ON SAINT RICHARD, BISHOP OF ANDRIA IN APULIA.
ABOUT YEAR MCC.
HISTORICAL COMMENTARY.
About the found body, with proofs of ancient cult, & thence taken indices of age, to Hadrian IV's times referable.
Richard, Bishop of Andria in Apulia (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR D. P.
Andrium or Andria, of Apulia Peucetia a city, with title & dignity of Duchy renowned, as writes Leander Albertus, & that from year about MCCCL, To the Andria Church, by Gelasius, not I, much also earlier with Episcopal dignity was adorned, perhaps by Gelasius Pope II: who in year MCXVIII the last of January elected Pontiff at Rome, & thence suddenly compelled to flee, at Terracina was crowned on XXIV February, with coming together to him of all Apulia & Calabria Princes & Prelates; where meanwhile, while at Rome the Antipope Gregory was intruded, he himself remained for the whole Lent until after the Paschal feasts; & so easily he could, by institution of certain new Episcopates, have increased the number of the faithful to himself, against the aforesaid Antipope, & Henry the Emperor's tyranny. I know the Andrians the beginning of their elevation to that dignity to Gelasius I to ascribe: but rather by II erected, but since of the very city the beginning lies hidden, either from antiquity, or from writers' silence, as confesses Ughellus; just as more recently to a certain it seemed, the beginning of profane matter from Diomedes & brought-in from Andros island colonies to seek; so with impunity it was allowed, of sacred beginnings to whatever to raise antiquity, inviting especially (as to conjecture is allowed) with Gelasius Pope's ambiguous name.
[2] Meanwhile the first of an Andrian Bishop notice, but without name, first, whose name is known, to us occurs in the Translation of S. Nicolas the Pilgrim, in the town of Trani celebrated in year MCXLIII. First, I say: for whom Ughellus puts before Christopher, among the Nicene II Fathers in year DCCLXXXVII named, was not Andrian from Italy (whence no one, as neither from the whole West any there appeared) but Andriacensian from Thrace Bishop. After that anonymous, & one perhaps another intermediate, certainly is known to have been Richard, whom in year MCLXXIX the Lateran Council III to have been present writes Ughellus; but by no means proves; with hidden, who from Italy were present, The Bishop is found Richard the Englishman, of Bishops names. More certain monument, from the Episcopal archive, he himself brings forth for year MCXCVI; which hither to transfer whole it pleases. From which the Word of the Father, of his sacred heart from inmost parts going out, through the Angelic divine herald to the ears was of the Virgin instilled; whence the rod of Jesse flourished, blossomed, germinated, & the Word flesh was made & dwelt among us; the thousand hundred ninety- sixth year's course is rolled & terminated, until the present church of the Saints Martyrs Erasmus & Pontianus glorious was with Relics, from divine will's good pleasure, adorned. Which indeed Relics, through the diligence of the perfect zeal of D. Manerius the priest, & D. John of this church Abbot, from Civitella, of the Samnites neighboring town, hither with God granting translated, Lord Richard, venerable Bishop of Andria, with translated in year 1196 SS. Erasmus & Pontianus Relics known. with mind cheerful & devout knee received; & with ordered of procession order, with all which is fitting reverence & exaltation of joys, with the universal assembly of Andrian people in this church located. To whose Saints' praise the present altar built, the same Bishop with sacrosanct clothed with Indulgences, relaxing perpetually, to all Catholics God worshiping, of criminal contagions of sins, year one & days forty, who to the anniversary of this Consecration, to this church of S. Bartholomew to hasten, from the ardor of good intention, & hands helping to extend shall have studied. Acted in year present; on the third day of the month of April, in Indiction XIV.
[3] After this Richard, again through years a hundred no one can be named, even to MCCXC: Year 1345 hidden the sacred body, when for of certain Tithes' translation, with Neapolitan King Charles II, urged Fr. Placid Andrian Bishop, by Ughellus's testimony. Then to itself is established succession of Bishops, but the fortune of the kingdom variously changed, in year finally MCCCXLV shaken vehemently was, through the death of King Andrew, to his wife Joanna imputed; whom to avenge of the deceased brother Louis King of Hungary, the whole kingdom with sword & flame devastated. At that time it happened Andria also to be overturned & despoiled: prudent however the sacristan, as below will be said, of S. Richard, Bishop & Patron of Andria, body thus hid, that unknown lay hidden even to year MCCCCXXXIV; is found 1434 by Duke Francis, when discovered again was, according to the history by eye-witness, the very Andria Duke, written & soon to be brought forth. Francis de Baucio or Balzius he was, whose stock in Sansovinus, among the Origins of illustrious families of Italy p. 12 V, to see is, drawn from year MCCCXIV, so that appears (although not without errors, of which capital one will be corrected Annot. g) of this name in the family the sixth, in title Ducal the fourth to have been Richard this; & in his son Pyrrhus, without heirs male defunct, to have ceased the line of Dukes of Andria, descending from Margaret first sister of Philip Prince of Tarentum, who, as writes John the Younger of the Tarentine history book 7 p. 174, with father alive had been Queen of Scotia, & with unknowing brothers another had husband Francis de Baucio, of Mount Caveolus Count, who for the nuptials' cause with Andria's Duchy was adorned.
