Pancratius the Martyr

ON ST. PANCRATIUS THE MARTYR, AND ST. DIONYSIUS HIS UNCLE.

IN THE YEAR CCXCIII OR CCCIV

Pancratius Martyr, at Rome (St.) Dionysius Uncle at Rome (St.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

§. I. The Sacred Cult: The Acts of the martyrdom. The Church of St. Pancratius.

Just as the veneration of SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Roman Martyrs, in the Church of Rome does not exclude the cult of St. Pancratius the Martyr, The memory in the ancient Calendars, but at the same time in the same Ecclesiastical Office their feast is celebrated; so the sacred memory of them in the most ancient apographs of the Hieronymian Martyrology is joined in these words: At Rome of Nereus and Achilleus, and the birthday of S. Pancratius Mart. The same is done in the ancient Mss. Martyrologies the Reichenau, the Rheinau, the Augsburg, the Cassinese, the Altempsian and others. The Venerable Bede, in his genuine Martyrology, this elogium to him attributes: At Rome of S. Pancratius, who, when he was fourteen years old, under Diocletian completed his martyrdom by the cutting off of his head. Which plainly the same in their Martyrologies inserted Rabanus and Usuard with today's Roman Martyrology, but there is prefixed the Aurelian Way, as the wrestling-place of martyrdom. Ado these things subjoins: Whose body Octavilla, an illustrious woman, secretly by night taken up, with aromatics embalmed buried, on the fourth of the Ides of May. Which same things are read in Notker and in the Martyrology under the name of Bede supposititious. Similar things in the later Martyrologists are had. Ado then these things adds: On the same day of B. Dionysius, the uncle of the same Pancratius, by whose zeal the same Pancratius was both baptized and in the fear of God strengthened, to martyrdom was animated. He himself with heavenly rewards dear and worthy of God, in peace the day of this life closed. The same hand down Usuard, Notker, and the author of the supposititious Bede, and others more recent with the Roman Martyrology.

[2] The Acts of the Martyrdom from various Mss. we studied to obtain, on account of some diversity in the noting of the Emperors. Of all those alone we selected to be given, The Acts of the Martyrdom in ancient Mss. which we ourselves in a very ancient codex of ours have and transcribed received from the Mss. of the Windberg in Bavaria monastery and the Trier ones of St. Maximinus and St. Martin, the Saint-Omer one of the Cathedral church and another of the Queen of Sweden. The same in Mombritius two hundred years ago were printed, and in the Ms. of Grottaferrata among the Codices of the Vatican library kept under number 866 in Greek rendered are read under some diversity of phrase. But everywhere a common to all error crept in, while at the title of the Pope of Rome, perhaps without a name placed, was noted the name of Cornelius, such as in the time of Diocletian did not sit: and for which, all things considered, we would rather substitute, the name of Caius Pope of Rome, which also incorrectly written could have offered occasion to unlearned amanuenses of erring. Meanwhile this error sufficiently palpable followed with others Pamphilus the Monk, Presbyter of the Holy city ordained and servant of the holy resurrection of Christ our God in the Greek encomium of S. Soteris Virgin and Martyr, which at Florence we found and keep for a supplement of February, to be given on the X day of that month on which she is venerated. There presided over the Church St. Caius from the year CCLXXXIII, unto the year CCXCVI, whose Acts we illustrated on the XXII day of April, and some things from the Acts of S. Sebastian the Martyr on the XX of January we repeated. From these things at number 69 related these things more widely we deduce: Because no safe place could be found for fostering a hiding-place, was the conversion made by S. Caius the Pope? they all stayed with Castulus a certain Chamberlain of the palace, who Castulus there in the palace in an upper and very lofty place dwelt. But for this reason this dwelling was approved as suitable, because both Castulus himself with all his own was most Christian; and the law given concerning sacrifices, when everywhere with its fervor it raged, in those who to the palace adhered, because not even suspicion concerning them could be, was concealed. There were therefore, as we have said, all these staying with the holy Pope Caius at Castulus the Chamberlain's in the very upper parts of the palace. Thus far there. Now below at number 2 Dionysius and Pancratius came to the Royal-house of the holy Pope, which guarded Eusebius the Door-keeper, a man of all sanctity. So for above the palace, here Royal-house in the more ancient all the Mss. is written, for which in the more recent is read door. Then in the same Acts these things are added: There ascended moreover to them secretly religious men and religious women, and from the Saints divers graces of healings for themselves obtained: there a youth lifeless by S. Tiburtius healed baptized S. Caius with his parents, likewise others by S. Castulus converted S. Caius all baptizing to the number of the Saints associated. There also, from the Acts of S. Susanna Virgin and Martyr, are related the converted S. Thrason a most Christian togate, SS. Maximus Count of the private estate, Claudius his brother, Prepedigna this one's wife, Alexander and Cutias the sons afterwards Martyrs, whose Acts we illustrated on the XVIII of February. Conformable to these are the things which below at number 2 are said. Because a great persecution was for the Christians in those days, a certain Pope of Rome lay hidden in the street of Dionysius and Pancratius, and when Dionysius heard all the virtues which the Pope of Rome did, how the whole people from the worship of idols he removed, and to the right way and to eternal life led; so it was done that Dionysius, together with his nephew Pancratius, to his acquaintance came.

