Magdalena Albrica

ON BL. MAGDALENA ALBRICA ABBESS OF BRUNATE AT COMO AMONG THE INSUBRIANS, OF THE ORDER OF HERMITS OF S. AUGUSTINE.

Magdalena Albrica, of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Como in Insubria (Bl.)

D. P. A.D. MCCCCLXV

When in year MCCCCXXX the General Chapter of the Hermit Order, at Mont-Pessulano in the Gallic Narbonese city celebrated, to Augustine the Roman Prior its General into a third six-year period had prorogued the office; To the Lombard Congregation supported by his authority and prudence John Rochus Portius of Pavia, an exceptional Theologian, undertook the Order, deflected from the vigor of its primaeval institute, in Cisalpine Gaul to be reduced to better form, as writes Joseph Pamphilus Bishop of Segni in the same Order's Chronicle. This was of the Lombard Congregation in Italy the beginning, with such success promoted, that Nicholas Crusenius in his Augustinian Monastic part 3 chapter 24, in his time, that is in year MDCXXIV, having counted says of the same Congregation in the same Italy monasteries eighty- four, in structure and revenues magnificent: of which yet most were more ancient. Such certainly was Brunate near Como, and from this descended of S. Trinity in the city of Como itself the monastery: she submits herself and her companions Magdalena, which that from the regimen of Canons of the Cathedral church to the Hermits' discipline they should pass, brought about B. Magdalena Albrica, Abbess of Brunate, about year MCCCCLV; the deed however confirming Pius II, finally their consent the Canons of Como in the fourth year after added.

[2] Thus with affairs settled lived Magdalena until the year MCCCCLXV, when in the month of May from this Life she migrated, continuously begun to be venerated as Blessed, whose Life by Lulmius coeval composed on account of miracles, which Abundius Raymundi of Como is said to have collected; just as also her life wrote Paul Ulmius or Lulmius, of Bergamo, which at Rome to have been printed in year MCCCCLXXXIV writes Gelsominius, in the Treasure of devotion to the Blessed Virgin page 152, with witness Herrera in his Augustinian Alphabet's part 2 page 56, lamenting that either by inertia lost, or in libraries hidden, to see he did not merit. We for the writing of Abundius from Como to be received in vain have labored, with applying for it his work, but with effect empty, lent Primus Aloysius de Tattis, of New Como Martyrology and History the author; not however for the other; for of this one an ecgraphum found in his MSS. that man of native antiquities most studious to us most promptly sent. The same also in the Annotations to the said Martyrology, after a long eulogy of Magdalena alleges authors as many as her with praise have mentioned, to whom could be added our friend Augustine Torellus, in the Centuries of Men and Women from the Augustinian Order illustrious in sanctity, twenty-eight years before published at Bologna than the said Martyrology came forth.

[3] That Abundius was contemporary with B. Magdalena, to presume I can rather than to prove: is given from a MS. about Paul it is established (as already said on the Life of B. Helen of Udine, XXIII April published) to have died first in year MCCCCXCIV, more than seventy years old, as Pamphilus says; who arguments of this his writing about Magdalena says he had from her familiars collected, and namely from Nicolas Zaffarone, of the monastery of S. Andrew before the received Augustinian Brothers Confessor, and from Fr. Augustine de Perlaschis, of Nicolas in the same office successor. From him therefore the written Life can mitigate the desire of the other little work; nor also is he who had both Hieronymus Borserius, and from a more recent Italian one and thence and from various scriptures of the very monastery the Life in the Italian language collected, and to the press gave in year MDCXXIV. This therefore in second place we would have made Latin, with cut off moral parerga, by which for the information of nuns it is widely extended, unless among MS. Lives, to our Heribert Rosweid once transmitted, we had found another certain Latin one, Life 2 is supplied. succinct and brief, from the same monastery's tablets excerpted and ten or fifteen years earlier composed, nor seen by Borserius; which through the addressed from him Annotations and Appendix could be supplied.

[4] As for the cult, requested by me through letters the Rector of our Como College, Ambrose Mary Spinola; in year MDCLXVII responded, That her Deposit above ground, Magdalena's cult as Blessed. and indeed honorably placed is preserved in the church of S. Julian, within the choir of the Nuns; who with a perpetually burning lamp at it foster, and in honor of her annually a Sacrifice of Mass to be celebrated take care of the Holy Spirit on day XIII May, 13 May. although Lulmius says she expired on the Ides of May, for which the following day XVI substituted Borserius, and following him the Author of the Martyrology: who consulted on this difference, responded, that wholly unexplored to him is by what argument the Nuns chose day XIII for the cult of Magdalena, since from the ancient monuments of theirs nothing certain on this matter is found: but he himself preferred XVI, as a day not of death, which the day before happened; but of Deposition and solemn obsequies, although on the eighth after day the body was committed to the earth, just as asserts Borserius. To us hitherto seemed more advisable, on that day on which Saints are more solemnly venerated to treat of them; which since it is done on XIII May, with Aloysius himself attesting (whose Martyrology, since on private authority only relying, nor for public uses of the Clergy of New Como among divine matters received, perhaps on the day of the Translation made in year 1595. did not change the more ancient rite) we hold the said day; therefore perhaps by the Nuns assumed, that the true day of death was hidden, and with certain knowledge was held, that on such day the body's sacred bones, already before by the Vicar Episcopal from the prior raised tomb, had been into the new tomb translated. Which if happened in year MDXCV, as Borserius writes; happened on the Eve of the Pentecostal festivity, then falling on XIV May. In year indeed MDXCII the nuns from the summit of mount Brunate, to its roots and the Abbatial monastery of S. Julian, not far from the city situated, migrated, says in his to us letter Aloysius; and this he says is established clearly, both from a Brief of Pope Clement VIII, and from the process of Felician Ninguarda Bishop of New Como: in addition in his Martyrology he asserts, that in year MDXCIII before Tobias Peregrinus, of the said Bishop General Vicar and of the Cathedral church Canon, was opened B. Magdalena's first tomb, and the sacred bones to S. Julian's translated. Nothing yet impedes, that not between this private, so to speak, translation, and another more solemn one, intervened a space of about a year and a half; while namely other many things, more necessary for the common use of Virgins, are composed, and with slower progress is finished the work of the new tomb.

