. A man he was grave

and with great endowed charity, simple however and sincere,

people of Ravenna very useful. He Argenta, a town

by no means to be despised, built; so called

because to the Church of Ravenna silver it paid (as

also Aureolum and Ferrara so called they think,

because that gold, this iron to the same Church paid).

Nor indeed to the same people less in spiritual

things was he useful, since to the salvation of souls

always he kept watch. But when years twenty his Church

he had ruled, with good heaped works,

the Cathedra to S. John Angelopta left, to the reward

he flew away into heaven, in the church of S. Agnes buried on the third

Kalends of June, with Zosimus Pontifex Maximus, in the year

of salvation four hundred nineteenth. These things Ferrarius.

The Life of S. Ursus his predecessor we gave on April XIII,

of S. John, who the Angel saw, his successor, the Life will be given

on November XXI.

[3] Hieronymus Rubeus in the History of the Ravennese various

things of S. Exuperantius has, and in book 2 page 61, "To Ursus," he says

at the year CCCXCVI, "of the Ravennese the Archbishop substituted

Peter as Prelate," Agnellus, and who him

almost word for word copied Ferrettus, falsely think,

because the order of things done less, as it seems,

they observed. For there is owed to Exuperantius this place:

who nothing dissemblingly, In the year 396 created Bishop, nothing from concealment doing,

with divine protection hedged, life he passed placidly, tranquilly,

and gently. Then page 70. When Stilicho Sarus

the Alans' Leader, to a tumult in the army

to stir up, had impelled… to Ravenna a journey he directed…

When to Ravenna he came, of Honorius the Emperor

letters to the army of Ravenna by Olympius

were sent, by which it was commanded that Stilicho they should seize,

and into custody give. The matter perceived,

Stilicho through the night into a temple for safety's sake

fled. to the immunity of the Church he is zealous in the year 408 But when this Exuperantius the Archbishop

had learned, lest it should be violated by the soldiers' injury the temple,

he ran up: to Stilicho and the soldiers, that without

to Stilicho at length to resist were strength, and nothing

else he could, than more Honorius to perturb,

and his exulcerated mind to agitate: especially

because the church entered the soldiers, before Exuperantius by oath

affirmed, that it was not to them, that him to slay,

by the Prince commanded, but only that captured

in custody they should hold. With this assurance having gone out Stilicho himself to the soldiers

gave. But not long after… to capital

punishment was dragged away, in the year CCCCVIII.

[4] Afterward Rubeus page 89, when he had related the Epistle

of Zosimus the Pontiff to the Presbyters and Deacons of Ravenna,

given on the V Nones of October, Honorius the XII

and Theodosius the VIII the Augusti being Consuls, that is in the year

CCCCXVIII, he dies 30 May, subjoins. About the same time Exuperantius

the Archbishop in Zosimus' Pontificate, on the third Kalends

of June died: he was buried in St. Agnes'

under a porphyry stone before the high altar. buried under the altar to him dedicated, In the following

times in the middle of that temple under the altar to him

dedicated, in a monument of marble when there was seen

in our age the altar to the ground leveled, on the left for those entering

the sepulchre is placed. The town Argenta,

which before that time beyond the Po was, in that place

where now a temple most ancient to S. George

dedicated is seen, by him was built. So called

most relate from the payment of silver, which of the town

the inhabitants to the Ravennese Archbishop yearly to pay

were bound: which to this day, since of that

Church it is of the rights, is kept. Although Blondus

by that name to have been called writes, because the Archbishops

of Ravenna to three to themselves subject Churches, which the chief

then they had, of three metals the names,

which most noble seemed to be, imposed.

Wherefore Aureolum, which a town is on a most pleasant

Forlì hill, from gold; Argenta, from silver;

and Ferrara, from iron called. These things Rubeus,

with whom rather we judge S. Exuperantius to have ended life

in the year CCCCXVIII, in the year 418. on this XXX of May, and therefore

in the Epistle of Zosimus there is not made mention of any Bishop: and

Zosimus himself by our calculation, which before the first volume

of April concerning the chief ancient Roman Pontiffs we published,

from life had departed still in the said year CCCCXVIII.

[5] Baronius in his Notes, when of this Exuperantius he had treated,

adds these things. There is also another of the same name Exuperantius

Bishop of Tortona, who was present together with

S. Ambrose at the Council of Aquileia. He by Ughelli in Volume

4 of Italia sacra among the Bishops of Tortona is written Superantius,

and is said to have flourished in the year CCCLXXIV, Other Synonyms of his, Bishops of Tortona and in Lucania, and the Tortona

Church for forty years to have administered.

But proceeds Baronius. There was of the same name Exuperantius,

otherwise Superantius, a Bishop in Lucania, by sanctity

distinguished, of whom makes mention Uranius in the passing of S.

Paulinus Bishop of Nola in Surius Volume 3. Now

there is said to S. Paulinus to have entered a certain Presbyter,

from the parts of Lucania coming, sent by the holy

Bishop Exuberantius, or by a man most illustrious his brother

Ursatius. Ferrarius, in his Notes to the elogium of S. Exuperantius,

asserts that he understood, no Bishop Exuperantius

or Superantius in Lucania for a Saint

to be held. Ughelli in Volume 7 of Italia sacra deduces the Episcopates

and Bishops of Lucania, but, if his Index is to be trusted, none

is found Exuperantius or Superantius in Lucania a Bishop.

We wished these things to indicate to the reader, wrongly into Spain translated, for the reason that Tamayo

de Salazar, in his Spanish Martyrology at this XXX of May,

two produces Saints of this name, from Italy into Spain

transferred. Of these one to him is S. Exuperantius Bishop

of the Ravennese, whom he says at Uxama commonly Osma, in Hither

Spain a Bishop, the Tarraconensian and Aquileian

Council to have attended, then of the Ravennese made

Prelate; and into Spain returned, the Council

of Toledo to have attended; and again to Ravenna

set forth, there with a glorious end to have rested. The other is

Exuperantius in Lucania a Bishop, who before also

had been Bishop of the city of Lucus, commonly Lugo, in Galicia.

Tamayo de Salazar relies on the bare citation of recently

devised Chronicles under the name of Flavius Dexter

and Julian Peter: whose authority although now among men

learned for the most part none is even in Spain, foreigners

however some less cautious they deceived; to whom grateful

it was there to find, whence the defect of desired notices

for their fatherland's history to enrich they might supply, among whom

we grieve to have been two friends of ours; namely D. Primus

Aloysius de Tattis the Author of the Annals of Como,

where concerning his Pliny, whom these feigned a Martyr for the faith

of Christ in Spain to have died, and in some other places; and D.

Hieronymus Fabri, in the Sacred memorials of the Church of Ravenna:

who both by us afterward admonished of the foulness of those

fabrications, which they would from our work's reading in places

very many recognize, grieved that of the Acts by us illustrated

the reading thus far to them had not fallen; nor by anyone they were warned

that they should beware the fictions, with so great applause when first they came forth

received and commended by the Spaniards.

