Peter of Pisa

ON B. PETER OF PISA, FOUNDER OF THE POOR HERMITS OF ST. JEROME.

>IN THE YEAR 1435.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTARY,

About the worship, Order and age of the Blessed and the writers of the Life.

Petrus of Pisa, Founder of the Order of Hermits of St. Jerome in Italy (B.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

About to treat on the 17th of April of B. Clara Gambacurta of Pisa, I began from the praise of the Gambacurta family; which in the same 14th century a twin torch raised, by whose splendor excited, on this side men, on that side women, the proposal of a more austere Life followed: namely her, whose prolixly described Life we gave; and the now entitled Petrus. From him a beginning had a certain Congregation of Poor Hermits in Italy, Of Petrus, as a Blessed his Vigil in the Order before the 17th of June, in the Apostolic of this and the preceding century letters called of St. Jerome and B. Petrus de Pisa. Of him because no anywhere I found a Life, I wished there, at least about the worship, outside or inside his Order, more distinctly to be informed: which when understood the Reverend Father Nicolaus Massæus, their Procurator General at Rome at S. Onuphrius, a list wove together of churches and places, in which his image, either with an expressed of Blessed title, or with rays of beatitude as certain indications painted is seen, and it thus ends: In all convents and monasteries of his Religion, is held the effigy of the Blessed Founder, with rays or aureola; and the day the 16th of June, the anniversary of the happy passage preceding, by all the Blessed Father's sons with singular devotion is performed with fasting, the effigy everywhere as of a Blessed, as is done on the Vigils of Saints is wont. At Urbino too in the church of S. Jerome, under the name of B. Petrus, is held an altar for Mass. About the very of the day 17th veneration therefore perhaps nothing he added the Procurator, because as everywhere known he supposed, that this too festal by them is held.

[2] Offered then the same Procurator a Life Italian extracted (as has the Title) from a Compendium Latin ancient, the age from the year 1355 to 1435. and Italian arranged into Chapters, by Father Bernardinus Puccius of the same Order, and printed at Foligno by Dominicus Alterius 1666. Where soon asserted I found, that did not die B. Petrus (as writes Ughellus vol. 3 col. 544, & I elsewhere himself believed) in the times of Simon Salterellus of Pisa Archbishop in the year 1340; but a whole almost century after, the Life from the old Latin Compendium by Puccius illustrated; namely in the year 1435 (which from many below to be produced Acts public efficaciously enough is proved), born moreover in the year 1355, and this of a father Petrus, the same who B. Clara's father was. That Compendium's Author nowhere is named; the time however in which he lived, into that very in which the Blessed died century to have fallen, asserts more confidently than he proves Puccius page 191: and the same in his to the Reader repeated preliminary address page 31 indicates, that he it took care first separately to be printed at Naples; it then by way of an argument prefixed to the work then likewise promised more diffuse, as here we will give, with more prolix to single articles observations, from the Italian of the same Puccius to be assumed, with a brevity than he them gave greater, and to Petrus's Acts more closely restricted.

[3] Treats he in the whole chapter 4 of Joannes Anselmus Truchsesius, a Polish Knight; who in the year 1608, of a father a Burgrave of Prussia born, and in the Polish court together with the Royal Prince Vladislaus educated, Another Life Latin, more diffusely written by King Sigismund to the Emperor as legate went in the year 1627; then to Urban VIII to Rome; where to the Catholic religion turning his mind, with his counsel to S. Onuphrius himself having betaken, and the eremitical discipline's rigor vehemently approving (which as he could also afterward he observed) that grace to his hosts he rendered, that with that which from his country he had brought of Latin style facility, about their Holy Founder a volume he wrote, from notices there to him supplied, to which at the end with his hand his own thus he subscribed: This little work, when upon the mountain of S. Onuphrius I was, about the life of B. Petrus Gambacurta, both on account of a particular toward the Blessed devotion, both that a pledge some of love to his Order and to this Mount and its Library I might leave, I composed. And so these things thus manuscript, very many moreover by my own hand, by Truchsesius the Legate of the King of Poland, to the Library of S. Onuphrius at my departure I dedicate, consecrate, and for a memory perpetual leave, the same in our parts by the press perhaps about to take care of. Which indeed both that this book is, and that it from that author, with God as guide, proceeds, with my own hand we have subscribed and with the seal of our House have fortified. The place ✠ of the seal. Which words for that end seem to be appended that the Prior of S. Onuphrius by them subsigning and sealing, his might make them; which however does not seem to have been done: then follows: Joannes Anshelmus Truchsesius de Wetzhausen, Burgrave of the Duchy of Prussia, of the Royal Highness of the Polands, Swedes, Goths, Vandals, and the elect great Duke of Muscovy Chamberlain Colonel. Behold I have gone far off fleeing and have remained in solitude. Psalm 54.

[4] Denies indeed Puccius, that from this rhetorical rather than historical volume there is had by him anything to history pertaining could, which not from elsewhere more certainly and foundationally is had; they are wished on account of the miracles: nor except most rarely does he cite it. In chapter however 26, How God granted to Petrus the grace of doing miracles, not enough having this in general thus to have asserted from the faith of a certain picture Neapolitan, where expressed miracles certain are seen; he uses the attestation of the aforesaid Truchsesius, the same more distinctly relating; and so an occasion to us he provided of wishing, that of that volume a specimen be sent with described some Chapters. It was done moreover what I asked, and sent hither Chapters, II, XIII, XIV & XVI, confirmed to us the judgment of Puccius; and at the same time was understood, the Picture above mentioned of recent altogether work to be, and so to proof to make nothing it can. The same Puccius repeatedly too alleges the Manuscripts of Father Cæsar Joannellus the General, from whom also by word of mouth some things he learned: but this since he was a contemporary of Puccius, nothing to contribute to authority can from antiquity, which that one not equally knew, there is indicated another Italian Manuscript. more studiously having scrutinized single things. Hence it comes that composed by him and never published, and perhaps most brief Life, not greatly I desire, having Puccius, nothing asserting, which not by adduced public monuments, or at least from the aforesaid Compendium he proves. I would prefer therefore to the summary of the principal matter notice to the Reader to be premised, to set forth the words of Silvester Maurolycus, in the Ocean of all Religions, about the beginning of the present century, Maurolycus says wondrously converted Petrus, about the Hieronymite in Italy Hermits and Petrus himself thus in Italian writing.

[5] Came to Pisa Petrus, and Etruria crossed he went into Romagna; and when to Mons-bellus of the Urbino territory he had arrived, he was captured by a throng of exiles, by robberies their adverse fortune enduring. Here him seized the Spirit of the Lord, and so inwardly changed, that not only he decided altogether to be renounced the world to be; but also to the unhappy of those salvation efficaciously to be labored. With so fervent therefore a discourse he began to soften their hearts, and to penance by the example of St. Jerome to be done with the hope of indulgence divine to rouse; that to them he persuaded, with himself among those rough mountains and woods a life from the world as most remote to lead. from robbers his first companions to have received, And persuaded moreover the pardon of their offenses he obtained from the Duke of Urbino, and with them to the pleasant of Cessana hills himself withdrew, a sky enjoying most salubrious: then on Mons Bellus the first oratory, under the invocation of the most Holy Trinity he founded for the new Congregation, in the year 1380, in the time of Urban VI, having assumed a tunic dusky with a scapular behind the back hanging, and a mantle wrinkled of the same color; barefoot moreover with wooden clogs to walk he ordered, which even now in certain of Lombardy parts they keep, as often as to processions and funerals they go: elsewhere shod they walk, already from the time of Martin V approved. Of no vows however by a public profession bound they themselves; but liberty they kept whenever they wished to the world to return: until under Pius V the Pontiff reformed, who at last grew into a Religious Order, with the three substantial of Religion vows bound they were, and to life in common to be led under the Rule of St. Augustine in the year 1569; they are moreover into two divided Provinces, of each March, the Treviso and the Ancona, in which eremitical convents they number forty- six, among which one of the chief is held the Neapolitan of S. Maria of the Graces.

[6] Thus far Maurolycus, in some things perhaps to be corrected; and then six of the same Order Blessed he numbers; namely, Nicolaus de Furcha, Benedictus de Lesina, Philippus de S. Agatha, Marcus de Verona, Andreas de Rissa, and Martinus de Catalaunia: distinct from the Order of the Hieronymites in Spain, of whom the first at Rome died on the 29th of September: of the rest the day of death or worship if at any time we shall have learned, gladly also of them we will make in this work mention. Joannes Petrus de Crescentiis, in the book of which the title is The Roman Bulwark, or about the ecclesiastical militia of all Religions, both Equestrian and Claustral, at length treats of the Order of the Hieronymites, most indeed in Spain flourishing, but who their origin from a similar at Fiesole in Etruria Congregation had, about the beginning of the 15th century; celebrity moreover and form chief they got under a certain Lupus de Olmeto, their General and of reformation the author, through the introduction of a Rule, from St. Jerome's writings collected, and by Eugene Pope IV confirmed through a bull of the year 1435, when before only the Augustinian they used. With all his powers moreover strives to prove that Author, that the Primacy of the monasticism of Elijah by a better right to those his Hieronymites is owed, than to the Carmelites, to whom he disputes that which they pretend in of Mount Carmel possession, never interrupted succession.

[7] In that lawsuit, in Spain most sharply agitated, indeed a judge to sit I would not wish: at Crescentius I marvel, about others, more Blessed numbering. and indeed earlier Hermits than B. Petrus of Pisa, equally of St. Jerome called, so perfunctorily to write page 478, as if of them only they were an Appendix, of whom said the greater they could be; inasmuch as they by example went before to St. Jerome the Eremitical life's Patron and example to be proposed. Who among those former Blessed first is named by Maurolycus Nicolaus de Furcha; the same to be seems, who to Crescentius Nicolaus de Puteolo to others better de Furca Polena or simply de Polena, whence Puteolos this one made. From this Nicolaus to Rome to have been led a colony to the Janiculum, to the house of S. Onuphrius under the same title and habit, and this in the year 1446, writes Pancirolius Region 8, Ecclesia 1. But he ought to have written, that by him instituted already before a Congregation proper, to the Congregation of Hermits of B. Petrus was in such a year united, and thenceforth one of each Society held. Blessed reckons Crescentius, both all named by Maurolycus, and also Bartholomæus of Cesena, Petrus the Spaniard, Marcus of Mantua, Benedictus the Sicilian; Paulus Quirini, a Noble Venetian; Conradus the Dalmatian, Philippus of Foligno, Joannes of Fano, Albertus of Genoa, Perrazza Perazzanus, Gambacurta's disciple; Antonius of Brescia, Joannes Pacius, a noble of Pisa; Hieronymus of Brindisi, Martinus de Faxinali the Spaniard, with a noble title deposited honored by Queen Joanna. About these, as well as about others abovenamed, I would wish to learn, whether and what worship, and on what day they have besides the bare appellation of Blessed, with pious affection usurped in the Order, but to us by no means sufficient for a place in this work to obtain. Such to Marcus alone hitherto we destine, on account of the concourse of the people to his incorrupt body wont to be made on the feast of St. Matthew, as we find in Hippolytus Donesmundi to the year in which he died 1510.

A COMPENDIUM OF THE LIFE

From an old Latin Manuscript at Naples published And from the Italian of Bernardinus Puccius illustrated.

Petrus of Pisa, Founder of the Order of Hermits of St. Jerome in Italy (B.)

BHL Number: 6710

FROM BERN. GRUCCIUS

§. I. The birth of B. Petrus, and his withdrawal into solitude.

Petrus, of the noble family Gambacurta, at Pisa in Etruria born, in the year of the Lord 1355, worldly things despised; with the divine working spirit, his native land, parents, riches' splendor, for Christ despising, that the snares of the world he might escape, the solitary life chose.

[1] The grandfather of our Petrus, Andreas, in the year 1324 elected at Pisa Elder its also dominion by virtue and industry attained, Petrus from his grandfather Andreas's six uncles, Lords of Pisa, in the year 1347. To this one (as in the Manuscript of Lord Andreas Duke of Limatuli, is held) sons there were seven, Nicolaus, Bartholomæus, Franciscus, Lottus, Petrus (B. Petrus's father) Guido and Gerardus; with great titles all illustrious, and no less by adverse than by prosperous fortune celebrated. Nicolaus, his native land in the rank of Elder ruled, in the year 1345; as also Bartholomæus, in the year 1350. Lottus Confalonier or standard-bearer was called in the year 1343; all moreover, together with Franciscus the brother, were Lords of Lucca and Pisa; Guido, as far as from Sansovino is gathered, with various fortune tossed and to Tunis carried, as also the father Petrus and the cousin Joannes: thence with a daughter of the King as wife taken crossed into Germany, and there a stock to have propagated is thought, with others thinking it to be Romagna. Gerardus a wife from the Cortegii had, and much offspring and among it Joannes, who together with his father and uncle Petrus by restitution returned to the city of Pisa's Dominion, in the year 1369, on the 24th of February. The three first by their rivals calumniously accused to Charles IV the Emperor, whom as a guest they had received, as if in their own house against him they had plotted murder, with barbarous quite cruelty slain were in the year 1355 on the 21st day of May.

