ON ST. ROLENDIS THE VIRGIN OF GERPINNES IN THE COUNTY OF NAMUR.
VII OR VIII CENTURY.
PrefaceRolendis the Virgin, of Gerpinnes in the County of Namur (St.)
G. H.
Namur, a city now Episcopal at the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Sambre, is the head of a County, accustomed to be numbered among the Belgian provinces. Under this is reckoned Gerpinnes, a celebrated village between Thuin and Fosses towns, Sacred cult of the Lomacian once territory between Sambre and Meuse, of the Bovinian Deanery, from Namur about five leagues but scarcely two distant from Fosses. Great and altogether worthy of praise is the religion of this people toward St. Rolendis the Virgin. Of this matter trust is made by the temple and especially the choir elegantly arched, under which more secret subterranean places with equal artifice arched are seen. In this temple her body rests, for whose greater veneration a silver casket skillfully made was, on each side gilded, by the same Gerpinnes people with notable liberality cared: into which the Most Reverend Lord James Blasaeus, and translation of the body into a new casket, Bishop of Namur, the holy Virgin's bones in year MDXCIX on this XIII May, on which she is venerated, reverently transposed, in the presence of Aegidius Monaeus Priest of the Society of Jesus, who attests these things in his on the Saints of Namur MS. history.
[2] The memory of St. Rolendis on this XIII May is noted in MS. Florarium of Saints in these words: memory in the Fasti, On the same day of Rolenda, otherwise Dolendis, Virgin, who the iliac passion and vice of stone is wont to heal. Greven Carthusian of Cologne, in additions to Usuard in year MDXV and MDXXI printed, these things commemorates: Of Rolenda the Virgin, who is wont to be invoked against iliac passion and stone. Molanus in the first edition of the Auctarium to Usuard, adds: Whose body rests at Gerpinnes in the diocese of Namur. Similar things are read in the German Martyrology of Canisius, the Gallican of Saussaius, and another in French at Liège in year MDCXXIV published, likewise in the Belgian Fasti of Miraeus, and the Cologne ones of Gelenius. Arnold Rayssius in Hierogazophylacium Belgicum page 230 these things writes: The body of S. Rolendis Virgin Gallican, who fleeing the nuptials of a powerful suitor, at Gerpinnes piously died. Annually on Paschal feasts (in Molanus on Pentecostal) the bier with silver chiseled, annual procession, in which the holy Virgin's spoils are kept, through the parish circuit processionally is carried. That supplication to five thousand paces extends, so that with the sacred things after midnight completed, about the morning twilight to the journey, with great also crowd of people flowing together, it advances. Near the chapel dedicated in her honor is seen a mausoleum, where this Virgin to the earth was committed, raised four or more feet from the earth, from black and most polished marble engraved with these letters: Divine Rolendis, daughter of the highest Desiderius King of Gaul, my here bones rested. epitaph, I cure strangury by God's permission, hernia, blindness, besides other languors. Implore me, who lack my works.