[6] If other Saints of this name Bishops are required,

there would be to be brought forward, S. Exuperantius Bishop of Cingoli

in Picenum, by us related at the day January XXIV, and

S. Exuperantius Bishop of Como, to be produced at

the day June XXII. Abbot Piazza, in the Roman Sanctuary

at this XXX of May, asserts to be celebrated the feast of S. Exuperantius

Deacon Martyr in the church of S. Bartholomew on

the island, where his body is preserved. another S. Exuperantius Deacon Martyr, But Panciroli in

the Hidden Treasures of the city of Rome, in Region 9 church 1

asserts, this one with Sabinus the Bishop and other Martyrs to be venerated

on the day December XXX: which more pleases. I believe however also

Piazza concerning the day of the present-day cult, in that respect only assumed,

that since the last days of the year enough and more are occupied

with Birthday feasts, this day XXX of May also might have

some of the same name Saint in the Roman Martyrology, why on this day he is venerated at Rome.

although otherwise most diverse. And this example of the Romans

can avail in excuse of others, who having received

from Rome the bodies and names of Martyrs, them for themselves

to be venerated assume on those days, on which such names in the Martyrology

they find; although otherwise it to us less is approved, on account of

the confusions from such license arising.

[7] Among the Epistles of S. Jerome one is in order XXXV,

to Exuperantius, hortatory, that together with his brother Quintilianus

he bid farewell to the world, and into Bethlehem himself betake;

accordingly written after the year CCCLXXXIV, in which he for himself with

his Paula a stable there seat established. It could therefore that

have been given when still secular was our S. Exuperantius,

first in the year CCCXCVI, Jerome's Epistle to Exuperantius a soldier or three years later according to Ferrarius

made a Bishop. Who however will make us certain,

that he not long before had renounced the world, and before he returned

into Palestine Jerome? Who, even this denied,

would dare to assert, one and the same person to be held, not however

two of that name? Because however the aforesaid Fabri wished

that Epistle to the Ravennese Exuperantius to have been given;

although it could, not however is proved, to the Ravennese to have been given, and to his praise to make he thinks, that even under

the military cloak and chlamys of the inner man's adornment

he was zealous, and him the holy Doctor, worthy thought

whom to a more sublime perfection he might invite, and to the communion

of letters and of monastic exercise; let us touch something

of that Epistle, nothing denying or affirming of

him to whom it is given, whether he be the same or not, because nothing in either

part can be brought forward from it in aid; nor

are there other Epistles of Jerome to the same Exuperantius

or his brother (a Presbyter as it seems or a Cleric

at least) which if they were had, the matter to us perhaps would explain.

[8] He praising that of him still secular works, Among all things, says beginning Jerome, which

to me of the holy brother Quintilianus's friendship have furnished,

this even the greatest is, that thee to me unknown

in body, in mind it associated. For who would not love

him, who under the military cloak and habit does

the works of the Prophets, and the outer man another thing

promising overcomes by the inner man, who is formed

to the image of the Creator? Whence also first to the office

I provoke of letters; and I pray that to me an occasion

thou give of more often writing back, that I may write

more boldly. And a little after, exhorting to a generous of riches

abdication, he subjoins: Cast away the burden of the world:

do not seek riches, which to camels' crookednesses

are compared: naked and light to heaven fly up,

lest the wings of thy virtues the weights of gold press down.

This however I say, not that thee covetous I have learned, he urges to abdicate riches, but

that I understand for this reason still to soldiery to give work,

that thou mayest fill the little sack, which to empty the Lord commanded.

If therefore those who have possessions and riches

are bidden all to sell and give to the poor, and so

to follow the Savior; thy worthiness either rich is, and ought

to do what is commanded; or still slender,

and ought not to seek what it is about to expend. And in the end

of the Epistle it he closes, by saying: and to himself at Bethlehem to be joined. And thou therefore the to be expended things do not

seek, but the sought already bestow: that thy most valiant little recruit

his Christ may recognize, that glad to thee from

he may give, that he may bestow a ring, that he may immolate for thee a calf

fatted; and expedited with the holy brother

Quintilianus to us quickly may make to sail. I have knocked

at friendship's doors: if thou open, us frequently thou wilt have

as guests.

ON SS. CAIDOCUS AND FRECHORIUS, OR ADRIANUS,

AT CENTULA IN PICARDY.

CENTURY VII.

HISTORICAL COMMENTARY.

On their age, burial, cult and translation.

Caidocus, Priest of Centula in Gaul (S.)

Frechorius, or Adrianus, Priest of Centula in Gaul (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] Ponthieu, or Ponticum, of Picardy

toward the British Ocean

Abbeville. Its Ecclesiastical history

described Ignatius Joseph

de Jesu Maria, a Carmelite

Discalced; and after the indicated

ruin, through the incursions of the Vandals and Attila King

of the Huns made, when also the Christian faith almost extirpated

was, the second of the Christian religion in the said Ponthieu

founders chapter 13, inquiring, of all the first he assigns

two holy Hibernian Presbyters, who there came:

of whom one was named S. Caidocus, the other

S. Adrianus: who both there life holily passed,

and their sacred Relics in the monastery of Centula

left. The founder of this monastery was S. Richarius:

whose Life, by Alcuin Flaccus, in the time of Charles

the Great, not so much written as reformed, we gave

on April XXVI, his birthday. From it here we excerpt, those things which

to these two Saints pertain.

[2] It happened at that time (of which below we shall treat) two

Priests, from Hibernia having set forth, in sanctity flourishing and with virtues' merits

shining, of whom the former Caidocus was called, the other

indeed Frichorius, from the parts of Hibernia into the Ponthieu

to have come regions. from the inhabitants' injuries But by the rustics and common people of that

place, on account of the unwontedness of their manners, they were not received,

nor with worthy of their sanctity honor treated;

but rather with injuries afflicted and with reproaches chastised, from

their borders they began them to expel. Whose violence

and wicked presumptions the future of God servant

Richarius met, and Christ's servants from the hands

of the impious snatched, and with all benignity them led down

into his house; God providing, that they might be protected

and he might be saved. by S. Richarius they are protected: Nor the lamp of God's grace

kindled, longer could be hidden; but laid open, the light

of sanctity and of preaching far and wide to the salvation

of many scattered. For having introduced his guests,

with great charity's honor, he tended: and them

to him the word of God preaching, with all humility

and intention he heard. whom by their preaching they convert. Nor in vain into good ground

the seed of the word of God was scattered: but what by ear he heard,

this radically in his heart he retained, and a hundredfold into

the barns of Christ fruits germinated. Therefore from the preaching

of God's servants and the inspiration of divine grace

compunct, to tears converted, a confession

of his sins made; and in the sight of the omnipotent

God ardently pardon seeking, with tears he absolved,

what ignorantly from adolescence's enticements he sinned:

and who the Lord received in his servants of hospitality's

grace, was received by the Lord in mercy

and piety.