[3] the time of the martyr, in the year 293 By these considerations moved, the name of Caius into the Acts we inserted, and this here we admonish, lest prejudice be made, if perhaps other more certain monuments should be found, by which it should be proved, that the aforesaid Saints under S. Marcellinus the successor of Caius first came to Rome. For not of the first note are those Acts, nor in the very time of the martyrdom written, as is clear from the conclusion, in which it is said, At the same time suffered the Virgin Sotheris, and is added, Diocletian the ninth and Maximian the eighth being Emperors. Where if thou understand the year of the Empire the ninth and eighth, thou wilt not have the phrase of that age, but of a later, and the year of Christ CCXCIII. But if with the Greek interpreter thou read βασιλέυοντος μὲν Δια κλητιανοῦ ὑπαθείᾳ θ᾽ καὶ Μαξιμιανοῦ, so that it be understood that the Virgin suffered the Emperors Diocletian IX and Maximian VIII that is the ninth and eighth being Consuls, as at that time it would have been written, there will be indicated the year of Christ CCCIV and the last of those Emperors, or perhaps in the year 304 under Maximian Galerius. when each on the I of April, and indeed before the death of S. Sotheris, the Empire laid down, the one at Nicomedia, long absent from Rome, the other at Milan: therefore it ought to be reckoned, that those things which to Diocletian here are attributed, are to be understood of Maximian Galerius, the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian Herculius continuing: just as in similar Acts of the Martyrial Combats written afterwards we often find the name of Diocletian wrongly placed, when in the persecution of Diocletian someone who suffered was mentioned. It is to us sufficiently probable that the same happened in writing the contest of S. Pancratius: for thus the year will be said to be noted from some monument of that very age, but the rest according to the writer's ingenuity explained to be held. From the things said meanwhile falls the reasoning of others, who instead of Diocletian and Maximian intruded Valerian and Gallienus, as if then S. Cornelius had lived: who died the Emperors Gallus and Volusianus being Consuls in the year CCLIII, two years before in their place succeeded Valerian and Gallienus. Similar Acts, in which these Emperors were indicated, Other Acts omitted. elsewhere with a more polished style and with some amplifications adorned, from a Roman Ms. we received, which are omitted: as also others, which we have from the Ms. codex of Münster of Bernard Rottendorff, and another of the Queen of Sweden marked n. 13. In these are said the parents of S. Pancratius to have been Christians, and by them S. Pancratius in the Christian faith educated had persuaded Dionysius his uncle that the same faith was to be embraced: and then the rest from other Acts are subjoined, nor sufficiently coherent, so that they do not merit here to be printed.