[4] who the matter described in year 1451: His therefore great-great-grandson Francis this is, whom above I said to have written the history of the Invention of S. Richard, Wrote however in year after the thing done seventh, meanwhile accurately scrutinized whatever to illustrating Saint by him found memory made. To have found indeed himself says, first Calendars or Necrologies three, from which he was understood to have died on the ninth day of June: likewise, that on the same day of new invention, that is XXIII April, translation of his canonization was, that is, (as much as I indeed conjecture) of the body from the place of old burial to the altar Translation, & arguments of cult prior scrutinized, he found the Natal 9 June, completing the very act of solemn Canonization , in this once consisting, that either by Synodal of Bishops judgment, or even of the Apostolic See express indult, was permitted someone to be venerated as a Saint. In one of the said Calendars (namely on day XXIII April) written was read; Most holy & most blessed Father our Richard the Englishman, Bishop of this Andria city: which blessed Pontiff before his death a hundred miracles did, whose body placed is in the Confession of this church. Some however erased, from the antiquity of letter appeared, with the number of the Incarnation of years three hundred, & testimony of canonization, so much to be added could, as much as written before was the manifestation of name, as indeed interprets Francis; as however I esteem, so were found written CCC, that it appeared placed before were these letters An. Dñi D or M, that the Canonization & Translation aforesaid happened about year DCCC or MCCC. The last however far to me seems more probable; about year 1300 done. both because such Canonizations with beginning century XIV most usual, of century IX in the beginning not yet known were: both because is found the body under altar placed had been by John the Bishop, in the first years of century XIV the Andrian Church ruling: but the act such was wont in Canonizations' Bulls first to be mandated.
[5] Further among Relics of Saints, a little after is said found the Clerica of the very Saint, likewise separately preserved the Clerical Crown, of S. Richard: that is Crown clerical, or (as in the Life soon to be indicated is explained) of his head pericranium; & that with a little paper, of the Lombards' apices written, in such manner: This is the Clerica of Saint Richard, which now not found was with the body; & with it heart was placed. Tastes this accurate unless I am mistaken diligence of Surgeons, after the Saint's death applied to embalming; who the brain with opened cranium about to take out, first reverently cut off the whole skin of the vertex with crown hairy surrounded, which then was preserved separately among Relics together with the heart: which yet heart incorrupt persevering, but perhaps without juice, again placed was to the body on the day of the first translation. For, at the time of new invention, is said it found was in a little box, in which the bones were composed: & besides upon all Episcopal sandals of skin black lay: upon them in them heart & head stood, & the Mass his proper. whose bones with red color were polished; as are wont those which by balsam were anointed. Finally found was in the vestibule a leaf of a Missal, where the Oration & Secret proper, & Post communion of the very Saint was read. And so diligence of such matters to be composed proper is to century XIII, XIV, & following, as from Masses proper, from that time after Canonizations of Saints ordered is clear; beginning from S. Anthony of Padua, who was Canonized in year MCCXXXII; whence at last also began the custom, such three proper Orations to insert the very Canonizations' Bulls, which was the use of century XV, nor far beyond continued: to whomsoever indeed in this century & at the end of the preceding indulgent honor this was, to them mostly one Oration proper for the whole Office to ordain enough has had & has the Roman Church. Although however such Office proper of S. Richard read to themselves remembered some Presbyters, yet with lost exemplars all, whole had become obsolete cult in the Clergy; but not altogether all recollection in the people: was doubted however with body found, whether rightly could be venerated as Saint, as below will be plain.
[6] From these further thus deduced, first I conclude, sufficiently probable to be made, Seems therefore Canonized he by Boniface 8 that this Saint was Canonized by Pope Boniface VIII, at Anagni for the most part residing, in the Jubilee year MCCC, or one of the three following; if we wish to suppose, in the aforesaid old writing, just as expunged the number of the thousandth was, so erased also was another after CCC number. Then from that which to instructing the Canonization's cause adduced were a hundred miracles, performed in life; consequence seems, that not altogether unknown was then his life, nor from many ages back to be sought memory: but such process in the city's & church's despoliation aforesaid, together with life's history altogether was lost; so that of it nothing retained memory, except from Richard to Andria coming illuminated blind & contracted erected. Finally appears nothing to be of cause, why S. Richard, Andrians' Bishop & Patron, who on this day is venerated, more recent still in memory of miracles in his life, was not the same one whose beginning monument we have brought; from Hadrian IV, likewise as he by nation English, to whom either before or in the Pontificate he ministered, promoted & ordained, within years MCLIV & LIX, in which he the universal Church ruled. Nor matters if far other & more ancient narrate the Lessons of the Office proper, which the Andrian Church for two perhaps centuries now uses; these indeed did not exist, when the body was found; perhaps from Hadrian 4 promoted. nay nor was known commonly the day of death, because (as says the writer our) the Legend not was found. This indeed since not afterwards found you say, who about other things on the same making most minute renders reason; consequence is none afterwards to be written could, except through mere conjectures.