[5] As for the rest of B. Magdalena's cult, adds Herrera, that there exist still her holy effigies, flashing with rays, in the church of S. Andrew and in the shrine of S. Augustine upon a certain column, images, which to those entering on the right hand stands, with this inscription, B. Magdalena of Como. We have seen also, says the same Herrera, in the Convent of Tolentino and in other Convents of Italy similar her icons. And these things after the body translated, as we said, before which time Hubert Senesis, in the Century of illustrious Hermits placing her, testifies that piously and religiously she is venerated, in the very place where she was first buried; where also an epitaph was read, to her, as to a most blessed Bishop placed by her elder brother Pierius: many also there were seen votive offerings, just as from the miracles related in the Life appears. Nor with such was content the affection of the Como people toward the Blessed, but about a solemn also Canonization to be procured they treated: estimation. of which matter, says in the proem Borserius, witnesses to me are certain suppliant petitions, among the writings of the Community preserved, by which with Leo X the supreme Pontiff (and so within the years MDXIII and XXI) was urged for the faculty of celebrating the feast: which petitions although offered they were not, on account of the condition of those times, most iniquitous for businesses of this kind to be perfected, yet prove what was the estimation of the people of her sanctity.

LIFE

By the Author P. F. Paul Lulmius of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine. From the MS. of the very Rev. Lord Primus Aloysius de Tattis. Magdalena Albrica, of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Como in Insubria (Bl.) BHL Number: 5132

AUTH. P. LULMIUS.

[1] With wonderful odor of religion and sanctity flourished B. Magdalena de Albricis, of Como, From infancy generous to the poor of Cisalpine Gaul a city. She still a girl, when in our Lord Jesus Christ's love she was carried, and with all mind his commandments traversed, a huge abundance of beans secretly to the poor distributing, the conjugal parents D. Livius and Margaret she led into religious admiration of her. Which since also with spiritual daily offices she proved, about the institute of B. Abbot Benedict to be chosen she thought: but in dreams by S. P. N. Augustine admonished, a certain solitude outside the walls of the city she approached, becomes a nun, where little by little with hairshirts and fasts the flesh wearing down, some adolescents she began to take in. By which it was brought about, that that place, which is called Brunas, perhaps from the horror of the mountain, against the opinion of all Ecclesiastics into a monastery was transformed; which afterwards, by Nicholas V, and Pius II supreme Pontiffs' authority, to the Cremensi Congregation, with Bianca Maria Duchess of Milan, with whom the Virgin's name was wonderfully heard, asking, was inscribed.

[2] Of this wonderful one very many things are reported. For the report is, by her prayers through the sign of the cross of farmers' wives two from fever to have escaped, she works miracles, and several others of male sex sick from the danger of death to have been rescued. All which by no means inflated her mind, since, the more day by day her own name to be increased she perceived, the more also and more humble was she known. Her parents had handed over to her revenues of a certain farm of Ponzatus on the boundary: but with Zaninus and Gasparinus her brothers using the dominion, the pensions for some years had been taken away: wherefore from door to door through nun servants for the monastery food to seek she was forced. Which since often had been done in vain, divinely food and drink before the doors of S. Andrew, divinely is fed, to whom the monastery's basilica had been dedicated, were found. Divinely also is reported, in supreme failure of rain, to remove thirst with unusual fruits she was refreshed, just as we have received from Andreoza and Helena her co-sisters, who that obtained assert in the month of August MCCCCXXX. The lawsuit at last settled, with help especially of Martin a, Bishop of Como, and of F. Bernardinus ^b of the Order of Minors restorer, and of Anthony de S. Germano ^c of the Dominican family in S. John Prior (whose most holy precepts at times consoled the Nuns of his Order) to the monastery, over which she presided, a farm with all rights was added.

[3] There the venerable Virgin, when by days and nights assiduously the church she frequented, a libidinous youth she converts: and wholly herself to the Lord in a holocaust offered; her cousin Pierius by name, with the torches of dishonest love toward a fellow nun subject to her inflamed, when Magdalena herself about the rigor of silence in regard to guests for the monastery's hospitalities to mitigate he was tempting; from God most good and great obtained, that he himself from the demon of darkness an Angel of light was made, which one thing, by weeping more than speaking, with him present she obtained. But this to perform she was wont from the sacred conversations of Priests; by which since to be affected in a wonderful manner she seemed, submitting herself to the Augustinian Hermits, herself a second time vowed. Hence the choice of her brothers of our Order, to the right reasoning of the Augustinian institute: which afterwards by Apostolic authority is confirmed. With slight food, and rough clothing she used: to that scarcely vegetables, to this scarcely wool of the lowest quality to apply she was accustomed, to the Cremensian ^d in each of the Order's restorers most similar, of the ancient little Hermits of Egypt an imitator not without admiration of all became. Priests, as ministers of the Most High, she revered, so that by their counsel from choir, and from sacred things she never abstained, although by pains sometimes oppressed most difficult: in bearing which, as also in adding ill-will of the envious, a heroine for the most part of the Christian was held. Which was proven, especially when about the monastery of S. Andrew to be removed, in difficult things she is tested. and the dwelling of the most holy Trinity subjected to her to be restricted, with the Milanese Prince from the suspicion of the leading men was being treated. For the City's decurions, Peter de Coquis, John de Lavizaris, and Anthony de Mugiasca above the rest, were opposing, lest the monastery with most ample buildings be illustrated, and lest this dwelling into a monastery, just as was done, be transformed. This one thing very many Virgins, who in such dwellings together were living, under institutes circulated between the world still and Religion, to the insignia of our Order to be assumed entirely she stirred up by vow: which also is attributed to certain male Tertiaries, near Como received. Indeed during the same time there to us numberless Nuns subscribed, and little by little nine Augustinian family monasteries of Nuns the City acquired.