[3] These things from the said S. Richarius' Acts, to which we add,

those things which Ingelramnus the Abbot of these Saints in the metrical Life of the same

S. Richarius has chapter 2 in these verses:

Then also Ponthieu deserved to shine, the district, The same are asserted in the poem of Ingelramnus.

Perchance with the radiance of two Priests beaming.

The name of the elder of whom had been Caïdocus,

Excellent in merits whom Hibernia sent to us.

From them the people scorning to hear salvation,

Receives them not worthily, nor with worthy treats honor:

But rather from their own began to drive from the bounds.

Whose cruel violence the Holy

Richarius moved; and the just snatching from the fierce folk,

Lodging he gave, held, and cherished kindly,

Disposing God, that both might be saved:

And kindled long by the divine light the lamp

Nor could be shut, but its rays into the wide it stretched.

For the pilgrims after he received into his house,

To them bodily means he bestows, from them

Solicitous of holy life taking the gains.

Nor any barren soil received the seeds of the word:

But into his mind he inserted, what of flesh he took by ear,

How many also of Christ's grains he bore to the barns.

[4] they came not in the time of Sigebert I King of the Austrasians, Thus far the ancient Acts of S. Richarius. There exists in volume 4

of the Spicilegium, by Luc d'Achery published, the Chronicle of the Abbey of Centula,

by Hariulf the Monk in the year MLXXXVIII written:

from which, the superfluous things rejected, was composed also a Life

of S. Richarius, which from a MS. of Centula and another our codex

we have; in which the time of the coming and preaching

of the Hibernian Saints thus is explained. It happened

however at that time, at which Sigebert the King with

his wife Brunehild, the throne of his kingdom established at the city of Metz,

* the Eastern France was governing;

two Priests, in sanctity flourishing, and with virtues'

merits shining, from the parts of Hibernia into the Ponthieu

to have come regions, &c. Which here of Sigebert

the King intruded, nor to the time nor to the place congruous, from the Life of S. Columban

likewise an Hibernian are taken. Chlothar the first,

in the year DLXI having ended life, succeeded Sigebert with his brothers

three, in the year DLXXV slain. He had at that time

the kingdom of Soissons, under which were the Ponthieu regions

with the rest of maritime France, another of the brothers Chilperic:

whom in the year DLXXXIV succeeded Chlothar II, but of Chlothar II or of Dagobert. in the year DCXIV

made Monarch of the Franks, having died in the year DCXXVIII;

leaving his son Dagobert, of whom alone makes mention Alcuin. In his

time S. Richarius built the Centula monastery,

already before by the Hibernian Priests to a holier life to embrace

moved. It could have happened under Dagobert's

parent Chlothar II, S. Columban from mortal life now

long ago having departed in Italy; under whom these Priests before to have lived,

altogether is not established: since Alcuin and others only say,

from the parts of Hibernia into the Ponthieu to have come regions.

[5] they die at Centula old men. Of the rest of the life and death of these Priests these things are subjoined

by Hariulf, chapter 6 of the Centula Chronicle: The now said

moreover men of God, after the course of life measured out, of immortality

having attained the prize, the heavenly seats by their entrance

gladden: the Centula church founded

by their bodies they ennoble: now indeed almost ruined by their prayers

they sustain. Nevertheless although we now their

passing have explained, let the Reader know, that they,

until they grew old, in divine works at Centula

abode. There flourished among the Abbots of Centula S. Angilbert,

in the year DCCCXIV from mortal life stripped on February XVIII:

at which day his Life I gave. He the sepulchres of these Saints

adorned with some verses, which Hariulf in the Chronicle

page 473 thus published: Epitaph of S. Chaidocus

the Confessor.

Whom Scotia bore, the Gallic land covers.

He of the Lord Christ gladly the precepts followed,

Despised his fatherland's, in mind blessed, wealth.

Hence for him grew the abundance of a hundredfold fruit,

And he reaps the ample rewards of the ethereal soil.

To him Angilbert, relying on piety the mistress,

Both for the tomb a song and the tomb composed.

Likewise another about his companion Fricorus, or Frichorius:

In earthly body who is seen to be buried,

Joys for his merits heavenly glad he has. and of S. Fricorius,

This was Fricorus, with Chaidocus associated:

Whom to itself granted Centula rejoices exulting.

He in virtue strong despised the prosperities of the world:

And to him now living a great glory is open.

When it pleased God, the realms of the heavens he sought:

Now by Angilbert's song he shines. Amen.

Jacobus Malebrancus, book 2 on the Morini chapter 55, called Adrianus.

this one Fricoraeus calls, and adds, the surname

to the Ponthieu people unharmonious left behind, Adrianus to have been called.

[7] The bodies elevated by S. Gervinus: We have another Chronicle in MS. of Centula, by John

Capella in the year MCCCCXCII compiled, and from it we gave

at the day March III the Life of S. Gervinus Abbot of Centula,

in the year MLXXIII having ended life: concerning whom in num. 21 these things

are had: He translated the bodies of SS. Caydocus and Fricorius

or Adrianus the Confessors, and then: And on the instant

he elevated the bodies of SS. Caydocus and Adrianus, and

them placed in a chest or bier of silver, with stones

precious adorned. Which Hariulf the author contemporary, book 4

chapter 32 thus commemorates: The holy also Confessor

Caydocus', and that his companion's bodies from the earth he lifted: and

their Relics more becomingly placing, to the faithful peoples

to be honored he decreed. The Relics in the altar: He had treated in chapter 18 Hariulf of

the crypt by S. Gervinus constructed, and four in it erected

altars: in the greater of which, among the relics of the holy Confessors,

is placed the name of Caydocus.

[8] The names in the Fasti of Centula 30 May. In the old Martyrology in MS. of the Church of Centula,

to which here a greater faith is owed, of both the cult to

this day to pertain is indicated in these words: In the convent

of Centula SS. Chaidocus, Fricorius, and Maldegisus, of whom

the two first to B. Richarius at the beginning of holy conversation

Teachers were. In the old likewise Calendar,

which in Volume X of his Spicilegium d'Achery inserted, thus is read:

In the convent of Centula of the holy Confessors Caydocus,

Adrianus and Madegislus. Of the third soon to treat, we seem

this to be able to say, that more certainly known his Birthday

could have moved the Centula people, that those two of unknown day Saints

likewise to be commemorated they should institute. Saussay in the Martyrology

Gallican, and Menard in the Benedictine, in the Appendix

of those whose birthday they were ignorant of rejected,

with a long encomium celebrate. John Colgan, elsewhere on other days, no rendered

of his deed reason, related S. Caidocus the Apostle of the Morini

on January XXIV: and again celebrates on March XXXI,

SS. Adrianus and Caidocus Apostles of the Morini,

very many things heaping from Alcuin and Malbranc,

and likewise from Saussay and Menard. Henry Fitz-Simon,

of the Society of Jesus a Priest Hibernian, from Rome hither sent

in the year MDCXI a Catalogue of the Saints of Hibernia, then at Douai

in the year MDCXIX printed, chiefly 1 April. in which are celebrated on the Kalends

of April, SS. Sadoc, by others Caidocus, and Adrianus. There had gone before John

Wilson in the English Martyrology in the year

MDCVIII printed, and then in the year MDCXL reprinted: in which

an elogium from the Life of S. Richarius excerpted is set forth. Having followed

the same Thomas Dempster, both in the Scottish Menology

in the year MDCXXII printed commemorated. Finally,

the English Martyrology being cited and then the Scottish, the same celebrates

Ferrarius in the General Catalogue. The Relics in the monastery

of Centula on that day also to be venerated, observes

Mabillon, in his Notes to the Life of S. Richarius.