[7] Received Bollandus in year MDCXL from Nicholas Beatillus ours, from monuments of the Andrian church, Is given the Legend of Invention & of miracles, three Legends about S. Richard Bishop of Andria, by author D. Francis de Baucio Duke of Andria. To the first such is prefixed title: This is the Legend of the invention & translation of glorious S. Richard the Englishman, Bishop of Andria, by Author Francis de Baucio, Duke of Andrino: & this his Italy sacred Ughellus inserted vol. 7 col. 1257 & following. The second thus is inscribed, Legend of miracles of S. Richard Bishop of Andria, & this first from Ms. is given, by another altogether (as the style manifests) Author, whatever he says in the Preface, superfluous to seem & long, his Canonization & Invention & Translation, & grace of Eugenius supreme Pontiff here to insert, because of the matter itself distinguished writings remain, already namely in the first Legend placed: & that in those memory made is, how on account of negligence of past, but is omitted the Life, Deeds (of life & namely & of miracles in life performed) lost were. Is indicated the already said Pontiff's, whose rule from year MCCCCXXXI to XLVII extends Privilege Bullatum of Indulgences, of which alone work this to be he answered, for augmenting devotion of the faithful for the day of festivity, which once celebrated was wont, sufficiently manifestly proved was held. But neither this Bull longer is found. On occasion however of such grace, & from desire of supplying the defect of old Legend, composed finally Third is Legend, about the life of S. Richard Bishop of Andria: which that more securely to publish could Ughellus, seems with study to have omitted the second, from which would have been established it with no certain notice forefront composed.
[8] It pleases however his Epitome from Ferrarius to transcribe, that about the matter whole through himself may judge the reader; which from mere conjectures badly sewn, the context whole, which is enough once printed to have been, will find in Ughellus. Richard in England of honest parents born, & adolescent first with liberal disciplines, then sacred instructed, becomes a Cleric; ordained Priest, the sacred books inter- prets (the Life sacred Theology Professor calls) He was in prayer frequent; in fasts, vigils, & other of body macerations, & in pious works upon the poor assiduous (These about Presbyter holy could be presumed ) He at the time when by Attila Italy was vexed, by S. Peter in dreams admonished, to Rome came with Gelasius supreme Pontiff. (For Attila let be substituted Henry V the Emperor, Italy & the Church confusing, proves the Epitome of him in Ferrarius; with Gelasius, not I, but II the same ruling; by whom (nay by Hadrian IV, or of intermediate some) benignly received, Bishop of Andria is created. To Andria having gone forth (which the Life feigns, together with Apulia the rest, once converted by S. Peter, again Pagan all) at the entry of the gate light to blind he restored, & a woman paralytic he heals. Having entered the city when to preach he had begun, the idols he crushed (this namely & what follow congruous to the prior fiction was) the Clergy dispersed he restored, & the people with sacred font regenerated to Christ he reconciled: so much however was of sanctity his fame, that neighboring cities him to themselves to be instructed invited.
[9] [where to SS. Sabinus of Canusium & Lawrence of Siponto for cent. 5, are joined S. Richard of Andria.] Hitherto with his own as bark swimming the Author; further help he seeks from the Lives of Saints two Bishops, in our February illustrated, S. Lawrence namely of Siponto Bishop, under whom happened the revelation of S. Michael on Mount Gargano, as is related VII February; & S. Sabinus of Canusium Bishop, by whom, on day IX of the same month, no. 5 of the Life, are read to the Barolitan church's dedication, together with S. Gelasius the Pope, invited, Lawrence of Siponto's church Pontiff, Palladius of Salpi, Eutychius of Trani, John of Rubisina, Austerius of Venusia. With these two as torches shining before continues the Life, & from this briefly compendiated Ferrarius. When S. Michael the Archangel on Mount Gargano had appeared, there by command of the Pontiff going forth, together with Lawrence the Bishop of Siponto, Sabinus the Bishop of Canusium, & Roger of Cannae, altars of the temple recently founded he consecrated. But the Life of the aforesaid S. Lawrence (whose Chapter 3 almost wholly verbatim describes the Author, & to his fits text) nothing about altars consecrated, nothing about Bishops to that matter companions. Roger however of Cannae nor that Life, nor the Life of S. Sabinus, nor any other ancient scripture knows; nay nor Bishops of Cannae any before century IX or X; so that probable it is, this Church of much more recent than is believed institution to be; & S. Roger of Cannae Bishops. similarly its first Bishop & Patron Roger. He indeed even alone his name proves to be deferred can & should to the Lombards' in those in parts dominion; just as from the same cause, nor Richard, about whom we are treating can be believed to century V to look, when not yet the Anglo-Saxons to be converted had begun. But about this more on XV October, when Roger this is venerated, in year MCCLXXVI translated to Barolus: after which time composed about his life Lessons, similarly stuffed, as these Andrian: of which, or rather of the Life Author, did not wish Roger to pass over in leading to Gargano Richard, both because most neighboring cities are Cannae & Andria, & because to Roger ascribed miracle, about heat & thirst, through a fountain & eagle going relieved, he wished common to Richard to make, which Ferrarius neglected.