[4] The Como people know, how many and what kind of injuries of storms through this little Handmaid of omnipotent God they have escaped: she excels in virtues: by whose prayers wars often interrupted, and seditions of peoples buried we have received. And indeed Pauls and Anthonys always having before her eyes (although accompanied) in solitude perpetually she lived: where neither either calamities of time, or the Virgins whom she nourished from the care of the poor would have held her feet; whose little cells to rescue them from misfortunes attentive she entered. Divine intention, and admirable in the fragile sex firmness! Idleness she punished with labor of hands, with vigils beyond the use of men dedicated. Of nothing she boasted: over nothing, unless it was heavenly, did she rejoice, of which last still monuments. The voice meanwhile of the administering spirit was heard, which her to suspicions against the cult of the true God and against the unique regimen of the Church to be undertaken impelled. But all that, forgetful of sex, on the basis of Apostolic faith she set. No ever with her empty petition, and no doubt in Religion: whatever was about those things, which at that time about the form of heavenly beatitude [e] were being agitated. As much crucified to the world, with the Cross also greatly she was delighted, either that the duties of prayers more safely she might fulfill, or that herself from earthly concupiscences more certain she might raise. A sign of this kind is seen still, which by her persuading on the highest summit of the mount near the monastery of S. Andrew was erected. to whom by example she is to others. Her pallor from fasts, charity to the poor, constancy in adversities, humility in prosperities, meekness in offices, modesty in obsequies, and at last fervor in religion, her co-Nuns subordinate to the highest perfection of virtues wonderfully kindled. Was added to these the speech with perpetual salt seasoned, and the prudence which from the cradle she had carried into household matters.

[5] From these therefore the name of sanctity from the West into the East she had acquired for herself, and with growing fame day by day began by the Leaders, also by Prelates of the church, to be held in esteem. No Indulgence to the Nuns was opened, which she herself also did not try to obtain, for this to Rome with Bernard her younger brother sent: no likewise spiritual for the powers of sex institute, the monastery with best laws she tempers. to which she also immediately did not adhere, where either by Apostolic authority published, or by the counsel of the wise at least examined and proposed she had perceived to have been. What laws to herself in the Order to be prescribed she had taken care, the same also perpetually she observed, and ordered to be observed. And since from earliest infancy from pomps she had abstained, she wished also at entry into Religion girls with garment almost religious to Religion to approach. Second, none did she admit, of whose moral rectitude was not established; that you would add, that her own Rule for the pure, not however for the penitent did. Third, those absent from choir voluntarily, to be punished at dinner she decreed. Fourth, none from sacred things, if it could be done, did she permit to be absent. Fifth, with seculars conversations for being well-off in any way she forbade; as also those things which for relaxation of mind among co-sisters were proposed. Sixth, only to the Roman Church to subscribe she affirmed; even though Churches other at times from the Hierarchy's norm should be detached ^f. Seventh, illusions of demons, allurements of senses, whisperings of flesh, and whatever of this kind is opposed to the spirit altogether to be removed she asserted; very many for this distributing medicines, which she herself had collected. For what by her own she had experienced powers, that also, as certain, to open to others often she was wont. Eighth, in contracts with the world only the equitable from direct use of process she assumed, the same also her Sisters through canonical petitions sometimes to teach was wont.

[6] With these and other very many [g] rules the handmaid was commanding: with whose sanctity's odor through neighboring regions poured forth, wonderful to say, with what alacrity Virgins equally and Widows, by nobility distinguished and with riches adorned, with more ample palaces despised, she exercises humility, to her flowed together, especially Milanese. Others moreover, with Magdalena inviting by proclamation, the same way of salvation, through which she herself proceeded, elsewhere snatched up, monasteries at their own expense built, and not only civil, but also rural places to the Augustinian Order added. In which course of time the regimen of others she administered, to be subordinate more than to preside she wished; and with fear rather than with swelling to be carried she suffered. The seats of the sick she many times washed, the feet of handmaids returning from outside often she cleaned, and cleaned kissed. With this spirit ruling, to ruling humility, to humility poverty, to poverty constancy, to constancy faith, and to faith finally love she added. Once and again, at two girls with words at least to be punished, who from her monastery had defected, tempted, herself rather with stricter vigils to punish she began, this contest only with silence to be able to be absolved affirming; that of the Order ⁱ of Humiliati to the rule to live they had chosen, although not for its glory, as the receivers of the same girls noted.

[7] There flourished a depraved among kindred at that time custom, by which closer ones only by the prayers of the closer safely to be able to commend themselves they thought. But when contrary to custom to Alberica guests took refuge, and externals running to her this only to magic arts or hypocrisy to be attributed they contended. Yet however Alberica, not at all this to be owed to herself for her humblest manner of living responded: Be far, asserting, be far those who me to the heavenly inscribe: for me with countless bonds of sins enwrapped and entangled I recognize, who with no prudence of mind disciples I instruct, with no ardor of piety I cherish, and with no kind of praying I raise: myself altogether of immortal glory unworthy I confess, who sisters, that with highest of mind toward God alacrity they may converse, at every moment do not exhort. I rejoice indeed at the names of Saints, but my own danger I deplore, since no my prayer of men ever has overcome malice, nor any familiar demon to yield has compelled. It is mine to take refuge with the dispensers of the Divine Word, mine also let it be to be horrified at the inquisitors of divine virtues. With these and other such assertions she was angered, and at these she was angry. in care of subordinates no less remiss But with growing thence the concourse of the pious she was not however forgetful of her Sisters, toward whom her first care always was: which that more easily she might obtain, several at times of the servants of the Leaders, who with deposited at the monastery's doors business entangled ^k to be deceived able, most easy thought, to elsewhere to be sent she ordered. Nor wonder if the Virgin from foreigners' affections and arts ^l was not removed from her own. For her heart was alien from any desire of the world, and her faith in the one Most High perpetually erect.

[8] But it pleases here some things about her piety toward God to recount, which entirely repeated for individual acts not shall seem. For when for almost fifty years in the patria's stadium she had run, and with deadly languor little by little she was failing, she wished often into the choir to be carried; where what with voice she could not, with spirit she perfected. Were present the Confessors, by whose precepts when to her cell she had returned, piously dies. for herself the Psalms to be read daily she took care. And when those all things, which singly in the way of living had been at hand, in such manner as could be done, for the supernal calling's prize to be foreknown, the religious witness had set forth; on the verse of the ninetieth Psalm; I am with him in tribulation, on the Ides of May she expired. Her body immediately into the monastery's basilica was carried, and with people coming through individual hours for some days she lacked burial. At last in a peculiar little place buried she began with the vows of the pious to be fortified, by which it was brought about that with notable eulogy a little later she was illustrated. I omit the benefits, which by her with God suffrage many faithful obtained, lest the Life's limits I seem to exceed. Let know however the cultivators of histories, that all those things, which here before eyes are placed, by approved and pious familiars of Magdalena were collected, and especially by Philosopher de Sala: who about her prudence which in infancy shone forth a metre published; from Nicolas Zaffarone, S. Antoninus's Rector, and of the monastery of S. Andrew, before received Brothers of our Order, Confessor; and from Fr. Augustine de Perlaschis, Nicolas's in the same office successor.