[3] Thus there and with great simplicity placed. Where for daughter of King, we judge it should be read of some Dynast in Gaul. The name however of Desiderius was among the Gauls most frequent. Hence Bishops by said name called sat at Thérouanne, Auxerre, Chalon, Cahors, Langres, Vienne and other Gallic cities. Whether the father a dynast of Mont Desire in the vicinity, Mentions also Gregory of Tours Desiderius the Duke, but who long before had lived. There is also a town in upper Picardy Desiderius's mountain, or Mondidier called, in the middle between Amiens and Compiègne. But why so far divining do we wander? In the very tract of which we treat near the Sambre, between Fosses and Marchiennes-au Pont, in a small interval of four leagues, are found all the places, of which in this Legend mention is made: for of the said Marchiennes, across the Hure rivulet, in the space of one league lie other Marchiennes, on Mount Desire placed, commonly Mon-desir Marchiennes. This the Saint's homeland if we shall say, her flight to the next of Villaris by Poteria surnamed town, commonly Villers la potry, journey scarcely more than one league shall have been: and thence having reached Gerpinnes, half or a little more league distant, but one from Fosses league, there made infirm she would have died: but all these things would augment in immense tradition; and from the longinquity of lands, through which brought, and the power of the stock from which born, and even of the suitor by whom sought with Royal condition, would have added to the narration's admirableness so much greater, the more from probability it took away. Nor from too far would have come the mother, the daughter's tomb to venerate, and thence about to go to Fosses to St. Foillanus, and there to make her offering. Thus straight a journey was instituted toward Cologne. But these things to further discussion we propose to the very Gerpinnes people and Namur. Thomas Dempsterus in the Scottish Menology on XIV May, At Gerpinnes, he says, between Thuin and Fosses, of Rolendis the Virgin: who in Gaul of noble parents born, when by the son of the King of the Scots into a wife she was sought, preferred to be married to Christ, to whom in flight from the earthly Spouse she migrated. The same Thomas Dempsterus on XIII June: At Gerpinnes, the elevation of Rolendis through Obertus the Liège Bishop.
[4] Further to here pertains, that Molanus in the Natalia Sanctorum Belgii indicates in these words: Bull of canonization lost. That he saw a canonical letter, but with many others in a sudden conflagration of the temple perished, namely, as on Molanus observe the Doctors of Douai, in year MDL. Whence, adds Molanus, to them only remains the history, or Life of St. Rolendis: which under the premised caution we give from MSS. of Canons Regular of the monasteries of Rouge-Cloitre near Brussels, and Corsendonk near Turnhout; in which was lacking the Prologue. The same Life, but contracted, has Monaeus in the cited MS. history of the Saints of Namur. The same, but more complete, published in year MDCXX Crispinus Paradis, Plebanus of the place, from a most ancient MS. Codex of the place itself, Life from MSS. which in book 9 of the History of St. Ursula chapter 6 inserted Hermann Crombach. This last is in better style by posterity corrected. The author lived after much time elapsed from the elevation of the body, near the beginning of the twelfth century made: therefore four or five after the age of St. Rolendis centuries, so it is not wonder if the lineage of this Virgin he could not obtain. The same, with him seeing, testifies one or another miracle wrought.
LIFE
From various MS. codices.
Rolendis the Virgin, of Gerpinnes in the County of Namur (St.)
BHL Number: 7293
FROM MSS.
[1] As a mirror of admiration and incitement of imitation Prologue are set before us examples of holy Virgins, with the Lord suggesting, that he who can grasp may grasp. For they themselves variously contended manfully, against the world, the flesh and the devil, in the present exile's course, for the prize of eternal retribution, preferring to keep the seal of chastity inviolate rather, than that with the pleasantness of temporal life to defile. Of whose number was the renowned Virgin Rolendis, who consummated in brief filled long times: for pleasing was to God her soul. Of her therefore deeds compendiously we subjoin, that in her miracles copiously we may range.
[2] There was a man by birth illustrious, in dignity reverend, named a Desiderius: who born of noble stock, and renowned heir of Royal majesty, the Gallic peoples ruled: who while of age still tender with so great empire shone, Born of noble stock, moved by love of begetting offspring, to so great Highness a worthy and from the nobility of ancient Kings descended consort most honest joined to himself by legal bond. He indeed attentive to nature with most temperate desire, an only daughter, named Rolendis, merited to beget. The said father, however, smiling on her birth's primordial favor, her, as if to the empire of the Gauls destined, with royal nourishments instituted to be educated. She at last grown up with bright light bedewed the whole province: for faith burned in her breast, for fame of virtues and honesty of manners renowned, and the dignity of religion shone on her face. By how great a higher step over the choirs of other Virgins she preeminent, by so much more generous in the flower of virtues and more lucid in honesty of manners she appeared. Therefore by fame renewing, than which nothing is swifter, the name of so great a Virgin and the wonderful discretion of her life, not only of Latin Princes, but also of noble Kings in remote borders ears intent with all vigilance of praises she moved.
