ON BL. GAUSBERT HERMIT FOUNDER OF THE MONASTERY OF MONS-SALVIUS IN AUVERGNE.
HISTORICAL SYLLOGE. From Saussay and Ferrari.
11th CENTURY.
CommentaryGausbertus, Hermit of the monastery of Mons-Salvius in Auvergne (S.)
BY G. H.
[1] Andrew Saussay in the Supplement of the Gallican Martyrology on this May XXVII writes thus: "In the territory of S. Flour the deposition of S. Gausbert the Confessor, Elogy from Saussay. who first in Velay was a Hermit, leading life immune from every stain in solitude; while he wished to lie hidden, with the very rays of his sanctity bursting forth, made conspicuous, drew many to admiration of himself and then to imitation: whom solidly instructed in sincere despising of flesh and world, and most pure service of God, he advanced to great virtues. For with these gathered, with the cenobium of Mons-Salvius constructed under the Pontificate of Gregory VII and the reign of Philip I, in the boundaries of the Auvergne and Rouergue, with such great holiness he shone forth, that he left several heirs of his divine grace and conversation. Among whom excelled B. Bernard, who after him made Abbot of the same monastery, with the same lights shone; and his name to posterity, as also his holy predecessor and teacher, with eternal veneration to be venerated transmitted. For there is venerated S. Gausbert's sacred memory on this day, and B. Bernard's day IX of October." Thus there Saussay, who in the same Supplement on day IX of October transmits these things: "In Velay the deposition of B. Bernard Abbot of Monsalvius, of S. Gausbert Proto-Abbot of that place (who is venerated in single years with festive commemoration on VI Kalends of June) chief follower and most worthy successor, in whose encomium there, on the same day in this Supplement composed, also the Invention is praised." All these things Saussay.
[2] Another witness for us of this commemoration is Philip Ferrari, Memory from Ferrari. in the Catalogue of Saints who are not in the Roman Martyrology. His on this May XXVII these words are: "In the territory of S. Flour of B. Gausbert Hermit": of whom he notes that he has these things from the monuments of the cenobium of Monsalvius, in the mountains of the Auvergne by him constructed, of which also he was the first Abbot under Gregory VII the Supreme Pontiff, Life sought in vain. and Philip I King of this name, as is read from his Ms. Life. This not only it has not been permitted to see, but also we could not hope to obtain. For when on the indication received through Ferrari I urgently asked the R. P. Petrus Possinus staying at Toulouse, that he might obtain it for us at S. Flour; great hope of attaining the wish I received from R. P. Gorsius Rector of our College of Aurillac in Auvergne about the year of the Lord's Incarnation MDCLXXXIV; because, although the Monks replied, that the old charters of their cenobium had been carried elsewhere, nor was it known where they were; yet one, asserting that he knew, having asked for a space of some months, promised that he would present the Life transcribed from the original. But snatched by sudden death from the living, before he could put into execution what he had promised, with himself both the knowledge of the hidden treasure, and the hope of obtaining it took away; and only it remains that we ask those who keep it concealed, that they should not continue to envy the Saint the glory hence to come; but should communicate a copy, to serve at least for the Supplement of the work.
[3] But Floropolis, or the city of S. Flour (whence Aurillac, commonly Orilhac, Notice of Mons-Salvius. is distant only 12 leagues to the West) is the head of Upper Auvergne, made Episcopal by the benefit of John XXII Supreme Pontiff in the year MCCCXVII. In the Register of benefices of this diocese, in the year MDCLXVIII printed, is mentioned the Chapter of Trinity of the Order of Mons-Salvius with parish, whose presentation is attributed to the Abbot of Mon-Salvius. Is also indicated the Provostship of Mons-Salvius subject to the election of the convent, likewise the Chapter of Sausacam of Beynassis of the Order of Mons-Salvius. To the Provost of Mons-Salvius pertains the right of presenting the Parish Priest of the village of Junhaci. And these things concerning the notice of the constructed monastery, now under the name of Provostship especially known. The time, in which B. Gausbert flourished, is assigned to the eleventh century: for then Gregory VII held the Pontificate from the year MLXXIII to the year MLXXXVI, Time of life. beyond which lived Philip I King of the French up to the year MCVIII. And these are the things, which we propose to learned men in Auvergne, especially because Jacobus Branche of the Lives of the Saints of Auvergne, did not mention him, although writing fifteen years after Saussay: yet to whom we cannot mistrust, having an older witness in him Ferrari in the Catalogue, published twelve years before the Gallican Martyrology.