ANNOTATIONS.

LIFE II.

From a MS. sent to Rosweid. Magdalena Albrica, of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Como in Insubria (Bl.)

FROM A MS.

CHAPTER I.

Pious infancy of Magdalena: monastic life, and Prefecture.

[1] The Albrician people, by an old stem of antiquity renowned, but with the change of name ^a and divided into families, in different towns of Insubria are sought again: Born nobly, at Como however, which is a city in the last bay of Larius constituted, most illustrious it was: since also to the highest magistracy of the Republic Zaninus from the same people we read raised. But with the memory of many obscured, of Nicolas [b] the name eternal made the daughter Magdalena's virtue and sanctity by no means common. For scarcely born she of obscure future goods notes bore: with the use of sacred things and frequent speech to be taken and to delight, the delights of childish age to flee, and from infancy devoted to virtue, and if anything less modest she had perceived altogether to turn away, to the parents' commands easy herself to offer, wonderful at last among all of herself loves to excite. But above other adornments of virtues shone in her wonderful a certain charity toward the poor and afflicted, of which still in tender years the magnitude from this her deed you may conjecture.

[2] There was urging by chance through those [c] times divine the dearness of the harvest, the harvest distributed to the poor so that with food failing everywhere flocks of poor people, foul with squalid filth and almost killed by great emaciation, through the city wandered. One of these, quite numerous, with the parent gone out from home, Magdalena calls to herself, and a huge chest, well ^d filled with beans, with one largesse exhausts; soon dismisses the beggars. [e] Returning then the parent, she hears from him, that he had agreed for a certain price to sell that whole chest. Magdalena feared the parent's wrath, if the matter by chance was discovered: nor could it longer be hidden, since the buyer at every moment was expected. with prayers poured forth she restores it to the father. Therefore the whole matter to God carefully she commends, and into tears poured beseeches, that not herself to paternal fury he expose. The kind parent listens to the entreating Magdalena: who scarcely with conceived vows, the chest, with the same vegetables to the highest brim [f] full, beheld.

[3] With these and other rudiments of great virtues childhood having been spent, Deprived of parents when an orphan of both parents the funerals had left her; the flux of human things considering, what before she had esteemed little, now altogether to leave she resolves. Therefore having obtained from three brothers permission (as these from siblings without business is obtained) herself wholly in a monastery, which to D. Margaret has the name, outside the city's walls, and herself to S. Margaret's monastery about to receive, to God she resolves to dedicate. To this monastery a beginning made known of virtue and of celebrated sanctity women two most noble, Liberata and Faustina, who from the city there transferring themselves [g], as if from the deep of waves into a certain port, with a small house hired, with prayers and pious meditations all time passed in hidden: but shone forth true virtue, and with the new institute's odor spread, with the elders' authority approving, many to them of the same life companions joined: with whom then with certain institutes and laws to a more ample place migrating, was constituted the monastery.

[4] This place therefore, of virginity guard and of virtues palaestra she had chosen for herself Magdalena: but another for her dwelling divinely was being prepared, divinely she is ordered to go to Brunate, which in this most way is understood. She was proceeding by chance that into the discipline of nuns she be admitted; when suddenly a voice was sent from heaven, Magdalena, to elsewhere your journey turn, and to Brunate take yourself; there will be your dwelling. She stopped first, astonished at the matter or by novelty or by miracle. Moreover when nonetheless, fearing the snares of the most cunning enemy, she proceeded to go where she had begun; again and a third time the same heard voice, and with interior a certain sense the divine taught will ^h herself to Brunate she turned. Brunate is an undistinguished village, on that mount, which with vast wholly back to the East to the city is opposite, by the ancient religion of citizens ennobled. Fame indeed is that on that mount, besides Eusebius [i], Eutychius also a most holy Bishop once to withdraw was wont, that more freely, from pastoral cares removed, for himself and for God he might be free. The mount is by ascent steep and laborious, on whose highest summit fixed a huge Cross with pious often vows of dwellers is venerated. Brunate itself the village in a wooded place, to the Augustinian nuns: in the middle almost of the mount is situated. Hither there had transferred themselves of known probity women several, and with Eugene Roman [k] Pontiff approving, the nun life with certain laws sought from Augustine they were leading.

[5] In this school of virtue in a brief time great progress made ^l Magdalena, religious of religious discipline and of domestic institutes observer, among whom in virtue excelling and of all virtues diligent follower. But by a peculiar certain sense by perpetual contemplation of bitter Christ's tortures she was taken, since that fertile to be of all Christian examples seedbed she did not doubt. I grieve indeed that by the unlearned and incurious age's vice it has happened, that documents of virtues, which to glorious and fruitful imitation posterity could excite, of Magdalena, then of others also, in deeds done are missed; since miracles only annotated we read, which all admire, to imitate no one sane would dare. Moreover some traces of prudence remained. and from the same chosen Ministra For when from the most certain opinion of huge virtues, Ministra (so the Parthenon's Bishop they were calling) created [m] she had been, in the care of her own most diligently [n] she leaned. Were obeying through those times the Nuns to the Canons of the major shrine [o], who on appointed days for those in the use of sacred things their work placed: but indeed Magdalena prudently saw, that scarcely could by men, of religious institutes wholly ignorant, however otherwise pious, religious women be informed. Therefore when she had received, that some Parthenons [p] of Milan themselves to the Hermits of D. Augustine, who through those times in sanctity flourished, [subordinate hitherto to the Canons, she transfers to the discipline of the Hermits,] had transferred; she resolved, also herself in every way that from the Roman

Pontiff to obtain. Wherefore by the intercession of Bianca Visconti,

[q] who married to Magnus Sforza at Milan ruled; in a brief time of the vow having become possessor, with publicly consigned tablets, herself and her [r] Virgins to the Hermits' life [s] she transferred, with more abundant proceeding of religious discipline.