[4] That S. Pancratius was beheaded on the Aurelian Way, and by Octabilla or Octavilla in a new sepulchre laid, the Acts have. The Church of St. Pancratius at the cemetery of Calepodius, There was on the same way the cemetery of S. Calepodius, concerning whom at his Acts we treated on the X of May. But that there was the cemetery of S. Calepodius at S. Pancratius, testify Cencius the Chamberlain and Peter Manlius, in the Catalogue of the Cemeteries at Paulus Aringhus book 2 of Subterranean Rome chapter 12 number 5. Pancirolius, because at Anastasius he reads in Felix I, that he constituted that over the sepulchres of the Martyrs Masses be celebrated; and in Felix II, that he made a basilica on the Aurelian Way when he was functioning with the honor of the Presbyterate, by the one founded an oratory, by the other enlarged he imagined to himself: the more prudent aforepraised Aringhus at number 13 says, that it is uncertain at what time chiefly or by whom was built the church over the cemetery of Calepodius: which however of the first beginning of that church Aringhus understands; because Anastasius the Librarian of the Lives of the Pontiffs attributes the perfection of that work to S. Symmachus the Pope, in whose Life these things he has: He made a basilica of the holy Martyr Agatha, on the Aurelian Way in the estate of Lardarius, and from the foundation with a font he constructed it, where he placed two silver arches. At the same time he made a basilica of S. Pancratius, where also he made a silver arch which weighed fifteen pounds. He made moreover in the same place a bath, where Aringhus notes that word, made, in Anastasius frequently, for restored, to be used. The Pontiff sat Symmachus from the year CCCCXCVIII unto the year DXIV. whence the so-called gate of S. Pancratius: Renowned moreover was the said church of S. Pancratius, so that from it the gate Janiculan, anciently called Aurelian, from the same Saint's name already of old to have been called the gate of S. Pancratius, testifies Procopius book I of the Gothic War of Justinian the Emperor. In great veneration also to have been S. Pancratius and his sacred relics in the said church preserved, attests Gregory Bishop of Tours book I of the miracles chapter 39 in these words. There is also not far from this City's wall also Pancratius the Martyr, in it perjury was not unpunished, very much in perjuries an avenger. At whose sepulchre if anyone's insane mind a vain oath shall wish to bring forth, before his sepulchre he approach, that is before unto the rails, which under the ark are had, where of the Clerics chanting the custom to stand is, he come; straightway either he is seized by a demon, or falling on the pavement he sends forth the spirit. For from this anyone the credibility of any matter from another shall wish to elicit, that the truth he may know, not otherwise unless to this basilica he sends. For they report that very many near the basilicas of the Apostles or of other Martyrs dwelling, not elsewhere for this necessity, except the temple seek of B. Pancratius, that by the censure of his severity publicly discerning, either hearing the truth they may believe, or for falsehood the judgment of the blessed Martyr they may experience.

[5] These things Gregory of Tours, than whom somewhat younger S. Gregory the Great Pope this very Church so greatly venerated, and by S. Gregory a Homily is had, that on the very birthday of S. Pancratius there a Homily XXVII, on Chapter XV of John, he had, which thus he concludes: At the Martyr's tomb we stand, who to the heavenly kingdom, from what death he came, we know. We if for Christ the body we do not lay down, at least the mind let us conquer. God is appeased by this sacrifice, and proves by the judgment of His piety the victory of our peace. For the contest of our body He beholds: and where after the conquerors He rewards, now while contending He helps Jesus Christ our Lord. The same Great Gregory, book 3 of the Register epistle 18, when the cult of S. Pancratius he noticed by the Clerics to be neglected, the said church to monks to be guarded handed over, the same restored by Honorius I and to their Abbot Maurus commended, these especially words to him writing: But also this above all let it be of thy care, that there, at the most sacred body of B. Pancratius, daily the work of God without doubt be performed. These things Gregory the Great: after whose death having elapsed years XXII presided Honorius, who, Anastasius being witness, made that is restored, the basilica of B. Pancratius the Martyr, on the Aurelian Way, at the second milestone from the ground, and adorned the sepulchre of him with silver, weighing a hundred and twenty pounds. Pancirolius thinks, that in that place by Leo X in the last century was instituted a station, and placed the Brothers of S. Ambrose at the grove called; but before he had said that Louis the Cardinal Torres Archbishop of Monreale in the year MDC VIII for the adornment of the same church wished it provided, the buildings being leveled to the ground, by which both that one's wings they darkened: but by his death the work stuck suspended; afterwards however (that is before the year MDCXXV in which he edited his book) certain translations of Saints there made, namely of SS. Malchus, Madianus and Goteria, of whom no other notice is had, under one of the altars; under the other, of SS. Victor and Corona, at Damascus who suffered, who on the XIV of May are venerated. Finally that from Aringhus we add, by Innocent X it is erected into an Abbatial. that the aforesaid church Innocent X Supreme Pontiff, when its care he noticed to be neglected, into an Abbatial, as formerly it was, title reduced, and to one of the sacred College of Cardinals commended: who the religious cult of the same church solicitously might care for and promote, the monks thence being removed of S. Ambrose, to whom the same church had been committed. But now that it has passed to the Discalced Carmelites is understood from the Sanctuary or Roman Menology of Charles Bartholomew Piazza, brought to light about the year 1675.

§ II. The sacred relics in various churches.