* otherwise Germany.

ON S. MADELGISILUS THE HERMIT,

AT CENTULA IN PICARDY.

CENTURY VII.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY.

On his cult, Translation, and the Life written by Hariulf of Centula.

Madelgisilus the Hermit, at Centula in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5131

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] What in the aforementioned two Saints,

we have already praised the MS. Martyrology

of Centula, Cult 30 May. to those two

Of the same the bare with

those name also has the ancient

Calendar. But of that his

certain cult, that we may not be able to doubt

makes the Centula Chronicle, toward the end of the XI century written,

of which also above we have made mention, and of which book 3

this exhibits in Chapter 29 the Title, The Translation of S. Madelgisilus

the Confessor, these things are read: When of the convent

of Centula the Abbot Ingelard still held the rule,

among the other goods, which to him conferred the supernal piety,

of Saint also Madelgisilus the Confessor he merited

to have the corporal presence. The body brought to Centula, There is finally

where the Saint himself from the day of his passing had rested: but

when with the curiosity of the faithful had been brought his body

to Centula in the monastery of the most holy Richarius: began

certain of the Monks with a certain stupidity moved

to say, that unworthy it was of that man to venerate

the little bones, of whom they were ignorant of the Acts or Life.

And when this with reason, thence to a church to him dedicated sent away or rather with irrationality, several times

they contended; there was anciently a little church

dedicated, to which they decreed it ought to be carried:

so that both of its own church the dwelling it might enjoy, and

him in such a manner they would not be compelled to honor. And it was done

thus. When therefore there had been placed he, God

who the humble regards, and who once seeing Leah held in contempt

for the cause of deformity, gave her fecundity,

that by the multitude at least of offspring she might be loved,

who by her face's foulness was abhorred; he, I say,

God when he saw this his servant, for the unknown of his life

deeds not enough loved, that, how much was valued

his merit, to the peoples he might demonstrate, he willed by his

piety in that place many great things to work, to which his

members had been not without contempt carried. and there by miracles growing famous he is carried back to Centula, When

therefore so evidently it had become clear, truly this one with God

to be great; began the Abbot Ingelard with his Monks

with penitence to be moved, that so clear of God

whom before for the obscurity he had despised of sanctity,

with devout of heart humility and famous honor he disposed

to carry back, to whom to love and to honor

by the magnificent of God power he was invited. Then the Brothers being gathered,

with much honor and great of the fear of God

reverence, the now said church he sought:

and the penitence of his error sent before and the Lord adored,

who in his Saints is wonderful and glorious,

the holy body he received, and to the church of the most holy

Richarius with praises restored, which even hither

unto there is kept. Therefore these are the glorious

of the Saints pledges, with which Centula noble is adorned

… of S. Richarius the Abbot and B. Vigor the Pontiff.

… Then that fertile of divine commands Caydocus

is held: after whom he himself, of whom just now we have narrated,

S. Madelgisilus becomingly is loved. There is venerated

with these S. Caydocus' companion, whom some Adrianus

call. These things there Hariulf. The said Ingelard

Abbot flourished in the X century, in the time of Hugh Capet King

of the Franks.

[2] In another Chronicle in MS. of Centula, by John Capella

compiled in the XV century, these things moreover are said: S. Madelgisilus is called the Companion of S. Fursaeus, S. Magdelgesilus

was the companion of S. Fursaeus, and both were from overseas:

and S. Fursaeus himself having died, S. Magdelgesilus

entered the congregation of the Brothers, and immediately

after sought, obtained, and got a hermitage, in

which is called Monasteriolum, Monstreles: and led

through a distance of time there lay. But the said

Ingelard the Abbot, when he had heard and seen several

miracles done over the tomb of Magdelgesilus, counsel

held with the Brothers, set out on the Kalends of June

to the said place, and with himself with a great procession

the precious body brought and carried. And when

the Brothers had seen it gleam with miracles, they envied

saying: That such a man, whose Deeds, Acts and

Life was unknown, ought not before the rest to be honored.

And that peaceably he might live the said Ingelard, established

for himself to be made a chapel outside the village's circuit, in which it should be placed

and by the faithful be venerated. (Which done

thus) and in which beyond measure by the people it was frequented,

so that two pieces of wood scarcely could carry the offerings

of wax and of images, of heads, of arms, of hands,

of feet, and the like: with great devotion he is venerated, and for those causes he established

the aforesaid body in the said convent to be replaced and restored.

Which was done, but every year, on the day III Kalends

of June, processionally it was carried back. It happened

however that in the return of the body, the Abbot, and the Brothers

ten, and on that same day III Kalends of June, the weather

was disturbed and nebulous with winds and rains, and with an annual procession 30 May,

reigning thunder and lightnings and vapors

in the lowest region of the air, so that all said

at the tenth hour of the morning, that it was night and not

day: yet publicly two young Religious before

the most holy body with two silver candlesticks

with them carried two tapers and two lights, not without a miracle.

which never failed: but in them always

was light until the return, and while the bier or

chest was replaced in its place pre-ordained. These things there

in the said Chronicle, in which again below these things are handed down.

Ancherus the Abbot, in the XVI year of his rule, that is in the year

MCXII, renewed all the chests and biers of all

the Saints, and the Relics here existing … and in

one he found a little schedule thus written: The body of S. Magdelgesilus

the Confessor here placed III Kalends of June:

which body he replaced in another new bier on the V

Ides of July.

[3] At the said III Kalends of June, or this XXX of May,

is celebrated the deposition of S. Madelgisilus the Confessor at Centula

in the Martyrology of Berlin, His memory in the Fasti 30 May. more augmented at Paris about the year

MDXXI published, and from it in Molanus and Canisius, likewise

in Wion, Dorganius and Menard, but they interpose

the name of Monk. Saussay with a long him encomium celebrates,

in which he is said sprung of high lineage, to have retired into

the sign of the Cross to the turf applied, at once a vein

of water most limpid opening itself a most clear fountain

poured forth: from which not only was refreshed of Christ

the soldier, but also of this fountain the channel through the pleasant plain

running, both a drink to drinkers delightful,

and a medicine also to the sick by its draught it bestowed. The same

has Bucelinus in the Benedictine Menology, and adds

these things: When he was about to die, called by an Angel

his Abbot with the Brothers came to meet: at whose arrival

so much was he gladdened, that all his sickness to oblivion

he gave. But a little after died &c. Which

we would wish in the words of more ancient authors to be reported. The Elevation of S. Madelgisilus 1 June, And these things

separately of S. Madelgisilus we have found. Of whom also some

elevation was made on the first of June: and to this perhaps

these Verses pertain, I know not whether on the body's chest, or on the bier of the same inscribed:

The bones of Madelgisilus the Blessed holds this litter:

Whom as a confessor for himself Christ duly beatified,

And Anscherus a new for himself chest by right prepared.