[6] She also met another inconvenience, lest the Virgins, who for the cause of asking alms to the town to go were wont, hindered often by storm at return, with strangers of dubious fame as guests to be forced to turn aside, a dwelling for them [t] she acquired. A garden [u] for pious uses gave Aloysius Sala: Philip [x] Visconti Duke of Milan from old ruins, for building a house, of cement as much as was sufficient. Coalesced then this lodging, and a true effected monastery it became [y], into which immediately was sent from Brunate a colony, only by the color of the head veil distinguished. It was attempted that all then into the city should descend, lest by sudden military incursions, which that age held infested, the Virgins should be exposed, too much to danger opposed. But Magdalena, by divine namely nod, there with many remained: in our at last age the monastery within the pomerium was constituted.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

Miracles granted to Magdalena while alive.

[7] Nor indeed much did Magdalena doubt trusting in divine help: I shall subjoin a singular ^a example. There was by chance the height of winter and with very deep snow blocked the entry into the city. Wherefore in the Parthenon in a brief time of domestic harvest the scarcity to be felt began, to the needy Sisters divinely bread and when the dinner hour was approaching, and there was nothing that could be set before the Virgins, the Promus to the Ministra flies, and showing on her face the conceived grief and fear, trembling expounds the matter. To hope well of divine providence orders Magdalena, and with the customary sign the Virgins to dinner to call. Obeyed she: nor this obedience, nor the Ministra trust in God deceived. Scarcely had they reclined, when suddenly at the door knocking is heard. Runs the doorkeeper, and a very large basket filled with the best bread she finds: and when who had brought it in vain with eyes and voice they sought; she recognized the divine generosity. And indeed untouched and by no traces violated the snows of the divine giver trust made. To this is not unlike the following. With most ardent heat the Virgins were tortured, when in a place lacking waters, all the springs by the summer heat had dried up: and to settle thirst cherries she obtains. and herself also Magdalena with thirst was burning then most: when to her one of the Virgins approaches, and help to the burning thirst some asks. Comforts gently the burning Magdalena; but when the more ardent force of evil consolation received none, into the domestic garden she goes out. Even the trees had dried, with raging from above intolerable sun's heat. Here on her knees falling her Father she begs, that the failing in thirst Virgins he should ripely assist; and behold immediately on a dry tree, and bare even of the leaves, very many cherries are seen, with whose healthful juice the thirst of each was extinguished.

[8] But through almost all kinds of miracles ranged Magdalena's virtue was: wherefore worth the effort it would be those, Of a kinsman in a state of sin divinely taught, which while among the living she was she did, first to put, then the rest just as we have found noted. A noble man had visited Magdalena, for the cause of duty and kinship. Him when Magdalena with grave crime bound divinely had received, with many tears she received him. He asks why she weeps; and when more sharply silent she pressed, at last Magdalena; Your, said she, death I lament. Was making light the man, from such thoughts most alien, the holy woman's response: for himself to be sound; nor any precursor of death and disease any in himself to perceive, with sound besides age to flourish: with prudent admonition she corrects. but if of himself by enemies built snares she had learned, let her not delay to detect: that he would bring it about that they of the conceived crime should repent. Here Magdalena, with great sigh having attested the conceived in mind grief, herself of eternal death to have spoken said, and proceeded to the man of the hidden crime notes and traces all to recount. Who at last, astonished by such a certain denunciation, when he that Magdalena only divinely to have received certainly knew, and by salutary fear of God agitated, thence with washed through sacred confession the soul's filth, of a Christian man worthy he established a life.

[9] There was a certain peasant, very impotent of wrath, with which once into rage almost turned, his most dear daughter for a slight cause her head, she heals a wound struck on the head, with axe driven, foully had cleft. Runs lifeless the mother, and her daughter to Magdalena carries, herself at her feet she casts, with great weeping help she implores. Magdalena after brief prayers the head fortified with the Christian sign with a veil binds, and in a moment cures the wound. With the same also sign of the cross virulent ulcers a certain peasant, whom raging atrociously plague had seized, suddenly drew over. Was going often Magdalena into neighboring villages, that the duty of Christian charity she might fulfill. and with the sign of the Cross pestilent ulcers Therefore into a hut, almost blinded with smoke, having entered, she met a woman [b] with two abscesses on the throat laboring: whose poverty and sufferings pitying, with impressed sign of the Cross, from all that pain and ulcer she freed: and since the matter could be hidden, since in an obscure hut it had been done, the woman she ordered the matter all even to her death diligently to keep silent [c]. With this same Cross one laboring with fevers in like manner she restored to health. and fevers. At Como was lying down a man indeed honest, and with pains most sharply was tortured. He hears by chance Magdalena passing by; and with conceived of her virtue not doubtful hope, himself at the door to be set he orders, passing by [d] he beseeches: she stopping with the customary sign of the Cross the fever immediately, and pain from the body drove away.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER III.

Death of Magdalena and miracles wrought at her invocation.

[10] With these things therefore done most illustrious, now plainly aged, by long-lasting and to her familiar disease afflicted, at last in year MCCCCLXV ^a to heaven flew, with great left to the Como people of herself [b] desire; she dies in year 1465. and with celebrated funeral by select men she was carried out, and in the same Parthenon buried with this added epigram:

To Magdalena Albrica [c] most blessed Bishop, who beyond religion increased by sanctimony, and miracles. This shrine most pious posterity erected.

PIERIUS ALBRICUS HIS SON SET UP.

In what year of age she died is uncertain: moreover when the noted largesse of beans falls in year MCCCCIX, it is not difficult to conjecture that she plainly an old woman yielded to fate.