[10] His Epitome further about S. Richard the same Ferrarius thus completes: Returned to Andria, in the same life's austerity persevering, of which nothing although an old man he remitted, into disease fell: & the people to himself called to the faith Catholic to be defended exhorted, & with sacred fortified, in those words; which faults also are related in the Lessons. Into hands your Lord I commend my spirit, soul he breathed out V Ides of June: whose sepulchre with miracles many illustrated was. The body thence by Queen Joanna (nay by the sacristan, in the time of Queen Joanna) lest from soldiers it would be torn taken, for some time lay hidden; until in year of salvation MCCCCXXXVIII, with Eugenius IV supreme Pontiff Maximus, into the pristine place restored was. These taken to himself confesses Ferrarius, From Offices of the Andrian Church, where the Life into three Lessons distributed: which if sometime are reformed, as indeed would agree; their argument more aptly will be taken from the history of Invention & Miracles, as alone certain & of faith worthy, & therefore alone that to this work we insert. Same I would persuade to those, who similar about S. Roger Lessons use; not except in mere conjectures, & these inexpertly patched, founded; although for the century in which they were composed to be forgiven.
[11] Image of S. Richard I return to the present cult: to which is reduced S. Richard's image: this indeed is represented in the proper Office little book, in Pontifical garment, with mitre & crozier in the right, & church in the left, & with this verse.
The city, which the left supports, the right second bless, & around the neck, these words are read: S. Richard Bishop of Andria: the following indeed Oration is recited in Office & Mass, Omnipotent eternal God, who B. Richard Pontiff your of Saints Confessors to the assembly you joined, Oration proper grant to us we ask your servants, that of his merits & prayers mercy we may attain & peace. I would not dare to affirm, this Oration to be on the leaf of old Missal found: because the Author of Translation confesses, & Hymn, that the membrane that, to Rome by him Sent, with the other proofs, neither was to himself related: but either by negligence of the bearer, or in another way at the same time all things were lost; & alone himself letters had received of the Cardinal, writing back without scruple to proceed in restoring the festivity of S. Richard.
[12] New therefore Oration composed was, & at the same time Hymn proper, which thus in two parts divided is proposed.
I Richard be present, & receive voices of those praying supplicating, Of our guilt efficacious, orator at the throne of God. To us help may you extend yours, placated, that Christ to his own May incline ear prosperous, faults nor any may impute. If rightly solemn day we celebrate with mouth & breast, If under your of footsteps' joy we are prostrate. A little here you may glide down, Christ's favor bringing, With sense burdened that they may feel relief of indulgence. II O! three & four & seven times Blessed of Andria inhabitant, Who you & of yours near Seat of bones celebrates: What each suppliant asks, bears obtained prosperously. They ask, they sacrifice, they declare, & sad not any returns: To whom present always be, & your alumni urban With nursing embraced bosom, with paternal love nurture. Be, Christ King most pious, to you & to the Father glory, With Spirit paraclete, & now & in perpetuity.
[13] Indulgences for those reciting the Office. This & the rest of the Office through the whole Octave, from the Roman Octavary ordered, together with Mass about S. Richard, are held printed at Rome in year MDLXXXXVI; with the preface of Lucas Antonius Resta Bishop of Andria, in which he says, that, when before those times his proper dedicated Office in types printed, & on his feast days to be recited was circulated; himself, that to such Patron he might exhibit worthy cult, with many labors, vigils & diligence, & not moderate also expenses, it to the new Breviary's form reduced formed, & with graces & privileges of S.D.N. Sixtus V supreme Pontiff most benign enriched, into light to be published took care. At the end however testifies Vincentius, of the title S. Mary in Via Presbyter, Cardinal of Mount-royal named, that Sixtus V by living voice oracle conceded, that in the Andrian church & its diocese, the Office of S. Richard, to the form of the Breviary Roman reduced & emended, to be celebrated could in Choir & outside, Invention 23 April. just as in the upper little book is contained: nay even to all, who such Office shall have said & psalmodied, as often twenty days of injoined to themselves penance, from omnipotent God mercy, to relax. Nor would I have omitted, there for day XXIII April to be noted, that is celebrated the feast of the Invention of S. Richard, & the feast of S. George is transferred to the following day.
HISTORY OF THE INVENTION AND TRANSLATION,
By Francis Duke of Andria taken care & described. From Ms. of Andria & from Ughello.
Richard, Bishop of Andria in Apulia (S.)
BHL Number: 7205
FROM MS.