But ruled the Centula monastery Anscherus from the year

MXCVII or VIII for years XX about or XXX. the chapel of the 3 Saints. We gave at

the day III March the Life of S. Gervinus the Abbot, in which in num. 3

he is said to have caused to be dedicated a chapel of B B. Madelgisilus, Cajdocus

and Adrianus the Confessors. But we wonder of the last two

mention in other authors not to be found, at this

XXX of May, except in the Writers of Centula.

[4] Thus far in body and mind firm my Predecessor, P.

Godfrey, this commentary had brought; when seized

by paralysis in the year MDCLXXX, he received the same year published

the second part of the IV Benedictine Century, The Life of S. Madelgisilus by author Hariulf, and in it the very S.

Madalgisilus's life, by the Author Hariulf, a Monk of Centula,

at the beginning of the XII century written; and to me to be revised

he commended, with lighter after that studies, as far as

health and life would permit, about to occupy himself. He left

to the monastery of Centula Hariulf the place's Chronicle, by him

diligently drawn out unto the death of S. Gervinus the Abbot,

in the year MLXXIV deceased: and it himself to have completed he says in the year

MLXXXVIII. But some years before or after, when

namely his Abbot Gervinus II first had been made Bishop

of Amiens, who also the Centula Chronicle wrote, and not yet of him openly at Centula was it murmured,

that S. Madelgisilus' Life to him he inscribed. But as

with Gervinus II dead, of him the deeds good and bad, to the same

Chronicle to be appended composed, either he himself, or rather

another about the year MCIII; so also to the Life of S. Madelgisilus, by the same

or another there was added at the least the narration of the translation into

MXCVI the successor, made in the year MCXIII: and so then both

the Chronicle itself in vol. 4 of the Spicilegium, and the Life aforesaid

d'Achery and Mabillon published: to which Life in the MS. of Centula,

after the Chronicle, was prefixed nonetheless of the Abbot

Anscherus an elogium metrical.

[5] But before those Supplements were made, Hariulf

himself, and Abbot of Oudenburg he was, as to us is established from the of the Oudenburg in Flanders

near Bruges Abbots series chronological accurately

drawn out, which with us is, in the notable of eight volumes Monasterologia,

by the of Anchin once monastery Prior

D. Bar about the beginning of this century collected; Hariulf, I say,

himself, in the year MXCVII was substituted as the second of that

Monastery, to the Abbot Verwinus. He is praised in the said Series,

as a man of all prudence and wonderful discretion:

and is added, that by his solicitude, in the year of his rule

XVI, was lifted from the earth of the most holy Prelate of Soissons

Arnulf the body, in the XXXIV year of the deposition

of the same first Founder, or rather Restorer,

of the aforesaid monastery. Moreover manfully and lawfully he defended

the church to him committed, against the Abbot and

Religious of S. Medard of Soissons, who it strove

to reduce into a Priory. He ruled worthily and laudably

XXXVIII years, and died in the year of the Lord's

Incarnation MCXLIII, on August XVI: whose soul

[6] Another is therefore the writer Hariulf from two of the same

name, unto 1143, 16 August, in the Necrology of Centula related, one on XIII

Kalends of May, with the title of Elder; the other related at XIII Kalends

of June, under the titles of Levite and Monk; contrary to what judged

the most erudite Mabillon, after the Epitaph, which

to Hariulf the Writer and Abbot composed by him is reported,

in vol. 1 of the Analecta, in this tenor. not 19 May.

In Ponthieu born, prone to studies, Hariulf,

Of kindly Richarius the cloister as a boy entered.

In which imbued, what it befits a Master to know,

Of Oudenburg the third Abbot he was. His Epitaph.

The matter to him committed according to his powers he amplified;

To grow, Peter, for thine always wealth thirsting.

To the Brothers an example presenting of a compassionate one:

Many things too much, he was silent; and what to speak, he taught,

The Brothers whom Centula retains, he cherished the Elders,

That to them be honor to discern always loving.

LIFE

By the Author Hariulf the Monk of Centula, afterward Abbot of Oudenburg in Flanders.

From the edition of John Mabillon.

Madelgisilus the Hermit, at Centula in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5130

BY THE AUTHOR HARIULF.

PREFACE.

To the Lord most beloved, and Father with spiritual

love to be embraced, Gervinus, of the holy

See of Amiens the Bishop ^a and also

of the kindly Centula convent the Rector, Hariulf the things heard narrates,

of your flock a little sheep, would that fitting,

Hariulf, greeting and sincere obedience.

Of the Elders, who from the time of the venerable Abbot Angelrannus

by manifold relation, I have learned certain things narration-worthy,

which to the notice of posterity of memory zealously

I have commended; those namely, which of the Saints with us

resting done were reported: of which deeds

the series, of the ancients nonetheless the zealous relation,

to the notice of posterity had handed down. Among which all things, Brothers,

it delighted to hear and know of the blessed Confessor

Madelgisilus, from ancient times with us resting;

who he was, how to the Lord omnipotent he served,

and how or when his holy body

to the Centula place was brought, and there placed;

with how many and how great miracles' signs by the Lord

he was glorified: of which finally signs

not so much by relation as by sight a certain notice we received,

while both we ourselves certain of his miracles clearly

knew, and innumerable through such asserters we learned, he himself in part an eye-witness of the miracles.

who not by hearing, but by sight itself presentially

themselves to have perceived testified ^c. Therefore of the dearest Brothers

to the desires holy at least in part wishing to satisfy,

to the honor of God and the reverence of the Saint himself, and

also to the utility of posterity, those things which to us the frequent

of the elders relation of the same Saint conferred, with the writing

office we annotate, lest through our inertia the diligence

of the future of so great a matter the notice be defrauded should seem.

ANNOTATA.

HISTORY OF THE LIFE

[1] The kingdom of the Franks holding Lodovaeus the son

of Dagobert, ^a and over the Austrasians reigning Sigebert

likewise the son of Dagobert, Fursaeus from Hibernia comes into Gaul. the man of the Lord

S. Fursaeus, from Hibernia sprung, and there with signs

of virtues and the notice of revelations made wonderful, from

which England is called, passing through, in the parts

of Germany he landed, where namely the aforesaid King

Sigebert ^b the same holy man with great

honor and joy received: and with great affection him

to retain longing, whatever places to monastic life

congruous to him he offered, that in that manner in the places

of his kingdom he might be delighted to abide. But Saint Fursaeus,

through the spirit perceiving by no means himself in those

places ought to remain, to the royal however petitions

even in some part wishing to obey, the lands whatever to him

offered going around, and with divine word's preachings

everywhere fervently insisting, a place at length pleasing

he found, where with God's grace and of the aforesaid King the help

of God with a multitude sufficiently filled. For

by the same holy man's preachings many from the same

kingdom, The Convent he founds. to faith and worthy of penitence fruits, almost

were kindled: of whom some with greater

devotion supported, to the better of divine service

studies eagerly hastened, that all the world's impediments

fleeing they might be made Monks.