[11] Continues the same fame of sanctimony and glory of miracles even to our age. At her invocation conflict between brothers is calmed, Some quite attested wonders here we bring forth. The brothers in the Albritia people, when into three parts to be divided was the inheritance, were foully in dissension, and the matter little by little had been brought to the point, that already on a determined day with the sword the dispute was to be ended. Was distressed of one [d] the wife both for her husband and her in-laws' danger: occurred to her Magdalena's well-known virtue; and no delay, of a certain vow [e] she makes herself responsible. A wonderful matter! suddenly by divine power the enraged minds to concord are recalled, and the whole matter quite familiarly with words is concluded. Alexander Sormannus, a Milanese noble, when as Knight he was on a journey, shaken from his horse with broken hip to the ground he is hurled. It was a solitary place: and at the tomb a broken leg is solidified. therefore for the gods' and men's help with most sad voices he was imploring. Run up nearby tilling the field peasants, and the man between hands to a neighboring village they carry. Many things (as is wont) saying about recent Magdalena's miracles, Alexander orders himself to be carried there. Scarcely to the tomb had he been carried, when suddenly with a vow undertaken altogether sound he appeared [f]. Baccolina was at Como, by a vow made to her she is healed of pestilence, who with raging through those places pestilence seized, was almost laid out. Dire altogether the disease's force, and present death to those seized. Were extinguished in the town not very crowded, scarcely with the first month rolling, of men over five thousand. She therefore with the help of Magdalena implored, unharmed escaped [g].

[12] But in John Baptist Pelizone Magdalena's virtue is ennobled by a double miracle. He with vitiated knees lame and deformed, when by chance he was [h] in childhood, to Como is carried by a parent; Who as a boy at the tomb began to walk straight, to Brunate he comes, and to the Bishop in arms he hands him over. She having received the infant to the little place together with the parent goes, then with high voice she orders the boy, through God's omnipotence and Magdalena's merits, immediately on straight steps to stand. A wonderful thing plainly! At the name of Magdalena every disease withdrew. To the same Pelizone now grown, in a different kind, present Magdalena's help happened to experience. Going on a journey he fell among robbers, who the man despoiled by no means content, now a man about to be killed by robbers with nefarious cruelty, altogether naked from clothes into a deserted hut well bound they cast: there often barbarously playful with brandished swords they terrify and threaten his throat almost they strike. He in vain to soften with tears the iron breasts of men trying, since nothing of hope remaining he saw, himself wholly to imploring divine help betakes; and old benefit's grateful memory made hope of new also to be received. the same invoked safe he escapes. Therefore not slowly Magdalena he implores: that his client in such great dangers she should not desert, he beseeches. Among these things the assassins outside to feasts withdraw, that then with innocent's blood through play they might abuse. But to Pelizone now all bonds spontaneously had fallen; and conveniently, with helping no doubt Magdalena, through woods naked he had escaped; and not much far to rustic huts brought, and given by the common charity a rough cloak, of the received benefit not ungrateful witness, himself to Como betook: and himself confessing guilty, vows he fulfilled, and then with offerings adorned the Parthenon with a daughter [i] also enriched.

[13] Not much after John Peter, by a demon possessed, she frees a possessed man appearing to him, miserably was tortured. And when by Christian rite the importunate possessor was being expelled, he cries out, himself only by Magdalena Albritia's commands from his possession would yield. The same night to John in sleep appeared Magdalena, in the dress of a nun, a burning torch in hand bearing; who the rebuked demon immediately drove away, with John no further such suffering [k]. With these things therefore and very many others Magdalena's fame increased; and Brunate so long was celebrated, and she is venerated as Blessed. as long as the sacred pledge there was preserved. For in past years the Nuns, ordered to migrate from there, with themselves also the sacred bones brought. She is seen painted [l] at Como in the temple of D. Augustine and in many places of the monastery; everywhere venerated, and by the ancient piety of the citizens held as Blessed.

ANNOTATIONS.

ANALECTA

From the Italian of Hieronymus Borserius.

Magdalena Albrica, of the Order of Hermits of S. Augustine, at Como in Insubria (Bl.)

FROM ITAL. OF BORSERIUS.

[15] Fr. Peter of Crema, in the sermon, which he composed about the praises of this blessed Nun, narrates, that with the holy Sacrifice of Mass so piously affected she was, that as often as in her monastery's church it was performed, Devotion to the Mass, she took care to be present, even if several on one day Priests came together, there either by externals brought, or by the fame of Magdalena herself attracted. Page 28 Fr. Paul Lulmius says, that over bare flesh she was wont to wear a rough from raw hemp cloth, in the form of a scapular, and it with a thick rope and somewhat knotty to bind: scapulars however of this kind, the use of hairshirt, in those parts sufficiently usual, supplied the defect of those, which now from the bristles of animals are woven, hairshirts. page 31

[16] To spiritual exercises fervent and assiduous, especially when she now to old age inclined, these things almost she observed daily. p. 117 At dawn fortifying herself with the sign of the Cross she bent her knees, and confessing her faults three kisses she affixed to the earth in honor of the most holy Trinity. pious by day Some hours then after, she inclined herself toward the image of the most blessed Virgin Mary, the purity of that heavenly Queen praising, and to her for maternal protection bestowed on her gave thanks. At noon she greeted another image of S. P. Augustine, and considered the dignity of his Rule, under which she served, asking to be taught its complete observance. With the day already inclined she turned herself to the figure of S. Mary Magdalene expressed on a tablet; and with the favors conferred upon her by the Son of God reflecting, she prayed that to her a salutary penance for her sins he would obtain. In the evening finally falling on her knees, she again confessed her own fault, and at night exercises: and her Custodian Angel's protection she sought. The night similarly she had divided into three parts: so that in its first part she invoked S. Michael the Archangel, the equity of divine justice considering, and her breast humbly striking; in the second, she turned herself to the Archangel Gabriel, desired the salvation of some soul, and ruminated the beginning of our redemption from the mouth of the most humble God-bearer brought forth: in the last, thanks she gave to all the Angels, them in some way binding with the embrace of arms, with an act of profound submission, with added firm purpose of mind about caring for on that day, as much as she could, her own spiritual progress.