[2] How much of Petrus made St. Catharine of Siena, is plain from her to Pope Gregory XI letters, in which she exhorts him, that himself he take as mediator of the treaty, between the Apostolic See and the Lucchese and the Pisans to be confirmed; He, peace variously conciliated, well deserving of his native land, for which cause as legate he went to the Florentines; with greater however success, when between the Florentine Republic and Galeatius of Milan the Duke, peace he constituted: this when again about to be broken it seemed, and the Genoese him solicited, a legation most honorific sent, that the Duke he should persuade with himself to enter a treaty against the Florentines; induced he could not be that against the faith to these given he should do anything: it does not appear moreover from what head Platina in Urban VI, a Tyrant of his native land; or Leander Albertus treating of Pisa a Traitor called him: when by his authority he averted from it a war by the Florentines to be brought, on that account also praised by Gregory XI, just as to be praised again he deserved from this that the peace between the Sienese and Florentines broken he restored. A man too pious he was, for B. Clara his daughter a monastery he founded: inasmuch as he in the year 1384 at Pisa founded a monastery of Virgins Dominican for his daughter Clara, whose this there is read Epitaph, not yet to the Life in Latin published referred. Here lies the most devout religious Sister Chiara, in life and miracles glorious, daughter once of the late Master Petrus de Gambacurtis. She died in the year of the Lord 1420 (by the style namely Pisan), on the 17th day of April of her age of life 57, and in the monastery she lived for years 38 but incomplete, and therefore she who the Life wrote a Nun contemporary, the years to the full noting, only numbered fifty-seven: which in the Epitaph in Roman letters written, wrongly read Puccius, V turned into X, and through ciphers read made 62.

[3] Her therefore, born to us in the year 1362, in birth preceded B. Petrus by seven years; from this one born B. Petrus in the year 1355, inasmuch as born in 1355, on the 16th of February, from a mother to each common, whose name is not betrayed, but of the Gualanda family to have been is known, whence also to Petrus it happened, Petrus de Gualandis to be surnamed, as is done in the Manuscript ancient of the Constitutions of the order, kept at Urbino at S. Jerome's. He moreover in that very year was born, in which the deadly from his rivals storm fell, which uncles to him three from life, his parents and an uncle expelled into exile; that from his very infancy to hard things the boy might grow accustomed; nor at once be enervated by those delights, to which about to return he was within thirteen years with the whole family Gambacurta. Not however so at once to piety himself wholly gave Petrus, but that in the year 1377 with his Greater brother Andreas, by force he drew out from the monastery his sister, then still Thora, afterward Clara called as in her life is narrated num. 10. Availed nonetheless her example, and constancy by a domestic five months' prison proved, by his sister Clara's in the year 1377 example moved, with his brothers gradually milder; and an occasion verisimilarly to Petrus was of solitude to be approached: unless that mind by another chance cast into him it was as wishes Maurolycus. Others who him believe at Pisa that counsel to have taken, think from a journey toward the Apennines, by him to have been visited the most celebrated in that age solitudes of Vallombrosa, Camaldoli, and La Verna. In which to be inquired what of labor was placed by his parent, I would not define. The death of the firstborn Andreas a little after followed; and his mind to the vows of his daughter softened, his wife's too death, causes to be could, that against the calling his children God in vain himself to strive seeing, the of Petrus to be recalled care dismissed, to a second marriage, with Orietta of Genoa to be entered, to solitude he departed. and new from her offspring to be raised he might think. He begot moreover from Orietta Laurentius and Benedictus, together with their father by domestic treachery slain, in the year 1393 on the 21st of October.

§. II. The first at Mons-bellus among the Urbinians erected Hermitage.

Thus his native land having gone out, and the Apennines crossed Petrus has, and near Urbino himself betaking, on the mountain which is called Cessana, from Christ's faithful alms, a little convent with a small church in honor of the most holy Trinity he built, in the year of the Lord 1380: and together with twelve Companions, whom to the contempt of the world & the eremitical institute to follow he had exhorted, the life of St. Jerome to imitate he wished, toward whom an incredible devotion and affection he had.

[4] Situated is the mountain, with a long ridge extended to the part of Urbino Eastern, Petrus in the year 1380 an oratory on Mons-bellus founded: of trees indeed almost bare, but of crops abundant and rich in pasture, by a public way too passable. In the extreme part, between East and South, a plain spreads out, all with oaks, nut-trees, chestnuts, and cypresses almost by art planted: in the middle of which a quite large is meadow, with spring pleasantness flowery, whence into the Adriatic so pleasant a prospect is, through the interposed of the fields levels, that plainly born from the matter to the place is the name of Mons-bellus (Beautiful-Mount). Here Petrus, with the consent of the Feltri Lords of Urbino, a hut built, for himself and his first companions whom all to have been from robbers by him converted Maurolycus & Truchsesius say. for himself and 12 companions, Puccius does not dare this to affirm, but more verisimilar to be believes, that of them some partly from his native land with himself he led out, partly on the way to himself joined, others from these. All however together when the oratory was built, in number to have been twelve keeps tradition; which confirms a most ancient on Mons-bellus picture, in an old picture even now expressed where is seen Petrus with as many Companions, in a rude and rough habit kneeling before the Crucified, to whom on this side the Mother of God, on that the Evangelist assist just as them below at §. 6 to see it is permitted in bronze expressed.

[5] and by old writings noted, Their names, from writings and memoirs ancient, in this order are related.

I Friar Petrus Gualzeranus of Barcelona, whom Blessed name certain instruments, and with miracles to have shone testify; his body moreover lies in a marble sepulcher placed, in the of Pesaro of S. Bartholomæus convent.

II Friar Joannes the Catalan, one of the first, who about the same time, or a little before he sent farewell to the world Petrus, into the mountain of S. Bartholus called had withdrawn there a life eremitical to lead. Blessed call him his own, and that he lived is established, from the monuments of the Canons & of the Malatesta of Pesaro, when the first those cells were founded, to the Order of B. Petrus soon to be aggregated.

III Friar Joannes of Albania.

IV Friar Andreas the Sicilian.

V Friar Alexius of Albania, who three together at Fano stood, and with indulgence about the year 1383 the Bishop of the place (Petrus he was) obtained the church of S. Joannes in the palace, and together with B. Petrus were present at acquiring the place of S. Blasius.

VI Friar Joannes Berengarii, of Valencia; without doubt one of those Spaniards, who from Spain to Pesaro came, and by whose name much at Pesaro acquired to those Hermits was.

VII Friar Archangelus of Gubbio, a man of great merit; by whose action was acquired at Padua the place of the Magdalene: who since he never the barber's work used, from pictures and writings is known a prolix even to the girdle to have nourished beard.

VIII Friar Benedictus the Sicilian, by whose work very much was amplified the Order's place at Naples, under the Archbishop Gasparus; of which matter witnesses the very Prelate's letters are kept, with a Bull most favoring of Nicolaus Pope V, about the year 1448. To the Blessed is numbered also he himself.

IX Friar Petrus de Monte Lodio.

X Friar Stephanus of Sclavonia.

XI Friar Benedictus Naldi, of Pisa, who by very many conjectures is judged Petrus from his native land to have accompanied from the beginning, nor ever while he lived from him withdrew.

XII Friar Petrus Paci, about whom nothing else is found. There could be joined to those Friar Angelus & Friar Thomas, of Michael Vivianus de Nobillaria, to whom to be numbered also others can be. who the place of S. Maria of the Angels of Nobillaria gave. Friar Stephanus de Monte Lodio, Friar Bartholomæus Malarba of Cesena, called the Zealot of God, the first after B. Petrus General: Friar Petrus-Paulus Gualdi, of Rimini; Friar Joannes, of Gubbio; Friar Joannes of Bologna, who to the place of S. Blasius of Fano much profited.

§. III. The exceptional virtues of B. Petrus, his zeal especially for poverty and penance.

Admirable was the life of Petrus, for in the greatest he lived poverty. Riches not only not he had, but neither to have did he wish; and so of poverty the virtue in him shone forth, that his Brothers, Poor for Christ to be called he wished. His body almost daily with fasts and disciplines he macerated, and always either to prayer he was free, or in the labors of the monastery himself he occupied. The fast inviolably he kept, in Lent, from the day of Rogations up to Pentecost, from the first day of August up to the feast of the Assumption, and from the day of the Dead up to the Nativity of the Lord; on the second, fourth, sixth weekday, and on the Sabbath day. His body (as said) with the harshest disciplines almost daily he macerated, meanwhile singing three times the Psalm Miserere, and three times the De profundis, the Salve Regina, and other Prayers he recited. With rude, but clean garments he was covered; and over the bare flesh like a hair-shirt he wore. At midnight always to praise God he rose: upon boards and a tapestry on the ground he lay, and sleep only for nature's necessity he took. From his mouth nothing except holy proceeded, and his Hermits' calamities with great patience he bore, and them with the greatest humility and benignity he ruled. Which virtues he living exercised, fasts, penances:

[6] These all take the best proof from the Constitutions, which although first from the Chapter general of Padua by mandate to the press came forth in the year 1444, these too in the Constitutions he prescribed to his disciples, the ninth after his Petrus's death; his however work to be, and so far from the manuscript observed, altogether to be said they can. Doubt moreover none let there be, but that, what he prescribed to be observed to his own, the same all most exactly observed he himself. In the Preambles therefore and the first Chapter, after commended the of God and of neighbor love, and the observance of the laws and precepts ecclesiastical he concludes the very first Chapter on obedience, namely obedience and poverty, to the highest Pontiff and the Prelates of the Church to be shown. In the second Chapter is treated of Reverence and obedience, toward the proper and immediate Superior, by deeds and words to be shown most promptly. In the third of poverty, and it is said, Let no one anything among us his own dare to call, but let there be among us all things common; and to each by the Father let it be distributed, as is needful.

[7] So special moreover that of poverty profession to them was, from this they were called those Poor Hermits. that Martin V, his Bull of the year 1441, on the 5th day of June, to them himself to write professes, who worldly things cast away the enticements, with the adoption of voluntary poverty, of the virtues to the Lord do service: and in another of the following year on the 1st day of September, To you, says the Pontiff, and also to your companions present and future, for Christ poor named. And so long before, namely 1384, on the 23rd of June, Randonus de Randonis, with zeal of charity kindled, certain goods donated to Friar Rainaldus de Pedemonte, of the poor life of Christ a follower, and to the other poor of Christ, his followers. In the year 1390 on the 4th of July Benedictus the Trevisan, Bertuccius Valerius, and Franciscus de Molino, in the name of Friar Angelus de Corsica transact, for a new dwelling to be constituted, for the new Hermits, for Christ's love Poor. At Naples moreover by a donation to Friar Dominicus Zurli are defined, in the year 1434, of a plot certain the borders, near the houses which hold the Poor of Christ. To this moreover makes that the Duke and Senate of Venice, in a certain Privilege of the year 1393, them name who lead the life of the holy Apostles.

[8] Of chastity to be said nothing the Blessed Founder thought: The manner of fasts discreet, but in Chapter IV he passes to the prescribed in the compendium of fasts days, on which all, whoever can, let it not irk to fast. So namely, just as a few after the death of the Founder years in use to have been is known, that food then ordinary was a fragment of bread, to which to be added could of fruits something, or at the Rector's discretion something of cooked herbs, for those especially who with a graver were wearied labor: to whom, even resisting, a more copious refection to be afforded by the superiors the Constitution prescribes. In Chapter V about prayer it is decreed, that always at midnight Matins be said; and on summer nights, for two hours; on winter ones moreover, the hours of prayer many, for three to prayer let it be free. At which time, if Matins completed something of time remains, the Litanies let be said. In the morning at a fitting hour, Prime said and after Mass, let the Brothers to the exercises to them by the Father enjoined for one hour or two keep watch, dinner taken, just as many, and more if needful there be. Each one, before to the exercises he goes out, for one hour in the church let him pray. At the evening hour let them in the church convene, for one hour in prayers spending. And when Compline time has come, the oratory let each one revisit: in summer for one hour, in winter indeed for two, either with vocal prayer or holy meditations themselves to devotion to incite let them hasten.

[9] Likewise the measure of disciplines, in the Compendium noted, Chapter IX distinctly is commended, and this, that with the Lord we may suffer, who with scourges for us was beaten; and that the flesh, which against the spirit wars wages, may be able to be subdued: on days single of the Resurrection of Lent (That is of the Lent which Easter precedes, for several Lents by them were named) and on the rest of the times, the discipline commonly to be done on days, on the second, fourth, and sixth weekday, at an hour by the Father appointed, by the Brothers commonly let discipline be done. Which all both of prayers and of penances exercises, since a firm of body constitution they require, in Chapter XXVI about those to be admitted into the Congregation, it is ordered; that first be investigated the petitioner's age: and if found it shall be him the year not yet eighteenth to have attained, by no agreement let him be received, (for of penance patient to be he could not) and if the year fiftieth he has passed, likewise let it be done.