[2] Among whom was a certain by name Madelgisilus,

of high birth lineage born, Madelgisilus by him instructed, and what is greater and

more blessed, in the divine prescience of election by grace

prescribed. He B. Fursaeus' preachings adhering to,

and rejoicing together in his sanctity's examples, decreed

that he might merit to be partaker of his merits and rewards

of him. And so S. Fursaeus, the perfect building

and institution of the aforesaid convent, and committed

the rule of that place to his most dear brother B. Abbot

Ultan ^d, and also sought and received of Sigebert

the King the leave, having taken also with himself disciples,

Western Gaul, which afterward France

was called, to go to deliberated; in which already from heaven was

prefixed, that he in his earthly body should be loosed, and that very

France by his examples and merits by divine decree

ought to be illustrated. the journey's companion, Of this journey the inseparable companion

the man of the Lord Madelgisilus was, and with B. Fursaeus

cities and regions passed through; hunger, thirst,

vigils, and the rest of labors he sustained; prayers and

psalmodies with him, as a worthy disciple with a master,

he exercised; of preaching also and of abstinence

[3] But after the man of the Lord blessed Fursaeus, as

from heaven had been preordained, he being dead to Centula he betakes himself. the earthly mass left in

the district of Ponthieu, in a place by name Macerias, his to the Creator

rendered the spirit ^e, and his sacred body by

illustrious men, Haymo the Duke and Archenold the Prefect,

to Péronne was brought and buried; blessed

Madelgisilus with vehement anguish, for the loss of his most dear

master, began to be afflicted: and, inasmuch as a stranger and

of the places ignorant, began with a burning zeal to inquire,

if anywhere there was a place to monastic life studies established,

where to the Lord he might adhere, and contemplative

fruits gather. To him such things seeking continually became known

the famous name of the Centula convent, by the blessed

Father Richarius now once with all sanctity and justice

placed, and by his body's relics most sacred hitherto

wonderfully and most divinely adorned: in which also

strenuously did soldier-service, and to the divine command in spirit's

poverty with all efforts to obey insisted. To

this therefore place the aforesaid servant of God with all eagerness

flew, and to the holy Brothers' blessed assembly

himself to be admitted religiously sought, more religiously obtained.

He found indeed there true Israelites, the spiritual

Egypt with all soul fleeing, and the heavenly manna

with all vows seeking, of pure life Monks, of all

abstinence and humility with the virtue armed. Of these

to the most blessed society himself fervently connecting the servant

of God Madelgisilus, and from day to day to better things himself

extending in the fear of God greatly profited, and from

virtue to virtue to go assiduously strove.

[4] There flourished in that time the Franks' commonwealth

under the King Lodovaeus, Dagobert's son, and Bathild

the venerable Queen, Under Chlodovaeus and Bathild, who after the death of her husband the aforesaid

Lodovaeus the Monastery of Corbie constructed.

The Convent also of Jumièges, urging B.

Philibert, in the territory of Rouen she constructed;

and through other places, to construct convents, royal

munificence profusely she applied. The monastery therefore

of Centula, in antiquity and religion, the rest

of sacred places excelled, and with miracles' signs

daily at the tomb of B. Richarius divinely grew famous:

which while the Brothers assiduously perceived, the miracles at Centula increasing, as if

with rays of divine love to the marrow they were inflamed:

for they knew that the strait and narrow way

manfully following, and against the ancient enemy alacritously

contending, to so great of merits a grace

the blessed Confessor Richarius had grown, that to his

merits to declare, so many and so great Christ the Lord

showed miracles: which while they were done, with manifold

praise they were strong; while to Christ the Lord honor

and glory, to his Confessor of praise reverence, to those discerning

also of imitating a desire, and to the weak

they afforded of soundness joy.

[5] These, I say, divine miracles much B.

Madelgisilus toward God's worship inspired ardor,

much in his heart of divine love a flame

kindled, he retires into a hermitage. much to the contempt of the world

in his breast efficacy generated. Who when

for some time in divine exercises a spiritual

soldiery in this Centula Convent he had performed, and

by the rest of the Brothers for the honor of sanctity venerable

was held; perceiving to himself to be an obstacle the expended by the Brothers

reverence, and desiring a stricter and remote

to seize of living formula; with great humility

he sought, that it might be permitted to him a remote and quiet place

to seek out, where to divine praises more securely and more

profusely he might be able to attend; to prayers also and

tears without noise he might avail to keep watch, and to divine

regards himself mortifying always more purified to show.

And what devoutly he sought, the gratuitous of the Brothers

benignity to him with great sweetness granted;

inasmuch as those who at fraternal advancements knew not to envy,

but rather to rejoice together. Having attained indeed the desire,

namely the leave of going to the hermitage, he began with the highest

prayers and tears more earnestly to importune, that the immense

of Christ piety to him a place such would deign to demonstrate,

where in the spirit of humility and in a mind

contrite to the divine regards he might avail assiduously of praise the sacrifice

to immolate.

[6] To which to obtain, he took up the labor

of a greater fast, the zeal of prolix prayer,

of psalms the daily chanting, of the elders also

spiritual he demanded the prayers; that the supernal grace

to him to open would deign, in what place he should be allotted

of the Lord's service the solitary station. To him such things

insisting appeared through sleep an Angel of the Lord; from heaven pre-shown.

and leading him out, said; Follow me, and more cautiously

attend what to thee I shall have shown place, in which thou

henceforth mayest fulfill the Lord's service. These things said

before him he began to go, and through divers places him

to lead about, until he came to the from-heaven decreed station;

where fixing his step, he says to the servant of God; Here

is thy rest for the prefixed time, here thou shalt dwell, and

here the due from the body thou shalt make passage. After these things said

he disappeared, and the servant of God to himself returned understood

what he had seen: and prostrating himself with tears, he gave

thanks to God, for his ineffable gift.

[7] The following dawn, the hymns' obsequies completed,

he convokes the elders of the Brothers, and in order

reports the vision. They, as truly without guile servants of God,

exult, and immense to the Creator thanks render:

and then they hasten the work to perfect, that no delay

so great of divine goodness an indication could entangle.

There are chosen Brothers, by the precept of the Abbot, who

him should lead down; there are prepared useful things, which to Christ's

soldier should be necessary: which duly prepared, proceeds

the strong athlete to the singular contest. Led

however through whatever places, when to the shown place he came,

soon from an intimate savor, that this was to him divinely

pre-chosen the place, he recognized, fell in love with, seized:

and first of all falling into prayer,

with tears bedewed, to what he had come soon he began.