[17] Writes Fr. Paul that so reverent she was of Priests, that outside Sacramental Confession with no one of them did she dare to speak alone; reverence toward priests, and so great trust in their suggestions she had, that counsels, even about least things, around the monastery's regimen given by them, she tried to commit to execution. p. 71 It happened once that one of them, after a sermon about divine things in the monastery held, thence withdrew; whom following Magdalena, nor knowing herself to be observed by anyone, did not seem to be able to be sated by kissing the traces, which to the earth he had impressed; thanks to God giving for the precepts, which through him to her and her own to bring he had deigned: and then falling on knees, so much there of time she expended praying, as he had filled in speaking, in this somewhat manner to repay to God wishing the received grace. Meanwhile of the Professed sisters two, who the whole matter had noted, of it the notice to the whole communicated convent. Which when she understood, of being detected grieving, most humbly she asked each, that not outside the monastery's ambit such a thing through them be divulged. Visited then by Martin, and the Como Bishop. then Bishop of Como, to him she fell at the knees, the extreme hem of his garment shyly kissing; and the same she rejoiced to be done by the other Sisters, whom soon after the Bishop's departure she called into the church, and ordered for such a favor thanks to be rendered to insist as long as, as long as his presence they had enjoyed. p. 73 There is one who adds, that often she was on this account visited by the blessed Fr. Anthony de S. Germano, She is visited by B. Anthony and S. Bernardine. from the order of S. Dominic, into which received about year MCCCCXXV he so much advanced to perfection, that in the monastery of S. John near Como established Prior, he became renowned with the grace of cures; whose other divinely conferred favors whoever wishes to know, let him read the life of S. Peter Martyr, by Archangelus Mancassone described. It is also said that to her came S. Bernardine, when he had come into Lombardy, the excessive license of the Duke of Milan to rebuke; and the region's monasteries singly he visited, the word of salvation in them preaching.

[18] Of singular especially modesty and humble mind. p. 76 she refuses to be praised, When therefore once to her had come for the cause of duty a certain man from Tuscany, and tried to compare her to Saint Clare and Catherine of Siena; she copiously began to weep. He however the begun discourse continuing; Happy me, said she, if through the steps in which these preceded I could even from afar follow: a useless servant I know myself of my Creator, to whom would that at least for greater debts I might give satisfaction! you with your prayers help me, I pray, that I may merit to be saved. Some adds, that through the same guest she took care, at Rome to be obtained for her of sins indulgence for the hour of death: but from the letters of Pierius and Bernard Albrici, is gathered, that an indulgence of this kind to her by her younger brother was procured. or to ask anything from the Duchess for herself or her own. Admonished once that from Bianca-Maria, Duchess of Milan, for her monastery she should ask certain neighboring estates, addicted to the fisc, she did not allow further mention to be made to herself of that matter, although it was easy to obtain from the Princess, who not rarely to her visiting came. With the same modesty she avoided, lest she be persuaded, that from this or that devout friend something of ornament she should obtain for her most poor church: she was wont to say, that splendor of this kind befitted urban or suburban churches, to whose frequenting often are attracted secular faithful by such apparatus; in eremitic or rural churches, which Parish were not, sufficed simple structure with cleanliness.

[19] Vehemently displeased her if any of the sisters came more slowly to choir, she punishes those late to choir: and her she ordered after the rest there to remain, while others were in the refectory: but if any was wholly absent, to her she enjoined one or another night without a cushion on bare straw to sleep. p. 47 Beyond the rule, common then to the Brunate sanctimonials, she established that to the holy Communion they should partake at least on the first Sunday of Lent and Advent, on the Lord's Birthday, she increases the days of ordinary Communion: Epiphany, Purification of the God-bearer, the feasts of the Annunciation, Resurrection, Ascension, Body of Christ, Nativity of B. John the Baptist, Assumption of Our Lady, S. Augustine, S. Michael, and All Saints. p. 49

[20] Patience in adversities she proved many times: but worthy of note especially is the case, for those slandered her in which before Francis Duke of Milan she was accused, that she praised the counsel of those, who under pretext of visiting the monastery of Brunate, for exploring the convenience of taking the neighboring city of Como were said to have abused, with suspicion in this only founded, that in some place, from which to the city the prospect lies open, they were noted to stop a little, and its situation to consider. p. 96 Did not flame up Magdalena into anger against accusers so unjust, although she knew it could happen, that this matter danger, not only of life to lose, but also of the monastery utterly to be overthrown might create: nor labor did she think, that her innocence she should prove to the Duke; piously she intercedes: but to the church she betook to pray for them, the rest to God she committed, as if certain from elsewhere to be detected the calumny's falsity. Nor was she frustrated of her hope: and when were thought to suffer the punishment of retaliation the rash accusers, she herself for the same solicitously interceded; and the matter whole with silence she took care to be enveloped, especially in her monastery, where she for some days fasted writes Fr. Paul, that God to the same placated she might render.

[21] Another grave persecution against God's handmaid was stirred up by two young men, for her detractors of whom the elder was seeking to be joined in matrimony with Catherine de Pioppia, only daughter of John, of the first then among the Como people authority: for they had persuaded themselves, although falsely, that she, desiring her monastery with Catherine's ample inheritance to enrich, not only would persuade, but almost would force to take the habit with herself. p. 98 Hence manifoldly they were detracting from the morals and conversation of the Blessed herself, all things to the worst dragging, and her fame as much as they could among citizens and externals darkening, that even thus the girl they might draw away from the proposal of taking up religion, of which not slight indications she gave. Took ill the matter the nuns, and admonished the Mother of seeking remedy: She prays God. she however replied, great thanks were to be given to God, who in this way them was proving; she however by no means would commit, that of injury done to herself with their own or their kindred should anyone complain; indeed she ordered that this matter with the deepest silence be pressed. Then to the church she betook, where to prayer fallen on knees, and into the deepest contemplation of heavenly things caught up, she remained without all motion, until her the Sisters coming up for dead to her cell carried out.

[22] Under these things spread the fame of Augustinian discipline, in the Brunate monastery flourishing again; by which not only were attracted women to its imitation, To Franciscan Tertiaries but also men to cultivating solitude. p. 68 Among these were Fr. Ambrose Gorla and Fr. Andrew Mairuolo, both professed under the habit of the third Order of S. Francis: who with great instance supplicated, that to them be permitted to lead the solitary life, in that part of the wood, which between Brunate and Como situated, from S. Donatus had its name. This faculty to them gave James Mansueti Bishop of Bibli and titular Abbot of S. Julian, in year MCCCCLVIII; but he restricted it to a space of XXV years, under an annual four pounds of wax and one pound of incense pension. Which then Martin Bishop of Como, in the name of Pope Pius II, as his Legate, confirmed: and from the consent of subsequent Abbots of S. Julian, she obtains a cave to be inhabited. the cave which there nature had made, was converted into a true convent of Brothers: to whom in year MDXV the noble church, there built consecrated John Anthony Volpi, also Bishop of Como, with no as is fitting to think more urgent respect, than that to those approaching B. Magdalena's tomb he should give convenience. Thus certainly to have judged seems Hieronymus Butius the notable Theologian, who while there as Guardian he acted, solicitously took care to annotate the graces, which to B. Magdalena's merits as received they were referring, however many through there passed and there turned aside as guests.