[10] Furthermore that humility may be acquired, and of correction the cause may be afforded to those erring, and the frequent self-accusation in the dining-room. it prescribes Chapter XV that on single days those offending, their defects public, both in brief and clear words in the refectory among eating let them say, themselves with no veil excusing: for which the correction enjoined let them most greatly study to fulfill: and if anything of scandal those reclining at table have done, at once let them rise, themselves openly (unless meanwhile it were read) to accuse; nor thence to sit let them dare, unless the Father either by word or by sign has ordered.

§. IV. The Order of Hermits by very many either added or built monasteries promoted.

Incredible indeed to tell was the zeal toward the salvation of neighbors: so that in a short time, on account of the multitude by his work to solitude fleeing, many were constructed monasteries.

[11] at Mons-bellus Thus Petrus being established, Not only to their own, but also to others' salvation to have attended the Hermits, by B. Petrus instituted, is plain from a certain instrument of the year 1307: by which, as it in the Mons-bellus convent is kept, Lady Lena, or Helena de Insula, wife of Joannes Palmerius, donated to Petrus and his companions a certain to their oratory neighboring field with a little wood, the cause expressed, that there be established the Brothers for that region's salvation. Suppose those words much fruit to the surrounding peoples from the hermitage that wont to come; whence, when itself far and wide a fame spread, it was done it seems, that certain good from Spain Hermits, who into Italy, to the mountain of S. Bartolus near to Pisa, had withdrawn, to the discipline of Petrus among the first themselves joined; of whom the chief are named, Friar Petrus Galzeranus, there join themselves others at Pesaro; Friar Joannes Berengarius, Friar Petrus Pace, of Albania; Friar Petrus Barbaranus, de Villa-franca, of the diocese of Barcelona; Father Paulus de Saxo ferrato, Italians: who although not all are numbered among the first twelve Companions of B. Petrus, to the first however to be joined they can be. For when mutually the Urbino and Pesaro Hermits visited one another at some time, especially the Head of those Petrus; it was done, that also these him for themselves as Master chose. Rooted moreover so solidly there the discipline was, that with it delighted Joannes Sforza, Lord of Pesaro, in the year 1510, on the 24th of June, his own to them Palace donated, to which Podium Imperiale is the name.

[12] At Urbino is erected the oratory of S. Jerome, From Pesaro returned to Mons-bellus Petrus, after that place's governance to Petrus Gualzeranus he had committed, with wishing of Urbino the Feltri Lords of those Hermits a colony some near themselves to have, a house and place they procured for building in the name of S. Jerome an oratory; to the same much contributing the liberality of the Lords Ubaldini, various there houses possessing. and in the year 1384 another at Fano. In the following year 1384, with inviting Petrus the Bishop of Fano, to him himself betook Petrus; and the Church of S. Joannes in the Palace, for founding there his Hermits he received: which donation after nine years again was confirmed, with the consent of Pandulfus Malatesta, Lord of Fano.

[13] Outside the city another too place, called of S. Blasius in the Wood, acquired Petrus: at whose and his companions' supplication, within and outside the city. about that place thus rescribed is read in the year 1417, on the 17th day of June: The magnificent and exalted Lord ours, Pandulfus Malatesta de Malatestis is content, that the said Friar Petrus de Pisis with the aforenamed companions, Petrus Gualzeranus, Andreas the Sicilian, Petrus-Gualdus of Rimini, and Alexius of Albania, rule and govern the place aforesaid, up to the pleasure of his good will. Not therefore however was dismissed the urban place it; and there is found a Brief of Eugene IV, it in the year 1440 to B. Bartolus of Cesena then General confirming, and affirming himself to wish, Bartholomæus and a Society of this kind, for the merits of life, honesty of morals, and other virtues manifoldly commended, in view of these, To these joins himself with his own Friar Angelus de Corsica: with favor to follow gracious.

[14] A great furthermore to the new Order increase came through Friar Angelus de Corsica, of the third Order Franciscan a Professed, and his companions, to B. Petrus joined: about whom it is pleasing to hear Eugene IV, in the Bull of the year 1432, on the 7th of July. The Apostolic See's Office, to Us from above enjoined, Us excites and requires, that to those things diligently we attend, through which Christ's faithful, those especially who under the spirit of humility to the Most High do service, from undue troubles be relieved; and to their quiet, as much as with God we can, salubriously be provided. Indeed on the part of the beloved sons Petrus de Pisis, and his companions Poor Hermits, in diverse Hermitages dwelling, a petition contained; that, although once Angelus de Corsica, a Brother of the third Order of St. Francis, certain and especially one in a place which is called la Scolcha near Rimini, in the hand of the beloved son, a noble man, Galeottus Robertus de Malatestis, and this conjunction approves Eugene IV in the year 1432, Lord of Rimini; and another in the district of S. Raphael of Venice, and another of S. Jerome, and another of S. Maria of the Angels of Novillaria, and another of S. Maria of Mercy, of the Castellan, Urbino, Pesaro and Ferrara dioceses, houses or hermitages places named, which the said Angelus in his name and of his companion Brothers of the said Order, for their use and habitation, either by donation or by purchase or by another title had acquired, or which from the alms of the faithful, with his and the same companions' labors he had founded and constructed, or had caused to be founded and constructed, into the hands of the said Petrus his companion had renounced, and the rule and government of the same places to that Petrus, although he had professed the third Order of St. Francis, as far as in him was, had granted; and he Petrus the place of Scolcha aforesaid, through the same Galeottus Robertus to him anew granted, and other houses and places for himself and his companions holds and possesses at present. Yet because of the aforesaid Order third a Professor was Friar Angelus, and some instruments of acquisition of the places and houses aforesaid say, that the same Angelus the houses and places for himself and the Companions of the said Order acquired: but Petrus and others, who of the aforesaid Angelus companions were; of the aforesaid Order professors by no means are, but a simple eremitical life lead; nor are found any, who of such an Angelus companions were, and of the said Order professors exist; doubts Petrus and his companions aforesaid, about the houses and places aforesaid to be able to be troubled. That therefore it not be done all the acts ratified holds the Pontiff, whatever defects of legal formalities supplying, notwithstanding whatsoever.

[15] the at Venice begun by him place in the year 1393, In that Scolchan hermitage for months some a delay to have made Petrus, is certain from the Instruments, there by him celebrated: and from similar it is understood, the same wherever necessity bore, for new hermitages to be founded or received, himself to have betaken. And at Venice indeed (where already from the year 1393 Friar Angelus aforesaid a place, in the square of S. Raphael had acquired; and at the end of the year, from the Duke of Venice Antonius Venerius, had obtained; that he and his companions Poor Hermits, leading the life of the Apostles, in view of piety and mercy, could for their sustenance and food seek by way of begging in the squares. Petrus in the year 1422 transfers them elsewhere: At Venice, I say, was Petrus in the year 1422. There since the place for the multitude of Hermits was too narrow, Lucia Delfina, daughter of Joannes Contarenus, of Henricus Delfinus wife, granted on the 6th of June, to the venerable man Friar Petrus de Pisis, the place of S. Job, to this that in it to dwell together with his companions juridically he might be able, Masses celebrating and other things doing: and this with so great satisfaction of that Henricus Contarenus, that himself too Petrus's disciple the habit having assumed he made. There had come to Venice Petrus from Urbino, where on the 15th day of February he had celebrated the purchase of certain houses: and again thither he returned, the matters with Lucia performed, whence a similar purchase there to have made is found on the 22nd of October of the same year.

[16] and in the year 1425 at Rome conciliates to himself B. Nicolaus de Furca, In the year then 1425, to Rome to have gone the same is found: where B. Nicolaus de Furca-Palena having embraced, he began with him to treat about a hermitage, which he himself for himself at S. Eustachius had procured; whence an instrument made, Petrus himself is called in it Most Venerable, most upright, and exemplary; and his Religion is said approved and privileged by many highest Pontiffs, and most by the present Lord our Pontiff, then at Venice builds a new monastery; who then was Honorius II, and had preceded from the time of the founded in Mons-bellus oratory S. Gregory VII, Victor III, Urban, Paschal, Gelasius, Callixtus, all the seconds, whose Bulls are not held, to have existed however thence are proved. From Rome then returned to Venice Petrus renounced the place of S. Job, estimated which there he had made in its improvement expenses, to that end that all might be applied to the new, which in the dismissed before S. Raphael parish was being built place, S. Sebastian to be called; where in the year 1430 is found Benedictus, a Poor man for the love of Jesus Christ, constituted Head of the place of the Poor existing at Venice in the district of S. Raphael, by the venerable Father Father Friar Petrus de Pisis: who namely to no place fixed performed the office of General.

[17] Furthermore, since by the occasion of the place at Venice acquired, often to be passed through Padua it was; likewise at Padua it happened such too of sanctity an odor there by Petrus to be spread, that when a citizen there opulent Petrus, called of Bourges, by last will had constituted as heir his brother, with the obligation to a Religious certain person to hand over the oratory of S. Maria Magdalene, which there was by hereditary right to the dying man pertaining; no one seemed more worthy into that oratory's possession to be called, than Petrus of Pisa: who it soon entered, in the year 1395; although not except five years after the made thereon instrument it was. and at Treviso But when the testator's nephews I know not what of difficulty moved, in the year 1420 it was necessary, for Petrus, Father spiritual of the poor Hermits made for the love of Jesus Christ, a confirmation of the acts to obtain from the Bishop of Padua Petrus Marcelli: and the place's narrowness in the following soon year loosened he saw, by the addition of the Oratory neighboring of S. Barnabas, and of a little estate in the Village of Zavonis, by the beneficence of Nicolaus the late son of Martinus de Scalzis. About the same time was acquired for the Hermits a habitation double at Treviso, the former outside the gate of Thomas at S. Magdalene's, the latter much ampler in the pleasant village of Crispani: and each in the year 1430 through a brief of Eugene IV to the Religion was confirmed.

[18] There is among the Urbinians a town of Monte-Baroccio, where when in the year 1424 to the Praise of God and St. Mark the Evangelist a church certain he had built that town's noble inhabitant, in the year 1428 on Monte Baroccio he acquires the church of S. Marcus, Franciscus Raptoli; in the third after year dying, by his testament he endowed the church of S. Marcus, recently built by him in the abovewritten castle, in one piece of land and vineyard, with olives, a reed-bed, and a willow-grove, situated in the court of the said Castle. Likewise of one piece of vineyard, situated in the court and slopes of the said Castle: which things, in the name of the aforesaid church of S. Marcus, wished the said testator to come ought into the hands of Friar Petrus de Pisis, a Poor man and Hermit of Christ, and to his Companions who are at present and will be in the future, who will be obedient to him and the other Rectors of the Society aforesaid. And in case that the said Friar Petrus and his Companions should not accept, that Friar Petrus aforesaid or his Companions ought to choose four good men of the said Castle, who shall rule and govern the said church of S. Marcus, and for choosing and sending Priests and other servants of God in the said Church, for saying the divine Office and Masses for his soul; and that the said possessions cannot in any way be sold or alienated, to this that they be always the said church's, of the founder for a quarter heir. that from their fruits a Priest there remaining they may sustain; with this that from the fruits of those things, until they are found, the abovesaid Friar Petrus and his Companions may freely and expeditely do whatever he shall wish or they shall wish … In all moreover other goods movable and immovable, rights and actions to him pertaining, as heirs universal he instituted, the Lord Petrus Morozinus of Venice, his godfather; Friar Petrus de Pisis the Hermit, his godfather; Friar Benedictus son of Joannes of Sicily, a Hermit; and Matthæus Leonardellus, in equal portions.

§ V. The miracles performed: the new Order of Hermits with Pontifical Privileges, B. Petrus acting, fortified.

With charity toward God so burned Petrus, that to some he predicted future things, and by his prayers very many from diverse infirmities and oppressions of demons were freed; and at some time his Brothers, bread and wine lacking, miraculously he nourished: and on account of his and his Hermits' praiseworthy and virtuous life, Martin V and Eugene IV the highest Pontiffs, him and his Hermits under the holy See's protection received, and many to them granted privileges.

[19] Of the miracles here in general related What about Petrus's in his life miracles more strictly here is said, seems to be able to be referred to a more prolix about them writing once made; which because then, when was being written the Compendium, in hand was, it was not necessary more distinctly them to be explained. More marvelous, that no anywhere is found mention of miracles, performed after death; which credible indeed it is not to have been lacking, for those however and before those all wishes Puccius to suffice, the case of the year 1672, which to be held he says by authentic writings and testimonies affirmed; but because not yet about it has pronounced the Church, whether it is or is not to a miracle to be ascribed, even it to narrate he defers, until a pronounced sentence be.