[6] The sacred Relics of S. Pancratius enriched very many and likewise ennobled the churches of the Christian world: but the principal mass of bones, which is still reckoned his Body, The Body in its own shrine is preserved under the greatest altar of the aforesaid his church, but the venerable Head of him is had in the most holy church of the Lateran, where, the Office of SS. Nereus and Achilleus being translated to the first day not impeded, S. Pancratius is venerated with a double rite, and all things are recited of the Common of one Martyr in the Paschal time, The Head in the Lateran, and at Mass is read the Creed. There is in that church an ancient Oratory of S. Pancratius, of which in the Annals of the ancients frequent mention to be made hands down Caesar Rasponus book I of the Lateran Patriarchate chapter 16. Piazza adds that the sacred head in the great fire of that church was conserved, and for three days sweated blood. That besides there is a tooth of S. Pancratius in the church of S. Clement and other Relics in other temples hands down Pancirolius in the Treasure of the city of Rome. But also through the neighborhood of the same City some part of those distributed and to the Albanians namely communicated he persuades, the Albanians in that the most ancient titular of that church was S. Pancratius: for thus at Anastasius the Librarian it is read in the life of Leo III: The Bishopric of Albano together with the church, which in the name of B. Pancratius was founded, through a certain negligence or carelessness, through diabolical undermings, after the matin lauds burnt, from the foundations unto the topmost roof was consumed: but the most clement and most skillful Pontiff, God inspiring from the Holy Spirit's inspiration, a firm foundation laying, in a wonderful manner the aforesaid church anew restored, and together with the repaired roofs God helping to a better state brought it.

[7] At Venice, Peter de Natalibus book 4 of the Catalogue chapter 56 some compendium of the Life not without faults hands down, and at the end adds these things: But now the said body at Venice in the monastery of S. Zacharias to rest by the Sisters of the same place is reported. Which on account of some of his Relics by the nuns so to be asserted, we judge. Concerning the Relics of this church we treated on the 7th of February at the Life of S. Theodore the Duke and Martyr §2 n. 37, where among other Relics also to be reckoned certain ones of S. Pancratius we said from Sabellicus and Sansovino. At Bologna, At Bologna also some Relics of S. Pancratius are preserved in the churches of S. Peter, S. Dominic and at the Nuns of Jesus Mary in the square Galleria writes Masinus in Bologna surveyed: nay what we wonder at, where the head of another Pancratius, first on this day he hands down that the Head of S. Pancratius the Martyr extracted from the cemetery of S. Saturninus, and by Alexander VII in the year MDCLX through the medium of Ambrose Landuccio of Siena, Bishop of Porphyreum, his Sacristan obtained, and at Bologna by Antony Ridolfi Vicar general Archiepiscopal, at the request of Charles Vannottus Notary, recognized in the year MDCLXII on the XV day of September, and deposited in the church of the Fathers Servites at S. George in Poggiali. These things there, which better to the said XV of September or another day would be referred, and would obtain cult, so that of the sacred Relics too great a confusion might be avoided. For of S. Pancratius, of whom here we treat, the body was deposited on the Aurelian Way, and from his there church the head formerly conveyed to the basilica or Patriarchate of the Lateran: and on the contrary the head of S. Pancratius to Bologna translated, lately was extracted from the cemetery of S. Saturninus on the Salarian Way: from which same or some other extracted to be believed can the body of some S. Pancratius the Martyr a Roman with which the Rector of the House of Probation formerly at Trier, of pious memory P. Panhauss, made more holy, before about ten years ago, as also at Trier, a chapel to the honor of S. Ignatius by himself adorned, with notable pomp thither those relics bringing, as he sometime wrote to us. P. James Kritzradt S. J. In the church and diocese of Milan a solemn veneration of S. Pancratius formerly to have been, we gather from a Missal in the year MDXXII printed and a Breviary of the year MDXXXIX, in which both a proper Mass and its particular Office is designated. other Relics to Milan Perhaps of this solemnity gave occasion S. Gregory the Great, who book 7 of the Register epistle 86 testifies that he to Fortunatus Bishop of Milan sent relics of S. Pancratius. And book 8 chapter 63 mentions a church in the city of Sicily Lilybaeum, to the honor of S. Pancratius and other Saints consecrated. That there is a church of the same in the diocese of Caleno hands down Michael the Monk in the Sanctuary of Capua page 502. But everywhere in the topographic of the Italian Provinces tables it is to be found various villages from S. Brancatius named, as the common Italic people pronounce the name of S. Pancratius: which widely diffused the cult of that Saint proves.