[23] Notable her toward wretches charity by most frequent examples could be noted: a few as a sample here will suffice. p. 38 she cures pestilence: A peasant infected with pestilence, as best he could, crawled to the monastery; and trusting to her well-known kindness, that she be called to him he asked. What evil he was suffering by indications not obscure knowing the Sister who at the door was watching, wished to drive him far away, lest by her presence the evil there he should bring: but came up Magdalena, and her there to remain ordered; and with the place of the disease and signs inspected to her cell she ran back, blessed oil she brought, and with it the wounds appearing on the arms she anointed, and so dismissed, within a few days he would be sound. There are who say immediately healed, but from the authentic relation of miracles, to which to add nothing I would wish, no more is elicited than now I have written. p. 39 A certain noble matron and nobly married, for a sterile she begs offspring: of about twenty years, since she conceived no children, was vehemently afflicted: and so by the fame of wonderful things, which through Magdalena to operate was said God, led, to Brunate she came, the necessity she expounded, the remedy she demanded. She prayed therefore for her Magdalena; nor in vain: for in a brief time with conceived offspring pregnant she, and at length the same happily brought forth to Brunate she carried, blessing for him from her asking, to whom she referred received. Then she with the boy received in arms, God, said she, who through his mercy without my merit this to you granted, to him let him bless; and so dismissed her. p. 89 A peasant woman of Brunate, she heals fevers: feeling that to the fever, with which she labored, head pain had been added, was praying God that he would help her: but soon entered to visit her Magdalena, and with made over the head of the sick the sign of the Cross drove away the pain, mitigated the fever, which itself also vanished within a few days, with admiration of all, who before to the wretched had ministered. The whole matter as it happened diffusely narrates Fr. Paul, asserting that he had it from the legitimate attestation of the very woman, found in writings.

[24] In year MCCCCLXV on day XVI May, the dead body they brought to the church, and extended over some tables, after death she lies in the church for eight days clothed in monastic ordinary garments. p. 136 But these were quickly torn apart by the faithful running together everywhere, cut from there particles for the sake of devotion wishing to keep: by whose importunity overcome the nuns thus unburied their Mother for the whole eight days left, and then at last in a peculiar tomb, specially in the church for her prepared, they buried. In the year MDXCV however, when their successors did not wish to depart from their old monastery without Relics of so holy a Mother, in year 1595 the bones to be translated emit a sweet smell. with permission of Superiors was opened the said tomb, and from it came forth an odor altogether heavenly. p. 140 Then Tobias Peregrinus, a little before Vicar General of Felicianus Bishop of Como and Canon of the Cathedral church, assisting this action, ordered that John Baptist Raimundi, Episcopal Notary, a public instrument of the whole matter should make, and he himself with his own hand transferred the holy bones into a small chest prepared for it; which then was carried to the Abbatial church of S. Julian, of which he himself then bore the Title. There also was translated a tablet of white marble, containing the epitaph and effigy of the Blessed, by a sculptor not unskilled so formed, that moderately above the equal background it stands out.

[25] Of those who before the said translation at Brunate recovered health, Before this at her tomb were cured abscesses, a Milanese infant was, as wrote P. Butius praised; whom from his parents' vow his nurse there had brought, three abscesses suffering, all lethal, from which in a moment he was freed. Martia Cernezza of Como, when for two months a huge in arm torture was scarcely now bearing, pain of arm, a silver arm to be offered to the Blessed she vowed: and quickly recovering, the vow she paid. Hippolyta, wife of John Donatus Paravicinus, in each childbirth wont to be in danger, Sister Angela Professed of the Brunate monastery asked, that herself she should commend to the intercession of the Blessed. danger of childbirth, Did she what she had been asked on XVI October in year MDLXIV, and on the next year on day VI August without difficulty bore Hippolyta a daughter, who to the same monastery bound herself afterwards, called Sister Octavia; and took care that the memory of the benefit authentic should exist in the monastery, as also a silver offering from the supreme will of her mother.

[26] Celia Mazaretta, two years after these things a dangerous in throat abscess suffering, grave wound, with a wound grave on the right side, proposed at the tomb of Magdalena a wax votive to offer, that by her intercession death she might escape: and not much after sound she rose, and coming to Brunate paid the vow; the matter however whole, as it was done, with described accurately circumstances individual, just as also Sister Octavia had done, described another Sister, called Constantia. Joseph Pansoi, born at Modoetia, pain of head, desiring to be freed from a vehement pain of head, with which for two years he had labored, and remembering that with himself he had a particle of the veil, which once the Blessed had used; the same with hand he led over the head in the form of a Cross. Which when often he had done, free he felt himself, to Brunate ran, for many hours at the tomb prayed; and to whose favor as received the grace he referred testified, with offered notable alms, and faithful narration of the matter done before the sanctimonials: who with most joyful mind hearing him, his words to writing they committed, as also several others favors of this kind, through the Blessed's invocation obtained.

[27] Bernard Carcanus, with poisoned dart wounded in throat, while at every hour death he awaited, a poisoned dart's blow, offered to B. Magdalena was, with a vow made through Lucretia Peregrina about a silver image at the tomb to be brought; which when there was brought, the wound coalesced, and vanished, what fear to all had instilled, the danger. To make the matter more attested the same Peregrina did, through writing kept with the nuns, in which she acknowledges herself also to have been favored with grace of the Blessed for herself and her husband, after similar vows: for she indeed suddenly was freed from grave stomach pain; and other infirmities, but her husband sound rose from the bed, in which he was lying dying. Through commendation of this kind also, made by Sister Helena Peregrina Professed of the same monastery, piously is believed of the same mother freed from a double pain, which her life had brought into danger, in year MDXC according to the register of the nuns: who did not omit to apply necessary to legitimate proof circumstances; but also memory of the same benefit particular keeps Louis Peregrinus, of Laws no less of Christ than of Justinian skilled.

May III: 14. May

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