[20] in vain is wished a more distinct notice; But of Pope Urban VIII the decrees, which into that to Puccius scruple cast, those as the chief regard; who neither of Canonization, nor of Beatification with the honor adorned by the Apostolic See are; nor through the common of the Church consent, either by an immemorial course of time, or by a longest time's knowledge and tolerance of the Apostolic See or of the Ordinary are worshiped: and of such the miracles, revelations etc. secretly to be kept it orders; but about others, truly and lawfully to be called Saints or Blessed, no one forbids historically to relate, what by any of them intercession divinely received refers pious credulity that of those who in themselves experienced it, or otherwise of ocular and certain witnesses; provided nothing presume of himself to judge the relator, or to a miracle to attribute; but within the mere of human faith limits to be contained himself to wish let him profess. Whatever it is; seems Puccius to indicate, the aforesaid case to the Most Illustrious among the Trentini family Madruccia somewhat to pertain; since by the occasion of that one thus in passing touched he praises a sumptuous and noble chapel, since even one of the year 1672, by the same family built in the church of the Order, to S. Onuphrius dedicated; in which three of that stock Most Eminent to be buried wished; a convent likewise ample and beautiful by the Madrucci founded, at the bank Northern of the lake of Guardia in the town Ripa, with much most devout around the people's consolation.

[21] The Procurator Massæus, by me asked to seek the aforesaid Authentic things thus rescribes: neglected has perished as also the others at Naples. The case miraculous, which in the year 1672 in Ripa of the Trent diocese happened, not enough certainly to me is known. I have heard however that the mother of a certain de Franzonis, at the last laboring, having invoked the name of B. Petrus de Pisis, at once health received: about which case an authentic was made instrument; and to the Bishop of Trent for the quality and truth of the miracle to be investigated handed over is narrated: but by the time's injury or our negligence, has perished the memory more distinct of the matter with the very record. About similar moreover benefits much indeed to us of faith and of pious credulity remains, of more faithful however writing and evidence is left nothing.

[22] As to the Pontiffs' Bulls and Privileges what pertains, to the new Order obtained by B. Petrus's work, deservedly complains Puccius that most, and perhaps the chief, are pressed hidden by the archives' darkness; Likewise are wanting the Pontiffs' Bulls before 1421 and, what is marvelous, nor in those even to be found any, of Martin Pope V the Pontificate earlier; when yet impossible it is, that in the space of 40 years none petitioned, none given were. The very moreover of Martin Bull, in the year 1421 for a perpetual memory of the matter given, thus sounds. The pious request of will, with which the beloved sons Petrus de Pisis, and some others his Companions, an eremitical life leading, devoted to the zeal of a pious life, in diverse of Italy parts, in oratories or places, worldly cast away the enticements, with the adoption of voluntary poverty, of the virtues to the Lord do service, not unworthily deserves, that the Apostolic See them, and their places and oratories with kind favors cherish, when Martin V praising the founded by Petrus Congregation, and with spiritual graces follow, in those especially which their souls' and state's salvation regard and quiet. Indeed on the part of the said Petrus and the Companions an exhibited petition contained, that, although they desiring their in the heavens treasures to place, and that from their praiseworthy actions to well and rightly living might draw others by example, in diverse places or houses, which for their use and habitation perpetual, with the pious of Christ's faithful alms and aids, they had constructed, a devout and diligent might render to the Lord service; to whom very many, on account of their praiseworthy life and works virtuous, bear of special devotion an affection; yet sometimes it has happened Petrus and the Companions aforesaid, by the inquisitors of heretical depravity, and the general Minister and Provincials of the Order of Friars Minor, in those parts for the time existing, (whose visitation, punishment, and correction to themselves they assert to pertain) and the deputies by them, under diverse occasions and feigned colors to be unduly troubled. Wherefore on the part of Petrus and the Brothers aforesaid to us was humbly supplicated, that their peace and tranquillity upon these with paternal charity to provide for, of benignity Apostolic we would deign.

[23] We therefore desiring, that the same Petrus and Companions, the more quietly and devoutly in humility of spirit to the Most High do service, it he withdraws from the power of the Inquisitors and of the Order of Minors, the more they may know themselves of the same See with an ampler grace forearmed; to such supplications inclined, the aforesaid Petrus and his Brothers present and posterity, and their oratories, places and houses, constructed and to be constructed, wherever they are constituted, with persons, rights and appurtenances, and also possessions, lands, things and goods their own, which they in whatever places lawfully possess, and in the future God granting from similar aids of the faithful or otherwise by just titles, they will be able to acquire, from all inquisition, dominion and power of the General Minister and Provincials of the same and of Inquisitors, who are or for the time will be, by Apostolic authority by the tenor of the present altogether we exempt, and perpetually we free, and under B. Peter and the same See's, and also of the Ordinaries of the places, in whose cities and dioceses the said places and oratories consist, protection we receive and ours; and the same Petrus and Brothers, free and exempt to be we decree and immune; and to us and the successors Roman Pontiffs canonically entering, and to the said See, and to the same Ordinaries immediately to be subject. So that the Inquisitors aforesaid no can over the said Petrus and Companions, as to us and the successors immediately subject; places, goods, rights of this kind, by whatever reason, cause or pretext, jurisdiction or power exercise; but only before the said See or its Delegates or the Ordinaries aforesaid let them be bound to answer. Of happy memory Pope Innocent IV our predecessor and any other Constitution Apostolic contrary notwithstanding. Decreeing moreover from now, all and singular of excommunications, suspensions and interdict sentences and processes, which against Petrus and the Companions aforesaid to be promulgated it shall happen or to be held, void alike and empty. To none therefore etc.

[24] In the same year on the 14th of August the same Martin granted to Petrus and the Companions the power of choosing one or more Confessors, he grants to all the free election of a Confessor, from domestic or external Priests, as more convenient they shall judge; Lest outside the same places, which by a just title at present you possess, says the Pontiff, devotion taken away, to you of wandering matter be given: and at the same time he grants a privilege of an altar at which you may be able, without prejudice of another's right, Mass and other divine Offices, through your own or another Priest, in oratories or places otherwise congruous and honest of the places aforesaid to cause to be celebrated. To Martin succeeded Eugene IV, and the privilege of a portable altar: from whom B. Petrus in the year 1433 for himself and his Companions obtained, that visiting their church or oratory proper, they might gain the Indulgences of the Roman Churches, and namely of S. Joannes in the Lateran, and this on the Sunday of Palms: Eugene IV adds indulgences which then grace the Pontiffs others to all days festal extended. In a certain moreover Bull of the year 1440, at Florence given, testifies the same Pontiff, that long ago to Friar Petrus de Pisis and all his Companions Poor Hermits, and several other privileges present and future, a life eremitical leading, of receiving certain places or churches or chapels or oratories, in diverse of Italy parts, and them for use and habitation of them perpetually to retain, and some privileges, graces and indults, under certain manner and form through other his letters successively, graciously he granted.

[25] Now indeed about the pretended of the Friars Minor over the Hermits jurisdiction it is to be noted, it not only to have been founded in this, [Whence it was done that they were called and often written to be of the third Order,] that B. Angelus de Corsica, about whose and his companions' to Petrus joined Congregation above we said, a Professor was of the third Order: but also because the very Companions of B. Petrus, such commonly were esteemed all; and this also in public instruments. Appears it in the donation made in the year 1406, to three Brothers of the convent of S. Jerome de Tallachio; and in the testament of Friar Bertinorius made on the 11th of April 1430, in the cell of B. Nicolaus de Furca-Palena: But this B. Nicolaus even himself of the third Order to be said himself allowed, before his with Petrus's Companions conjunction. For in the year 1449, also at Naples under B. Nicolaus in a purchase certain at Naples transacted on the 21st of November, both Nicolaus himself, and Friar Dominicus Zurlus, thus are entitled. Was Nicolaus that of Furca-Palena in the Abruzzi born, with great of innocence of life and miracles reputation an eremitical life at Rome leading at S. Eustachius; and many to himself companions had collected, and various hermitages had raised; of whom with the Society of B. Petrus the union, long ago with Petrus living wished, in the eleventh at last after his death year a full firmness from the Apostolic See received, through a Bull, worthy also here to be described.

[26] The copious Apostolic See's benignity, of devout to Us and to the Apostolic See, whose Congregation to be united with that of B. Petrus especially an eremitical life under the zeal of a pious and religious poverty leading persons' vows, through which the divine worship is intended and of eternal salvation the advantage is procured; gladly hears, and that the desired they may obtain effect by its vigilance the cares favorably interposes. Since therefore, as exhibited to us lately, on the part of the beloved sons, of the Rector and of all of the Congregation or Society of poor Hermits of the late Petrus de Pisis, and of Nicolaus della Furca and his Companions poor Hermits, a petition contained; that Nicolaus himself, and his both at Rome and in other cities and places of Italy dwelling Companions, poor Hermits; considering the praiseworthy fame and exercises virtuous before God, by which the Rector and Hermits of the Society aforesaid praiseworthily are commended; and that their good odor in the field of the Lord manifoldly to the praise of the Most High is diffused: and attending, that if they with their oratories, houses, hermitages and places to a Congregation or Society of this kind perpetually were aggregated, united and incorporated, thence in a short time before God and men with salubrious they would profit increases.

[27] We who of worship of this kind the augment, and of Religious the propagation, in our especially times, to flourish and to be increased with intent desires we strive; approves in the year 1446 Eugene IV. to the direction and state of the Hermits aforesaid to provide wishing, hoping too that thence both they themselves and their oratories, houses, hermitages and places, several in spiritual and temporal advantages and utilities will obtain; to their Rector Nicolaus and the Hermits' in this part supplications inclined, Nicolaus and his Companions of this kind, and all and singular their oratories houses, hermitages, and places, anywhere consisting (which all, whatsoever, however many, and of whatever kind, and of whatever annual value their fruits, revenues and proceeds are, for one both to be held decreeing without any difference: present to be held we wish for expressed) with their things and goods whatsoever, to a Congregation or Society of this kind, of certain knowledge, by Apostolic authority, by the tenor of the present, in perpetuity we aggregate, unite and incorporate. Decreeing the same Nicolaus and his Companions, and their oratories, houses, hermitages and places henceforth, in perpetual future times, in all and through all in an equal manner without any difference, of the said Congregation or Society members to be, and of it to be reckoned, held, and reputed; and also under its customs, institutes, ordinations, privileges, regime and government to be united, ruled, and governed ought: and also all and singular privileges, exemptions, immunities, indulgences, graces and indults, by Us or the See aforesaid to the Congregation or Society, and their Oratories, houses, hermitages and places aforesaid, in specie or genus, under whatever of words form granted, to use and enjoy able alike and ought etc. Given at Rome at S. Peter's 1446 on the Kalends of January, of the Pontificate in the year

XXI.

[28] which Congregation afterward was called of the Order of S. Jerome; Behold to you now, from three of Hermits congregations, of Petrus, of Angelus and of Nicolaus, a full body of one Eremitical Order; to which not yet in the Pontifical Bulls was attributed the name of S. Jerome, but afterward was added; although already from the year 1437, in which still lived Petrus, usurped it is found, in the donation of Januarius Archdeacon of Vicenza, transferring his church of S. Maria Magdalene outside Vicenza, called Monticellum of the servants, into the power of Bartholomæus of Siena, whom he calls a Priest of the Order of S. Jerome; from the primary namely at Pesaro oratory, and from this into Spain could the institute have passed. which there he had found or made Angelus de Corsica and which into his dominion received Petrus for some years inhabited, the Order thence from two Congregations formed ruling. There are those who thence to have proceeded say those who from Spain into Italy brought, and there an Eremitical life having embraced, a peculiar at Fiesole congregation instituted, and thence into Spain carried it back; no retained to that which in Italy was Order subjection, especially after the reformation by Olmeto introduced. This if true is, they will be able perhaps one Order to be reckoned, into two Congregations under two Heads divided: just as the Carmelites Shod and Discalced, under one name and the same Rule, one in a way Order are reckoned.

[29] However it is, of that which in Italy flourishes Order the primary Seat, now is reckoned the monastery of S. Onuphrius on the mount Janiculum at Rome; and this from that almost time, in which the union received B. Nicolaus with his Companions, who already before from Eugene Pope IV, much himself favoring, that place had obtained about the year 1439: Of it now the head at Rome is at S. Onuphrius and there in the tenth after year dying on the 29th of September the title of Blessed obtained, with this Epitaph on his tomb engraved. To the Divine Nicolaus Hermit of blessed memory. 1448.

In this tomb forever, Father O Nicolaus you rest; Whom the City Rome holds, Furca begot of Palena. You heal diseases, with Machaon's art yielding. O piety! O holy faith! O gifts of Christ! having its beginning from B. Nicolaus de Furca, Finally the Janiculum mount's hermitage defends himself yours, now with placid Saint Onuphrius mouth.