[8] To various also Gallican churches, that some Relics of S. Pancratius were conveyed is established. and conveyed into the Gauls, Saussay in the Gallican Martyrology on this day relates the birthday of S. Pancratius the Martyr, whose relics some, he says, by the gift of Pelagius the Pope, with many other Saints' Martyrs' pledges, into the Gauls to Marseille, with the coruscating splendor of miracles, were conveyed: as S. Gregory of Tours in his book of the glory of the Martyrs with grave relation commemorates chapter 83; namely that by the virtue of the relics a Deacon, from whose relation these things writes Gregory, with the rest crossing the sea, from a savage, which by the force of the winds had arisen, tempest free escaped. S. Gregory the Great book 5 of the Register epistle 50 testifies that he also Relics of S. Pancratius and other Saints sent to Palladius Bishop of Saintes, who a church to their honor had constructed. Besides S. Vitalianus the Pope some Relics of S. Pancratius the Martyr sent to S. Wandregisilus, who one of the four by himself constructed temples dedicated to S. Pancratius the Martyr, as is indicated in the Life of S. Wandregisilus, on the XXII day of July to be illustrated. Among the Relics, which S. Angilbertus Abbot of Centula for his church acquired, that there were some of S. Pancratius the Martyr is indicated on the XVIII of February after his Life, in the Writing of S. Angelbertus number 15.

[9] There were also Belgic Churches with the sacred Relics of S. Pancratius ennobled, and first the Church of Ghent, of which matter testimony of such kind offers Molanus in the Births of the Saints of Belgium on this XII of May in these words: There are in the year nine hundred eighty-fifth Relics of him from the City to the monastery of Ghent conveyed, likewise to Ghent in the year 985 through Erembold then a monk, afterwards Abbot, concerning whom very lately was found a testimony almost worn away, which for preserving the dignity of antiquity I will subjoin. Andrew the Abbot to Oduino the Abbot. In the name of the Lord. These are the Relics of S. Pancratius the Martyr, which transmitted Andrew the humble Abbot from the city of Rome to the monastery of the castle of Ghent, not for the sake of money, but for charity and the love of God and of neighbor, at the request also of the Lady Tetta the handmaid of God from the race of the English sprung. For she promised to us, that the mentioned Relics he should send into a holy place, where great veneration and daily the celebration of Masses they should have, that… of S. Pancratius the most blessed Martyr you may receive with great reverence and due honor, portions of his most sacred body, that is one portion of the back, another of the rib, a third of the leg, and may lay up in a holy place, where daily and without intermission with sacrifices, canticles and hymns it may be honored: but also we for the love of him among us may have a fraternity, and mindful may be of one another, whether in prayers or in the celebrations of Masses. Farewell in Christ Amen. But that these Relics of S. Pancratius lie in the casket of S. Lambert, is established from the visitation of Cornelius Jansen, first Bishop of Ghent. These things Molanus. The mentioned Erembold, is handed down to have lived unto the year MXVII, under which there the same put off this mortal life S. Macarius Archbishop of Antioch, in whose longer Life, on the X day of April edited, is handed down at number 63 the body of S. Macarius, that the people might have freer access, conveyed to the mount of S. Pancratius, near the city by the public way toward Dendermonde, where even now is seen a half-ruined altar, in which we believe these Relics of S. Pancratius to have been deposited, and thence with solemn pomp to the aforesaid monastery conveyed. But the said translation is inscribed in the Ms. Florarium on the XX day of October.