The Brothers indeed who had conducted him, so long with

him remained, until a little cell was erected and

an oratory, where Christ's soldier to his King the due might pay

service: which to the law of the hermitage duly

composed, they returned to the camps of the celestial exercise.

[8] The servant therefore of Christ Madelgisilus, alone remaining

and remote, Its situation strove with all fervor to divine praises

and canticles to insist; to prayers and vigils

more attentively to lie; the evils of the world, as if his own they were,

with assiduous weepings to expiate; wishing all men

to be saved, and to the acknowledgment of truth to come.

But the place itself is in the district of Ponthieu about the river

Authie ^f situated, by water's gliding and woods' shade

surrounded, and to God to serve free

very and quiet, by name Monstroledus ^g. The water

indeed of the same channel lying between, by marshy softness inaccessible

was, whence also a labor unbearable to water

to draw to God's servant befell. Whence with all efforts

turned to the Lord, and a fountain there obtained. he prayed the supernal majesty,

that from him it would take away so great of drawing water

difficulty: and prostrate on the ground tears he poured with

prayers, that of water a help would confer to him the omnipotent

God. Perceiving also in spirit himself by the Lord

quickly to be heard, after the prayer poured he rose,

and to the hardest turf the sign of the Cross applied. Soon

indeed a vein of water most limpid there opening itself

little and hanging plain bubbling, to the channel

of the Authie or maternal bosom runs back, but in

its course an abundance of drawing to all attributed.

This same little fountain, with celestial medicine filled, divers

languors by its draught expelled; which also now

let no one doubt to be done, unless the infidelity of him asking impede it.

[9] Therefore in all sanctity and exceeding simplicity

serving God without interruption, The Centula people to Madelgisilus sick come to aid; and remaining in

the assumed of so arduous a purpose austerity, after some

years' courses he was infirmed in body by a languor

strong, not however hindered from divine service:

and thinking himself now to be dissolved, he began in God's work

to be so much more fervent, as the awaited felicity now

was nearer. Soon indeed to the Abbot of the Centula people

appearing of God an Angel, admonishes and commands that

there be visited in the hermitage God's servant, and there be paid to him solace,

lest he fail at Christ's service. Rises the Abbot

hastily, and having taken of the Brothers whom he chose,

attends and accelerates God's servant to visit, whom

he had found of celestial watches not to lack. They came

and so into the hermitage aforesaid to the dwelling of the man:

they find the sick one, they pray, psalms they sing:

then the blessing sent before they salute him with a kiss

holy, and then bring forth what to his use they had brought

from the celestial command. For joy however of

their coming so much the servant of God was gladdened,

that the whole languor's heaviness forthwith to oblivion

he gave. Leaving therefore to him a Brother, who

to his solitude and weakness solace might afford, they returned

to the cloisters, outside which longer to remain

by no means would profit.

[10] Through the same almost time there was in Britain

the greater a man to God pleasing, by birth and knowledge distinguished,

Vulganius ^h; who while he was to the citadel of the Episcopate

of the Dorovernian city, which Canterbury is called, S. Vulganius thither divinely sent,

pre-chosen; and perceived to himself to be an obstacle of so great a summit

of honor, inasmuch as one who in poverty and extremity

to God to serve had preferred; he asked the Lord, that

such to him a counsel he would afford, by which from the bonds of so great

as possible he might avail to be involved. Such things beseeching, and such

things by beseeching frequenting, regarded him who to the humble

gives grace, of whom is written: The desire

of the poor the Lord has heard. Ps. 10, 3 Namely a celestial

messenger to him standing by, the counsel which he sought,

to the same intimated, saying: Hasty cross the sea toward

Gaul, and thou wilt land at the Authie, him he heals above which

and from God's command from his infirmity him thou wilt heal,

and henceforth in God's service with him socially

thou wilt remain. This oracle perceived, B. Vulganius

forthwith went out to the city, and seized a journey leading

to the sea. He found however by the nod of God a little ship,

into which soon he entered, Christ invoking, and of

God's presence not distrusting. At once the little ship, by the waves

lifted, without human rowing, through the seas in

quickly came; and thence the shore skirting, unto

the dwelling of God's servant, against the impetus of the river

navigating, he came.

[11] Having gone out of the little ship, and entering to the servant

of God, likewise God's servant Vulganius, soon to prayer applied himself; and to him he adheres:

which completed, his hands on the sick one he imposed;

and forthwith, the languor expelled, health to return began.

Blessed also Madelgisilus, with slow effort rising up,

into his embrace rushed; and so themselves mutually

with mutual love embraced, as if uterine brothers,

after long of lands or places spaces, into one

had come together. There were therefore these two venerable

men by faith and devotion conjoined, by spiritual grace

confirmed, to the urgency of divine praise unanimously

animated, to vices to tread strong, in contempt of the world

alacritous, to the gain of virtues eager, to bestowing

benefits prompt. And since neither sense to devise,

nor tongue avails their virtues to bring forth;

how, with God the author, of so great price pearls, in this

world's exile polished, to the celestial garland transmitted

were, now then let us begin to make known.

[13] then by disease seized, In the following time, as it pleased the supernal

providence, now completed the course of this frail life,

befell a corporeal sickness to God's servant Vulganius.

He being sick, B. Madelgisilus quite grievously bore

his comrade's trouble: and standing by him, with a sob

complained, thus saying: Therefore, my Brother, to this

hast thou come, that me left in the valley of tears, thou

shouldst hasten to the consortship of rejoicing souls? I

certainly hoped from thee, in body to the earth, in spirit to Christ

to be commended; and now thou affectest hence swift to recede,

that before me, in spirit heaven, in body earth thou shouldst

penetrate? To whom S. Vulganius said: Bear I pray

patiently, Brother most blessed, and to God's will in us

willingly acquiesce. For what will it profit a whole life

in obedience of God's precepts to have sweated, if about our end,

he who the heel observes, rebels

and murmurers shall avail to find? Nor a hard thing suffer,

that for a time thee I leave: since soon

as the face of God I shall have seen, for thee, that hence thou be taken away, to supplicate

I shall not cease. With these things blessed Madelgisilus to a moderate degree

revived, his minister, formerly to him by

the Abbot delegated, to the same monastery hastily

sent, charging the Brothers, that the sick fellow-dweller

of his as soon as possible they should visit; and whatsoever

to the viaticum of one departing pertains, to the same they should minister.

Soon hearing this command, to all good things

efficacious and prompt the Centula Monks, with all

celerity came, with sacred Oil God's servant anointed,

the Communion of the Lord's mysteries

delivered, and so that holy soul, on the IV

Nones of November, he dies 29 May from the body gone out, with psalms and

lections having followed, the body at length to fitting burial

in the oratory ⁱ they delivered. Nor for a long after

space of time holy Madelgisilus survived: nay

rather full of days and of good works, to the joys

of the Saints he migrated; receiving a crown from

the hand of the Lord, and rendering to the earth his little body, near

the burial of his once comrade Vulganius, Madelgisilus indeed the 30th of the same in the same

coffin of his oratory. But the birthday of this man

of God by the ancients is handed down III Kalends of June, to the praise

and glory of the name of Christ. ^k

ANNOTATA.