[3] At length the son of the King b of Scotland, a most approved Soldier, with common proclamation her praises perceiving, in love of her immediately burst into flame; by the son of the King of Scotland sought as bride, and the flower of military service in Gallic parts with frequent use exercising, that of beloved Rolendis he might enjoy converse, into Desiderius her father's court at length entered. By that very Prince therefore, both for the sake of hospitality and out of reverence of so great a man received, by the blessed Virgin, who with all intention and all powers daily to her Creator service rendered, and royal pomps had decided to renounce, was neglected. The youth said therefore much more by the love of the marriage torch was compelled, that the lilies of incorrupt virginity he might enjoy, and that very Virgin to himself as wife to be given in matrimony he might demand. Her father however over this matter with brief counsel taken, with all the court applauding, worthy of so great honor for himself adopting a son-in-law, the company of noble men relying upon, to the lover's vow consented. The Virgin however a perfect work to God exhibiting, that among the perfect followers of Christ to be numbered she might merit, nothing of her own retaining, but the kingdom and royal insignia as transitory despising and reproaching, with simple only garment content, and few (namely three, she meditates flight: a maid and two servants) accompanying, that the bond of earthly stain she might flee, took up the way of Christ at night. On the way therefore of the commandments of God delighted to walk, the obstacles of the world from herself utterly took care to cast off; and despising all the world's pomps and delights, to the heavenly she was eager to cling commandments; deeming it a special, to keep the commandment of the Lord and to penetrate his precious mystery, asking with all her heart the Lord, that the steps of her mind he would direct, that she could keep his justification.
[4] But Rolendis had heard, that of eleven thousand Virgins at Cologne [c] a fellowship was joined: about to go to Cologne to the Ursulan virgins, of whose love with ardent zeal struck, desiring to go on pilgrimage, to the Eastern region she transferred herself: who greatly to this strove, that the bride to the bridegroom (namely God, whom she had loved, in whom she had believed) with them she might merit to embrace. While however the village present's site, as if by a direct path and tempered march, she was crossing; with the sun in the southern region almost tarrying; by these three, who for her cause to whatever punishments to be tolerated had been destined, that she for herself rest for the pathlessness of the ways' space wearied in the Gerpinnes village should take, with sweet admonition was compelled. She however to the city of Cologne with all effort aspiring, by no means wished to delay, on the way seized by disease, but lest by some chance investigated she be delayed from the begun journey, as quickly as possible going out, to a tree at that time of maple, from whose name d the place still is so called, with too great tired step and now almost with the body's strengths from unaccustomed labor consumed, ailing she came: and there, with the heavy pressure of the contracted infirmity compelling, with no admonition forced, she sat down. Her present little family, with sweet outpouring of tears affording her solace, that the body's strengths from a nightly taken rest she might restore, the cause of seeking lodging again raised: with whose vow the Virgin most loving, distrusting her health, eagerly however and most promptly consented. Therefore having entered a more fortified village, which by Roman f name g Viliers is called, and at Villaris for 8 days forced to remain, honest lodging for herself, with the said cause since the necessity of the sick and the proximity of night demanded, she there obtained. There at length by the said retainers faithfully sustained she was carried. Where according to the country's possibility kindly received by some peasant, with the night's gloom departing as soon as dawn arose, from the said country attempting to depart, and aspiring to the castle of Fosses, that at least closer to the sought Virgins she might be, and that safer in it rest she might take, she could not go away; but with graver time afflicted, there for eight days remained. At last the royal Virgin, who so many and so great kinds of faculties to strangers to be possessed had left, the debt of human flesh content with brief shelter paid. holily dies. By Angelic choirs therefore solemnly received, into the bosom of the true Spouse, to whom the flower of virginity inviolate she had preserved, was placed. He is, whose kisses are chaste, the touch sacred, the love honest, finally that one is altogether heavenly,
Who darkens snowy modesty with no stain. But preserves chaste honor with chaste love.