[10] Arnold Rayssius in the Belgic Hierogazophylacium hands down page 411 that some Relics of S. Pancratius are preserved at Douai in the Collegiate church of S. Peter, and page 495 also that some are at Mechlin in the church of the Society of Jesus, they are also at Douai, at Mechlin and page 260 that there were also formerly at Utrecht in the church collegiate of S. John. at Utrecht, But Molanus in the Births of the Saints of Belgium writes that his Relics were in the church of S. Salvator, and therefore his birthday is wont by the Clergy and people of the said diocese to be celebrated. with a church at Leiden, In this diocese was Leiden of the Batavians, in which the second temple was of S. Pancratius in the year MCCCXV dedicated, and it had a college of Canons, by John of Warnsberg Bishop of Utrecht in the year MCCCLXVIII instituted. At Cologne in the college of the Batavians, to SS. Willibrord and Boniface sacred, that there is a great bone of S. Pancratius, at Cologne also, and other relics in custody deposited, hands down Gelenius in the Admirable Cologne: who also writes that of the same S. Pancratius the Relics are kept in the church parochial of S. Lupus, likewise in the churches of the Canons of S. Antony, of the Fathers Carmelites, and of the nuns of S. Clare. Besides in the Agrippinensian Calendars the same Gelenius, as also Theodore Rhay in the illustrious souls of Jülich, Cleves, the Mountains, indicate that at Düsseldorf, in the prince's shrine, with great honor some Relics of S. Pancratius are venerated. at Trier, But at Trier in the church of S. Matthias that there are also some Relics of S. Pancratius in the principal altar, and another at the tomb of S. Matthias, we related at his Acts on the XXIV of February, chapter IV concerning the Relics. at Prague: But of the aforesaid churches of some it seems to be understood, that the translation of S. Pancratius the Martyr made to it is celebrated on the IV of April, according to the additions of Grevenus to Usuard printed at Cologne, as said in the Things Passed Over on that day. In the Metropolitan Church of Prague that there is a finger of S. Pancratius, a rib and other two notable parts, but when and by whom brought, it is not established, is indicated in the Diary of the Relics of the said Church. Which all Relics although of several Synonymous Martyrs to be we persuade ourselves, here however likewise to indicate we wished; because on this one day they are honored, on which one before the rest known occurs in the Calendars. So the Feast of S. Pancratius the Martyr a Roman is celebrated in the convent of S. Clare, in the city of Lusitania Guarda, in the district or comarca Beira, in that the venerable his relics, and in Lusitania. as he asserts in the Hagiology Lusitanian Cardosus, they received from Francis Saraiva, Priest and Secretary of Joseph de Mello, Agent of the Lusitanians in the Roman Curia, under the patronage of the Marquis de Vilhena, at the Supreme Pontiff for the Catholic King Legate, in the year MDXCIV from the cemetery of S. Calixtus dug out. But these Relics or Body, to be also of another S. Pancratius, is not to be doubted.

§. III. The cult of S. Pancratius in England and Bohemia.

[11] Into England together with the Christian faith introduced to have been the veneration of S. Pancratius the Martyr, At Canterbury the first Church is dedicated to S. Pancratius, from Mss. by Spelman in the Councils of Britain edited, we handed down on the XXIV of February after the Life of S. Ethelbert King of the men of Kent, where in this one's History of the Donations is handed down, that a shrine or idol-temple by the salutary counsel of the most blessed Augustine he caused from the defilements and filth of the Gentiles to be purged, and into an Ecclesiastical Synagogue to be changed, and caused in the name of Pancratius the Martyr to be dedicated: and this to be the first church by S. Augustine dedicated. To which these things adds Spelman page 114. That temple very fittingly to the most blessed Martyr Pancratius is dedicated: very fitting indeed and to reason congruous it seemed, that the boy Pancratius, who then at Rome (which is the mistress of the world) a Martyr so renowned was held, by the English especially should be venerated, for whom the English boys in the Roman forum of a milky whiteness for sale, caused Gregory, then Abbot of the monastery of S. Andrew, which he himself at Clivus-Scauri in the Roman city of the patrimony of S. Pancratius had founded, and the first Mass said, the devil resisting in vain. the English to the Angels to associate. But while the most blessed Augustine the first Mass in the same church celebrated, the enemy envying the purity of the English, through the boy Pancratius to be extended; and seeing himself from the house expelled, which through long times he had inhabited; the said church utterly to overthrow he strove: whose nails' scratching unto the present externally evidently in the eastern wall appears. He obtained therefore immediately, these things being performed, from King Ethelbert B. Augustine the same church of S. Pancratius, together with the land adjacent, in whose ground the King at his exhortation a church in honor of the Saints Peter and Paul from the foundations constructed. These things from ancient monuments Spelman. S. Vitalianus the Pope wished this veneration of S. Pancratius among the Anglo-Saxons to promote, while in letters to Oswiu King of the Northumbrians sent, Relics sent to King Oswiu, and by Bede book 3 of the History of the English chapter 29 related, to the same Relics of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of the holy Martyrs Lawrence, John and Paul, and of Gregory and Pancratius he caused to be delivered. From which all that of great merit was held S. Pancratius, and with eminent everywhere veneration cultivated, most certainly is established.