[1] Prologue. And if of such great this matter the testimony to bear ignorant I am, which I myself with my senses understood, who at all was present; rightly however by those knowing irreprehensible to be found I desire. Ambition in me none acts, nor erudition of eloquent tongue me possesses; but to these joints at the same time & the pen I moved, that truth above the candlestick place might obtain, & above mountains might exist confirmed. These indeed describing, just as to me into mind they come, I shall elucidate.
[2] Andria's situation. Andria the city about a hundred miles from the Neapolitan city of the Campanians to the North is distant, & placed is on the Aetolian shores of the Peucetians, near the feet of stony mountains to the South lying: five thousand paces from the midland from the Ionian sea placed is; & toward the West of the Aufidus river through seven stones crossing, with Ducal title decorated is: in whose indeed rule of the city, & I bear sertam a & vice. There was in it b once a man, by name Tassus, Whose Duke from Tassus about whose life and morals when from citizens curiously I had inquired; good, simple, no one offending, to God devoted, by all with one mouth was praised; & as much himself as his faculties to God to have dedicated they answered; whence after few ages it was done, that all his at death, for the building of the temple of B. Mary, called the Old, he left. He indeed often to the place of audience mine, learns the body of S. Richard to lie hidden with cupidity & desire enticed, went forth; & indeed curiously inquiring, these from him I received: He said indeed, You do not know, that God of ancient mercy, visiting his servant faithful Richard, the Pontiff of this city, so sublime in the seat of heaven placed, & his body in the greater church of our city is placed. Which hearing astonished, these with me silent I was reckoning. And after a little I addressed the man, that these which he himself said, by ears my never I had perceived.
[3] But he indeed: Already lustra almost c twenty elapsed, placed under the altar: in kingdom that war arose between the King of Hungary & Queen Joanna the first, & this on account of the killing of King Andrew, of the said Queen husband, & of this King of Hungary brother. It happened on one of the days, the army of the King aforesaid the journey to make near this city, who legates sent, that the citizens into camps fortifications d should send. There was however in the citadel before others a custodian, by name e & by deed Mal-spirit, who & himself the cohorts followed, & betrayed the city; from whom not only despoiled, but also of all goods stripped was. And now is opinion, that the blessed body taken was then: which such opinion utterly is false. Since the sacristan prudent, fearing in that devastation of the city, lest it they would snatch, secretly translated; & it beneath the altar, which was in the church, in the likeness of an adytum within in a cavern dedicated, where before placed had been f, he placed: & on account of this by some snatched to be is believed: as also the whole of the church library was lost; whence into oblivion led, the Clerics as was fitting, did not venerate: the citizens indeed some with devotion the place that frequented. From which matter wonderful in manner the aforesaid Tassus, to dilating the name & matter of the Saint, me, that I his companion would be, most often had demanded; & that I quickly might gird myself to the blessed aforesaid body to be found. But I again from him, how this he knew, was asking, & how there placed had been. He indeed said; Lord Duke g William, your father, & President h Milillus, to this to inquire went: & that there to be the body well they knew, but by no means dared they to touch. I indeed these & other things considering, with mind I was contemplating; & doubtful finding, delays I brought; & when from many these I asked i, the name was at hand spread. And indeed to the name ancient content to nod to me, just as it seemed was with leaden foot to pass, to this matter little by little surviving.
[4] sought among other deposits But when Tassus to me opportunely had come, I went forth into the church. The altar greater in the middle of the tribune placed was: behind the back of it near the wall, an altar under small & beautiful form remained: its base with wondrous stone paneled; through three steps to it they walked. A hole of the base, in the likeness k of a little porch persisted, as much as the neck of men with facility to insert itself could seem. After that also little porch (as if the pavement had been) a stone slab l was contained, in which a Cross in the very stone openly remained; so that wondrously in manner of the very most blessed body, with the highest sweetness, fragrance was received. Sufficiently fittingly, that honored could be, stood out the altar; & also near it a picture, with its effigy, & name Greek, by hand tinted I beheld, as if through antiquity consumed. Pictures also many other of Pontiffs adhered, of Blessed & Saints: & near the door of the very church together other, which to the Clergy hence & hence overhung: & had been present a title, which of the very city the Prelate indicated. A vessel besides there placed was, & the inscription with iron pen was read; John m the Bishop, the Cathedra who then ruled, to all was present. And together upon this assemblies holding, we decreed, other also perspicuous aids with the age to take. But the above-named Tassus is to me turned into an enemy (enemy I write, on account of his importunity) because about this as if for debt by me to him promised, about me daily he complained, continually, & frequently being present, where me he had met. And so on these when curiously with the inhabitants I spoke, & there a concourse frequent was, because in that holy place, as in a sacristy, the Presbyters were abusing it, the odor & fragrance ceased. At last, what in the base that would be, secretly to see we decreed, under this hope, a writing that there some we would find.