[5] The true Spouse himself and source of all purity overflowing, that to most beloved his Rolendis's sanctity as much to those present as to absent and future may become known, A blind man is illuminated: a certain man deprived of light, to so great a Virgin's body to go compelled, with hope of recovering light conceived, before her with bent knee prostrated restored to brightness. With the truth of this miracle perceived, the host, congratulating so great a hostess, that one who had been blind to the mother church, [h] of Gerpinnes namely, with many gazing at him admiring rejoicing, sent. The aforesaid church, when i with the signs of this miracle the novelty resounding and resounding, the sons of the same church, The body brought to Gerpinnes, at that time in soldiery and probity distinguished and very flourishing, called to itself, and most devotedly united. With the truth utterly examined, with all reverence and devotion of tears and bare feet, to the most holy Virgin's body reverently to be carried, by Clerics and Soldiers and most honest men, with whom this village then flourished, was hastened. Which honorably by the elders and reverend men carried, in the said church, on the right part of the temple, in a venerable mausoleum was consecrated and preserved. To whose tomb flashing with manifold kind of miracles, an infinite people, it shines with miracles and a flow of oil, even from remote regions, both for the stain of body and for cleansing the blindness of mind most eagerly ran. The virgin body was dripping with sacred oil with a transcending copiousness; with whose gentle touch the wounds of the languishing were cured. It happened that a certain importunate man and of hard neck, from so great a multitude of nations on account of pressure of time complaining, the sacred oil on the ground with a phial poured: of which pouring out punishment upon him and posterity of his origin, k with knots in their hands inborn redounded, and the oil itself in the Virgin in no way appeared. Christ however, for the merits of faith worthy to the worthy repaying rewards, his elect's coffin of miracles did not deprive of glory.
[6] After the return of the maid and servant to their country, In the meantime however the mother, deprived of solace of her only daughter, very many regions to her seeking to be investigated had ordered: which at last by many, by her also handmaid and by another retainer of the said Virgin, who after her decease, taken by the sweetness of native soil, to the paternal home had returned, more truly was certified. One of the servants, indeed the blessed Virgin glad to flash with so many miracles, that from her for servile yoke both of body and of soul health he might obtain, in the days of his life to her to minister had vowed: and on this account, numbered with the blessed Virgin, of his country the borders never to see further desired: but with desire of parents and consolation of all friends postponed, faithfully there remained: at last however prevented by death, in the same church honorably was buried. from the garment offered by the mother, But the mother by the daughter's sanctity to her grief bringing remedy, having prepared the journey's provisions, by filial love taken, to her tomb with most honest retinue arrived: but because recently still it was composed, with only air's covering surrounded she found. Seeing therefore it exposed to winds and suns, and to rain and hail subjected, both for the worthiness of miracles and solemnity, both for the royal sublimity's honor unobserved, greatly grieved: and nothing besides a particle of purple garment, with which adorned it had been, to the said church she left; thus that the Fosses castle declining passing by, of her treasure a part in the church l of B. Foillanus she distributed. With the garment however, as memorial of the same Queen received, a chasuble is made, the standing men, a chasuble distinguished by various colors zealously composed.
[7] Above these the village's most honest Soldiers and other elders indignant at the Lady's complaints, and admonished of negligence, m a basilica joined to the right side of the church, in honor of the most blessed Virgin Rolendis, a basilica and altar of St. Rolendis is constructed. from the benefits conferred upon them were eager to build: in which to the honor of God and of the same Virgin and n B. Aldegundis, with the consenting and at once helping Metropolitan Pontiff venerable Lord [o] Obertus, with the throng of Abbots and holy men, the altar duly was consecrated: with a bier elaborately bright, and the body is elevated. which was the residue of the most holy body from the earth honorably [p] taken up, there with the highest reverence was placed.