Flavius moreover Blondus a contemporary, in his Italy, where about the Abruzzi; Adorned, he says, was Furca the town, by a holy and of celebrated fame Anchorite Nicolaus of Furca, whose also name with the name of Petrus long it held. who in the next year at the city of Rome a centenarian died, and with miracles very many shone: wherefore vehemently I would wish to see the booklet about his Life, by Puccius composed, with a more distinct of the present in the City worship notice. That moreover it may be known, in what manner then the Hermits were called, Thus to the joined communicates Paul III let be read the alleged by the same Puccius page 178 writing of a certain purchase in the City made by three chief Fathers, Friar Jacobus de Firmo, Friar Georgius de Patraslo, and Friar Hieronymus Maria de Dalmatia, who are of the Society of the late Friar Petrus de Pisis and Friar Nicolaus de Furca. its before Protector, And this for some time obtained, until at last it prevailed that constantly it was said, Of Blessed Petrus de Pisis, of the Order of Hermits of S. Jerome: or the Order of S. Jerome of the Congregation of S. Petrus de Pisis, as below for the year 1520 writes the Cardinal Penitentiary.

[30] Which first Pontiff that appellation used, not easily I would say, while there is not produced the entire of the Order Bullarium. Uses it Paul Pope III, To the beloved son Paul of S. Eustachius Deacon Cardinal de Cesis called, thus writing: Beloved Son ours, greeting. Since the sacred Order of brothers Hermits of S. Jerome, of the Congregation of Blessed Petrus de Pisis, of which we while in minor orders constituted we were, Protectors we were; through our to the highest Apostolate's summit assumption, of a Protection it lacks; We to the same Order, copious in the field of the Lord fruits assiduously bringing, which in the bowels we bear of paternal charity, of a useful and suitable Protector, Governor and Corrector to provide wishing; to your circumspection, with prudence and charity exceptional endowed, our mind we turn; hoping the said Order, as Protector he gives Paul Cardinal de Cesis. salubrious in the Lord under your Protection an increase about to take, and you both to the aforesaid, and to the of holy Benedict Congregation of Mount Olivet Order, of which also Protector you exist, for your virtue equally effort about to bestow and about to satisfy. By motion therefore proper You, as long as you shall live, of the Universal Order of Hermits of S. Jerome aforesaid Protector, Governor and Corrector, with the faculty, authority, power, honors and emoluments, to other Protectors of the said Order to be given and granted wont, we make, constitute, and depute; and to the beloved sons the General, Priors and other Ministers and Brothers of the said Order, and whatever others to whom it pertains, that You into their and the whole Order's aforesaid Protector, Governor and Corrector they receive and admit; and to you as Protector, Governor and Corrector they obey and submit; and the services to other Protectors, Governors, and Correctors to be rendered wont they show, strictly enjoining we command; exhorting the same circumspection your, that the said Order, as we have received and hope for your goodness, and for the duty owed so protect and correct, that with God of good works the rewarder a reward, and with Us a commendation it may deserve. Given at Rome on the 29th of October 1534. likewise the Privileges of the Augustinians In the first year.

[31] The same Pontiff in the following year 1535, confirming the privileges, immunities, exemptions, indulgences, concessions, graces and indults to those Hermits by of happy memory Eugene IV, Nicolaus V, Calixtus III, Sixtus also IV, Innocent VIII, and Alexander VI, and perhaps others Roman Pontiffs granted: whose tenors for expressed to be held the Pontiff wished; whose also Rule in the year 1569 they received, adds moreover the communication of all the privileges etc. however granted to the Congregations of the Order of Friars Hermits of St. Augustine.

[32] Was this a presage of the Augustinian Rule at last too to be introduced into the Order, with its hitherto constitutions content without an express of the three Religious vows nuncupation; which, when, and how it was done, explains Pope Pius V, in a bull of all the privileges etc. confirmatory, the twelfth after day, namely on the 30th of March given; in which, moreover we grant, he says, and impart, to you and to the said your Congregation, and its Brothers and persons, and of you and them to single a plenary of all sins indulgence, and remission from guilt and penalty, in the form of a Jubilee most ample, on every fourth Sunday of any Lent, in perpetual memory of the profession of the three vows, which you, Brothers of the said Congregation, with leading the beloved son Joannes Baptista de Monte-silice, under the profession of the three vows your and of this Congregation General, with a prompt and willing soul, in our hands solemnly under the Rule of St. Augustine, and under the Constitutions of the said Congregation, at Rome in the church of the monastery of S. Onuphrius, on the 18th day of the month of March, of the year of the Lord 1569, you pronounced.

[33] communicated also the others of the Mendicants' Privileges. Nor with these content the best Pontiff's liberality, the very Congregation he aggregates to the number of the Orders Mendicant, with an all-round communication of all those, as to privileges, indults etc. to single of them granted. Coming then Gregory Pope XIII, in the year 1579, a new Confirmation Brief dispatched, on the 25th of May. Are named moreover the Pontiffs, who the Rector general and other Prelates and persons of the Order of S. Jerome of the Congregation of B. Petrus de Pisis with various privileges, immunities, exemptions, liberties and graces, both spiritual and temporal adorned, decorated, and completed, and those before granted approved and confirmed besides the above expressed six, Paul III, Julius III, Pius IV and Pius V.

§. VI. The death, the images, the title of Blessed and Saint.

At last, on account of the business of his Congregation, Petrus betook himself to Venice; where by old age worn out, on the day of death aforesaid, the Sacraments of the Church with the greatest veneration received, and the Hermits with peaceful words to charity toward one another to be had having exhorted, on the 17th day of June 1435, in his year 80th, his soul to God he rendered, with whom he lives forever and ever.

[34] Died at Venice 1435 What were those affairs on account of which to Venice the last time came Petrus, less marvelous it is to be ignored; than that it is not known certainly in what place he is buried. Wish some that buried was the body at the Convent of the Augustinian Nuns, in the church of S. Jerome which in Petrus's time first a Hospital, it is thought at the Nuns of S. Jerome buried; then to sacred Virgins was attributed; so that in establishing those occupied Petrus, at them dead to be seen can; and consequently, from his last will, or by the Senate's mandate buried. There certainly at some time interrogated about him a Nun some, a Virgin of great as it was thought sanctity, to have answered is reported: He will give fruit in his time: which to hope still we can, since not is shortened the hand of the Lord. Others wish to have been deposited in the most celebrated of S. Marcus basilica; in which rather I would believe the obsequies with public honor to have been celebrated. Most recently moreover the Most Eminent Elcius, Archbishop afterward of Pisa, of the Hermits a most kind favorer, he to whom the Life Puccius dedicates; when before received from Alexander VII the Purple at Venice as Apostolic Nuncio he acted, about the year 1656, no he spared diligence, that the holy body he might find. Let us be ignorant therefore patiently, what unless with revealing God to know we cannot; somewhat however let us defer to the opinion of the aforesaid Nuns, asserting, not only him by them whatever necessity should occur to be invoked, and by his intercession many themselves divinely graces to have obtained, but also near an effigy which of them in the church exists, by the hand of Carpaccio a contemporary painted, to be a place, in which the of the elders tradition holds buried too the Blessed to be.

[35] Consists that effigy, with golden adorned rays, and with open mouth, as if these words, in letters ancient written, pronouncing. Jesus Christ, of the highest Father coeternal, son of Mary mother. Lamb of God, Savior of the world, Victim, son of piety, merciful always. Our Father which perhaps are the beginnings of prayers to Petrus himself accustomed, and with the Lord's prayer to be concluded. There stands for he himself praying, with hands joined and into the height raised, clothed in an ankle-length habit of color dusky or lion-colored, with a cingulum, but without a hood. Is moreover the panel faded all, except where the Blessed it represents. It from a drawing to us thence procured faithfully expressed as of all the most ancient, I exhibit on the page turned.

[36] other ones there at S. Sebastian's, In the same city is the church of S. Sebastian, in whose sacristy above a little table, in which are placed the chalices (Credenza commonly they call it) is seen an image of the Crucified, at whose side stands B. Petrus, likewise with rays painted, in the time of Paulus of Cagliari, in the year 1588 who died at Venice. In the Refectory too painted the same is seen, among other of the Congregation Blessed, about 1590 by the hand of Carlottus, who was son of Paulus of Verona, with subscribed. Blessed Petrus Gambacurta, of the Religion of Hermits Founder. likewise at Verona, And in the sacred house at Verona, which is called of the old Victory, in monument of that which over their enemies the Scaligeri carried off; above the arch of the greater altar is the Crucified, with a similar and radiated image, from a most ancient plainly time painted above the wall, and almost consumed. And which in the same city is the church of the Order, has the same in a most ancient certain panel, in the times of the Ghibellines made, at the right of the Greater altar, with rays: to which at the left of the altar corresponds an image of S. Paula, a Disciple of S. Jerome. At Ferrara in the church to which the surname Rosa above the enclosure of the choir, an old too picture is seen equally radiant and with hung roundabout votive offerings girt.

[37] At Trent in the church of S. Maria Inviolata at the Bank called, with a monochrome clear and dark, with rays is expressed the Blessed same: and Father Petrus-Paulus Salvatoris who was of the Order General asserts, At Ferrara, at it to have happened a miracle of health, suddenly conferred to the mother of Father Franzonius, of the same Order a Religious, At Trent, through the intercession of B. Petrus, whom she had invoked the sick woman in a vision appearing. In the church of S. Maria Magdalene at Padua, Bissonius a disciple of Palma, so expressed in a panel S. Jerome, that in the same too is expressed radiated Petrus: which picture even before was honored in the old little church, for the new greater building destroyed. Finally at Pesaro in the church of S. Bartholomæus, about the year 1623 to spectacle and veneration was exposed an image of the Mother of God; to whom at the right S. Dominicus, at the left B. Petrus assist. For these all to be beheld in one panel I exhibit that, at Padua, which at Verona is in the house of S. Maria of Victory, for the reason that to the same is joined another of B. Philippus of Rimini, with subscribed, B. Philippus of Rimini of this monastery the Founder; just as under the opposite is read, B. Petrus Gambacurta of Pisa, at Pesaro. of this Congregation the institutor. I subjoin to the same picture a second, equally to be observed worthy, from Mons Bellus, for the reason that likewise there are expressed the twelve Companions, about whom treated §. 2, where among others conspicuous himself shows. Friar Archangelus, of beard by its prolixity notable. Anselm having followed the Neapolitan effigy, Petrus to us in chapter 16 thus describes: Just was his stature; with a grave, modest, and full of sanctity aspect; with leanness endowed, two of them here are set forth. of red and whitening color, pale however sometimes in face in his mortified and venerable countenance; with eyes more often to heaven raised; with a beard as if to the middle of his cingulum let down for an eremitical manner; and, with growing gray now his most happy old age, most white.

[38] Saint called a few years from his death, Thus far about churches some, where Petrus as a Saint or Blessed in his image to be venerated is set forth. That at once from his death began to be done, proves Puccius from a volume of Constitutions, at Urbino kept, and described before the tenth from his death happy year, of which the title: Here begin our Constitutions, that is of the poor Hermits, of the Congregation of the Blessed Brother Petrus de Pisis; and likewise in the Preface; We however the poor Hermits of the Blessed Brother Petrus de Pisis. Twelve years after, namely in the year 1356 should be 1456, before the Constitutions of the order through a public instrument made known it was, that on the 17th of June, the Lady Baptista, wife of Galeatius Malatesta, Lord of Pesaro, donated certain things etc. to the venerable in Christ Friar Jacobus, the late son of Lucas de Firmo, Tutor and prior of the Society of Saint Petrus de Pisis. Likewise Saint is called Petrus in a certain of the Brothers booklet supplicatory, to the grace of Sixtus IV offered, from the instruments of the 15th century, for the subsistence of the Convent of Hispida, whose tenor, in the year 1482 is signed and kept at S. Onuphrius of the City.

[39] In the 15th century not unlike, in another which is kept at Venice at S. Sebastian's, is named Friar Petrus de Mastiga, of the Congregation of poor Hermits of Saint Petrus de Pisis, and 16th. for the year 1504: for the year moreover 1520 Leonardus Grossus, Cardinal de Robore, Penitentiary Apostolic, to the Hermits of Fano granting something, mentions the Prior and Brothers of the monastery of S. Blasius, of the Order of S. Jerome of the Congregation of S. Petrus de Pisis; and in the year 1530 the Cardinal Laurentius Bishop of Palestrina, at Naples about to moderate a part certain of a testament, by Joannellus de Comitibus made; on the part, he says, of the beloved in Christ Father and Brothers of S. Maria della Gratia of Naples, of the Order of Saint Petrus de Pisis, was set forth. To these add for the year 1539 the Memorial of Petrus Minerba, Superior of certain Hermits in Lombardy, to the Congregation of Petrus desiring to be united, which is held at S. Onuphrius; and another there of certain Knights Neapolitan, in the year 1562 offered to Pius IV, where repeatedly is repeated the title of Saint: which also usurped the Magistracy of Bologna, granting the church of S. Maria Lacrymosa in the major Way, in the year 1587; and in the year 1589 the Lords Deputies of the Hospital of the incurables at Naples.