[5] & on 23 April in year 1438 found On the twenty-third day of the month of April, in the year of the incarnation of the Lord one thousand four hundred thirty-eighth, with supreme reigning Pontiff in the Church of God Eugenius n Pope the fourth, & with renowned o Alfonso King of Aragon, the Bishop p, & the Presbyter John; I, my boy, & Tassus himself, in the church gathered were: & the doors were closed near noon, when sleep men & business occupies. From the side of the very base Tassus a stone drew: & when we beheld, openly a little box, covered with a little cloth silken red, with top pointed, we perceived. Was around it filth, as of half a foot high, which there for twenty years cast had existed, with washing of sacred things q; & broken vessels, & ashes of things to be burned through individual years there also to be placed was fitting, to the greater altar is brought, where such a place they had chosen: but yet the little cloth, & the box untouched appeared. The Presbyter that, by command of the Bishop it wishing to extract; a board, which was on the side of the drawer, to his hands came: was indeed the length of the box one cubit, its width & height of middle, in the place in which the part more of greatness had. The bones were composed, & besides upon all Episcopal sandals of skin black lay: upon them in them heart & head stood, whose bones with red color were polished: all which the same venerably collecting, them with silken cloth wrapped in the altar greater he placed back. & already prepared was another place for very many days in the sacristy, but there filth unnoticing the Presbyter that was placing.
[6] Among these things I & the Bishop were talking, at the same time walking & returning through of the very church the aisle: & already we had arrived at the corner last, where it was decided, secretly reverently it to be replaced, an odor great emits: where already it persisted. The Antiphon at the Magnificat we were awaiting, & the Presbyter already a candle kindled in honor of the aforesaid Saint; when suddenly, such from the body an odor emanated, that us standing, besides & the whole church, filled. The Presbyter that to us quickly came in the corner, where we were, these to us announcing: & suddenly, when thither we returned, more vehement we feel an odor & as if alienated remaining, one into another's face we were looking. Finally praising God, & S. Richard, we rejoiced with joy great much, especially because to us hope greatest brought when himself miraculously he manifested.
[7] And behold suddenly was made at the door of the very church a noise greatest. The Presbyter that, who already, that he might see what was being done, on account of great importunity had proceeded to the door; through its door a little chink looking at of women & men a crowd, & what they sought them asking, of them words & wills in such manner perceived. Tell to the Bishop & Lord, unless to us immediately these doors are opened, that of the most blessed Father our Richard body honorably we may venerate, wood upon wood not will be left. Returning the Presbyter, told to us heard. And we answered; Go: tell them: Says the Bishop, Depart: by no indeed manner here to enter you can. Wherefore, these heard, tumult had begun now to be made among the people. Which heard, we said, not to be good to God to resist. shown for the veneration of the people. I however secretly myself thence withdrew, & this burden to the Bishop, which me he had asked, I left. The fragrance continually exhaled: a multitude of peoples with frequent concourse ran up, & out of devotion the little cloth that they tore; which each a particle, which he could, took away. Three also months it had not yet rained upon the earth, & the air most serene seemed: & immediately at the same hour of its invention clouds most dense in the air were made, wherefore great rain from heaven descended. By faith & intercession of the very Saint many miracles continually shone: but where, & how were done miracles, the Legend about these made you may read, & there you will find.
[8] Head with silver enclosed, heart with glass, distills liquor: After indeed days eight, made first procession, with great reverence, where before it had stood, there placed was: head however his & heart in the vestibule retained were, & afterwards with silver closed pre-exist. The heart indeed in a vessel glass remains, & a little of liquor seems to bubble forth, most fragrant: but from it to be collected not is given faculty. Some perverse of mind disparaged, that evil seems to them this Saint to venerate, because already idolatry was caused. How many & how great manners that author of prevarication the hesitant usurps, & rarely to the understanding dares with open forehead himself to betray; & mostly under appearance of good deceives passionate ones. against detractors is acted; Not into mind of them came, that to honor for Christians bones of parents is lawful: how much more such most holy Father, who with such signs with Christ the Lord appeared, & by his continual us intercession are supported. How many reasons, for confounding their opinion false, & exalting truth, about this to be said could: but this writing needs not more this to be done. A Presbyter was a certain, from the number of the Clergy of this Church, Angelus de Leone named, who about this Saint wondrous in his heart affixed devotion had, & about such murmurers very was saddened.