[12] Of the same S. Pancratius's cult and church in Bohemia among the Mayal Triumphs, in the year 1669 at Litomyšl edited, their author R. P. George Crugerius of the Society of Jesus thus writes on the present day. To his honor, as far as I know, the only temple in the whole kingdom in a free field before the Vyšehrad citadel of the same exempt church, its church near Vyšehrad in Bohemia, the first Provost Benedict erected: whence formerly, before the Hussite disturbances, to it always belonged the right of Patronage to the Vyšehrad Chapter. Memorable things concerning the same are had the following. The army of the Emperor Sigismund being slain and routed about the year of the Lord MCCCCXX by the Praguers and the Taborites, and that in the vicinity of the Pancratian church, and indeed on the very kalends of November, there fell among the rest of Bohemia and especially Moravia Barons not a few: nay also some more solemn Nobles of Hungary, among whom was also the Prince of Bosnia: of whom all the bodies, where were entombed in the year 1420 the Sigismundians slain by the Hussites, in the neighboring namely cemetery of D. Pancratius to the earth were committed. And indeed that of the slain in the faith Catholic's defense there might be a memory, and they might be helped by the piety among us customary, since they could not any longer the bodies, at least the souls, by a liberal altogether foundation the Hungarians' kinsmen by birth and by marriage provided. Of which the censual as it were monies, yearly for the sacred sacrifices of the Mass to be paid wont, even with us surviving brought to Prague we remember.

[13] The bell then the smaller bronze, by which to the Masses to be celebrated the Priest was called, and the bell, no one ringing, wont to sound to presage some disaster, and the same to be heard the people was wont, this also peculiar had, that as often as by no human hand, but Angelic without doubt it sounded; so often at Prague an imminent calamity it announced. Wherefore since by that ringing and sound extraordinary it never failed, always the credibility of the prediction among the credulous Praguers it found. Before the next Swedish invasion, and indeed of the lesser Prague's oppression to have been silent in every way was detected that fatal bell. By which silence without doubt God wished to intimate, that the Old- and New-Praguers by that calamity, the last and of the wars lasting thirty years terminative, should not be (let the enemies rage as much as they wished with cannon, and all extremes through so many assaults attempt) should not however be involved, much less overthrown. This however to so speak benefit did not exempt the Pancratian church from the last extermination, even after the Swede was driven away and the general peace concluded: because under pretext of too great nearness and of the occasion of receiving the enemies, if ever in that part they should rush in, by the General of Bohemia Rudolph Colloredo it was ordered to be destroyed, and with the earth to be leveled.

[14] But that fatal bronze when no one thereupon much cared so sonorous for years more or less five hundred sixty and some a memory, which now to the college of the Society is translated. there came finally to me of so renowned an antiquity to be conserved the desire. Wherefore by the good leave of the Professors and Doctors of the Academy Carolina, to whom last that church had pertained, the bell to our College of S. Clement I conveyed. In whose church, as we call it, German, even today for that very use, for which outside Prague it had hung, it sounds. Whether also that extraordinary prophecy will admonish by divine sound the city of the impending calamities, from me altogether and the rest of mortals escapes. Perhaps that assisting and mover of the Bell Angel, a good spirit indeed, because he forewarned and to penance led, the prescribed time of that labor being now terminated, since elsewhere translated is the bell, will rest. But if together to Prague it migrated and will move that bronze sometime, that it may speak customarily marvels; let, I beseech, from heaven move God the hearts of the Praguers, that they may respond, by which it may not be stirred up, but soften the anger of the Deity and plainly be appeased.

[15] In the Analects after the Acts of S. Thomas Aquinas §. 2 on the VII day of March, we treated fully of a similar little bell, similar ones also elsewhere. which in the convent of the Order of Preachers at Salerno, from love toward the holy Doctor still living constructed about the year MCCLXII, in the highest belfry of the same convent hung higher, than that without ladders anyone it could attain, is rung as often, as there anyone external or domestic is about to die, although no rope from it depends through which it could be moved by human hands. But also in Spain at Villela such a Bell to be found often to have heard I think I, and (unless memory deceives me) also to have read in the Natural History of our Nieremberg, which while these things are printed is not at hand.

ACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM

From very many ancient Mss.

Pancratius Martyr, at Rome (St.) Dionysius Uncle at Rome (St.)

BHL Number: 6421

FROM MSS.

[1] In those times an immense persecution for the Christians was, that to idols they should burn incense, under ^a Diocletian and Maximian the most wicked Emperors. But it was done ^b in the province of Phrygia in the city of Synnada, after the death of ^c Cleonius and his wife ^d Cyriada, who of noble lineage were sprung, [After the death of his parents S. Pancratius remains under the guardianship of Dionysius his uncle.] whose son was Pancratius. He since he was the only one to his parents, commended him his father, after the death of his mother, to his brother, by name Dionysius; adjuring him ^e by God Almighty and His great power and that of all the gods, that all his patrimony, whether there or in the City of Rome, whatsoever of the properties he was seen to have he should guard, and to no detestable cupidity an invader he should seem to be of his nephew, but as a worthy brother of the father in all things most pious he should show himself to him. But Dionysius as a most dear brother, so Pancratius began to love and esteem.