[40] These thus deduced, what avails it of private authority writers, Petrus's sanctity celebrating to recount? and by several writers; Polydorus Vergilius, Scipio Ammiratus, Franciscus Sansovinus, Ludovicus Gottofredus, Archangelus Romanus, and others? To be passed over however not is, the Epitaph, to B. Marcus placed at Mantua, where is read Blessed Marcus de Marconibus, a citizen of Mantua, of the Order of the Divine Petrus de Pisis a most religious Professor: and thus, by the word Divine, for the most part use the Sacred Congregations Roman, in their Decrees; the Pontiffs moreover (as already we have seen) by the title of Blessed. Died indeed that Mantuan Marcus in the year 1510 and the second after, from the place of the Chapter to the church of the Order honorably translated, with incorrupt which even now through the grates is beheld body: likewise Divine in the Epitaph of B. Marcus of Mantua and others. which church, although desolate now it is, does not cease however a concourse of citizens, to that sacred pledge, on the feast of S. Matthew; and several of his miracles are seen painted in the Ferrara church; which therefore I would add, that for the 21st of December may be supplied to us all things to his memory to be illustrated pertaining, and of the very pictures the genuine expression.

§. VII. The series of Generals, and of the under them memorable things a Synopsis by Friar Eusebius Jordanus set forth.

[41] When Innocent Pope X, of religious observance a zealot excellent and an exactor rigid, had noticed the difficulty of it among many to be restored, The small convents being suppressed in the year 1651, chiefly to proceed from this, that Religions very many of small Convents and Houses for a great part are composed, in which, either on account of the air's inclemency, or another on account of cause, are not nourished nor can be nourished so many Religious, as for performing duly the divine worship and the regular duties, by each Order's prescript, are necessary; of this kind Convents and Houses to be suppressed and extinguished he decreed; and what, the things to be withdrawn withdrawn, shall remain goods to the pious of those, in which they consisted, places' uses to be applied, in the year 1651. And when at the same time the Republic of Venice with a grave by the Turks war was pressed, it seemed good to the Apostolic See of such goods a part chief to apply to relieving a necessity, regarding the whole almost Christianity, of which republic that a bulwark most valid is. So it happened various of mendicants and non-mendicants Orders, in the number of places, and some orders being extinguished in the year 1656; through all Italy vehemently to be diminished; some even somewhat to be desolated. Thus of those constituted since no great utility in the Church appeared, it began under Innocent's Successor Alexander VII to be treated about some altogether to be suppressed; and it was done in fact that in the year 1656 the Congregation of Canons Regular of the Holy Spirit at Venice now in one only monastery subsisting, and of the Brothers Cruciferi the Order, from twenty five Convents' number reduced to four, were abolished through Constitutions, on the 28th of April dispatched.

[42] Under these things the Hermits of B. Petrus, into two (as above num. 5 said from Maurolycus it is) divided Provinces, their own too fearing the Hermits of B. Petrus, from each March the Treviso and the Ancona a name having obtained; could not but deservedly fear, lest those, to whom it had been convenient, not only the small, and to discipline unequal convents to be suppressed, among the other Orders, about whose so diminished suppression it was thought, also their own be proposed, from a part half under the Dominion of Venice constituted. Although moreover of the discipline among them flourishing integrity to themselves conscious they were, nor (as others now suppressed) at Rome unknown; knowing however never enough of vigilance to be able to be applied, where is imperiled the whole Congregation's salvation; to consider they began, by what especially reason to persuade just and unjust they could, their Order not to be numbered among those Vines, which in the Vineyard of the Lord, which is his Church, providently planted (as in the aforesaid Constitutions speaks Alexander VII) but now of their original of regular observance vigor deprived, into sterile wild-vines have degenerated; so that therefore ought the Roman Pontiff, the same Vineyard to his care divinely committed with all zeal and industry continually to cultivate striving for his duty it from the manner of a diligent father of the family to pluck out.

[43] To that end, both other it pleased to apply means, to me unknown; both to bring into effect, what from the year 1626 had been thought, about writing the Order's history. But not was this a work of a few months. they published a historical gleaning of it Therefore while to it being undertaken it is labored, it seemed conducive, that Eusebius Jordanus of Vicenza, of the same Society a Priest Theologian, a Master Collegiate in the University of Padua, and of the most holy in the same city Inquisition assistant and Consultor, and also among the Priests of the Treviso Province Senior; by whose diligence already was held a Catalog of the men, who with the Sanctity and Beatitude title in the very Congregation flourished, to me indeed not yet seen, but not yet necessary, at least for this month June; it seemed, I say, conducive, that a man of so great authority, should collect, such as here is reprinted from the already then prepared instrument, a Gleaning historical of the Poor Hermits of S. Jerome, of the Congregation of B. Petrus Gambacurta de Pisis; which in the very year 1656 from the Typography Cameral, with the Superiors' permission at Padua came forth, worthy hither to be transferred whole, just as it itself was offered to the very Reverend Father Cherubinus Girardus the Venetian, Prior of Hispida, under this dedicatory.

[44] All, unless I am deluded, of the Regulars' families their peculiar hold histories, and singular, (so to speak) have chronicles; in which their rise and progress, and the rest worthy to be known are contained: from Monuments already from the year 1626 begun to be collected. Our Society indeed hitherto with sole, in the faith of the elders, (to use these words) has acquiesced traditions: which pernicious inconvenience to be removed a plan that they might enter our Nobles; providently, in a general synod, of Hispida of the Paduan field in the year one thousand six hundred twenty-six gathered, two for each its own Province claimed Custodians (gladly Historiographers I would call them) who the society's excellent, both past, and present, and future, from destruction might vindicate deeds, and the monuments to letters might commit. But indeed of so prudent a deliberation the author scarcely snatched from the living, the successors (by what driven madness or sting agitated and led by spirit I know not) it at once suppressed, and from the foundations eradicated the building. From this destruction's rubble or fragments the present collected came Gleaning: which with Your very Reverend Paternity's name decorated with the splendor; and with hope relying on the benignity, or by the support upheld of patronage, and on the authority trusting, into light to come forth does not blush. Wherefore it, and myself much more, to you I commend. May God Your Paternity, for the consolation of the good, keep, unharmed. At Padua, on the Kalends of May 1656.

A.D. 1380 B. Petrus, of the excellent stock Gambacurta of Pisa, still a youth, to the world renouncing, a society instituted in the church of the most holy Trinity of Mons-bellus, of the Urbino diocese, and field: and it for years fifty-five, as long as he lived, as supreme Moderator and general Rector governed; that is, up to the year 1435: and it of the Poor Hermits of the Divine Jerome to be called he wished.

1400 Are built the church and monastery of Salogarinum.

1417 Dies at Pesaro B. Petrus of Catalonia.

1419 Is approved the most holy life of the same B. Petrus at Venice, by two miracles on the 19th of January.

1421 Martin Pope V of this name, in the fourth year of his Pontificate, the Congregation approved; and it exempted from the Inquisitors of heretical depravity, and perpetually under the protection of the Apostolic See received. The Bull is with me, under the Date, At Rome on the Nones of June, of his Pontificate in the fourth year 1421. The exemption however from the Inquisitors was taken away by Paul V, the Supreme Pontiff 1605 on the Kalends of September.

1421 B. Petrus acquired the oratory of S. Maria Magdalene at Padua; which acquisition approved Eugene IV in the year 1437, on the Kalends of March, of his Pontificate in the seventh year, under the Date at Ferrara. The Bull is extant with me. This church from a narrow into a more spacious form began to rebuild the Fathers, in the year 1647.

1422 The same Martin Pope V, most ample Privileges granted to the Congregation: so a manuscript I find, the Bull however still not have I seen.

1424 The monastery of Monte Baroccio is acquired.

1427 Andreas Rattolus, godfather of B. Petrus, bestows on the same the church of S. Marcus of Monte Baroccio.

1432 It is found in this year on the 12th of July, B. Petrus still to have been surviving.

1435 Migrates from this life B. Petrus at Venice. Is elected General B. Bartolus or Bartholomæus of Cesena: who the Congregation ruled up to the year 1451.

Is handed over in this year to the Congregation the church with the Monastery of S. Matthæus of Mantua, near the City's walls: which in the year 1628 from the foundations were overthrown on account of the battles between Ferdinand, the Third of this name elected Roman Emperor, and Carolus Gonzaga of the aforesaid city the Duke, who another place granted in the city.

Is acquired also in this year the monastery of S. Maria Magdalene in the suburbs of Vicenza; about whose foundation, is extant a Bull of Eugene the fourth the Venetian, under the year 1437.

The same Eugene in this year approved the concessions of churches and convents, of Venice, of Rimini, of Urbino, of Nobilaria, and of Ferrara: and through another Bull to us many granted Privileges, namely of choosing Confessors, of receiving Holy Orders, the participation of Privileges, etc. under the Date at Ferrara 1437, on the 8th of the Kalends of March of his Pontificate in the 7th year: which is with me.

1437 The Bull of Eugene IV about the foundation of the Monastery of S. Maria Magdalene of Vicenza. Some say in this only year to have died, B. Petrus, the institutor of the Congregation.

1440 Eugene Pope IV orders, that on single years a Chapter be celebrated General, under the Date at Florence 1440 on the thirteenth of the Kalends of August, of his Pontificate in the 10th year which Bull with me is found.

1443 The church of S. Maria of Hispida in the Paduan field to the society is handed over by the Canons secular of S. Jacobus de Monte silice of the Congregation of S. Georgius in Alga of Venice, some Nuns being expelled. About this moreover Monastery great arose lawsuits with the Fathers Carthusian, to whom it had been handed over by a certain of ours, without the General Chapter's license, and the Congregation's consent; which, with God helping, our Fathers at last overcame.

The Bull of Eugene IV of concession and liberation from all jurisdiction, given at Florence 1443, on the Third of the Kalends of August of his Pontificate in the 10th year, is extant with me.

1444 Are made new constitutions, or, as they call them, Memorials, at Padua in the Chapter General; which afterward were printed at Venice 1448, on the 4th of the Ides of September by Raynaldus of Nijmegen, in Latin and in Italian: which with me are extant.

1446 Is celebrated the Chapter General at Venice, and is confirmed as General B. Bartholomæus of Cesena.

In this year B. Nicolaus of Furca Palena, a town in the Peligni, with his companions into our is enrolled society, of his age in the ninetieth seventh year; and of his own accord he donated the monastery of S. Onuphrius of the City and the place of Naples.

1447 B. Bartholomæus of Cesena again is confirmed as General: and B. Benedictus the Sicilian, with the help of Pope Nicolaus V began to build the Church of Naples under the invocation of S. Maria of the Graces.

1449 Dies in this year at Rome B. Nicolaus of Furca Palena.

1451 Jacobus of Firmo is elected General.

1452 Is donated in this year to the Society the Church and Priory secular of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mons-Summanus, in the Vicenza field, on the 27th of September. The Apostolic Brief's transcript is extant in the Episcopal Chancery of Vicenza, and in the Archive of S. Sebastian of Venice: the manner indeed of the donation is read in my Mons Summanus Repurged, or to a better reduced fruit.

1453 Nicolaus V decreed, confirmed, and granted that on single triennia be celebrated a Chapter General, with the faculty of choosing a General, Provincials, and four Definitors: under the Date at Rome at S. Peter's on the third of the Kalends of April of his Pontificate in the seventh year: which Brief is with me.

1454 The same Friar Jacobus confirmed is as General.

1457 The same Friar Jacobus a third time is confirmed as General. Calixtus IV granted to the Society the faculty of building churches, chapels, of having Altars portable, etc. this however Bull is not with me but by others cited I read, under the date 1457, on the 26th of August, at Rome at S. Peter's. The same Calixtus in the same year, on the fourth of the ides of December of his Pontificate in the third year, through his Bull given at Rome at S. Peter's, the beak of the hood to be worn forbade outside the Society, which Bull with me is.

1460 Gabriel of Ferrara is elected General: the Chapter is celebrated at Hispida of the field of Padua, among the pleasant and fruitful Euganean hills: in which was present B. Paulus Quirinus, a Patrician of Venice, Provincial of the Treviso Province.

1461 B. Paulus Quirinus is Prior of Padua.

1463 Gabriel of Ferrara is confirmed as General.

1465 Is received the monastery of S. Maria of the graces of Verona, which afterward was called of Victory.

1466 The title of the church of Ferrara of S. Maria of Mercy is changed into another, namely of S. Maria of the Rose, within the walls.

1467 The Chapter General is celebrated at Rimini, and is elected General B. Petrus the Spaniard.

1470 The same is confirmed as General.

1473 Is confirmed again the same General. The Bull of Sixtus IV of the concession of Confessors, of the exchange of vows, of Orders outside the stated times to be received etc. at Rome on the tenth of the Kalends of October, at S. Peter's, of his Pontificate in the 4th year.