[8] But it happened, after much time elapsed, this province to incur the greatest sterility of fruits, and the very land little or nothing of its tiller's labor to respond: but if any field with adapted harvest rare fertility clothed, dire after these things the destruction of storms the annual labor of the wretched farmer in a moment uprooted. sterility and mortality with vows are cured. Another also more pernicious had happened, since the superfluous mortality of very many peoples and the very many setting of nobles was inundating. Therefore the ancient fathers of that to be avoided slaughter terrified by the disgrace, but in blessed Rolendis's patronage indeed trusting, before the tomb of her, with the glory of miracles flashing, unanimously had gathered: and her most holy body with highest honor, with fastings and outpouring of pious tears, of so great a plague's incursion by her intervention to cease not despairing, on individual years near the limits of her parish to be carried they instituted. Of which indeed matter the piety the more devotedly was renewed, the more swiftly by God and by the most sacred Virgin herself the storm was abolished. With these and many other things this blessed Virgin attended to the zeal of miracles.
[9] But since recently from the truth of the ancient, what was here above recited, we received; what about her under the testimony of God and men we have seen, for greater evidence of her sanctity, we shall thereafter expound. There was a certain little woman from [q] Praella, who from accident or perhaps from too great oldness, of eyes blindness had contracted. Are healed a blind woman, Often therefore for the desire of recovering brightness into the said church came: in which, with the most blessed Virgin Rolendis mediator, both the sight of eyes she received, and the bier of her around the site of the village of her with many others honorably carried. a wretchedly bent woman. There was also a certain girl within the said village's bounds, with bending of knees inextricably oppressed, so that the heels' on her loins traces were appearing. She before the most sacred body of B. Rolendis with devotion of tears placed, merited to receive health of body, and from the oracle of the temple healthy to her own home to return. I saw also a certain native, who deprived in voice's arteries, a word in no way could express or fully form. and a mute woman, She before the body of the most holy Rolendis the Virgin, with bent knee daily standing, the path of voice with reformation of words there merited to obtain.
[10] But how and by whom the burial of the same Virgin was manifested, just it is that we should discuss, and known to all let us make. There was indeed a certain servant of God, named Eugorrandus, who the glory of this life either nothing or frivolous to be, by a recluse warned through vision the burial is indicated. with the eye of circumspect discretion and the faith of good conversation considering, from it utterly both in mind and body to withdraw was eager. Therefore in the wall of the basilica, in which the most blessed Virgin Rolendis's body had been found, on the right side of it enclosed, illicit motions from the impurities of this world he restrained. He by the most blessed Virgin Rolendis, with first and second summoning, that her burial he might indicate, gently admonished; with the third at last with grave impulse moved and admonished, and (to confess truly) with too great a blow as negligent and still hesitating afflicted, with pardon entreated, with the prayers of the Virgin even compelled he yielded. Therefore with graver pressure of sickness imminent, the vision which he had seen and the cause of the infirmity, with few however, lest about this he seem to glory, he taught. The same Recluse, that more certain notice of the aforesaid might lie open, from his prison the said burial with a stick subscribing he prenoted.
[11] Conclusion. These things about the most blessed Virgin of Christ Rolendis briefly for the edification of readers we have touched on: in which, with God as witness, the memory of her life rather we have been zealous to renew and propagate, than with polished discourse (since nowhere does ability for this suffice) any of Scholastic or Cleric ingenuity in any way to declare: and therefore the said Virgin's sanctity recalling, let us pray her instantly and humbly, that by her intervention so we may pass through these temporal goods, that we may not lose the eternal. With our Lord Jesus Christ providing, who with the Father and Holy Spirit lives and reigns God, three and one, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.