SUPPLEMENT

On the translation of the body to Centula, then in the year 1113 into a new Chest.

Madelgisilus the Hermit, at Centula in Gaul (S.)

BHL Number: 5130

FROM MABILLON.

But many afterward flowing of years

courses there was translated the body of B. Madelgisilus

to the convent of Centula, the body Translated to Centula into the church

of B. Richarius, and there it rests: where namely of divine praise

the sound ^a does not cease, and where many are contained

bodies of souls which to heaven live. Among which when

in the time of the Abbot Ingelard ^b the same of Christ Confessor

honorably had been placed, began certain

of the Monks, with a certain stupidity moved, to say;

that unworthy it was of that man to venerate the little bones,

of whom they were ignorant of the life or deeds: for not yet his lucid

works to Scripture handed, not yet to the memory

of the Faithful had been commended. ^c On this matter while

the now said Brothers several times contended, and thence to its neighboring little church; there was anciently

from the same Saint's name called; to which

they decreed it ought to be carried so long as both of its own

church the dwelling it might enjoy, and him thus removed

they would not be compelled to honor. When therefore there had been

placed; that God, who the humble regards, who also

his Saints, although hidden, to exalt does not cease;

decreed in that place several miracles to work, that even

thus might be known of the aforesaid Saint the merits, and of those

who him had cast away, be tamed the folly. Finally

to the blind sight, to the deaf hearing, to the lame walking, to the dumb

speech, and to the rest of infirmities such and so great

he conferred there a remedy, that no one was able with tongue

to preach or with memory to retain of so great works

the copious numerousness.

[14] on account of the frequent there miracles, When therefore for a longer time this grace of God

there grew clear, and so evidently to all it was patent

to be this one with God of precious merit; began the Abbot

Ingelard with his Monks with grand penitence

to be moved, that of so great price a pearl as a certain

vile thing they had cast away; and whom before for the deeds'

ignorance, or for the obscurity they had despised of sanctity,

with devout of heart humility and famous honor

he disposed to carry back, to whom to love and to honor

by the magnificent of God power he was drawn. Then the Brothers being gathered

and the people convoked, the crosses sent before

and tapers and censers and all ecclesiastical adornment, he is received at S. Richarius'.

with honor and great of the fear of God reverence,

the now said church processionally they seek;

and the pardon of the error sent before, with hymns the holy

body they received, and to the church of S. Richarius

with praises carried back, as him who the hardness of minds

by the virtue of his merits had tamed: which also there

deposited with honor is kept, and with love

is venerated.

[15] While the body according to custom to Monstrelet is carried, There was afterward of the Centula people and of the country-folk

of Ponthieu a devout custom, that every

year, on the day of his birthday, which is III Kalends

of June, his sacred body to the place, where once he had been

buried, with joy and honor fitting they should carry:

and there assembled from the nearby villages or townships

the Saint's feast they celebrated. On a certain time therefore, when according to

the solemn custom thither it had been carried; and the solemnities completed,

when now the time was at hand of carrying back; the Brothers going out

with the Saint's body from the church, so great

it happened to be made of rain and of winds a turbulence, the candles by the wind are not extinguished,

that that day than night fouler seemed, for the exceeding

of the stormy air density. There were carried according to custom before

the holy body two silver candle-bearers: whose

lights, although by the winds they were buffeted, and by rains strongly were moistened;

by no means however to be extinguished could,

until that very parish, in which he had been conversant,

it had passed through. So, as if designating what had been

proper, by a miracle he consecrated.

[16] and a field from the Saint taken away is restored, A certain neighboring possessor, by avarice's dart goaded,

once given by force seized, and to his own uses

reduced. Meanwhile returning the annual of the Saint solemnity,

it happened the litter of his through the taken from him land to pass.

But when, those who carried, that land to tread

began; suddenly his litter, by exceeding weight aggravated,

immovable stopped, and as a mountain to be moved

from the place could not. Then those who knew, that

land to the aforesaid formerly Saint unjustly taken away; complained,

saying: Lo S. Madelgisilus, on account of

his land moved himself has aggravated, on account of the body there immovable. and himself hence to be carried

does not permit. Let us approach the seizer, let us ask

and exhort, that to the Saint his own he restore. So the violator,

exceedingly terrified, and dreading lest the earth

him living should swallow up, trembling approached; and

pardon humbly seeking, his field to S. Madelgisilus

restored, and free and quiet in perpetuity

acclaimed. This done to the Saint there is a return, the litter

is borne, weight none is felt.

[17] In the year 1113 he is translated into a new shrine: In the year also of the divine through flesh apparition

one thousand one hundred and thirteenth, in the Indiction

fifth, the Kingdom of the Franks holding Louis

the son of Philip in the fifth year, when of the most holy Richarius

the noble once Monastery held the Abbot Anscherus

for years now ^d sixteen; it pleased the Abbot himself and

the rest of the Brothers, that the amiable body of S. Madelgisilus

they should turn over and inspect; and into a new chest,

because the old very fragile was, with diligent zeal they should deposit.

Things being prepared therefore which to so great a work fitting

seemed, when it was come to that whereby the sacred

members were to be relocated; of deer's hide a little sack, in which they were to be received,

is found shorter, and less capacious,

than of those bones the size and length

demanded: and therefore a certain part of the same bones

remained in the former covering, until at a time

freer the matter for the better should be fitted: yet into the new

chest all were replaced with psalms and fitting

honor.

[17] and the Saint appearing bids his bones into one little sack be composed, Not many after these things had flowed days, and the Keeper

of the church, who the same Saint with fervent love followed,

by an infirmity prevented to sleep could not,

and the whole night with himself had pondered, when and

how the holy body's transmutation could be perfected.

But now the dawn rising, the same Keeper weary

moderately fell asleep; and in that very tiniest sleep,

by an inner sense of the Saint's relics to be composed

he was thinking. And suddenly there stood before him a man tall

and comely, in glorious habit, and says: This more cautiously

provide, and so accomplish, that all my bones together be deposited.

But he, who by a very small slumber was held,

and whom of the same Saint a fervent love inspired;

soon as he heard him saying, All my bones, him

to be B. Madelgisilus clearly understood; and having leveled

on him the sharpness of his eyes, his name and merit to inquire

he desired. But that man great and glorious,

before he could be questioned, disappeared: but an odor

exceedingly grateful he left, and the vestiges of his feet

as it were golden he left behind. The same however of his recession

grieving, but of the odor rejoicing, and of this vision

some indication to retain striving; he said, as he thought,

within himself: At once these golden of his vestiges I will seize,

and these to the Brothers in testimony I will carry off.

So waking up he leapt out, with extended arms: and

by this motion shaken the golden vestiges, which himself to discern

he had thought, now did not see: and so the vision, and

the whole by which he was pressed sickness forthwith he laid down,

Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory world

without end. Amen.

ANNOTATA.