1474 The Bull of Sixtus the fourth about the not-wearing of the beak of the Hood outside our Society. Given at Rome at S. Peter's on the third tenth of the Kalends of December of his Pontificate in the 4th year. It is with me. Is donated to the Congregation the monastery of Terni.

1476 Gabriel of Ferrara again General. The Bull of Sixtus IV of concession and of a new institution of the Chapter General and Provincial: under the Date at Rome at S. Peter's 1476 on the Kalends of February, of his Pontificate in the year 6th.

1478 Letters of the Cardinal of S. Marcus, about the Indulgences by Sixtus IV to the society granted, which are with me.

1479 The same Gabriel is confirmed as General.

1482 Marinus of Urbino General.

1483 The monastery of Rimini is handed over to the Congregation.

1485 Philippus of Mantua General.

1487 The Bull of Innocent VIII of exemption from the Ordinaries. Given at Rome at S. Peter's on the tenth seventh of the Kalends of October of his Pontificate in the 4th year. On the same day and year, the same Pontiff another published Bull, by which he prescribes the publication of the abovesaid exemption: they are extant with me.

1488 Philippus of Mantua is confirmed as General.

1489 The Bull of Innocent VIII against those wearing the Beak of the hood outside our Congregation. At Rome at S. Peter's on the 11th of the Kalends of March, of his Pontificate in the 6th year. In the same year on the 15th of May, to Us he granted through a Brief the indulgences of the City, etc. Revoked by Paul V.

1490 Is taken the monastery of S. Anthimus near Naples.

1491 Is celebrated the General Chapter at Vicenza in the monastery of S. Maria Magdalene in the suburbs, and is elected General Marinus of Urbino on the 26th of April.

1493 Is donated to the Congregation the monastery of Foligno.

1494 At Ancona is celebrated the Chapter General in the Convent of S. Maria of the Graces (commended by Innocent X, in the year 1653) and is elected General Cherubinus of Ferrara, Procurator General, and Prior of S. Onuphrius of the City.

1496 Is received the monastery of Bagnacavallo. The Bull of Alexander VI for the confirmation of the Bull of Sixtus IV, of 1476 about the celebration of the Chapter General and the declarations of the same Chapter. Given at Rome at S. Peter's on the 14th day of April 1496, of his Pontificate in the 4th year with me.

1497 Cherubinus of Ferrara is confirmed as General.

1498 Are received the monasteries of Viterbo and of Argenta; but this was suppressed by Innocent X, with great to the Society damage and inconvenience. 1653 dies Cherubinus the General; and is substituted Hieronymus of Brindisi.

1499 Is acquired the monastery of Cremona in the suburbs; to which church was annexed the care of souls by St. Carlo Borromeo.

1500 Angelus de S. Agatha is General. The same is deprived by the Protector of the Generalate, on account of disobedience.

1503 Hieronymus of Brindisi is elected General. In this year arose lawsuits between both Provinces, which the most serene Royal Venetian Senate by its piety and prudence composed and quieted.

1506 The same Hieronymus of Brindisi is confirmed as General. Is received the Monastery of Salerno.

1509 Joannes Baptista of Modena General.

1510 Is received the monastery of Forlì. Dies B. Marcus de Marchionibus at Mantua; where his sacred body honorably is kept still.

1512 The same Joannes Baptista of Modena is confirmed as General.

1513 Migrated from this world Friar Martinus of Faxinali, of life most blameless.

1515 Is confirmed as General who is named above.

1519 Nicolaus of Padua is General.

1521 The same is confirmed as General.

1524 Hieronymus of Ferrara General: is prorogued the Chapter General for a year.

1528 Pius of Mantua, or according to others of Ferrara, is General. The Chapter is celebrated at Treviso, in which the Officials simoniacally are elected, whence to Rome they are summoned.

1531 Joannes of Cento of the Ferrara field, is General.

1534 The same is confirmed as General: or according to others Mansuetus of Bagnacavallo. In this year a certain Congregation of Friar Petrus de Manerba to our is united Society.

1535 The Bull of Paul III of Confirmation and of a new concession of the Privileges of our Society. At Rome on the sixth of the Ides of May, of his Pontificate in the year first: with me is extant.

1537 The same is confirmed as General.

1540 Bernardus of Verona is General; and corrector of the ancient Constitutions.

1543 Remigius a Villa, of Luni, General.

1544 Dies the General, and in his place is substituted Cherubinus of Londiano.

1545 Cardinal Sadoletus the Protector decreed, that Priors should not be confirmed beyond a triennium.

1546 Philippus of Mantua, others say of Mantica, General.

1547 Is donated to the Congregation the monastery of the River Esino. Dies Philippus the General, and to him is substituted Hieronymus a S. Donato, of Ferrara.

1549 The Chapter is celebrated at Rimini, and is elected General on the 12th of May Felix de S. Agatha of Ferrara. Are accepted new Constitutions, with all protesting that they did not wish to bind themselves to mortal [sin], except so far as, etc.

1550 Is acquired the church of S. Victor of Crispano of the Treviso field, of the Padua diocese.

1552 Hieronymus of Verona General on the 6th of May.

1555 Is celebrated the Chapter at Pesaro, and is elected General Matthæus of Ferrara.

1556 The monastery of Forlì outside the walls is leveled to the ground on account of the wars of the French, and is granted another in the city.

1558 Remigius a Villa, General a second time.

1560 The Brief of Pius V of Confirmation of the Privileges, faculties, exemptions, which through other Pontiffs were to us granted. At S. Peter's on the fifth of the Kalends of October, of his Pontificate in his year first.

1561 Bernardus of Vicenza General.

1562 Is acquired the monastery of Sabiniano.

1564 Paulus Pacciotus, or Piccotus of Nobilaria General. He died, and is substituted.

1565 Ludovicus Tebaldus of Nobilaria, in the Pesaro field.

1567 Joannes Baptista Roboretus of Monte-silice General; under whom the Congregation began to profess; and the first profession was pronounced at Rome in the Church of S. Onuphrius on the 18th of March, 1569. By the same General.

The Bull of Pius V of Confirmation, and of a new concession of the Privileges of all the orders Mendicant, with declarations, decrees, and inhibitions of the Most Holy, by his own motion. At Rome on the 22nd of the Kalends of July, of his Pontificate in the year second.

1568 The Brief of Pope Pius V, about the of three vows profession to be pronounced in our Congregation at Rome. On the 15th of the Kalends of December, of his Pontificate in the year third.

1569 In this year the Religion began to pronounce the profession, as was said above.

1570 Is not celebrated the Chapter General at the accustomed time; but by the license of the Cardinal Cornelius the Protector it is protracted up to the first Sunday of September, and is celebrated at Hispida: in which is elected General Joannes Baptista Lanfrancus, of Pesaro.

1571 The Brief of Pius V of Confirmation and of a new concession of the Privileges of our Congregation by his own motion: and especially of the Indulgence Plenary perpetual on the day of the fourth Sunday of Lent, at Rome on the 30th of March, of his Pontificate in the year sixth: Which indulgence Gregory XIII even to seculars extended.

1573 On account of the excessive poverty of the Religion is not celebrated at the accustomed time the Chapter general, but is deferred to the following year. Is acquired the monastery of Horta, and also the church of S. Laurentius of Foligno: and again is rebuilt the church of Forlì outside the walls.

1574 Michael of Vicenza General.

1575 The Venerable Friar Cyprianus Musconius dies.

1577 On account of the suspicion of plague is not celebrated the Chapter General. Is acquired the Monastery of Subrivolus; commended by Innocent

X, 1653.

1578 Is celebrated the Chapter at Hispida, and is elected General Joannes Baptista Lanfrancus of Pesaro a second time.

1579 Dies the General at Rome on the 4th of May; and is substituted Ludovicus of Nobilaria on the 10th day of June at Rimini. There is made a union with the Brothers of S. Maria de Costa of Sestri to the West of Genoa.

The Bull of Gregory XIII of Confirmation of the Privileges of our Congregation at Rome on the 25th of May, of his Pontificate in the year eighth.

1581 Joannes Baptista Roboretus of Padua, General a second time.

1584 Olivus of Londiano General. Is received the monastery of Otricoli; suppressed by Innocent X, 1653.

1585 Is received the Monastery of Cassano, commended by Innocent X 1653.

1586 The Monastery of S. Petrus the Bishop of Fano is received.

1587 Joannes Baptista Roboretus of Padua a third time General.

1590 Joannes Baptista de Grassis of Saludecio, General.

1593 Stephanus Gavedonus, of Vicenza, of Valle Dominorum, on the 7th of May is elected General.

1595 Is acquired the monastery of Rovigo; enlarged in 1618 from money found with Father Hippolytus a Petra-sancta.

1596 Antonius Veneruccius, of Urbino, General.

1599 Bernardinus Gambarus, of Verona, General.

1600 The Bull of Clement the eighth of the Concession of the novitiates of Venice and Naples.

1602 Antonius Veneruccius, of Urbino, a second time General.

1603 The Sepulcher of B. Marcus is decorated at Mantua.

1605 Seraphinus Mazzolius, of Vicenza, General.

1606 The Body of B. Nicolaus into a more splendid place is placed at Rome with the superiors' permission.

1608 Cæsar Veneruccius, of Urbino, is General.

1611 Joannes Badilius, of Verona, General.

1612 Dies the General at Verona; and to him is substituted at Ferrara Bernardinus Gambarus, of Verona, a second time.

1614 Silvester Locatellus General: the Chapter is celebrated at Hispida, and is laid aside the Beak of the hood: and new are accepted Constitutions.

1615 At Naples dies the General, and on the 18th of May is substituted Octavius Nicoruccius, of Urbino. The place of SS. Petrus & Paulus of Vestono, of the field and diocese of Brescia, is donated to the Congregation.

1617 Joannes Baptista Porratus a Campo, General. Dies in this year the Venerable Friar Cyprianus Musconius, in the year of his age 42nd.

1619 To those praying before the Body of the Venerable Cyprianus signs of miracles shows God.

1620 Octavius Nicoruccius, of Urbino, General a second time.

1621 Is acquired the place of Campo in the dominion of the Genoese.

1623 The Chapter is celebrated at Bagnacavallo, and is elected General Bernardus Moronus, of Ferrara. Are elected four examiners in each Province.

In this year a certain man unjustly began to vex the Congregation, which long he vexed, and especially the Province of Treviso, with great of regular observance loss, and of the family property no small detriment.

1626 Is celebrated the Chapter at Hispida, and is elected General Octavius Nicoruccius a third time. Was instituted a Procurator Provincial in the City of Venice, and also were elected two Custodians, who the affairs of the Congregation might write: which two duties were afterward suppressed: by whom, and for what causes, for the sake of reverent modesty in silence I wrap up.

1629 Jordanus Muscatellus General at Rimini on the 4th of May. Were approved new Constitutions; which the successors at once suppressed.

1631 Dies the General at Vicenza: and through an Apostolic Brief is named Friar Michaël Celega, of Venice.

1632 Honorius Magnonius of Talacchio of the Urbino Diocese is elected General through an Apostolic Brief. The Chapter is not celebrated on account of fear of plague: but the General with two others at Ferrara did and undid whatever they wished, and perhaps what they could not.

1635 Michael Celega of Venice ex-Provincial, under the pretext of certain letters of the Eminent Protector, is elected General.

1638 Horatius Draco, of Rome, General.

1641 Barnabas Piazzola, of Padua, at Rimini is elected General. Again in this Chapter were published new Constitutions in the Latin idiom.

1644 Remigius Landus a Villa, General.

1647 Franciscus Cocalinus, of Venice, at Pesaro is elected General.

1648 Is granted the faculty of building a monastery in the Castle of Finale of the Riviera di Ponente of Genoa, and on the 4th of November is laid the first stone for the church's foundation and building.

1650 Innocent X forbade the receptions of novices and professions. Fammianus Pacificus, of Rome, at Hispida elected General.

1653 Germanus de Natalibus, of Venice, General is elected at Rimini.

[45] Thus far the gleaning published in the year 1656 of which to believe we can the fruit to have been that those, by whose acting in the year 1658 were suppressed the Congregations of the Canons Regular of S. Georgius in Alga, of the Hieronymites of the Congregation of Fiesole and of the brothers Jesuati, did not prevail against the instituted by B. Petrus of Pisa Congregation; but rather it not only nothing suffered of detriment, but with various too privileges and houses increased and fortified, as one may read in the Gleaning ampler, which in the year 1692 composed and published at Venice Friar Petrus Bonaccioli, of the Religion itself president General, after another little work, to which he made a title, The Pisan Hermitage or the lives and Deeds of the Hermits of the Divine Jerome, who in the religion of B. Petrus de Pisis with a reputation of sanctity up to these times flourished. By this little book which lately by the Author's kindness I obtained it comes that now no more I require the catalog, by Eusebius Jordanus of Vicenza composed, about which above num. 43. From the aforesaid gleaning ampler I would add the series of the Generals in the following time created, unless this would be to anticipate the fuller history which we hope most accurate to be about to come forth.