[9] It happened that the Archpresbyter of this r greater Church, who is called William, in the Kalendars is indicated the day 9 June of death, in custody retained a chest, & died; where were found three Calendars, not in the customary manner written, but for any part of leaf eight or ten letters are distant, so that easily to be written could in the middle of all the day of death; & thus were found written, when the Saint himself migrated from the world: it is indeed the ninth day of June. Which before was unknown, I judge cause to have been, that the Legend was not found. These Calendars in his power he retained, nor I think he knew, nor to anyone he promulgated. About books also, which in the church had been, the coverings of quaternions were covered. A miracle I esteem certain also, that on the same day of the new invention, the translation of his Canonization was, & in one of the Calendars was subjoined: The most holy Father our Richard the Englishman, Bishop of this Andria city, who the blessed Pontiff before his death a hundred miracles did, & of translation, whose body placed is in the Confession of that Church. The letter that of the Lombards' manner written existed; but through the deaths of the dead, who there were written, this consumed is. Manifested also the number of incarnation of years to be three hundred, & so much to be added could, as much as written before was the manifestation of his name by the antiquity of the letter. After a little however again was found in the vestibule a leaf of a Missal, where the Oration, & Secret proper, & Postcommunion of the very Saint was read: residue indeed of writing on account of age consumed was. were found three Orations of the Mass: In an interval however made again murmur prevailed (they covered themselves, who this excited) from which not found the Legend was, to cease ought of the very Saint, veneration
[10] likewise the Clerica of him The man indeed that good Presbyter Angelus, who named is, by zeal compelled into prayer himself gave, God & S. Richard he asked, that silence upon the murmur that would be made. Who rising from prayer, to the little box to investigate proceeded, which of Saints Relics preserved. & to him heart placed, Which indeed Relics for altars to be consecrated were guarded: & there the Clerica of this most glorious Saint found is, with a little paper with apices of Lombards written in such manner: This is the Clerica of S. Richard, which now not found was with the body, & with it heart placed. Yet the altar greater, which already said is, for that, which in the middle of the tribune not enough conveniently for devotion stood; into a more eminent place toward the East, where before was the altar that smaller, translated is: under which up to today's day the aforesaid already body remaining more devoutly is honored. Found are also through neighboring, & adjoining cities of that Province, & the Legend seen. in Breviaries ancient, of the very feast days inscribed. Presbyters also many its Legend to have read s affirmed; but this by no means with detractors profited.
[11] From which matter I the Archpresbyter of Rubi t with all, which above-written are, to the most holy Eugenius once the Pope transmitted, Approbation of Pope Eugenius, that he might judge, what about this we would do. Who these after had seen & heard; nothing other to be done said, except, for augmenting the devotion of the faithful, the festivities of him with Indulgences to be supported; which from the report of the said Archpresbyter I understood, who privilege bullatum to me brought. But before the aforesaid Archpresbyter to the universal Church's Bishop & Pastor I had destined, a certain Petrolus by name, of the Order of Minors Professed, to the same Bishop I sent (not however all above-said found had existed) with him only Calendar, who more spoke, & of Tarentine Cardinal. than others, & leaf of Missal now said, in which Orations had existed written, & u part of miracles & testimonies of instruments proved, & fame greatest promulgated. Who the Pope these to Lord John Bishop of Praeneste x, who Cardinal Tarentinus commonly was called, committed, that about this matter truth he would know: who to me a little paper sending back, said; what to him seemed, the Canonization of the very Saint not to be sought. And subjoining, said; If to himself Canonization of S. Cataldus y Archbishop Tarentinus sought had been, to show not could: but also devotion ours equally we would attain, & through these biting, in the manner of the deaf, we would pass. Who Brother now said, either by negligence, or in another way, all, which through him I sent, lost; only of Lord Cardinal letters to me returned.
[12] Testimony of the Duke of Andria. Whence wishing I Francis de Baucio, Duke of Andria, about this true testimony to bear, this Legend with proper hand, & proper dictation first I wrote, in year of the Lord one thousand four hundred fifty-first, on the fifteenth day of the month of September of the fifteenth z Indiction, to the praise & honor of the undivided Trinity, Father, & Son, & Holy Spirit. Amen.
NOTES G. H. & D. P.
p John Dondeus, Monk of the Order of the Celestines, created Bishop in year 1435, died in year 1451, according to Ughellus.
q Latin Rituals, Piscinam; Greek, Καπνον αγιον, sacred furnace, they call; on which or in which are burned sacred things, which for use to be beyond cannot.
r Printed, minoris.
s From these therefore confused memory seems to have been taken the name of Pope Gelasius, & the double miracle by the one entering into the city performed, & some others.
t Rubi a city Episcopal of Apulia Peucetia, X M.P. from Andria distant, with Ennius the Poet's nativity illustrious, of whom mentions Horace book 1 of Sermons Satire 5.
u So Ughellus: transcript ours, par miracles.
x John from the Counts of Tagliacozzo Neapolitan, Archbishop of Tarentum, from Eugenius IV created, Cardinal in year 1437, & Bishop of Praeneste in year 1443, died 1449.
y Which Indiction 15 already then in September had begun.
z The Acts of S. Cataldus we have illustrated on day 8 May.
MIRACLES
By the same Author, From the same Ms. of Andria.
Richard, Bishop of Andria in Apulia (S.)
BHL Number: 7206
FROM MS.