[2] And it was done after a triennium of time that to the city of Rome they hastened together. both having set out for Rome, And when there they tarried, they began to dwell in ^f the island Cuminian on ^g the Caelian mount with all their household in their estates. And because a great persecution was for the Christians in those days, a certain Pope of Rome, ^h by name Caius, lay hidden in the Street of Dionysius and Pancratius. And when Dionysius heard all the virtues, which Caius the Pope of Rome did, they approach the Roman Pontiff how the whole people from the worship of idols he removed; and to the right way and to eternal life led; so it was done, that the same Dionysius, together with his nephew Pancratius, to his acquaintance came. And they came to ⁱ the royal-house of S. Caius, which guarded Eusebius the door-keeper, a man of all sanctity, and asked him that they might merit by his acquaintance to be exalted. Which Eusebius also going enters to S. Caius saying: Lord Father, certain ones are before the doors, I know not who, most illustrious men: and they ask, that they may merit to thy beatitude to enter. To this B. Caius the Pope began with joy great to be filled, and prostrating himself in prayer said: Thanks to Thee I give Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, who me Thy lowest servant through the Holy Spirit to reveal them to deigned. And quickly he ordered them to enter to him. Who when they had been introduced, casting themselves at the feet of S. Caius they began to ask: that such a Lord they might merit to worship, and instructed in the faith they are baptized: as he himself also worshipped. And raising them the holy man, began them to embrace, declaring to them and instructing them all the heavenly divinity. But after days twenty [k] he baptized them and made them Christians: who imbued with the Sacrament of Christianity so began to fervor in the fear of God, that they themselves voluntary to the persecutors offered.

[3] Meanwhile it happened that after a few days went to the Lord Dionysius with heavenly rewards, after the death of Dionysius dear and worthy to God. When therefore too great an insanity was of the Pagans against the Christians, they began with too great fury to cry out saying, Most worthy and most Pious Emperors, take away from this city the magicians and cruel Christians, through whom the whole world is deceived and all your Kingdom will be subverted. Pancratius captured is led to Diocletian: Then indignant and with anger moved Diocletian; such a law gave, that if anyone of this sect should be found, without a hearing he should be punished: among whom is held, Pancratius. And when the persecutors had learned, who had held him, that of great birth he was sprung, these things to Diocletian Augustus they announced: who ordered him with all celerity to be brought to his palace. And when he had seen the face of Pancratius, began to be astonished Diocletian at such infancy, which thus by persevering to die would wish for Christ rather, than to idols to serve. And says to him Diocletian: Young lad, I counsel thee that by an evil death thou die not: because thy age, as sufficiently is clear, is not more, than thrice five years, and because of a noble lineage thou art born, from a father Cleonius, who to me sufficiently most friendly and dear was. And this for thee I wish to wring out, that thou recede from that insanity of the Christians, to his promises and threats undismayed, and render thyself to thy birth, on account of which thee more magnificent and richer I will make, that from my side thou be not alien, but as a son thee I may have. But if to thee the words of my piety shall have displeased, I order thee to be slain, and thy body to be burned, lest perchance there come Christians, and they themselves make thee a Martyr for themselves. To whom B. Pancratius said: Do not vainly err, Lord Emperor, that as if seeing a boy of years fourteen, thou shouldst believe me to have knowledge or sense less. Our Lord Jesus Christ such understanding to us has deigned to give, that all the terror of your Princes or Judges so much is among us, as that picture which we see. For thy gods and goddesses, whom thou exhortest that I worship, are demons, deceivers, who their own parents did not spare, and their own sisters as ravishers defiled. Such demons, Emperor, I wonder, that it is not to thee a deformity to worship: which if today thy servants thou shouldst know such, by thy right with unheard-of torment thou wouldst order to be slain.

[4] he is beheaded. Then ordered him Diocletian the Emperor to be led into the Aurelian Way, and there to undergo a capital sentence: because shameful to him it was that by such a boy he should be overcome and dishonored. Led ^l therefore was the most blessed athlete of Christ Pancratius into the Aurelian Way, and as it had been ordered beheaded, Martyrdom constantly he received. Then his body by Octabilla was taken up secretly by night: and embalmed with aromatics and in most worthy linens wrapped, she buried it in a sepulchre new on the fourth of the Ides of May. [m] But at the same time suffered the most holy Virgin, [n] Sotheris by name, of noble lineage sprung, Diocletian the ninth and [o] Maximian the eighth being Emperors, our Lord Jesus Christ reigning, to whom is honor and glory unto ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS

k. Pamphilus thirty.