§. VIII. The Acts for obtaining for B. Petrus de Pisis an Office and Mass.

[46] Whatever it is, which in that, in which Jordanus was writing time, the Order feared, to have been discussed happily, not only under Alexander VII's Pontificate, The conservation of the Order amid the perils of the years 1651 & 68, but also under his successor Clement IX, by whose authority however in the year 1668 were extinguished the Congregations of S. Georgius in Alga of Venice, and of the Brothers Jesuati, and of S. Jerome of Fiesole, as already he said; received refers the Procurator Massæus to the intercession of his holy Institutor B. Petrus de Pisis. The same to have been of the whole Congregation the sense, and even now to be, persuades an effort by public name applied, to a more religious worship for him to be obtained, it is ascribed to the intercession of B. Petrus; which from the said things appears for a Saint or Blessed always to have been held, from the very of his death time. In the year 1690 therefore the Procurator of the Order to the General Cardinals of the sacred Congregation of Rites set over a memorial offered, grateful for which benefit he that in order to a Mass and office to be obtained they should write to the Most Eminent Cardinal Vicar, and order to be formed a Process Compulsorial (as they call it at Rome) to which all to it conducing might be inserted: the Sacred moreover Congregation, to the supplicants' prayers kindly inclined, on the 11th of March rescribed to its Lord Secretary, that he should treat with the Most Holy for the signature of the Commission: to which consequently was offered the supplicants' booklet of this tenor:

[47] Most Blessed Father It is set forth humbly to Your Holiness, asks that to the same, as duly declared a Blessed or saint, by the devout Petitioners Hermits of B. Petrus de Pisis, that after the same Blessed had most holily lived, and a Congregation of Poor Hermits had instituted, happily to the heavenly homeland was called on the 17th of June 1435: Then the Apostolic See that very institute by several indults confirmed, and even by his own Motion of holy memory Blessed Pius the Fifth named Blessed Petrus de Pisis; with this honor him adorning, when he granted to the Congregation by him instituted all the Mendicants' Privileges, an office and Mass be decreed. through Constitution 125 of the very Blessed Pontiff, printed in the Bullarium, under the date the 30th of the Month of March 1571; and successively likewise by his own Motion of holy memory Clement VIII named Blessed Petrus de Pisis under the day the 7th of September, and the 23rd of December 1600, as is held in the constitution 70 of the same Pontiff, likewise in the Bullarium printed; Which naming of Blessed, the whole Church Catholic constantly assumed, so that commonly the same servant of God is named and reputed Blessed. There is extant moreover a most ancient book of constitutions, containing the history about the Life of Blessed Petrus de Pisis, with a narration of the remarkable miracles, which the same Blessed performed: And likewise there are extant several Effigies most ancient of the same Blessed, to public veneration in several churches exposed. Which thus standing the Petitioners most humbly supplicate Your Holiness, is designated a Cardinal Relator, that the cause and causes of Beatification of this kind with all and singular incidents, emergencies, dependencies annexed and connected even upon the Office and Mass celebrating to the honor of the same Blessed, to commit and to mandate He would deign to the sacred Rites Congregation: which, the Reverend Father Blessed Faith's Promoter being cited and heard, may proceed, with the faculty of deputing a Cardinal Ponens, and with all and singular faculties thereupon necessary and opportune even of subdelegating, if need be, whatever Judges in the Roman Curia and outside for forming processes compulsorial and remissorial thereupon necessary or opportune, to the form of the most recent decrees; with the Apostolic constitutions, and the rest to the contrary, so far as neither standing in the way whatsoever the state and merits of the cause sufficiently expressed being held.

[48] Hence is begun to be treated the cause; This was as if by a leap to proceed, and the Beatification or even Canonization, for such to be indulged of an Office and Mass, from the present of the Roman Curia usage to be premised, by an act to suppose. And so although the supplication aforesaid was referred, signed by the word Pleases P. on the 8th of April: since however to the Holy Congregation again it was supplicated, that from the force of the now signed concession for the knowledge of the Beatification, and of granting an Office and Mass, be designated a Cardinal, the cause duly about to set forth (they call him Ponens) the rescript upon that petition given, but as if still entire; to note it pleased as a cause still wholly entire, the manner which thereafter to be held was to be. Pisan (I believe because Pisan Petrus was) of the Beatification and Canonization of the servant of God Petrus de Pisis, called Blessed, of the Congregation of the Poor Hermits the Institutor. The rescript was of this kind: The Sacred Rites Congregation after the signed by our Most Holy Lord Alexander Pope VIII commission of the cause of Beatification and Canonization of the said servant of God Petrus de Pisis, and the Promoter of the faith is cited. called Blessed; judged as Ponens or Relator of the same cause to be able to be deputed the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal Casanate, with all, and singular faculties thereupon necessary and opportune, if to the Most Holy Lord it shall please. On the 20th of April 1690.

[49] This indeed nothing delaying, There was cited the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Prosper Bottinus Archbishop of Myra, of the Holy Faith Promoter to say against the commission by the hand of the most holy signed, and against the deputation of the Most Eminent Lord Casanate, by the Holy Congregation made, under the day the 22nd of the current month inasmuch as to be seen, to be admitted; and according to their form to be ordered to be proceeded to the aforesaid things, with insisting the Reverend Father Nicolaus Massæus, Procurator General of the Congregation of the Hermits of Blessed Petrus de Pisis: to which citation subscribes Sassius, of the Sacred Congregation Notary. The Promoter moreover nothing objecting so that less it could be proceeded, the proposed in this manner cause is. Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lords. After the Blessed Petrus Gambacurta de Pisis most holily had lived, and a Congregation of the Poor Hermits, under the invocation of S. Jerome, lawfully had instituted, happily to the heavenly Homeland an octogenarian migrated, in the year 1435, as in his life's history, briefly in ancient character described: supplicates today the Congregation of the hermits, by the same B. Petrus instituted, kindly to be indulged license, of celebrating an Office and Mass of the Common of a Confessor not a Pontiff, on the 17th day of June, on which God our Blessed to the heavens called.

It is established indeed about the Beatification through the enunciative of Blessed, and there are adduced reasons, by his own Motion emanating from Blessed Pius V, in his Constitution 125: which enunciative, by its specialties supported, we believe enough to prove the Beatification.

The 1st Specialty is in its origin, that such an enunciative came forth by his own Motion from a highest Pontiff power having over an enunciated Beatification; as we have the rule confirmed in Decision 688 num. 2, before Coccinus; 9411 num. 4 before Dunozottus, 192 num. 15 page 18; Decision 125; num. 3 before the Most Holy Reigning; and in these terms notes Matta about the Canonization of Saints part 4 chapter 23 below num. 9.

The 2nd Specialty is likewise in its origin, that the enunciative emanated from a Pontiff holy; and not except rashly would it be said, such a Pontiff from the slipperiness of speaking to have named Blessed, that is Beatified in glory, not having the necessary notices in the fact.

The 3rd Specialty likewise is in its Origin, that such an enunciative exceeds a hundred years, from the year 1571, as about an ancient enunciative of a Pope above a hundred years notes Mascardus Conclusion 622, of proof, at the word, enunciative num. 17. The Rota Decision 567 num. 16 page 5, Decision 747; num. 2 before Dunozottus 125, num. 3, before the most holy Reigning.

The 4th Specialty is in the progress; Because Clement VIII, by Constitution 70 twice by his own Motion named Blessed Petrus, and therefore the more is corroborated the proof of his Beatitude or Beatification, through repeated enunciatives, by his own Motion from the Apostolic See emanating, as in the Decisions already alleged.

The 5th is likewise in the progress; because the same naming of Blessed, toward our Blessed Petrus, the whole Church Catholic embraced; so that not except rashly would anyone today doubt, whether this servant of God is Blessed, or in eternal glory beatified.

The 6th is in the well-deserving subject. Because the same servant of God an Order Regular instituted under the name of the Poor Hermits, by the Apostolic See several times approved, and with privileges decorated, as in Constitution 13 of Sixtus the Fourth, 125 of Blessed Pius the Fourth, and 70 of Clement the Eighth; Nor is there doubt especially to be worshiped are the servants of God, of Orders Regular the Institutors, as of the holy Church of God well-deserving, and of the Apostolic office coadjutors.

The 7th Specialty is in the conjoined fact. Because there exist images most ancient of B. Petrus, with rays, or aureoles, exposed, namely in the church of Victory of Verona, in the church of the Rose of Ferrara, persuading to be granted what is sought in the church of the Magdalenes of Padua, and in the church of Venice; besides innumerable modern ones, in all other churches regular of our Congregation.

[50] The beatitude therefore or beatification proved, no remains doubt about the concession of the Office and Mass, for the Religious of the same habit, of the Common of a Confessor not a Pontiff, with examples of similar indulgence about other Blessed. as most humbly we supplicate; and as daily the sacred Congregation is wont to indulge for the Blessed by the Apostolic See approved. For as it is lawful such a Blessed publicly to venerate, through genuflections, and other acts external; so it is lawful to celebrate an Office and Mass with this sacred Senate consenting; inasmuch as, the genus of worship not varied, always is applied the same under the title of Blessed: Nay even if to the servants of God worship from time immemorial; or above a hundred years has been bestowed, without an Office, and a Mass, nonetheless this sacred Congregation kindly assumes the discretion of granting an office and a Mass, for this reason, that the possession and prescription of the honorific right, sought through one species of honor, is enough for another or other species in the same genus; as notes Porozius Observation 73 num. 136 of maintenance, the Rota Decision 903 num. before Burattus; and most recently in these terms, because an Office and a Mass does not exceed worship under the title of Blessed, assented this sacred Congregation in the Assisi cause, for Blessed Antonius of Stroncone the Franciscan, under the day the 30th of July 1689. Signed it was A. Bishop of Ostia Cardinal Cybo; and below, Laurentius Fliscus of the Holy Congregation of Rites Secretary. The abovewritten moreover the Holy Rites Congregation committed to the Most Eminent Lord Cardinal Casanate.

[51] Then furthermore it was supplicated in this manner, in Italian, as before always the language, with the responses however always in Latin given. Then furthermore is requested Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lords. The Procurator General of the Congregation of B. Petrus de Pisis, of Your Eminences the petitioner most humble, in the name of the aforesaid Congregation humbly sets forth, that already he has obtained from our Most Holy Lord the Commission of the Beatification and Worship most ancient of the said Blessed, with the vote preceding of this Holy Congregation; Therefore humbly he supplicates, that to the Cardinal Vicar be delegated the making of a Process Compulsorial in the Curia: in which will be adduced the ancient namings of Blessed, made by his own Motion by the highest Pontiffs Paul III Pius III and Clement VIII publicly received by the Church; and moreover will be produced the most ancient history of the Life and Miracles of the same Blessed, with his Institute. that the compulsorial Processes be formed, Moreover the same Petitioner supplicates, that Your Eminences may deign through letters of this sacred Congregation to write to the Lord Cardinal Archbishop of Naples, the said Patriarch of Venice, and to the Bishops or Vicars of Verona, of Padua and of Ferrara, that they may proceed to the deputation of a Promoter Fiscal, before whom the experts may recognize the pictures and sculptures old of the said Blessed, existing in the said cities: who to him all may transmit the Acts of recognitions by themselves made, which is obtained: with their responsory letters, just as at other times it has been practiced. To this moreover supplication is found the Rescript of the sacred Congregation of Rites under the day the 5th of August 1690, for B. Petrus de Pisis, in these words: Let there be made a Process before the Most Eminent Vicar; and also in the place where lies the body of the Servant of God, by the Ordinary of the place; in the rest however let there be given letters as is sought.

[52] These while in the Curial manner are done slowly, and several other similar causes, earlier in order, gradually are dispatched; it came to B. Juliana Falconeria of the Order of the Servants of B. Mary of Florence; whom when the Sacred Congregation, in the year interim it is provided lest the cause be favored by immemorial possession, 1693 on the 10th day of January, had judged, with standing various circumstances, not to be comprehended in the General Decree of the year 1628, and therefore to be able to be granted an Office and Mass … moreover it decreed, in the future to be observed to be the General Decree in a precise form; so that not should support an immemorial possession, unless proved in the same species of Office and mass, if to the Most Holy it shall please. unless for the same species of worship. He here assented on the 18th of October of the same year. We give the Life of that B. Juliana on the 19th of June: now we wish, that the obstacle, to the new honor of B. Petrus placed through such a clause, may not hinder so that less the Poor Hermits of him (although with a less powerful patronage upheld, than were the prayers of the Most Serene Eleonora of Austria Queen of Poland, of pious memory, and of the Most Excellent Prince of Liechtenstein then the Imperial Orator, by whose respect that one prevailed) we wish, I say, that even they partakers of their vows may become, the more just inasmuch as the Founders of Orders with a greater prerogative are wont in causes of this kind to rejoice.

June 17: 18 June