[1] When the grace, by which in our times supported we are, with me I consider, & of so great a Father by intercession we to be governed; charity me urges, so that silence not I keep, but I disclose those things, which I judge to be said. Yet long & superfluous to me his canonization, & invention, & translation, & grace of Eugenius supreme Pontiff here to insert seems: because of the matter itself distinguished writings remain. For, just as in those memory made is, on account of negligence of the past, deeds lost were; whence not worthy held we are more clearly through prodigy writings to possess. So, that even faith place may hold his sanctity to investigate, & through miracles of devout Saint more I think to speak, that they may venerate that father even mad rivals, who not is silent through works truth, Sanctity from works & miracles is proved. according to that: If those, which I say, not you believe, the works believe. John 1, 38 Justice of God assiduously shines, nor from itself truth is turned aside. Richard our Bishop, & Saint, placed is in heaven, & enjoys & rejoices there, & this most certainly to be held is. Because the works of salvation, which to a Prelate most holy are required, he invincible operated; & to the homeland heavenly led is. Who from England native sprung, to the Cathedra of this Andria city sent, it he possessed; & in it he lived: in which a hundred almost miracles he shone living, & an old man the See he left, & on the ninth day of the month of June to the light of heaven ascended. O happy those who such Father have had! Morals however his from the Apostle's counsel he took, who says: It is fitting however a Bishop irreprehensible to be: & to him God exuberantly & miraculously helped. I Tim. 3, 2 The matter so stands.
[2] After his body's invention, son of John de Noia citizen of Andria, Of dead born resuscitated: in name of this Saint, born dead vivified: son of Lucia Eye-of-the-ox fellow-citizen of the same, by invocation of our Richard, born dead resuscitated: & another to himself by the same grace returned, so that he chaste himself bore. Mira de Melle, wife of John Angeli of Trani, who through eight & ten years sterile, & barren of body remained, sterility removed once devout herself prostrated before the place, where placed was of our Saint the body: & made prayer, after months nine bore a male, who of Richard possesses the name; & two others subsequently received. Whence who without offspring passed, otherwise to bear makes. And again says the Apostle: Not a striker, but modest, & benign; not litigious, not drunkard: & he himself, just as was, so himself shows in grace prepared, healed sciatica reconciles minds, brings forth friends.
[3] Was present Jonathan de Melle, who in the church was, where the Presbyters in his feast vespers were celebrating: who indeed through much time evil, which sciatica is called, was suffering, & into these words burst forth: O Richard holy, I pray you, that me you help, & pardon from you I seek: for not you holy to be I esteemed. And immediately whole was made, nor thereafter that he felt. The Presbyter Thomas of holy Angelus, was induced by those raging, that our Saint whom we venerate, & flow of blood; for a saint not he should believe: & afflicted with flow of blood, so that to death he tended, a Confessor sought; who to office prepared, among others, confessed was, that unbelief he had. The Confessor indeed him rebuked, asserting himself the Saint through vision to have seen, who the protection of the city diligently was exercising. Thomas these hearing, addressed: O holy Richard, if you are truly holy, for my health intercede; & immediately health received. The Notary Francis Caputus, with similar opinion oppressed, when he was in the church at his Vespers, one silver coin before the door himself to find as sign he asked, a silver coin found, if holy Richard a saint were: to whom, just as he himself asked granted was. Notice I beg, how he reconciles minds, & brings forth friends, nor to vengeance is raised: but just as he was mild in life, so through miracles himself shows after death. About this city's care & governance, just as he who is over his house, so well he profited; governs however by healing, freeing, helping, favoring, nourishing, so that to write all long & tedious would be; but about many few on account of reverence his to write I decreed, & this to suffice I think. If some abundantly to hear desire, let them ask; because rumor wanderingly runs.
[4] A certain Santorus of Quarato, sense recovered, which long now before he had lost. This Saint, beloved by God, through his imploration these & similar grants. Masella of Fanello her son, fallen into boiling water, who into water boiling had fallen, unharmed obtained. Francisca Petri Paschalis immediately gait received, which already through eight months she had lost. lame, Joanna of Cavoto (whose husband blind was) sight recovered, when devoutly prayers she poured. blind, Also a man certain by name Liming, of Molfetta journey making to Andria, fell into robbers six, near the Church of holy Mary of Sano; with rope bound, after from them stripped of garments, neck & hands & feet with rope bound, & shaken was with bulrush; with fear of cold, & darkness of night oppressed, from God mercy he sought, & from our holy Richard intercession, that he might be freed; asserting himself, that his death would be death to his sons. He the Saint with his own eyes saw, Pontifical habit clothed, & by his own hands loosed himself felt; the same to the right way directing, & that he should walk fearless, addressed. We therefore, with the Saint loosing, he is freed. who long others' leisures by no means have followed, the history with letters' monuments commended. Certainly these same & others while I write, & how many to me for singular love toward country occur, yet also that to foreigners & not knowing they may profit, I wished to make known. Whence plainly to speak we can, by God to us a shield of governance, & cap of salvation established to be; & if eager we are similar to receive, mostly with defense of faith we may possess. And indeed is fulfilled desire ours, to the praise & glory of the Son of God Jesus Christ Lord our, who with Father & Holy Spirit by the same grace be honored, who lives & reigns in unity of Trinity, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.